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How soon can I apply for a Non-O retirement visa while on a tourist visa in Thailand?
Non-O Retirement VisaVisa ConversionThailand Tourist VisaVisa Application ProcessThai Immigration Rules
Dec 5, 2025
5 months ago
Michael ********
ORIGINAL POSTERGood afternoon...Some advice if possible please .I am here on a 60 day tourist visa which expires on January 13. I wish to convert to a non imm O retirement visa.. how soon before the January 13 expiration date can I make application?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user inquires about the timing for applying for a Non-O retirement visa while currently holding a 60-day tourist visa expiring on January 13. Responses indicate that applications can typically be made 30 to 45 days prior to expiration, depending on the immigration office. Additionally, potential challenges include the necessity of a Thai bank account to show required funds, which is often difficult to open without the right visa status. Some commenters suggest it's preferable to apply for the visa from one's home country instead.
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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NeL *****
Would like to apply for the DTV visa
Arna **********
@NeL ****
Hello sir. Please add me in the line to further assist youReply to
Arna **********
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Ossie *********
Thaivisacentre.com ask for Grace
Michael *******
You cannot apply in Thailand.Has to be in your own country.
Jo **********
@Michael ******
you canTony **********
@Michael ******
not true. But it's difficult because no bank is now going to open an account for a tourist. Hence they would not qualify since when applying in country you need 800k in Thai bank at time of application, not 2 months prior to extension.Graeme ******
@Michael ******
thats not true for a 90 day non O over 50 retirement visa. You have to be in your own country to apply for a Non OA retirement visa which is a different visaReply to
Graeme ******
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Jim *******
The OP stands no chance. Go back to his country and apply from there for Non O 90 days visa. Then jump through the hoops.
Greg *********
@Jim ******
can you open a bank account on a 90 day visa?Jim *******
That is the idea behind the 90 days Non O visa. Opening bank account, transfer money, after 2 months money seasoning get 1 year extension of stay.
Reply to
Jim *******
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Liam ***********
@Jim ******
that’s the answer I wanted to know, thanksIan ********
Reply to
Ian ********
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Lyndon ************
In short, opening a bank account will be your biggest hurdle. Much easier (possible) arriving on a non-o visa.
John **********
To convert a tourist entry to a Non-O visa you need to have between 15 and 21 days remaining on your current stamp and have the required funds in a Thai bank account. If you don't have a bank account it's almost impossible to open one on a visa exempt stamp so you may find it easier to exit to a nearby country and apply for the visa there
Jack ********
@John *********
between 15 to 21 days? That’s not for all offices. Some allow 45 days beforeJohn **********
@Jack *******
that's for an extension. He asked about conversionJack ********
@John *********
I did my conversion from visa exempt to Non O based on retirement 45 days before my stamp expired. Another case where you make broad generalizations without understanding each office is differentJohn **********
@Jack *******
try reading what I said. Nothing there conflicts with doing it earlier, just that you need to have that time remaining, if you have less they won't allow the conversionReply to
John **********
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Liam ***********
Hi ,I thought you had to apply in your own country for a non o based on retirement? Can you apply on a visa exempt while in Thailand?
Lyndon ************
@Liam **********
yes, if you have a bank account here already. Otherwise you'll struggle to open one, to deposit the required funds on a tourist visa or visa exempt entryLiam ***********
@Lyndon ***********
yes I understand that but if I’m on a Visa exempt for 60 days and then say halfway through that holiday can I then apply for a non-immigrant oo and then open a bank account while still in Thailand, I’m slightly confused because then you would be given a non immigrant o Visa for 90 days so I don’t think that can be done  on top of the 60 days you already have with your exemptBob **********
@Liam **********
no you have to have an account already and the OP has lived in Thailand for 5 years on an OA visa ,he’s probably wanted to switch to Non-o so left came back on a TV or exempt stamp you can certainly apply for a non-o with seasoned funds in a Thai bank in his nameLyndon ************
@Liam **********
not without a bank account, which you'll find near impossible to open. Go ask a local bank for their requirements...Wayne *******
@Liam **********
Do you have a Thai bank account?Liam ***********
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Liam ***********
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Ali *******
However, without a Thai bank account showing the required funds, you cannot change your visa to a retirement visa in Thailand
Nicky *******
@Ali ******
I arrived on 25th November , Now I have a retirement visa and new bank account , Cost to do this was 58,000 thai baht , it can be doneAli *******
@Nicky ******
actual cost to do this 1900 thai baht best of luckHarry ********
@Ali ******
I plan to get a retirement visa in Thailand in the future and did wonder how much agencies charge. With the constant changes to the immigration rules I prefer to have a agency to handle it, but have no idea of feeAli *******
@Harry *******
You don’t need to pay anything to an agency — you can easily handle the process yourself. The safest and cheapest way is to apply for a Non-O Retirement Visa from outside Thailand (preferably your home country). Once you arrive in Thailand with the Non-O visa, everything is straightforward. You can then convert it to a 1-year retirement extension without any problems.Doing it yourself means no unnecessary agency fees and no risk of agents overcharging or pressuring you in the future. The process is simple if you follow the official requirements.
Nicky *******
@Ali ******
Don't need luck mate all ready done 👍Reply to
Nicky *******
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Michael ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ali ******
thank you..lived here for 5 years on NON IMM O-A .have bank account with required funds...thank you for your replyBob **********
@Michael *******
you’ll need 15-21 days left on your stamp to applyReply to
Bob **********
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Ian ********
Big question is have you read the guidelines on how to do this ?
Michael ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ian *******
yes ..Ian ********
@Michael *******
you won’t have any issuesReply to
Ian ********
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Stuart *********
Depends on the office you use. Most allow 30 days prior. Some like Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket allow 45 days.
Reply to
Stuart *********
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