Applying for a Retirement Visa (Non-O Visa) in Thailand can be done by yourself, especially if you already have a Thai bank account with the required funds. Many users in the community have shared their positive experiences, highlighting that the process is simple as long as you prepare the necessary documents, such as bank statements, photos, and application forms. Several commenters have suggested checking with local immigration offices for specific requirements and recommended visiting during quieter times to avoid long waits. While many expats find the process manageable on their own, some suggest using an agent to reduce stress and avoid potential complications, as agents are knowledgeable about the intricacies of immigration. Ultimately, whether to DIY or hire an agent depends on individual preference and comfort with 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.
So... "plenty" of your friends are illegal in the country... you don't say... π€ π
Anyhow... now they are glued forever to the same agent... until the Immigration knock him off and revoke all the illegal visa and extensions... good luck with that... π
Why glued to an agent forever? I can choose in subsequent years to use an agent or not. The stamp in my passport is the same regardless whether an agent was involved.
Sure thing... the stamp is the same, but not really valid, isn't it? And they will find out when you try to change the agent (or do it by yourself) , because you cannot show a real 12 month bank statement.
Reply to
Stephan ***********
Reply
Jesper *******
Very doable when u have the funds in a thai account....need to have more than 15days on your current stamp apply for a initial nonO 90days with passport, photo,TM87 TM30 lease agreement Bank letter Bank statement bank book map of address.....when your 90days nonO is left with 30days or less apply with same documents but using TM7 instead to apply for 1yr extension...agent or not agent is up to individuals u need to do this every year
its ok for you, you already have a bank account, try opening one up without an agent now. I tried many banks and that was when nong was alive and got knocked back. Said i needed retirement visa or marriage visa but to get them you have to have a bank account.
Very easy to do it yourself and no getting stuck using agents for the foreseeable. If you are already inside Thailand you need to have between 15 and 21 days left on your current stamp to apply for the Non-O visa based on retirement, visit your local immigration office for their exact requirements as they all vary slightly. If your not yet in Thailand then applying for the Non-O before you travel is the best idea, especially as there will be no need for a return flight
Peter *********
I used a agent! Very happy
More people here don't appear to have a lot of money. So they do it themselves.
I have found the opposite to be true, those without sufficient funds use agents. Those with funds wouldnβt waste money paying for something they can easily get for free.
Nothing is free! I got a bank account, one year visa, and little required for bant deposit all in 5 hours. Some people are busy in business earning more money. Rather than running around. Also they have to front up the required Thailand bank amount. So it's not free.
instead of wasting money on agent fees some prefer to make their money work for them by investing in passive income streams. They relax while their money works.
Highly recommend an agent. It was the best decision I made. Unless you are extremely bored and want to learn the intricacies of immigration, leave the heavy lifting to an agent who does this all the time. I'm here to enjoy retirement: reduce stress and wasted time, not create more.
Or no money Bill. Many here are in that Boat. I used an Agent..so happy.
Reply to
Peter *********
Reply
Lee ******
Yes, you can do it yourself. I did. Look up online what requirements are.
Stuart ***********
Very easy.
Get organised with a folder with photocopies of your documents and some passport size photos.
Get the list from immigration and the application form.
You will need to get some documents from your bank, but they know what to provide.
The form to apply is one a4 size with about 15 simple questions (name, passport number, address date arrived in Thailand etc). You will probably need to draw a very basic map of where you live too.
Go to immigration when it is quiet, so avoid Monday and the day after bank holidays. Pay the 1,900 baht fee, wait a few minutes and it's done. Good luck.
Roger ********
I picked up the forms from my local immigration last week. There are now 5 forms to fill in.
okay yes, some offices ask for them, but it's a 2 minute job to complete/sign them.
Roger ********
My answer was short, as I was being hurried out to get the granddaughter to school. There was one more - a 'deposition'. I cannot remember seeing this before. Asked about state pension and social welfare per month and wanted a grand total in baht.
To get the visa here is not easy at all... that's why most people bring it from home... much easier. Looks like you are talking about the extension...?
the only difficult part is opening a bank account. He already has a bank account. It's very easy, I did it myself inside Thailand, it's nearly the same as an extension. What is so difficult?
yes, I forgot to say the immigration people are very helpful. If you dress appropriately, behave politely and have all the documents ready and organised it's a very easy and stress free task. I have extended my stay 3 times now and on average it takes me about 45 minutes.