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Is it better to arrive in Thailand on a tourist visa and then switch to a retirement visa or to get the retirement visa beforehand?

Thai retirement visaNON-O visatourist visavisa extensionvisa agentbank account openingimmigrationexpat adviceThailand visas
Mar 5, 2024
8 months ago
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello, have a newbie question. Is it easier to just show up on the tourist visa & get it extended so I can then get a agent then a retirement visa? I have the money, I'm old enough, etc. I'm just not sure what hoops to jump through to make the transition of getting to Thailand and getting set up as painless as possible. Any strategy help would be appreciated. Thanks.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion centers around options for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand, particularly for those considering arriving on a tourist visa. Many participants suggest it is more efficient to secure the NON-O retirement visa from a Thai embassy before traveling to Thailand, as it simplifies the process for opening a bank account and reduces the hassle of conversions and extensions. While some discuss the possibility of arriving on a tourist visa and using a visa agent for assistance, they highlight the importance of understanding the specific requirements, which can vary based on nationality. Furthermore, it’s advised to have health insurance and be aware of the paperwork involved.
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.
Shlomo ***********
Be smart. Make sure you have at least a basic medical insurance. Things happen and you should have coverage.
8 months ago
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Terary **********
In case it hasn't already been said. Firstly, your nationally my influence what options are available to you. Secondly, there are different requirements depending if you get your retirement visa in your home country vs in Thailand. I have buddy that says that the insurance requirements for getting a visa in the USA are different than getting a visa in Thailand.
8 months ago
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Judy **********
We came over on a TR, got an agent and applied for a non immigrant o then a retirement visa. 800k in the bank each and have had no problems.

People will say you must do this in your home country. Not true. It's far easier doing it the way your suggesting.

Use a visa agent and they will also assist with opening a bank account here.

Feel free to PM me as my husband and I did all of the visa applications after arriving in Thailand.
8 months ago
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David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Judy *********
 Thank you very much. I still have to sell everything here in Canada, but I'm trying to head over around July/August. Appreciate yours and everyone's help. Weight off my mind. Cheers.
8 months ago
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Judy **********
@David *******
 If you have further questions, feel free to ask. I was once in your position.
8 months ago
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Judy **********
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Steve **********
Get correct visa before travel, then your set without an agent
8 months ago
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Alan ********
Just come do it here in Thailand on tourist visa all they want is your passport at a visa agent at worst you may have to get an extension for an extra 30 days. I gave up trying in Australia was stressing big time so just came out went to agent paid fee all sorted no stress opened bank account also. Just do it.
8 months ago
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David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Alan *******
 That's what I'm hearing from everyone. Cheers.
8 months ago
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David ********
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Dennis *********
I've just retired and going to Thailand for 2months how do I find out what visa is required thanks
8 months ago
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Judy **********
@Dennis ********
Hi Dennis, If you're over 50, you can apply for non immigrant o which gives you 3 months, then apply for the retirement visa which gives you one year. You will need to do 90 day check-ins and renew your retirement visa yearly.

Use a visa agent the first time as there is a lot of paperwork involved.
8 months ago
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Dennis *********
OK thanks
8 months ago
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Sophia ******
@Dennis ********
It's called Google... No one knows where you're from or anything so just start your research and then ask some specific question for clarification. Government and official websites are best and make sure it is the very most recent info.
8 months ago
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Dennis *********
OK thanks
8 months ago
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Dennis *********
@Sophia *****
 OK
8 months ago
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Dennis *********
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Henrik *****
Get older, as the first thing on the to-do list.

When going to Thailand for 31 - 60 ( 90 )days, the 60 days touristvisa is the best option.

It is cheaper than visaexcempt + 30 days extension.

No need of a onward ticket ( 90 days 1 onward ), if returnticket within 60 days.

It is easier to apply from the comfort of your home.

thaievisa.go.th

Not wasting holiday time to find, go to and waiting at a immigration office ( 90 you would need that ).

Then no need to leave Thailand in up to 90 days.
8 months ago
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David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Henrik ****
 Thanks, I'm 61
8 months ago
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David ********
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Allen ********
I’m doing the version where you try to do that, then end up having to fly back to the states for marriage certificate authentication, which takes around 12 weeks.

