Answered3 years ago
How long will it take to switch from a TR visa to a retirement visa in Thailand?
I'm currently in Thailand Hua Hin on tr visa, switching to retirement visa. All paperwork done and checked by immigration officials and approved. Once I go and submit it how long will it take for them to switch it to O retirement. I ask because I want the health ins to start on the same date
Thanks
Thanks
Answer summary
The user is currently in Hua Hin, Thailand, on a TR visa and has completed all necessary paperwork to switch to a retirement visa (Non-O). They are inquiring about the time it takes for the visa switch to be processed. Responses indicate that while health insurance is not mandatory for the Non-O visa, it is generally advised. The process typically takes about a week if all paperwork is in order, but users suggest checking with immigration for specific details about start dates for the new visa.
22 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Steve **********
No insur required, and if all paperwork in order, get a number....you'll be through in an hour.
Good Luck
Good Luck
Lee ***********
Can I ask, if on a TR visa then how do you get a bank account open and have monies in for 2 months if the visa is 60 days, or is a 30 day extension required first?
I have been unable to get a bank account open in preparation this time on a TR Visa without proving long term residency, in Hua Hin.
I ask because I was going to apply for a 90 day non-im and the apply for the 1 year extension, the insurance is needed in the UK for this.
I have been unable to get a bank account open in preparation this time on a TR Visa without proving long term residency, in Hua Hin.
I ask because I was going to apply for a 90 day non-im and the apply for the 1 year extension, the insurance is needed in the UK for this.
John ********
@Lee **********
There's only two non- immigrant visas you can apply for in the UK. They are a non-immigrant 'O' multiple entry 12 month visa, which if with this visa you have to do a visa run every ninety days, but on your last ninety day of this visa you can get a thre month extension, giving you fifteen months altogether. To qualify for this visa, according to the e-visa portal, you have to have a family member that is a Thai national living in Thsiland. The other non-immigrant is a ninety day stay one entry visa, which anyone over fifty years of age with a UK bank account showing I think 200,000 THB equivalent balance. This visa will let you open a Thai bank account and can be extended by twelve months at an immigration office in Thailand as long as you have one of the three monetary methods of qualification. The other visa you can apply for while your in the UK is an A-O retirement visa, which I believe you do not need to show any financial requirements, but must have a twelve month health insurance policy that is recognised by Thai Government, ie., immigration. You can take out insurance with a UK insurer for the initial year, but after that for your next visa extension, you are required to have insurance from a Thai immigration recognised insurer. This info., is as I have researched.Lee ***********
@John *******
there is also the O-XLee ***********
@John *******
hi John, yes I've read the same, I'm going for the 90 day plus extension, however, insurance is a requirement and from my understanding upon extension in Thailand for the 12 months you have to have the 800,000 bat in the bank for the 2 months prior.
Lee *********
OPThank you all for your comments , I really appreciate it
Willem ************
@Lee ********
how long did it take you to get the retirement visa?Lee *********
OP@Willem ***********
I wasn't in a rush but I made 2 visits to the immigration office in Hua Hin. They are very helpful, polite and patient. All in all I guess I have spent around 5 hours by the time I actually submit my application. I would say it is like putting together a flat pack cabinet for the 1st time. They still rely heavily on paper and photocopying. Patience is the key. The next step after I submit it seems as though it is effective from date of submission. But that's not the end of the paperwork!Willem ************
@Lee ********
was it an IKEA cabinet 😊?
Andreas *********
@Lee ********
the 90 days stay permit from the single entry 90-days Non-Imm-O visa will start from the day you applied to the change. . . . . . . It does NOT start on the day after the 60 days from your tourist visa expire. . . . . . However the 1-year extension starts after the day your 90-days stay permit from the Non-Imm-O visa expires. , . . . . . . A health insurance is not mandatory, however it is advised to have one
Alfred ***********
Get health insurance anyway. It's stupid not to have any health insurance at any time. It's called accidents and emergencies. Or ignore me and walk into flowing traffic the give me a call.
John **********
You need to have at least 15 days (21 days in a few places) left on your current stamp to apply for a non-o visa. Insurance is not a requirement
Lee *********
OP@John *********
I have more than 15 days that's not an issue. Do they let you choose a start date for the visa to startJohn **********
@Lee ********
usually it starts from the expiry date of your 90 day visa but you can ask
Galen *******
@Lee ********
John Stanners gave you the correct answer. Nevertheless you must do nearly the same after about 3 months when you apply for a yearly extension of stay.
Peter *****************
Dude just pay the agent they do everthing for you from bank acc to insurance under carpet.Only 7 days.
Gregory *******
@Peter ****************
your right
Jim ********
@Peter ****************
Pay someone *****
Baht to fill in a few forms? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Stuart ***********
@Peter ****************
he's done everything already, but if he wants to give someone 25,000 baht for nothing he can give it to me 🤣
Rok ********
Do you need health insurance for non O (i thought only for non-OA) ?
Garrett ***********
@Rok *******
Nope
Stuart *********
There is no requirement for health insurance for a Non O visa applied for in Thailand.
Activity
16 joined16
people
Related
25How do I start the process for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand?
9.4k87931mo
How can I sponsor my spouse while on a retirement visa in Thailand?
523274mo
How can I obtain a retirement visa in Thailand for less than 45,000 B?
8.7k252175mo
Do I need to sign a 12-month lease to qualify for a 12-month extension of a Non-O visa in Thailand?
13.4k832247mo
Which visa should my wife and I choose for moving to Thailand at age 55: Non-O or Non-OA?
7k271598mo
How long does it take to get a Non-O visa and extension with the help of an agent in Thailand?
4.4k32579mo
How can I get help with my retirement visa in Thailand?
10.7k9011810mo
What health checks are required for a retirement visa application in Thailand from Australia?
3.9k26511y
How difficult is it to secure a retirement visa and health insurance in Thailand with a kidney transplant?
3.4k28341y
Do I need a police check from my home country for a retirement visa in Thailand?
5.9k43392y
What factors influence the choice between a Non-O visa and a Non-OA visa for retirement in Thailand?
2.9k21252y
What are the best visa options for a UK citizen over 50 planning to retire in Pattaya, Thailand?
6.8k66453y
How can I switch from a Non-O Retirement visa to a Married visa in Thailand?
1.3k5173y
What insurance options are available for a 3 month retirement (Non-O) visa in Thailand?
1.7k11133y
Will my Non-O retirement visa extension be processed immediately at Hua Hin immigration?
1.2k863y
How can I obtain a Non-O visa to join my husband with a retirement visa in Thailand?
1.1k5123y
What is the best strategy for obtaining a Non-O visa in Thailand for retirement?
2.2k13223y
What are the best health insurance options for retirees in Thailand, especially for those over 65?
33.7k2414923y
How long does it take to process a Non-O retirement visa application in Thailand?
1.9k11214y
What are the recent experiences with the one-year extension process for Non-O visas at Phuket immigration?
2.1k1564y
Can I switch to the 65k monthly transfer rule for my Thai Non-O retirement visa, or do I have to maintain the 800k rule until my next extension?
2.5k17304y
What steps should I take to obtain a retirement visa in Thailand after arriving?
2k6344y
What is the best way to return to Thailand and secure a retirement visa without health insurance?
1.7k8214y
What are the key requirements and options for obtaining a Non-immigrant O-A retirement visa in Thailand for Australian citizens?
1.1k825y
What are the requirements and locations to obtain a Non-O single entry visa for retirement in Thailand?
2k17119y
Resources
Need help with your retirement visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served