Answered8 days ago
How can I apply for a 12-month retirement visa in Thailand without a bank account?
Hi all, I want to apply for 12 month retirement visa. I have a 3 month visa now. I went to Bangkok bank to open an account to deposit funds and they told me I need a 12 month retirement visa to open an account.
I thought I needed the bank account to apply for the visa. Is this correct? Thanks. Confused
I thought I needed the bank account to apply for the visa. Is this correct? Thanks. Confused
Answer summary
The user is confused about applying for a 12-month retirement visa while currently holding a 3-month visa. They encountered issues opening a bank account, which they believed was necessary for the visa application. Various comments highlight the challenges faced by others in similar situations, such as difficulties opening bank accounts with a NON-O visa and the requirement for funds to season for two months before applying for the visa.
45 repliesnewest first
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Productive**********
OPSo I went to the immigration office with all required paperwork. They gave me 1 month visa after costing 1900baht and half a day waiting with absolutely no explanation. Talk about frustrating! So how do I now get a 12 month visa?
Nigel *******
Thai Visa Center
Alan **********
OP,,,,, scroll down to the bottom and look for "Hidden Comments" (or some such) and click on it.
That will reveal Greg's post, which covers it all.
That will reveal Greg's post, which covers it all.
Alan **********
Greg Alexander - you have mentions disabled so I couldn't tag you.
As an fyi, your comment here was hidden by Facebook.
This "hiding" shtick seems to have started within the last week or 2, and "on point" posts, as yours is, have been hidden along with foul-language comments and other silly comments.
Don't know how or why it started, nor any way of "defeating" it.
As an fyi, your comment here was hidden by Facebook.
This "hiding" shtick seems to have started within the last week or 2, and "on point" posts, as yours is, have been hidden along with foul-language comments and other silly comments.
Don't know how or why it started, nor any way of "defeating" it.
Scott *********
Agent
Graham ******
When does your Non-O expire as your funds need to season for two full months before you can apply for your extension? Do as John Stanners posted ASAP.
Graham ******
When does your Non-O expire as your funds need to season for two full months before you can apply for your extension? Do as
@John *********
posted ASAP.
Productive**********
OPGraham Seal mid November. Maybe I should talk to an agent then?
John **********
ProductiveTurkey2282 you need the funds in a Thai account for 2 months, so if you opened the account and got the funds in tomorrow that would take you to 20th December before you could apply for an extension. Which means you either need to leave Thailand and apply for another Non-O visa or find another way
Graham ******
An agent is a last resort if you can't season for 2 months and don't want to do a visa run to get a new Non-O after your 90 days is up.
Igor *********
Just go to Malaysia is much more Reasonable !
David ********
Happened to me too, usually done fat wench who hasn’t a clue about the rules
Jarek ******
Tried to open it for my mom today, have residence certificate and phone number name confirmation and still not good enough. Will close my personal account and move all my money elsewhere since it seems they have too much money...
Trapper *******
I ran into a similar problem when opening my initial account as well.I think there's a bit of a translation barrier. Some banks don't want to open accounts for people on their 90 day Non-o, and I understand that to be their right.What they tell you is a little confusing, but that's what they mean. They don't want to open an account, it's not that they can't. They want you to come back after you e already opened an account with someone else and extended for the 12 months.Anyhow... Go to Kasikorn, if they tell you something similar, go to a different branch.SCB is second in the list of banks I'd try.Good luck out there!
Trapper *******
I ran into a similar problem when opening my initial account as well.
I think there's a bit of a translation barrier. Some banks don't want to open accounts for people on their 90 day Non-o, and I understand that to be their right.
What they tell you is a little confusing, but that's what they mean. They don't want to open an account, it's not that they can't. They want you to come back after you e already opened an account with someone else and extended for the 12 months.
Anyhow... Go to Kasikorn, if they tell you something similar, go to a different branch.
SCB is second in the list of banks I'd try.
Good luck out there! 😉
I think there's a bit of a translation barrier. Some banks don't want to open accounts for people on their 90 day Non-o, and I understand that to be their right.
What they tell you is a little confusing, but that's what they mean. They don't want to open an account, it's not that they can't. They want you to come back after you e already opened an account with someone else and extended for the 12 months.
Anyhow... Go to Kasikorn, if they tell you something similar, go to a different branch.
SCB is second in the list of banks I'd try.
Good luck out there! 😉
Jarek ******
Trapper Alton, fck em. If they won't help you at the beginning, why would anyone be stupid enough to give em money after???
Jarek ******
Tried to open it for my mom today, have residence certificate and phone number name confirmation and still not good enough. Will close my personal account and move all my money elsewhere since it seems they have too much money...
Ana **********
Jarek Nisk 😮
Greg ***********
Jarek Nisk these requirements really a pile of 💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩
Greg ***********
Jarek Nisk the best decision of you. Get out of it. They are a bunch of A.....s !
Rick *********
Jarek Nisk WTH is this???
Jarek ******
Rick Borelli BKK bank account opening requirements :P
Neil ***********
Don't use Bangkok bank kasikorn much better
Adam ******
Kasikorn.