My wife who has dual citizenship is staying to take care of parents.

Can’t open the bank account for the 400k baht until the marriage certificate is authenticated. (not apostilled)

You’re doing right to ask around. Just assume that less than half of what you’re told is possibly wrong for your particular situation, even if you have guidance of an professional or lawyer.
8 months ago
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David *******
I’m not sure what country you’re from but I found it very straightforward to get a Non O ‘for Retirement’ from the Thai Embassy in London using the E-Visa website. I then got the first annual extension in Thailand. I used an agent, even though I met all the requirements myself, as it’s worth it to me to avoid dealing with immigration.

If you go on a Tourist Visa then, yes, an agent can do everything for you. If you don’t have a bank account, don’t have the cash in a bank there and want a multiple Reentry permit then the first time will cost about
*****
baht. That will see you right for 15 months before the next Extension is due.
8 months ago
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David *********
The easiest way is to go to a visa agent. Yes it will cost you but everything will be done. No worries. It is true you can do it yourself for a lot cheaper but you probably end up fustrated. From the second year do it yourself very easy then
8 months ago
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Richard ******
@David ********
 He knows!
8 months ago
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Stuart ***********
@David ********
 my understanding is that if you use an agent the first year, you have to use an agent for subsequent years (they somehow mark you down as gullible I guess), is that not correct?

If he gets the non o before he arrives he's only applying for the extension inside Thailand, which will be the same the second year.

It's all very simple to do himself.
8 months ago
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Taz **********
@Stuart **********
 I have seen ppl post that they used an agent initially then made deposits each month of the required 65,000 / month, then on renewal they went themselves and extended on the monthly income stream
8 months ago
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Brandon ************
@Taz *********
 most immigration offices require a 12 month bank statement when you go for your next renewal as proof that you had 800,000 in the bank for the 3 months after your previous extension. So if your used an agent to avoid having the money, even if you start a monthly transfer, you will be refused your next extension as you cannot prove you met the requirements for your previous extension (800,000 in the bank for 3 months after and never dropping below 400,000 the rest of the year)
8 months ago
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Taz **********
@Brandon ***********
 all of know is I did see someone state they had moved from an agent to doing it on their own & they were stating this as a reference to people who said that once you use an agent you are stuck with the agent stream
8 months ago
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Taz **********
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Brandon ************
@Stuart **********
 depends on if you're using the agent to bypass the requirement to have money in the bank or not. If you used an agent for that, you'll need one next year too, and every year going forward until you put the money in the bank because they want your bank statement from the last year to show it.

But if your agent is just going to the immigration office so you don't have to, but you otherwise meet all the requirements yourself, you should be fine next year. Assuming they used your local immigration office.
8 months ago
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Stuart ***********
@Brandon ***********
 aaah! That makes sense now, thanks.
8 months ago
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Stuart ***********
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Bart **************
Just get the right visa before going. Then you don't need to provide unfitting docs to your visa application, like an exit flight booking. And it's overall less hassle.
8 months ago
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Brandon ************
It's generally easier if you get the non-O retirement visa from the embassy in your home country before you travel to Thailand. It'll make getting a bank account easier and means you only have 1 step to get onto the 1 year extension of stay.

If you come on a tourist visa it's more difficult to open the required bank account and you'll have to first apply for the non-O visa conversion then wait a couple of months and then apply for the 1 year extension.
8 months ago
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Shlomo ***********
@Brandon ***********
 this is a really important way to start that you mention , the initial 60 day tourist visa is the best way to begin, it saves money and time, also depending on ones home country, and the immigration office you apply at, you can get a letter of income validation from your embassy/ consulate for the Thai immigration department, it speeds the whole process up. Well, not really speed it up but it cuts out a couple of steps.

It seems daunting but you don’t need an agent, it’s illegal and could backfire in the future.

I just got my 90 day extension stamp in this process so next trip in may is 1 yr retirement stamp.

It’s not difficult to do on your own but you should have a Thai translator with you at the offices
8 months ago
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Shlomo ***********
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