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How can I get a Type O retirement visa in Thailand without a Thai bank account?
Non-O VisaThai Retirement VisaVisa RequirementsThai Bank AccountExpat Financial AdviceVisa AgentsCatch-22 Visa SituationsBank Account Requirements
May 19, 2024
2 years ago
Steve ******
ORIGINAL POSTERI am trying to get a Type O retirement visa but need to open a Thai bank account so I can deposit the 800K Baht before the visa will be issued. The banks have all said I need a visa (specifically said type O or O- A, I realise there are other visas also that would be suitable) to be able to open an account but I can't get the visa without the 800K Baht in a Thai bank account first. I contacted an an agent and they said they can open an account for me... I'm also informed by the banks that according to the law, only the person wishing to open the account can do so. How can I get around this baffling conundrum without using an agent, and how do the agents get around this? Is there another visa I can apply for first that will allow me to open an account that I can get without the need for the money prior to its issue?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster is facing difficulties obtaining a Type O retirement visa due to the requirement of depositing 800,000 Baht in a Thai bank account, which they cannot open without the visa. Many commenters provide suggestions, such as getting a Non-O visa from a neighboring country to then open a bank account, using agents who can facilitate the opening of an account, or exploring options like the Non-OA visa which requires no bank account beforehand. The discussion highlights the varying requirements of different banks, the role of agents in navigating the regulations, and personal experiences with opening accounts under different visa types. Overall, the consensus leans towards using an agent to simplify the process.
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.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Retirement Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Cameron *******
They accepted a bank statement from my home bank. No need to transfer. Not sure if this varies by home country.
Up *************
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Phil ******
@Up ************
link doesn't work.Reply to
Phil ******
Reply
Laurie ******
I got these guys to do it all in Pattaya. Thai Visa Express. Immigration Consultants. Pik 098 962 4228...
Laurie ******
For some reason they prefer Bangkok Bank
Michael *************
You need to first obtain a non immigrant O visa, 90 days. Then while on that visa you can open a bank account. On the Non-O you’re expected to get the retirement visa.
Stevan ***********
Try VIP VISA they can do bank for you then do your visa.
Very good and they come to you if needed
Very good and they come to you if needed
Vincent ***********
With 60 days Visa i opened an account at Bangkok bank Phuket,and with legalised home address from your country
Joseph *********
Suggest you email this Chiang MainOffice and ask yiur questions. I found them most helpful.
I applied for mine in Thailand.
I applied for mine in Thailand.
Reply to
Joseph *********
Reply
Sherry ********
Do not stress over this just Get yourself an agent
Steve ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Sherry *******
agreedReply to
Steve ******
Reply
Art ************
I used a Visa service ,after I gave them all the proper paperwork I dropped everything off on Tuesday and received my retirement Visa on Thursday. Stop trying to do this yourself. There are people out there that will tell you you can but as you can see you're running into trouble. Use a Visa service and pay the money it will get done I promise you message me and I will give you the Visa place that I used
Steve ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Art ***********
yep, that's what I've decided to do.. easiest way. Saw an agent today and it seems to be no hassleReply to
Steve ******
Reply
Jeff *******
Agent = illegal. No Agent = legal.
Geoff ********
If you have a monthly income 65,000 baht or more. Ask your embassy for the requirements for them to make a letter stating your income. Job done! All this 800k talk...🤭🤭🤭
Steve ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Geoff *******
Australian embassy no longer do that unfortunately... that would be the easy optionReply to
Steve ******
Reply
Jack *****
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Paul ******
Agent will sort it .probably cost about
*****
baht but will do the whole lot visa .bank account. Etc. Then next year do it yourself for about 2400 baht ,,including photos. Photo copiesMichael *******
@Paul *****
once you have used an agent difficult to renew yourself without leaving the country - immig know when initial application was approved through an agent as they use an obscure immig office it’s a hamster wheel impossible to get offPaul ******
@Michael ******
I having found that problem .Once I done mine last year with the agent. That was the end. Just renewed it myself last week for another year. Little bit of effort getting all the paperwork together. But was in immigration for approx one hour all done and sortedMichael *******
Depends on immig office I suspect, in Phuket it’s a big problem and a number of friends are in that conundrum, they want us to use agents easier and more lucrative for them.
Reply to
Michael *******
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Kenny ******************
Thailand, except the United States, may have the highest proportion of visitors/wann-be foreigner residents, wanting to remain or to immigrate to the country. This is lucrative in that players needed to process a retirement visa can earn more than their basic salary. The industry of 'agency services' steps in to be the go-between, or middle man. So, the agency, bank employees (and management), along with immigration district offices, all get in on this lucrative deal. This is why you may wonder why you need to seek the services of an agent (or agency). There are many catch- 22s in meeting the requirements for a retirement visa. It seems it's set up this way for a reason. The basic costs of a retirement visa (O Visa) is only 1900 Baht, plus another 3,000 if you want a multiple entry permit to go along with it. That money goes into the government cashier's ledger, Nothing left out of that for other hands, so to speak. Go through an agent and other hands are taken care of.... Just the way things get done.... If you meet the requirments for an O Visa, then go ahead and walk into district office and apply on your own.
