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How should I apply for a Non-O retirement visa from Australia, online or through an agent in Thailand?
Non-O retirement visaThailand immigrationvisa application processexpat adviceThai visa lawsbank account requirementshealth insurance for visasvisa approval process
Aug 12, 2025
9 months ago
Mark *****************
ORIGINAL POSTERAdvice o applying for a non o retirement visa? Online from Australia or wait until I get to Thailand and use an agent? If I apply and get accepted in Australia there is only one embassy here, do they know at the airport when I arrive in Bangkok that I have been approved? Thanks in advance 🙏🏻
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion centers around the process of applying for a Non-O retirement visa for Thailand from Australia. Most users recommend applying from Australia rather than waiting to arrive in Thailand and using an agent, as it simplifies the process and makes it easier to open a bank account for the mandatory deposit of 800,000 baht. The online application process is highlighted, with tips on costs, required documents, and the importance of securing a visa before traveling to avoid complications at the airport.
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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Paul *********
OX visa from Australia
Maitin *******
You need to do a non OA in Oz, you will have to get health insurance, but once you have it, you should be able to open a bank account in Thailand for the 800,000 baht
Lynnette *******
Get in your home country or country where you live, before arriving. You'll have the visa issued by the embassy and can show to immigration and use it to get your permission to stay.
Mark *****************
ORIGINAL POSTERThe Thai embassy here is in Canberra I could fly to Thailand return and stay for two weeks in a hotel for the cost of a Perth to Canberra return plane ticket 😅 I appreciate what you are saying though Lynnette 🙏🏻
Mark *****************
ORIGINAL POSTERThank you all 🙏🏻❤️
Lynnette *******
@Mark ****************
you apply on line. Then do the 12 month extension of stay based in retirement in country for 1,900 tb.Lynnette *******
@Mark ****************
you don't fly to Canberra. Visas are all online! Maybe look at the current procedure.Reply to
Lynnette *******
Reply
Frangipani *******
I would advise you to apply for a Non O at the embassy in Canberra. Please contact them to find out all the requirements.
They will send you an email to confirm that you now have a Non O.
It is very easy to do do in Australia 🇦🇺. And cheap. No need to complicate things by coming in to Thailand 🇹🇭 on a different visa and use an agent.
Once you have your Non O you will be able to open a bank account and season your funds for the required time in order to apply for your 12 month extension. Absolutely no need to use an agent for that either!
Just go to your local Immi Office as soon as you arrive and they will tell you their requirements. All Immi Offices have different reqs…
I hope this helps 😃
They will send you an email to confirm that you now have a Non O.
It is very easy to do do in Australia 🇦🇺. And cheap. No need to complicate things by coming in to Thailand 🇹🇭 on a different visa and use an agent.
Once you have your Non O you will be able to open a bank account and season your funds for the required time in order to apply for your 12 month extension. Absolutely no need to use an agent for that either!
Just go to your local Immi Office as soon as you arrive and they will tell you their requirements. All Immi Offices have different reqs…
I hope this helps 😃
Mark *****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Frangipani ******
thank you so much 🙏🏻Reply to
Mark *****************
Reply
David *********
Contact thai visa centre if you want to use agent they will do the entire process 4u
David *******
@David ********
Expensive way of doing itDavid *********
Up 2 him
Reply to
David *********
Reply
Graham ******
You need to get it before you travel or it will be very difficult to get in Thailand as you need a bank account and that's almost impossible now
Mark *****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Graham *****
I have been to Thailand 6 times now and decided this is where I want to retire, just checking the best way to go about it… CheersPhil *******
@Mark ****************
it used to be easy to come over visa exempt, then apply, but with tightening up opening bank accounts, it seems best to start process in Australia nowReply to
Phil *******
Reply
Jack *******
Beware that the airline company may not allow you to board if you don't have a visa to cover the period until your return flight. Almost happened to me.
Kevin ********
@Jack ******
yep happened to meJack *******
WTF is funny about that?
Mark *****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jack ******
because it has nothing to do with the airline, they only provide the flight immigration will deem if you have the right visaKevin ********
@Mark ****************
they can stop you flying they almost stopped me in Melbourne because my return flight was later than 60 daysMark *****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kevin *******
I flew in on 21st July with a one way ticket, immigration asked me in Thailand hoe long I was staying, I said 60 days, passport stamped and off I went, never been checked by airline yet…..Kevin ********
@Mark ****************
girl on Thai desk in Melbourne wasnt going to let me fly as my return flight was after 60 days here supervisor over ruled her.Mike ********
@Mark ****************
no, because airline is responsible to verify your visa or if exempt, that you have onward flightReply to
Mike ********
Reply
Peter *********
If get here you will need to do border run to activate it...
Do it in home city easy.
When you come Thailand will get stamp and activate E visa
Do it in home city easy.
When you come Thailand will get stamp and activate E visa
J ******************
If you live in NSW use Sydney Consulate otherwise Embassy in Canberra all done online
Ant ***********
If you apply in Oz you can choose Sydney or Canberra
Non-O is better to do from Oz
Key elements needed
800,000 Thai baht equivalent in any bank account $ approx 38,100 AUD at the time of applying .
Cost for non-O in Oz is $120 ?
Then you need to do the extension within 90 days of your arrival
Finding an agent hear to do everything is possible , but very few approx cost 50,000THB or more $ 2,400 AUD
Non-O is better to do from Oz
Key elements needed
800,000 Thai baht equivalent in any bank account $ approx 38,100 AUD at the time of applying .
Cost for non-O in Oz is $120 ?
Then you need to do the extension within 90 days of your arrival
Finding an agent hear to do everything is possible , but very few approx cost 50,000THB or more $ 2,400 AUD
Ando **********
@Ant **********
So I have to have the 38-40k Aud in my oz Bank account to apply for non O visa at oz embassy?Ant ***********
@Ando *********
Yes in any bank acc 👍Its the last section of the online application
And a copy of your flight booking
So timing is relevant when applying
Ando **********
@Ant **********
ok ta mate. Wasn't aware of flight either. I thought the 90 days visa was valid for 2-3 months before you flew out. So get Visa first then book flight.Ant ***********
@Ando *********
You need a flight first As a copy of it is needed as part of the application
Yes - once approved you get 90 days to come over & apply for the 12 month extension
Reply to
Ant ***********
Reply
David *******
@Ant **********
He lives in Perth so has to use the embassyReply to
David *******
Reply
Roberto *********
Where in Australia do you live?
Mark *****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Roberto ********
PerthRoberto *********
@Mark ****************
Yes you do have to use the embassy. Unfortunately only NSW residents can use the consulateReply to
Roberto *********
Reply
Steve *******
You get the evisa via email from your home Country
Reply to
Steve *******
Reply
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