thailand
Ask question

How can I apply for a retirement visa in Thailand within 5 weeks using a US passport?

Thai VisaRetirement VisaNON-O VisaVisa Application ProcessThai ImmigrationExpat Advice
Feb 14, 2022
3 years ago
Eri ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Need a help please.

I've entered Bangkok 4 days ago with visa exempt US passport.

Anybody knows an agent to get retirement visa within 5 weeks?

Have enough fund in Thai account.

Many thanks!
3,665
views
2
likes
104
all likes
49
replies
1
images
16
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
A US passport holder recently entered Bangkok with a visa exemption and is seeking assistance to secure a retirement visa within five weeks. Several commenters advised that applying for the retirement visa (NON-O visa) can be done independently without an agent, given that the necessary funds are already deposited in a Thai bank account. They noted that basic documentation and filling out forms are required, typically costing around 2,000 Baht. There was some debate regarding the necessity of a police report for the retirement visa application; however, many affirmed it is not required when applying within Thailand. Alternatives and other immigration-related strategies were also discussed.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Monica ***********
@Eri ***********
 I am trying to learn about all these steps because my father wants to move here and get an O visa. How do people bring in the right amount of money to set up a bank account here?
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Stuart *********
@Monica **********
 You may find it better to start your own post rather than tack on to a old 6 month or more post.

Your father would need to set up a bank account (not always the easiest thing). Transfer money in and apply for the visa. Ask at your local immigration office for the details of what documents would be needed.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Stuart *********
Reply
Chris ********
Goto your local immigration office with a Thai speaker and ask them what forms/I.D are required, took me 20 minutes and I walked out with everything I needed to do including the date I need to return for 1st stamp. I'm a first timer here and was nervous about the process but it is VERY EASY. Please don't waste your money on an agent!

Edit, I had only just opened a bank account, last week of January, so Immigration told me to come back 27th March for 1st stamp. My 90 day Non O visa expires on the 10th April. As you already have funds in a/c maybe they can "under consideration" stamp you on 1st visit if you have correct paperwork and you can return 2 weeks later for extension! Maybe Admin can post if I've got the info incorrect. Good luck
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Philip **********
@Eri ***********
 It’s as easy as making ice cubes. Do it yourself. It took me 45 minutes to do it. Surely you have 45 minutes to do it yourself. 1900 Bhat. If you want to throw your money away and pay an agent. Do it yourself and take the money you would of paid an agent and donate it to charity.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
กนกนุช *******
Direct to immigration where your want to live. Ask them to help. Its cost some money. My husband paid 10k
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Robert **********
I have a retirement visa. Converted from tourist visa, and extended several times. It is the Non O retirement. An OA Gotten in your home country requires a police report
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Channa ************
At Bangkok Sathron Street 3, Opp. Bangkok Bank Mr. Manan Chopra Advocate is best deal all kind of visas. Phone. 0898929291/0844371431.
**********
**********
*****
*****
/
*****
*****
*********************
.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Chulala **********
DM please
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Metty *******
Dont know any agents in Bangkok.

Done mine in pattaya

Takes 3 weeks

Shop around

Yours shouldn't be very expensive.allready got the bank account
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Neil *******
@Sutatip **************
, theres ways round it with an agent. And its 800,000bht
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Neil *******
Hope you dont mind me asking, how much in patts without thai bank?, im about to to it next month
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Sutatip ***************
@Neil ******
 for retirement visa need to hav momey 900'000bath in the bank
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Sutatip ***************
Reply
Michael **********
Did you bring the police report that was notarized and then certified by the secretary of state in your home state? That is necessary to complete a retirement visa here in Thailand and the Philippines. If you don't have it then its pointless to apply for one now since those can only be had when you are back home.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Philip **********
Michael Breadman You’re way off base. You do not need a police clearance, a police check, a criminal records check or any other checks at all for an extension based on retirement. There is no “retirement visa.” It’s an extension of stay based on retirement.

He doesn’t need an agent. He has the funds so he can apply himself and save 30,000 Bhat. It’s as easy as making ice cubes. Pay the 1900. Bhat.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Ruth *******
@Philip *********
 But Michael found it on the Internet, so it must be true. Lol.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Philip **********
@Ruth ******
 Absolutely! 🤣🤣
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Philip **********
Reply
Chris ********
Michael Breadman Non O doesn't need police or medical report. I arrived on Non O in January and, as a first timer, I've already been to the local immigration office and they have seen all my paperwork and told me to come back the end of March for initial stamp. ZERO mention of police report
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Michael **********
Police Clearance

Four copies of Police Clearance, duly notarized, are also needed. They need to state that the applicant has no record of crime in his or her home country, and the verification must not be older than three months.

