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How long does the retirement visa application process take, and can I use an international bank account to meet the financial requirements?
Retirement VisaNon-O VisaVisa Application ProcessFinancial RequirementsInternational Bank AccountsExpat Visa AdviceThailand Visa Information
Aug 28, 2025
8 months ago
Eileen ************************
ORIGINAL POSTERI waited too long to apply for a retirement visa and understand that I will have to return to my country (USA) to do that. How long does the application process take? If I apply from there can I use an international bank there to meet the 800,000 Bhat requirement?
Also. Anyone here use UOB?
Also. Anyone here use UOB?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is inquiring about the retirement visa application process, specifically how long it takes and whether they can use an international bank account to satisfy the financial requirement of 800,000 Baht. Comments suggest that the user does not need to return to the USA for the application; they can apply from neighboring countries like Cambodia or Laos instead. Additionally, using a bank account in the user's name is acceptable for meeting the financial criteria. Comments also indicate that UOB is a reliable bank for this purpose.
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.
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Henrik *****
Read Thai Embassy website as a starter, and search the group to get started.
Jeff *************
I’m going to Laos next week to do mine, I didn’t run out of time I was given out dated advice, trust most of the people on this site, most are very helpful, a few can keep their comments to themselves
Doug *******
@Jeff ************
Ha! You are so correct.Reply to
Doug *******
Reply
Anthony ******************
Why do you have to go back to the US. You can apply in any place outside of Thailand.
John *********
I flew to Cambodia and applied online the day I got there. 14 days later I had my visa and returned to Thailand. And hotels are incredibly cheap in Cambodia!
Randy *******
@John ********
I want to Laos. I got my visa in five days, but I had a visa agent with an office there.Bobby ********
@Randy ******
hi could you share agents contact infoReply to
Bobby ********
Reply
Max *************
@John ********
You could have done it in 7 days (maybe less) in Laos. Just saying.Reply to
Max *************
Reply
Ossie *********
Speak to thaivisacentre.com I’m sure they can advise you their based in Bangkok
Nongnuch ********
I reckon you wanted to say: I entered on a 90-days Non-imm-O retirement visa and missed the deadline for the application to the "1-year Extension of the Stay Permit based on Retirement" ? Because you can't ever miss to apply for a Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa, because you can literally apply for it every day 🙂
Eileen ************************
ORIGINAL POSTERNo, I contacted Thai visa center less than a month before my exempt visa expired and grace told me that it would take a month.
Reply to
Eileen ************************
Reply
Peter *********
Yes I have UOB bank Thailand 🇹🇠and no issues for visa actually really good bank for immigration letter and yearly statement 😀
Jesper *******
You don't have to travel all the way back to USA.....you can apply in any thai embassy in nearby counrties and wait there until its approved
Graham ******
You don't need to go "home" you can apply in any neighbouring country for the Non-O using any bank account in your name to meet the requirements
Sharine *****************
@Graham *****
Can you tell me something because I am seeing different requirements for the Non -O vise for the amount of money that should be set aside in your bank account. What is the amountGraham ******
@Sharine ****************
Look on the Thai Embassy website that serves the country you will be applying from for their requirements in local currencyDavid *******
Reply to
David *******
Reply
David *******
@Graham *****
Go to Laos,Cambodia,Malaysia.Sorry but I think Cambodian borders may be closed right now. Usually Laos is easy but need to stay overnight.
.
Max *************
@David ******
Why are you telling him?David *******
@Max ************
Why not?Maitin *******
@David ******
laos you have to actually go to the embassy to pay for the non O. Can't cross into Cambodia by land. Don't play games with a VPN to apply out of country, they will know that you never left the country and you will have problems.
Seems like a good time to take a week vacation
Max *************
@David ******
Because he said "neighbouring" countries in his comment and he knows how this works. He didn't ask for any help. Then you're telling him to go to Laos,Cambodia, Malaysia. Why?David *******
@Max ************
Mind your own business please. Thailand is great without complainers.David *******
Max *************
@David ******
A piece of advice. Learn how to read.David *******
@Max ************
You cannot stop.*****
55Reply to
David *******
Reply
Jay *******
Which visa? Non immigrant O?
Reply to
Jay *******
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