How do I apply for a retirement OA Visa in Thailand and what are the refund policies if my application is denied?

Retirement Visa OA Visa Visa Application Process Thailand Immigration Visa Refund Policy Expat Visa Requirements Non-O Visa

Jul 24, 2023

a year ago

Ronnie *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I am trying to get a retirement Visa AO Visa? Do you get the visa electronically like they do in Vietnam or Cambodia? I was wondering what happens if my visa gets approved after I have arrived in Thailand? Do I get my money back from the Thai Immigration if I am turned down? This process is so stressful since I stayed for over 5 months with a free visa for 45 days at the end of 2022

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The process of applying for a retirement OA visa in Thailand requires that applications be submitted from your home country, as these visas cannot be obtained electronically like in some other countries. Refunds for visa applications are not provided if the application is denied, and applicants must leave Thailand and re-enter to activate their visa if it gets approved after their arrival. It's important to verify the correct type of visa you are applying for, such as OA or O visa, as there are different requirements for each.

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.

Alan *********

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0a316

a year ago

Marty *********

It is possible that you are confusing the OA visa with the O visa. Make sure you know what visa you are pursuing and look at the requirements for that visa on the Thai consulate websites.

a year ago

Brandon ************

If your visa gets approved after you arrive in Thailand you would need to leave and return to activate it.

There are never any refunds from the embassy. It's clearly stated on the application.

a year ago

Graham ******

What country are you in and what passport do you hold? There is no refund if refused but they do contact you if more documents are required. If you enter Thailand before your Visa is approved you have to leave and re-enter to activate it.

a year ago

Ronnie *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Graham *****

USA. I can’t get answers to my questions either at the evisa website or from the Thai embassy. It is a very cumbersome website. It asks for 1 year of stamps and a Thai official told me to use my most recent page. Can’t upload multiple jpeg files. Can’t combine them. States file is too large. I am stressed and the clock is ticking

a year ago

Graham ******

@Ronnie ******

Can you combine as JPEG files [save JPEGs as PDFs then combine multiple PDFs as one] in one PDF or does the upload have to be JPEG?

a year ago

Reply to

Graham ******

Garrett ***********

-Non-OA's can only be issued in your home country.

-Not all countries use the Evisa system, depends what embassy you're applying at.

-No, there's no refunds for rejected visa applications.

a year ago

Reply to

Garrett ***********

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Should I apply for a retirement visa for Thailand before or after arriving in the country?

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