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How can I convert my tourist visa to a retirement visa in Thailand?
Retirement VisaNon-O VisaVisa Application ProcessCondition of FundsThai Bank RequirementsDTV VisaIncome Requirements
Feb 11, 2025
a year ago
Madelein ***********
ORIGINAL POSTERGood day. Husband and myself are in Thailand on Tourist visa. Want to apply for retirement visa. Have the 800 000k, older than 50, not working at all anymore... how is easiest to do this, please
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking guidance on transitioning from a Tourist visa to a Retirement visa in Thailand, stating that both they and their husband are over 50 and meet the financial requirement of having 800,000 baht. The conversation provides information on the steps needed, such as visiting a local immigration office to obtain necessary documentation for applying for a Non-O visa and later extending it. Participants clarify that funds must be in a Thai bank for certain visa applications and inquire about income-based eligibility for the Retirement visa and alternative options like the DTV visa.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV 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.
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Thatchaya ******
I recommend to get DTV Visa , You can apply by remote work or Soft power like Muay Thai. My boyfriend from German take 5 working day to get approved.
they give us advise :
they give us advise :
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/22/thailand-destination-visa-dtv-remote-work-muay-thai-cooking/Stuart *********
Alternatively look at getting a DTV visa for the both of you. Easy option for many. It’s a 5 year multiple entry visa and lets you stay for 180 days each time.
Madelein ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart ********
looked at that... our current challenge is the 6x months proof of income. We were on holiday since April last year - funded from a lumpsum and not regular income....John **********
@Madelein **********
many embassies are just wanting to see the activity on your account, as long as you have a closing balance above 500k bahtStuart *********
@Madelein **********
Only some embassies and consulates need the 6 months income. Some seem to be ok with just the last months statement. Advise what embassy you’d be using to see if others have direct experience with it for their policy.
Madelein ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart ********
we are open to travel to any neighboring embassies... Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia....Stuart *********
@Madelein **********
Maybe best to start a new post asking which embassies will work with less than 6 months statements. Pretty sure Vietnam requires that but the others may not.Madelein ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart ********
thank you so much 💓Reply to
Madelein ***********
Reply
Keith ********
@Stuart ********
Can that visa be extendedStuart *********
@Keith *******
in theory you can extend your stay from 180 days for another 180 days once per entry. However in practice it’s just way simpler to “bounce” to another country and return for a fresh 180 day entry.Reply to
Stuart *********
Reply
Mark *******
I also heard that if one's pensions/ income was at least 65,000 baht per month,and you were over 50,this would also qualify you for a retirement visa. Is this true?
Graham ******
@Mark ******
not for the initial in-country Non-O Visa or first 12 month extension (unless your Embassy still issues the income affidavit) but it can be used for the second and subsequent extensionsReply to
Graham ******
Reply
Deb ********
Just go for a non o with an agent for 15 months to see if you like it first, that way you don't need the 800k in a Thai bank. You can choose whether you want a multi entry or single entry on top.
Amanda ******
Deb Bailey how do you go about doing this 😊
Reply to
Amanda ******
Reply
Leo *****
I have a question
About the 800 000
Must be in a thai bank
Or it's possible to have the money in my won European bank
About the 800 000
Must be in a thai bank
Or it's possible to have the money in my won European bank
Gregor **********
@Leo ****
For the 90-days Non-O visa application in your home country, it can be on any bank account anywhere, as long as it is in your nameFor the application to the 1-year Extension of Stay, it must be on a Thai bank account
If you do the “change of visa type” inside Thailand from a touristic entry to a 90-days Non-O visa, the money must sit in a Thai bank account
Nigel **************
@Leo ****
in a Thai bank and in your name onlyLeo *****
@Nigel *************
thanksReply to
Leo *****
Reply
Charlie ***********
I told her about the retirement visa
Charlie ***********
So the 800,000k must have been in a Thai bank for at least 3 months before applying then go to immigration office and check what others things you need
Gregor **********
@Charlie **********
only on the Jomtien, Khon Kaen and Samui Immigration! On most other Immigrations, the 800,000 THB just need to sit in the account, no seasoning needed for the application to the initial 90-days Non-Imm-O visa. A 2 months seasoninh is then needed for the application to the 1-year extension of stayNigel **************
@Gregor *********
In Petchabun I had to show the 800,000 in my bank for 2 months for the initial 90 day Non O Visa and again for 2 months before getting the 12 month extension.Best advice check with the Immigration Office you intend to use and do not listen to any other advice. 😉😉
John ********
@Nigel *************
is “my bank” a Thai bank?Nigel **************
@John *******
yesLay *******
@Nigel *************
is it two months before and three months after for 12 months extension? Or just two months before and never go under 400k baht.Nigel **************
@Lay ******
most offices are 2 before, 3 after and never ever below *****
0 even for 1 dayLay *******
@Nigel *************
Right. That's what I thought.Gregor **********
@Nigel *************
so Immigration Phetchabun will be added to my list of weird offices that don't follow the standing police order 😉🙂 Yes, best advice, must check, I always advise itNigel **************
@Gregor *********
yep! And they came to the house to check and take photos and sign loads of docs. Just for my 'based on over 50 Visa'.Graham ******
@Nigel *************
you must look too young 555Reply to
Graham ******
Reply
Steve *******
@Charlie **********
No seasoning for the initial Non Imm O visa and TWO months seasoning for the yearly extension of stay.John **********
@Charlie **********
not true. For the Non-O 90 day visa there are no seasoning requirements (unless you happen to be using the Jomtien immigration office which requires 2 months seasoning)Nigel **************
@John *********
Not True in Petchabun. Be careful what news you are spreading. Not every IO is the same.Reply to
Nigel **************
Reply
Madelein ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Charlie **********
thank youReply to
Madelein ***********
Reply
Peter ********
Think U both gotta have 800,000 each ,might be wrong
George *******
@Peter *******
correct 800k per applicantMadelein ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Peter *******
so no follower visa then?Stuart *********
@Madelein **********
Not these days. If your spouse applies for a Non OA from your home country then that embassy ‘may’ issue a “trailing spouse” Non O. Few do. Generally it’s 800k per person in a Thai bank in their name only. Joint accounts may be accepted but the amount would be doubled as they see it as 50% yours 50% the other holder.John **********
@Madelein **********
you definitely can't get that in Thailand or any surrounding countries, perhaps not anywherePeter ********
@Madelein **********
not sure ,heard it's 800,000 per personReply to
Peter ********
Reply
Stuart *********
Go to your local immigration office and ask for the handout how to convert from tourist visa (or exempt) to a in-country Non O. Cost is 2,000 baht.
If you meet all the requirements you’ll get a 90 day Non O visa and when that’s winding down you apply for the yearly extension of stay. Again ask what is required for that. Cost for the extension is 1,900 baht.
If you meet all the requirements you’ll get a 90 day Non O visa and when that’s winding down you apply for the yearly extension of stay. Again ask what is required for that. Cost for the extension is 1,900 baht.
Kristie *******
@Stuart ********
you are a legendMadelein ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart ********
thank youReply to
Madelein ***********
Reply
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