A common problem which seems to affect most Americans applying for a retirement visa in Thailand is past DUI offences. Especially when they were young. Thai immigration authorities require a satisfactory explanation on this matter, and you may need a lawyer to help you with this.

However, if you are an entrepreneur who wishes to start a business or you have a Thai spouse, this will not affect you since both don’t require police clearance in that regard. Talk to your lawyer about the various alternatives for you.

Holders of a retirement visa are allowed to stay in Thailand for a full year, and no border runs are required if you want to renew your stay. All you have to do is to avail yourself to a local immigration bureau every three months (90 day reporting) to update the authorities on your address.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Michael ********
@Michael *********
 Google is not always your friend this is link for Thai Embassy in the US. No mention of police reports

************************************************
*******
/17/nonoretirement/
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Philip **********
@Michael *******
 That’s because no one needs a police report. Idk where he got his information from. 🤣
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Philip **********
Reply
Michael **********
***************************************************************************************************************
%20Clearance&text=They%20need%20to%20state%20that,Thailand%20is%20past%20DUI%20offences.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Michael **********
**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Michael **********
Google quote: Police Clearance

They need to state that the applicant has no record of crime in his or her home country, and the verification must not be older than three months. A common problem which seems to affect most Americans applying for a retirement visa in Thailand is past DUI offences.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Garrett ***********
@Michael *********
 Wtf are you talking about? There's no police report for a retirement visa in country.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Steve **********
@Garrett **********
. Never had one nor asked.

Been close to 20 years
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Hans ******
No agent needed. Take your papers Google and immigration helps you right away. Got the retirement in 2 hours, friend in one week
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Hans ******
@Garrett **********
 there is, plus a lot of other documents. But only asked if you ask the visa at rmassy or consulaten in your own country
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Michael ********
@Hans *****
 he asking in country nobody has heard of police report being required for a non O in country, also cannot find but not saying there isnt any countries asking for police reports for Non O visa overseas. You have any links just for our reference
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Michael ********
Reply
Eri ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Many thanks guys. I don't have enough time this time around as I have to leave Thailand within 5 weeks.

Will make sure having more than 50 days to stay in Bangkok for the next visit.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Janin ******
You can apply for O in Thailand ( immidiatly) but not for OA (only outside Thailand). Easy to do yourself…
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
Do it yourself if you've got the funds banked already.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Michael ********
Second that easy enough to do yourself.

Can browse through topics for more info.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Eri ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
I will. Thanks.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Eri ************
Reply
Stuart *********
If you have enough funds why use an agent? It’s filling in a couple of forms, having a passport photo, copying a few pages and getting a bank statement. Costs 2,000 baht.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Philip **********
@Stuart ********
 Because some people don’t know how to make ice cubes so they buy them. Same thing as applying for an extension based on retirement. They can’t fill out paperwork and would rather pay someone 20 k to do it for them. A fool and his money. 🤣
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Eri ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yes, I understand. My question is that how many days I have to wait to apply retirement visa.

I cannot afford 45 days...
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Stuart *********
@Eri ***********
 you can apply for the non O immediately. Whether they’ll let you apply for the extension early is unknown. You’ll need to ask them and plead your case.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Stuart *********
Reply
Eri ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
 Yes I had been doing so for 10 years but lost my retirement visa during Covid. My understanding is that, I have to apply O first then after 45 days I then can apply O-A, correct?

