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How difficult is it to apply for a Retirement Visa in Thailand, and can I do it on my own?
Retirement VisaThailand Visa RulesDIY Visa ApplicationImmigration OfficeThai Bank AccountNON-O VisaExpat AdviceVisa DocumentationThailand Immigration Process
Jun 19, 2025
10 months ago
Kevin ********
ORIGINAL POSTERHow hard is it to apply for a Retirement Visa?
Can I do it myself?
I already have a Thai Bank account.
Thanks.
Can I do it myself?
I already have a Thai Bank account.
Thanks.
TLDR : Answer Summary
Applying for a Retirement Visa (Non-O) in Thailand is generally considered straightforward, especially if you have the required funds in a Thai bank account. Most respondents agree that it is possible to complete the application process yourself, given that you organize your documents properly and check for specific requirements from your local immigration office. Key documents typically needed include a TM30 form, bank letter, bank statement, passport-sized photos, and proof of address. Some users recommend using an agent to avoid stress and time loss, while others suggest that if you have sufficient funds and time, doing it yourself can be a viable option.
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
Raven ********
Ever tried the Thai Immigration website?
Sean *********
If you use an agent it might be easier, but if they do it under the counter and you decide to go on your own in the future, you could find yourself with all sorts of problems.
David *******
@Sean ********
If near Immigration why not do it yourself legally? Easy , legal and far cheaper.Kevin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Sean ********
already have a bank account so no need to do it under the counter.Sean *********
@Kevin *******
I understand, but an agent might be acquiring the visa illegally. Which was why I said better to spend the time doing yourself.Reply to
Sean *********
Reply
David *******
Easy if here. Money in bank 3 months, TM3 form, 2 photos.Smile and wai immigration.
Henrik *****
Look at the Thailand Embassy website and / or search the group and you will find a plenty answers to those questions
Stephan ***********
@Stephen *******
So... "plenty" of your friends are illegal in the country... you don't say... 🤔 🙄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... 😁
Bill *********
@Stephan **********
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.Stephan ***********
@Bill ********
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.Bill *********
@Stephan **********
I understand where you're coming from as some agents are dodgy. Mine got me set up with a bank account where I then wired the necessary amount and I've been maintaining it with the proper balance for a couple years, and all completely under my name. So I think I'm in good shape.Stephan ***********
@Bill ********
Agreed... if you really have the money then it's a completely different story, nothing wrong with that. But this guy... well... let's say it's not really smart to tell everyone that your friends prefer to use shady agents instead following the rules... maybe he isn't aware that there are also some Immigration Officers in the groups... 😁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
Dwayne ********
Easier or less paper than a marriage Visa.
Stephan ***********
@Dwayne *******
True... but still a pain in the arse... 😁Dwayne ********
@Stephan **********
once a year or in my scenario, every 5 years as I return to the States quite often.Reply to
Dwayne ********
Reply
Stephen ********
Use an agent unless you want to tie up 40k in a bank you wont get any interest on
Kevin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stephen *******
doesn't matter agent or not still need $40k in your bankStephen ********
@Kevin *******
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.Kevin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stephen *******
yeah I was lucky opened mine about 8 yrs agoReply to
Kevin ********
Reply
Stephen ********
@Kevin *******
no you dont, agent puts its in and takes it out.Dont need 40k all year around. Plenty of my friends have done it.Kevin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stephen *******
until you get caughtGraham ******
@Stephen *******
illegally, good luck with thatReply to
Graham ******
Reply
John **********
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.
More people here don't appear to have a lot of money. So they do it themselves.
Ben *****
@Peter ********
hey Peter, any recommendations for a great agent?Peter *********
@Ben ****
yes i use Thai Visa centre. Just Google and email them. They are number one in my view.Ben *****
Great, thank you!
Reply to
Ben *****
Reply
Pete *******
@Peter ********
I have found the opposite to be true, those without sufficient funds use agents. Those with funds wouldn’t waste money paying for something they can easily get for free.Robin *******
@Pete ******
I agree and it’s not rocket science, we why waste moneyPeter *********
@Pete ******
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.Pete *******
@Peter ********
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.Peter *********
@Pete ******
like investing 38k in a Thai bank account.Reply to
Peter *********
Reply
Bill *********
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.
Peter *********
@Bill ********
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.
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.
Stuart ***********
@Roger *******
what are they, can you take pictures? I know some offices get you to sign declarations about overstay and things, is that what they were?
Not very complicated if so, I had to do them when I lived in Sriracha.
Roger ********
@Stuart **********
l've filled them in but yes 2 were about overstay and another about background checks.Stuart ***********
@Roger *******
okay yes, some offices ask for them, but it's a 2 minute job to complete/sign them.Roger ********
From the top - TM7, STM2, STM9, STM11 and the deposition with no number.
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.
Reply to
Roger ********
Reply
Stephan ***********
@Stuart **********
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...?Stuart ***********
@Stephan **********
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?Stephan ***********
@Stuart **********
A bunch of paperwork (much more than for an extension), everything 2x (1 set for Bangkok, 1 set for your local Immigration), about 6 weeks waiting for getting your passport back... and, and, and...That are my experiences... maybe in other places/provinces it's easier...?
Stuart ***********
@Stephan **********
that's true, yes you need to wait a few weeks, but you don't need to do anything other than go back to the office to collect it. As for the paperwork, I just have a folder with several photocopies of each document inside, so I simply give them the required number of each document. I guess some people might find these things challenging, but if you are organised I think it is very easy.Reply to
Stuart ***********
Reply
Kevin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart **********
i will be doing it in Kalasin already have a paper in my passport from them showing my address they were very helpfulStuart ***********
@Kevin *******
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.Kevin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart **********
i asked about it last time I was there only went in to get my address recorded on my passport imigration officer wanted to do it then.Reply to
Kevin ********
Reply
Paul *******
Yes. Easy.
Anna *********
Money in a Thai bank is the hardest bit so you should find the rest quite easy
Stuart *********
Certainly able to DIY if you have the bank account and relevant funds. Check your local immigration office for their list of requirements.
Kevin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart ********
cheers mateReply to
Kevin ********
Reply
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