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How long does it take to get a Non-O 90-day visa for retirement in Thailand, and how long is it valid before I need to travel?
Non-O VisaThailand Retirement VisaVisa Application ProcessVisa ValidityExpats in ThailandImmigration ProceduresTimeline for Visa Approval
Dec 11, 2025
5 months ago
Bob *******
ORIGINAL POSTERI'm trying to create a timeline for my retirement in Thailand. I will be applying for a Non O 90 day visa. I live in the USA now, about how long does it take to be approved on the average? Just an approximate, I know all applications can take different times. Next, after approval, how long is it valid before I actually go to Thailand. My reason is I am in the process of selling all my stuff and then I need to sell my condo. I don't want to be approved so far in advance that it expires before I can leave. Thanks.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The average processing time for a Non-O 90-day visa varies by consulate, with many reporting a timeframe of 5 to 30 days. Applicants have indicated experiences ranging from 2 weeks to 30 days for approval. Once approved, the visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue, giving you a window to arrive in Thailand within that period. It's advisable to apply as close to your intended travel date as possible to avoid the risk of the visa expiring before you can use it.
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- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Bill *********
My advice is do not sell all of your stuff! Definitely ease into the whole process. Get situated with a condo and the location you want to be. Define the lifestyle that you are looking for that suits you. Then you can go back to the US and tidy things up as necessary.
Bob *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bill ********
why do you say that?Bill *********
@Bob ******
In your post you did not indicate how many times you've been to Thailand and the length of stays. Just keep your options open. What if Thailand turns out to not deliver on what you expect. It would be a real pain to have to go back to the US and restart.Bob *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bill ********
you are right, I didn't specify. I am 64 and retired. I've been to Thailand 5 times, all 2 week visits. I have a good group of friends and they all have been thruogh this very same process. I know what I want to do once i'm there for good. Sorry for the lack of details.Bill *********
@Bob ******
Gotcha. I've seen stories where a guy visits Thailand for a week holiday and then is ready to uproot their life, sell everything, relocate, and expect to it to be a perpetual holiday lifestyle. That failed miserably and now they're stuck. So as long as you have a plan, that's more logical. Good luck.Reply to
Bill *********
Reply
Deepak *******
Two weeks to get approved. Valid for 90 days from the date of approval.
Dennis *********
Mine took 0 days out of DC.
Sean **********
When you get your Non O retirement visa , get that account opened within a day or 2 of arriving.
Wayne ********
Washington DC consulate advertises 15 business days
Pete ******
I just got my Non-O 90 day visa approved at the New York embassy.. the visa took around 30 days to be approved and the visa is good for 3 months ..
Pete ******
Have you been to Thailand before ?If you plan on moving there you need to spend several months there visiting different areas and try to experience Thailand as a local not a tourist.. there is a huge difference
Jen ***
@Pete *****
i have of course. Id prefer to relocate to Bali for retirement but I have a small dog in tow. Bali wont allow dogs. Thailand does.Pete ******
@Jen **
Thailand is dog friendly … they are everywhere but I have never tried to import one. Plus if you are renting a condo it will most likely not allow animals and they don’t care if it’s a service animal ..Jen ***
@Pete *****
many people bring their dogs over and yeah I already know the process and many places are pet friendly and yes condos.Reply to
Jen ***
Reply
Jen ***
@Pete *****
what does Non O mean? Also then when over there you open the thai bank account? Question? And if I wanted the retirement visa how does that work? I live near LA but trying to call the Thai embassy its just phone messages no one to speak to. I read that you apply for the retirement visa in your own country ie USA. I dont know what is the best plan for me? I have a pension monthly good decent amount and I have enough to put the required amount in a thai bank account. I want the least problematic visa option for 1 pensioner coming with a small dog from USA.Sean **********
@Jen **
if you cannot get a hold of them, run down to the consulate. It's not too far from Thai town. I moved away from Bellflower 4 years ago but I THINK it may be on Melrose South of Santa Monica BlvdPete ******
@Jen **
Jen F you need to apply for your visa using the Thai E Visa website. I applied for the Non-o (90 day) retirement visa. Once in Thailand I will have to open a bank account (you need long term visa like the non-o to open account) I’ll make the required deposit and wait the required 2 months before applying for the 12 month extension.
Talk to Mark Larson listed above , he is in LA too
Reply to
Pete ******
Reply
Mark ********
This past February I got my Non-0 in exactly 2 weeks from the Los Angeles consulate. It was good for 90 days from the date of issue. You can apply for an extension when you get to Thailand. I didn't need to apply but did get my bank account setup for next time. It was a simple process. I suggest not applying too early.
Jen ***
@Mark *******
ill pm you. Im in LA area or Southern California and have some questions.Bob *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mark *******
thanks Mark, this is exactly what I needed to know.Mark ********
@Bob ******
when get to Thailand make sure the Immigration Officer stamps you in correctly. Mine did not & I had to get my stamp changed at the Immigration Office when I tried to open my bank account. Lots of changes going on now, but just keep smiling & things keep moving along...Christa ******
@Mark *******
what does a correct stamp look like? TxReply to
Christa ******
Reply
Jan ******************
Processing times vary between the individual embassies and consulates, so you should check the website of the one responsible for your jurisdiction. You should expect some delay now as we approach the peak season.
Bob *******
ORIGINAL POSTERI live in the Chicago suburbs, I hve the link for the embassy in Chicago. I'll send them a message. Thank you.
Jan ******************
@Bob ******
Good, you can apply no earlier than 90 days before you travel, and it is generally recommended to submit the application approximately 4 to 6 weeks before your departure.Reply to
Jan ******************
Reply
Shawn ********
They say normal is 5-10 days but could take up to a month,… scheduling can be a bear… I think you have to supply airlines/ flight info and hotel accommodation/ reservation on your application.
I think, not sure
I think, not sure
Marianne ********
The Non-O has a validity of 90 days, which means you have 90 days after it is approved to get to Thailand, where you will be stamped in for 90 days regardless of how long is left of the visas validity.
I don't know the specifics of how long your Embassy/Consulate takes to process applications, so won't comment on that part.
I don't know the specifics of how long your Embassy/Consulate takes to process applications, so won't comment on that part.
Graham ******
@Marianne *******
The OP didn't give a location which would determine which Consulate in the US would process his application so you couldn't comment with a meaningful answer anyway ;)Bob *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Graham *****
I did say in one of my messages I'm near ChicagoReply to
Bob *******
Reply
Sean **********
@Marianne *******
I believe it took me no longer than a week through the NYC consulate web site.Reply to
Sean **********
Reply
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