I have to leave Thailand in 5 weeks.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Eri ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks for the reply. I could do in 30 days. I'm in Bangkok. Do you know Chaeng Wattana can do in 30 days?
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Kool *******
@Eri ***********
 Chaeng Wattana can do it in about 30 minutes once you get to the front of the queue when you go there. Have your new bank letters, updated bank book that morning, and copies of your passport pages, and your ready to go for the type O retirement extension. The purpose of the first 90 days is so it gives you time to get your bank account set up and the bt800,000 in it for the minimum two months. Being you already have that, ask the immigration officer when you can come back to get your full one year extension, as you might be able to do it the next day. From my understanding that 30, or 45 day timeframe only applies to extending the yearly extension, not your first 90 day. Be sure to ask. With a ligitimate agent you'd have to go there anyway. They help get your documents in order, and then only save your spot in the queue so you don't have to stand there longer than needed.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Eri ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kool ******
 If that's possible, it IS the best.
@Stuart ********
 do you think it is doable?
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Stuart *********
@Eri ***********
 that’s something you’ll have to ask the immigration officer. Perhaps it is.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Stuart *********
@Eri ***********
 sorry I missed the word “prior” in my answer. You can only do the extension when you’ve got 45 or 30 days left of the non O visa. Bangkok is 45 days.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Eri ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
That's what I want know. Thank you very much.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
@Eri ***********
 You get the 90 day Non Imm O visa the same day you apply.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Steve *******
Reply
Stuart *********
@Eri ***********
 nearly right. You apply for the Non O, which gives you 90 days. Then when that’s winding down (some offices allow 45 days, others 30) you apply for a year extension. A non OA visa is only available in your home country.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Kristen ********
@Stuart ********
 does the Non O visa have a multi entry option? Thanks
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Stuart *********
@Kristen *******
 no, but you can buy a reentry permit. 1,000 baht for a single entry or 3,800 for multiple entries. It lasts as long as your current stamp.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Kristen ********
@Stuart ********
 thank you, we’ve been trying to figure out what the best visa would be and I was getting a bit confused. Appreciate the help.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Kristen ********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
What are my options for obtaining a long-term visa in Thailand as a tourist planning to retire?
103 comments
3 months ago
What documents do I need for a Retirement Visa and NON-O Visa in Thailand?
21 comments
4 months ago
What steps can I take to obtain a retirement visa for Thailand during my current trip?
43 comments
4 months ago
What is the best way to find a reliable visa agent in Thailand for a consultation?
43 comments
4 months ago
How early can I apply for a retirement visa in Thailand with a 60-day visa exempt stamp?
6 comments
5 months ago
What is the process for obtaining a Retirement Visa in Thailand as an expat, and should I hire an agent?
98 comments
6 months ago
Should I use an agent or go DIY for my retirement visa in Thailand?
46 comments
6 months ago
What do I need to apply for a Retirement O Visa in Thailand while on a tourist visa?
24 comments
10 months ago
What is the best visa option for applying for a retirement visa in Thailand and what documents should I bring?
25 comments
10 months ago
What is the process and experience for obtaining a five-year retirement visa in Thailand, and are agents necessary?
6 comments
a year ago
What steps and documents are needed for obtaining a Non O Retirement Visa in Thailand after a visa exempt entry?
11 comments
a year ago
How do I apply for a retirement visa in Thailand as an American citizen nearing the end of a visa exempt stay?
23 comments
a year ago
Can a retired 57-year-old US citizen obtain a retirement visa in Thailand based on income?
11 comments
2 years ago
Can I extend my stay in Thailand based on retirement using a visa-exempt entry and a new bank account?
15 comments
2 years ago
What are the requirements and process for applying for a retirement visa in Thailand, and is it necessary to use an agent?
10 comments
2 years ago
How can I start the process for a retirement visa in Thailand while currently on a visa-exempt entry?
67 comments
2 years ago
What agency should I use to obtain a retirement visa for Thailand without directly depositing 800,000 THB?
36 comments
2 years ago
How can I obtain a retirement visa for Thailand after arriving with only a Thailand Pass?
29 comments
3 years ago
Can a US passport holder apply for a Non-O retirement visa while in Thailand on a visa exempt or tourist visa?
11 comments
3 years ago
What is the process for obtaining a Non-Immigrant Visa in Thailand for a retired US citizen residing in Argentina?
13 comments
3 years ago
What is the process for obtaining a Non-O visa based on retirement in Thailand after being visa exempt?
9 comments
3 years ago
What are the requirements and procedure to obtain a Non-O visa for retirement in Thailand on a visa exempt entry?
25 comments
3 years ago
Can I apply for a Non-O visa in Thailand to extend my stay based on retirement?
12 comments
4 years ago
Can my husband and I apply for a Non-O visa and extension while in Thailand?
6 comments
5 years ago
Where can I apply for a retirement visa in Thailand and is it possible after my 30-day visa exemption?
17 comments
6 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.