Brandon ************
@Kenny *****************
There's not really catch 22. You're supposed to get a purpose fit visa before you travel to a country. Converting to a different visa inside of a country is not how things are done in most countries, and people are lucky it's even a possibility in Thailand at all. Most countries do not allow you to open a bank account as a tourist, so again it's lucky that it's even a possibility at all.If you use the system as it was intended, you should have very little if any problems.
Kenny ******************
The only way around this is to go through an agent or agency service. Otherwise, your other option is to apply in your home country at the Thai Consulate or Embassy for an (OA visa). The income requirements are the same, but only need to show one month's bank statement from your home country bank. But do need to provide polce clearance and medical. This type of visa can only be renewed back in your home country. The differnce in rutes between the O and the OA comes from policies of two different government organizations: The O visa is by Thai Immigration. The OA visa is by Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Brandon ************
@Kenny *****************
You can get a non-O in your home country. That's the easiest and smartest thing to do before traveling. Then you can easily open a bank account because you already have a non-O retirement visa and you just apply for the 1-year extension directly instead of trying to "convert" to a non-O inside of Thailand.Kenny ******************
@Brandon ***********
Yes. And police clearance. It is an OA visa, not an O visa. Same 12 month stay, but different requirements and different government organization.Brandon ************
@Kenny *****************
it's NOT an OA visa. It's a non-O single entry 90 day visa. That's all the op needs. The requirements are barely more than a tourist visa besides showing the required funds.Steve ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
thanks, I think I'll take that path. Do I need health insurance for the non O visa?Brandon ************
@Steve *****
some embassies require 90 days of insurance (the duration of the visa) but it's nothing like the non-OA insurance. A simple travel insurance policy can cover the requirement. It will vary from embassy to embassy on who requires it.Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Kenny ******************
Yes, as long as you meet the requirements set by immigration. But there are set requirements which contradict each other. Yes, expats retiring in Thailand are fortunate that they system is set up to make it easy, and that agency services are a common usage. If one is applying based on monthly income, you must submit 12 consecutive months of bank statements from your Thai bank account showing an amount of at least equivlalent or more than 65k Baht having been transferred by international wire transter (not locally deposited) into your Thai bank account. So, the catch 22 is how do you meet this requirement unless you are living in Thaialnd and have a bank account with your pension or other income being transferred on a monthly basis. Wait in Cambodia before you have accumulated 12 consecutive months? Similar situation applies if you are applying based on 800,000 Baht in the bank- transferred from your home country. You must have that deposited 3 months before applying. So, how can one do either way without first having a Thai bank account, and in the case of the first option, would waiting in another country to accumulate 12 consecutive months of bank statements (assuming one already has obstained a Thai bank account.
Reply to
Kenny ******************
Reply
Kenny ******************
The agents pay 'tea' money to the banks and immigration. Money gets things done.
Chuck *********
The agent assists you in opening the account. In my case last year I was not required to get insurance. But it is still your account.
Jeff ******
With all the hoops you gotta go through with this, since you have the 800k, with just a few thousand (USD) more, wouldn’t it be less complicated just getting the Privilege/Elite Visa and be done with it? Genuine question 🤷♂️
Phil ********
Why do people always think they need an agent for a visa?
Ive just got my Non O by myself.
Nobody held my hand and no agent used.
Ive just got my Non O by myself.
Nobody held my hand and no agent used.
Tree *******
@Phil *******
I’m considering applying online for my non-O. What country did you apply from?Phil ********
@Tree ******
UKChuck *********
@Tree ******
I you apply from outside of Thailand then you are required to have health Insurance and police background check.Chuck *********
@Phil *******
what did you get? Retirement visa or a 60 day visa?Phil ********
@Chuck ********
Non O. As per the OP's original conversation.Tree *******
@Phil *******
Here’s another question I have. Does the Non-O you got online start immediately or does Day 1 start the day you arrive in Thailand?Phil ********
@Tree ******
I have 3 months from issue to use the visa and day 1 of the 90 days starts when I land in BKK.Tree *******
@Phil *******
Great! Thank you 😊Tree *******
@Chuck ********
Health insurance and background check are required for the Non-OA. The Non-O doesn’t require that. I’m getting this info from the Thai Embassy website here in the US. But I seem to recall seeing a post in this group that someone said they did have to show 3 months of insurance when they applied online for the OA.Tom ***********
@Tree ******
I see that official info also. I will email them and ask them to confirm, given all the conflicting info across sites.Tree *******
@Tom **********
I’m waiting on a reply from the embassy in Los Angeles to answer some questions. I’d gotten fairly quick responses from them back in November but it’s been a few days now. Hoping I hear by tomorrow.Tom ***********
@Tree ******
last time they just responded “see website”Tree *******
@Tom **********
I was shocked they actually answered my emails and were very helpful in November when applying for tourist visa.Chuck *********
I came to Thailand visa exempt 4 months prior and opened up a bank account with agents help. Transferred $ from my US Bank to "season" for 2 months prior to applying for retirement visa.