Willi*****
Just get an agent to do it all for you.It will save you countless hours of stress,worry,obstacles and hassles.
Steve ******
Go to a agent and even better if you have a retirement 0 visa
Jerry *******
I was told that Bangkok Bank was the worst bank to use for your retirement….the bad news is, that is where I have an account. I’ve had it for 15-20 years so I guess they grandfathered my account when they closed most others. I opened it on a 30 day tourist visa. I’m here now on a 6 month visa but they have extreme restrictions on it. I cannot use internet banking, I can’t use it for scan payments, they won’t even give me a new bank book now that it’s full!!! Once I do retire here, I’ll be moving my account.
IamSpar********
Jerry Buice
You call that a bank account? You obviously got it before they stopped non residents getting one. Unless you live here permanently you don’t get an account.
The issues that Bangkok Bank had are issues any bank can and do have. Other banks do freeze accounts but not as extensively as Bangkok bank. With the amount of red tape growing lately, it will probably get worse before better.
Over 50 club is best.
You call that a bank account? You obviously got it before they stopped non residents getting one. Unless you live here permanently you don’t get an account.
The issues that Bangkok Bank had are issues any bank can and do have. Other banks do freeze accounts but not as extensively as Bangkok bank. With the amount of red tape growing lately, it will probably get worse before better.
Over 50 club is best.
RedKi******
Why don’t you Goto YouTube and see from ppl that have done this first hand
Greg ***********
ProductiveTurkey2282 . . . "I want to apply for 12 month retirement visa" . .there is nothing such as a 1-year retirement visa. You are going to apply for the "1-year extension of temporary stay permit based onbeing over 50/retired". The extended stay permit is NOT a visa
Jarek ******
Greg Alexander see the image I posted above, the 1 year visa is exactly what BKK bank is asking for... even after they called their head office same sh1t...
Greg ***********
Jarek Nisk well, just visit another bank until you meet a bank staff who are going according to the book . . . . . A 90-days Non-Imm Category visa, a Thai SIM Card and a certificate of residence from Immigration is all you need to get a Thai bank account opened. Plus maybe a second type of ID next to your passport. Why do you spread fake news? Bangkok Bank is known for their bad customer service for foreigners. Just visit Kasikorn or Krungsri Bank, they will love you, but get your ducks in a row . . if nothing helps, in Pattaya it costs 5000 THB for the agent to get your bank account opened
Greg ***********
The minimum requirement for opening a bank account is always a long-term residence permit, meaning at least a Non-Immigrant Visa type, or LTR or an Elite Privilege visa.
The Non-Imm O visa can be either for marriage to a Thai wife, or for support of a half-Thai child, or for retirement, or for just any other “reason” the numerous Non-Imm-visa types get issued for.
Some bank employees will claim you need a work permit, but this is a fabrication and simply not true.
You cannot open a bank account on a tourist visa or visa-exempt entry visa (you can, yet only possible at a very high cost through a handful of agents).
To open a Thai bank account all by yourself, you must first be registered at a residence using a TM30 form.
Then you obtain a "certificate of residence" from Immigration, in which Immigration requests the specific branch of a bank (!) to open an account for you.
Some banks are satisfied if you show a long-term rental contract.
You will also need a Thai mobile phone number. The SIM card must be registered in your name and passport number. Show the COR at the phone shop (but don't hand it over!) and ask for confirmation of the registration (or likewise a note about it on the receipt).
Some banks require a second piece of identification next to your passport, like a national driver’s license.
If bank employees become uncooperative and keep making up new requirements to get rid of you, go to another bank (I recommend Krungsri, Kasikorn and SCB bank). Avoid Bangkok bank at any costs.
If it still doesn't work after several attempts, use an agent, for example in Pattaya, this shouldn’t cost more than 5000 Baht if you have entered on a valid Non-Imm-O Visa
The Non-Imm O visa can be either for marriage to a Thai wife, or for support of a half-Thai child, or for retirement, or for just any other “reason” the numerous Non-Imm-visa types get issued for.
Some bank employees will claim you need a work permit, but this is a fabrication and simply not true.
You cannot open a bank account on a tourist visa or visa-exempt entry visa (you can, yet only possible at a very high cost through a handful of agents).
To open a Thai bank account all by yourself, you must first be registered at a residence using a TM30 form.
Then you obtain a "certificate of residence" from Immigration, in which Immigration requests the specific branch of a bank (!) to open an account for you.
Some banks are satisfied if you show a long-term rental contract.
You will also need a Thai mobile phone number. The SIM card must be registered in your name and passport number. Show the COR at the phone shop (but don't hand it over!) and ask for confirmation of the registration (or likewise a note about it on the receipt).
Some banks require a second piece of identification next to your passport, like a national driver’s license.
If bank employees become uncooperative and keep making up new requirements to get rid of you, go to another bank (I recommend Krungsri, Kasikorn and SCB bank). Avoid Bangkok bank at any costs.
