Answereda year ago

How long does it take to process a non-O retirement visa application in Thailand?

Non-O Visa Retirement Visa Visa Processing Time Thailand Immigration Expat Visa Advice

Dan ********

asked Aug 20, 2025

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I am US citizen I will fill out ￼ online form for non-O ￼ tourist visa

The purpose is to get a non-O retirement visa inside Thailand 

My question is, do you know how long it will take for this first visa to go through?

I know it depends, but does anyone know a good average timeframe I can expect so i can better plan?

Answer summary

A US citizen inquiring about the processing time for a non-O visa to retire in Thailand should understand that this can vary by embassy and individual circumstances. It is important to clarify that a non-O visa is separate from a tourist visa. Typically, after entering with a tourist visa, one must deposit 800,000 baht into a bank account in Thailand, and then apply for an extension of stay to convert it to a non-O visa. Responses indicate no specific average time is provided, suggesting checking with the relevant Thai Embassy for more precise information.

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Daniel *********

You can get a Non-O in Thailand with a Visa agent. You need your Non-O application in progress pending approval, deposit 800,000b in the bank . Return to your local immagration office with your opened bank for final approval stamp to convert your tourist visa to a Non-O after bank account is opened. I think i got this right

a year ago

Thomas *******

@Daniel ********

if he is trying to accomplish this in Nong Khai he will have to go to Laos to get a non-o because Nong Khai doesn't do it in house.

a year ago

Thomas *******

Not to mention, agents are few and far between up here.

Daniel *********

Lynnette *******

why do it with an agent you have to pay, if he can do it cheaper in home country/ country of residence before arriving?

a year ago

Stuart ***********

@Daniel ********

this is not recommended as even agencies are struggling to open bank accounts this year on a tourist visa, so the price has increased. Much easier to get the non-O before coming to Thailand.

a year ago

Stuart ***********

You need to apply for a non-O based on being over 50 online (not a tourist visa). When you get to Thailand after opening a bank account and depositing 800,000 baht for 2 months, you can apply to extend your stay for 12 months (this is not a Visa, you use the visa to enter Thailand initially). I don't know how long it typically takes at your Thai Embassy, but I think there are two in the USA, so it might be a good idea to state which one you are using to get better replies. Good luck.

a year ago

Thomas *******

@Stuart **********

there are 3 Thai embassies in the US. The west coast uses L.A, the Midwest uses Chicago and the East coast uses Washington D.C.

a year ago

Jack ********

@Thomas ******

there is only one embassy in the USA and like all other embassies in the USA it’s in Washington DC. The others are consulates. This is visa 101 and taught in elementary school social studies

a year ago

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

There's no such thing as a non-O tourist visa. A non-O visa is a non-immigrant visa which has the possibility of letting you live in Thailand. A tourist visa is a tourist visa. You either apply for one or the other.

How long a visa application takes depends on the embassy you're applying at. They each process differently.

a year ago