Chuck *********
Did mine last year with an agent in Pattaya. Came with 60 day visa. Takes 30 days for immigration to process.
Tree *******
@Chuck ********
Right. That’s what my husband and I were planning to do but the US embassy website has an option for applying online for the Non-O. Maybe it’s relatively new. But it’s the same website I used a few months ago to apply for the tourist visa.Merlyn ******
@Tree ******
not new and works wellTree *******
@Merlyn *****
Good to know. Did you apply from US?Chuck *********
@Tree ******
I saw that also. Just easier and no requirement for health insurance from inside Thailand. (I have TRICARE which they do not accept as proof of insurance).Tree *******
@Chuck ********
Do you just have catastrophic insurance?Chuck *********
@Tree ******
Yes with TRICARE (retired military).Tree *******
@Chuck ********
Ah okChuck *********
@Tree ******
the non-o is applied for IN Thailand vs the O-A which is applied for from your home country.Reply to
Chuck *********
Reply
Nongnuch ********
@Steve *****
Just visit F. S. Consulting Co., @Stefan *******
in Pattaya. They will open a Bangkok Bank account in your name for you – on ANY visa. Even on a visa-exempt entry!They will open your bank account within 2 days!
The fee is simply and easy 5000.- THB and you don’t have to buy any 5000.- Baht life or accident insurance alongside (which many banks ask as a compulsory condition for opening a bank account)
*********************************************
Nason ***********
How much is a baht to a American dollar
Connie **********
@Nason **********
It changes often, can use XE app to track itFrazer ******
@Nason **********
About $0.03Nason ***********
@Frazer *****
thank youDavid *******
@Frazer *****
if you can’t Google this yourself just stay homeNason ***********
@David ******
simple honest question no need for the negativity, peaceFrazer ******
@David ******
So it's now a crime to help othersReply to
Frazer ******
Reply
Henrik *****
First of all you need to get a residence certificate, from the Immigration, and they will provide it after you stay at least 3 month, and not on a tourist visa / visa excempt.
David ***************
Apply for a Non O-A visa in your home country.
Larry **********
If you value your time , seriously hire an agent ......then you won't have to sit and listen to everyone complain who is trying to be cheap and petty ( trust me it gets old ) ......if you can afford $800,000 Baht you definitely can afford an agent and save yourself tons of time 🙏
Jim ********
I lived in Thailand for over 16 years. (now back in the States) The best advise I ever received came from my good friend with years of Thai experience: "never ask why, just accept the Thai way". It saved me years of agony.
Uwe ****
@Jim *******
Yep. Don't project your own national expectations on some other race. Either embrace it, or leave. Many foreigners are just so stupid in Thailand... they don't understand anything. Better go back home...Reply to
Uwe ****
Reply
George *********
Go to sukhumvit soi 43, Bangkok bank. You will open an account immediately
Jan ******************
@George ********
Great, you can verify that they will let you open an account on visa exemption or tourist visa. Is there any demand of a mandatory insurance?George *********
@Jan ********
. But they will offer it.Say you have already.
I opened my account 4 years ago. Hopefully regulations not changed
Reply to
George *********
Reply
Danewitz *******
I opened an account myself on the advice of a friend who told me to go to the bank and say that I am ready to get life insurance through them and then all I had to do was haggle over the cost of the insurance and after a year I did not renew the insurance. They just profit from the insurance. Money solves every problem in Thailand.