If it still doesn't work after several attempts, use an agent, for example in Pattaya, this shouldn’t cost more than 5000 Baht if you have entered on a valid Non-Imm-O Visa
Bob **********
Did you have a resident certificate?I recommend Kasikorn
Dave ******
Bob D'Andrea so would I, at least if based in Surat Thani at Central Plaza. Very farang friendly. Couldn't praise them more. As is the nature of these things so.eone will come along and tell us to avoid them.
Stephen *******
Take a printout of your evisa to a k-bank that will say Retirement on it. Avoid Bangkok bank.
Productive**********
OPThanks guys. So what is the 1st step? Immigration office? I already have a Thai Sim.
Ronny *********
ProductiveTurkey2282 1. Apply for a 90 day non-O retirement visa online at your countries embassy/consulate.
2. Enter Thailand using the visa.
3. Go to your local immigration office the next day to get a residence certificate and whilst you are there get the list of requirements to extend your stay and the form.
4. Get a Thai sim card for your phone linked to your passport.
5. Open a bank account using your non-O visa and residence certificate and sim card phone number + usually an additional form of id like a driving licence. You might need to try several banks to find a farang friendly one, so do this within the first week of arrival.
6. Transfer 800,000 baht into your Thai bank account.
7. Wait 2 months for your money to season, then return to immigration with all of the information provided on their list, the completed form and 1,900 baht in cash to get your extension.
8. The 800,000 baht may partly used during the first year but never may reach lower than
Applicant must be aged 50 years and over (on the day of submitting application).
2. Applicant not prohibited from entering the Kingdom as provided by the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979).
3. Having the nationality of or residence in the country where applicant’s application is submitted.
4. Applicant must have a bank deposit of Account balance no less than 800,000 Baht
5. Hotel booking or accommoddation arrangements.
6. Itinerary showing flight from U.S. to Thailand and flight out of Thailand.
For the proof of where you rent you need =
Signed copy of the Landlord's Thai ID card (or passport if the landlord is a foreigner).
Signed copy of the Blue Book (Tabien Baan, which shows the registered house/condo details and ownership).
Signed copy of the Chanote (Title Deed) or proof of ownership.
Rental / Lease Agreement signed by both you and the landlord.
TM.30 Receipt (Notification of foreign resident arrival submitted by the landlord to immigration).
Hand-drawn map showing the location of your residence (often required by local immigration offices, sometimes signed or verified).
2. Enter Thailand using the visa.
3. Go to your local immigration office the next day to get a residence certificate and whilst you are there get the list of requirements to extend your stay and the form.
4. Get a Thai sim card for your phone linked to your passport.
5. Open a bank account using your non-O visa and residence certificate and sim card phone number + usually an additional form of id like a driving licence. You might need to try several banks to find a farang friendly one, so do this within the first week of arrival.
6. Transfer 800,000 baht into your Thai bank account.
7. Wait 2 months for your money to season, then return to immigration with all of the information provided on their list, the completed form and 1,900 baht in cash to get your extension.
8. The 800,000 baht may partly used during the first year but never may reach lower than
*****
0 baht, when needing a prolongation there must be *****
0 bath againApplicant must be aged 50 years and over (on the day of submitting application).
2. Applicant not prohibited from entering the Kingdom as provided by the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979).
3. Having the nationality of or residence in the country where applicant’s application is submitted.
4. Applicant must have a bank deposit of Account balance no less than 800,000 Baht
5. Hotel booking or accommoddation arrangements.
6. Itinerary showing flight from U.S. to Thailand and flight out of Thailand.
For the proof of where you rent you need =
Signed copy of the Landlord's Thai ID card (or passport if the landlord is a foreigner).
Signed copy of the Blue Book (Tabien Baan, which shows the registered house/condo details and ownership).
Signed copy of the Chanote (Title Deed) or proof of ownership.
Rental / Lease Agreement signed by both you and the landlord.
TM.30 Receipt (Notification of foreign resident arrival submitted by the landlord to immigration).
Hand-drawn map showing the location of your residence (often required by local immigration offices, sometimes signed or verified).
Productive**********
OPRonny Liekens omg!
John **********
ProductiveTurkey2282 the Thai SIM must be registered against your passport. The immigration office should be your first step
Productive**********
OP@John *********
thank you
Paul ****
ProductiveTurkey2282 Obtain your Resident certificates, i had 3, and it took 7 days. 2 for banks and 1 for a potential car purchase in my name.
IamSpar********
You are in the chicken or egg comes first situation. You need both to complete both.
Thats why so many use an agent first time.
Thats why so many use an agent first time.
John **********
You have a 90 day Non-O visa based on being over 50. What you would be applying for is a 12 month extension of stay based on retirement, not a visa.
You need to go to your immigration office and get a residence certificate and then go to a phone shop and get a Thai SIM registered against your passport. Then you can visit a bank branch and request they open an account for you, every branch has their own rules so you might need to try a few.
While you're at the immigration office get a copy of their requirements you need to meet to apply for the extension
You need to go to your immigration office and get a residence certificate and then go to a phone shop and get a Thai SIM registered against your passport. Then you can visit a bank branch and request they open an account for you, every branch has their own rules so you might need to try a few.
While you're at the immigration office get a copy of their requirements you need to meet to apply for the extension
Darren ******
@John *********
Always good clear information. 👌Activity
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