Gregor **********
@Danewitz ******
bad advice, why would you buy that useless insurance, just for being allowed to open a bank account?Jan ******************
@Danewitz ******
I know an agent in Pattaya. Her fee for opening a bank account in Bangkok Bank for you is 3500 baht. No mandatory insurance, unless you’re from China, Russia or India.Detlef ***********
@Jan *****************
pls pm details if possible Jan ! Be appreciated ! CheersTiffannie *********
@Jan *****************
can you dm me the agent as I plan to retire in pattaya. Thank youDanewitz *******
@Jan *****************
I opened the account about 8 years ago. I have no idea what the prices are today. If there is an agent who only takes 3,500 it's free!!Jan ******************
@Danewitz ******
Yes she’s fair priced. This is her fee, just need to buy a 🏧 card at 700 baht with the bank and deposit 500 baht into your own account. I managed ten years ago both in Bangkok and Krungthai Bank just on visa exemption by myself. Now they won’t even let me open a second savings account within the same bank unless I have a long stay visa.Reply to
Jan ******************
Reply
Tim *******
@Danewitz ******
so you suggest buying a policy with the bank rather than paying less for an agent?Reply to
Tim *******
Reply
Jan ******************
@Steve *****
This is a well known catch 22. You shouldn’t bother howcome an agent manages to open a bank account for you, just accept the fact that it’s the way it’s done. They’re normally not that expensive and you’ll be able to bank the required amount and apply for a regular Non O in country. Only Long Stay visas will get you off the hook here.Jeff ********
Get a good agent
Then just do what he says
Don't over think it
Then just do what he says
Don't over think it
Jay ****
What area will you be going? There are good agents that can do it all for reasonable price. You may be stuck with agent and or $200 one time accident insurance requirement from bank. You can apply for 90 day tourist visa and convert to O retirement if that's your plan. The funds requirement can he handled through an agent as well. Like everything in thailand, a little grease makes things happen.
Steve ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jay ***
BKKNongnuch ********
@Steve *****
go to Pattaya, get your "no-frills" bank account for 5000.- THB within two days, on ANY visa! @Stefan *******
agent for F.S. Consulting Co.. No need for this life- or accident insurance BSJay ****
@Steve *****
motta/thailegaladvice in bkk. They will set you up with acct in Pattaya cheap.Reply to
Jay ****
Reply
Jeff ********
There are many threads in this topic you can search for here. The consensus today, not from 5 years ago, it that things have changed. More banks are refusing to open accounts and while it should be easy to do on your own in theory, you can save time and hassles by going to a recommended agent.
Jeffrey ************
Just pay an agent. They will bribe the bank employee.
Paul *******
You should be able to open a bank account yourself, even if you are on a tourist visa or visa exempt stamp. All banks have different requirements. All branches have different requirements. Even within a branch two staff members may give very different answers. Find a branch of the bank you want (I use Bangkok Bank in Doi Saket), in an area with lots of foreigners. Go to the bank with your passport and a friend who holds an account at that branch. Have 100,000 thb to deposit. Should work but many banks/branches will also require a certificate of residence from Immigration. But instead, you could offer a letter from your hotel/ hostel/ Airbnb/ friends house stating that you stay there. Doi Saket Bangkok will work with that.
Robert ***********
@Paul ******
Rules changed last year. The chance of walking into a bank and opening an account with a tourist visa is almost easier than winning the Thai lottery.Detlef ***********
@Robert **********
you sure about that Robert? I've been knocked back at 4 banks🫣Robert ***********
@Detlef **********
Emphasis on "almost" is important here. Probably should ha e said you stand a better chance to win the lottery. I have tried almost 20 bank branches in Bangkok and Phuket and refused at all due to visa (METV). Most who say it's easy here have not done it in some time.
Detlef ***********
Reply to
Detlef ***********
Reply
Graham ******
Get your Non-O from a neighbouring country, return to Thailand (90 day stamp) then open your bank account and deposit 800k in time to do your 12 month extension
Phil ******
Agents can get a bank account for you try mots
Kenny ******************
4000 Baht Accident insurance premium at Bangkok Bank on Beach Road near Walking Street, Pattaya.
Kenny ******************
Visa agents or visa services es offices do all the back four arrangements for you. You are taken to the bank to open an account in your name. The tea money has already been arranged.
Kenny ******************
@Phil *****
Agents are the ones who pay the money needed to open your account as a tourist.Phil ******
@Kenny *****************
i know.i don't needReply to
Phil ******
Reply
Achanster ******
@Phil *****
what's mots please?Robin ********
@Achanster *****
@Mots ********
that is link to her .not a member here so just search Facebook.Phil ******
@Achanster *****
agent in pattaya ฿3000 and you have a bank accountRobin ********
@Phil *****
quoted me 4000 last month .Phil ******
@Robin *******
who quoted you?Robin ********
@Phil *****
MOT , she took me to do visa extension and i asked her . Takes about 4 weeks , She said . She takes you down and goes through it all .Phil ******
@Robin *******
bank account doesn't take 4 weeks. My friend did it and was charged ฿3k to get Bangkok bankRobin ********
@Phil *****
she said you have to be in town for a max of 4 weeks as it could take that long for everything to come through .Phil ******
@Robin *******
yes thats the Retirememt VisaRobin ********
@Phil *****
and the bank according to Her .Phil ******
@Robin *******
yes my bangkok bank account is 13 years old now. I did give Alister 2 other agencies and one offered to get a Bangkok bank account for ฿2500. Alister chose Mott's for professialismReply to
Phil ******
Reply
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