Answereda year ago

Is it better to start the visa process for retiring in Thailand while still in the US or after arriving on a tourist visa?

Retirement Visa NON-O Visa Visa Process Expats in Thailand Banking in Thailand Health Insurance for Expats

Andy ***********

asked Nov 3, 2025

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here or there?

I'm 74 and i'm finally planning on retiring soon to Thailand from US.. I have been  many times over the last 10 years, so hopefully, I kind of know what I'm getting myself into:)  to a￼nyone who's already gone through the visa process.. I'm wondering, did you find it necessary to work with a visa service or did you figure it out on your own, if you used a Visa service that you've liked, recommendations would be welcome .  

also, ￼is it better to start the process while I'm still here in the US or should I wait until I'm in Thailand on a tourist visa?   Much appreciate input!   🙏

Answer summary

A retiree planning to move to Thailand seeks advice on whether to complete the NON-O visa process in the US or after arriving on a tourist visa. Comments emphasize the importance of starting the visa process in the US, with several users advising against waiting until arriving in Thailand. They recommend obtaining a NON-O Visa prior to departure, opening a Thai bank account, depositing funds, and applying for a retirement extension once in Thailand. Recommendations include doing it independently rather than using a visa service, though users suggest connecting with friends already in Thailand for personal recommendations.

14 repliesnewest first

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Dennis *********

Do your Non-O Retirement Visa there. Figure out your money/banking situation — have a couple of available options. Get a google phone number and update your banks and credit cards with it. Do the 12 month when you get here, have opened your bank account and seasoned your money 2 months

a year ago

Andy ***********

a year ago

Andy ***********

a year ago

Andy ***********

thanks!!

a year ago

Bent *************

Start in USA and DIY!

a year ago

Bob ********

Start you non 0 in USA, whatever consulate in your area, get the 90 day approved, get with Thai Visa in BKK and get the one year extension multiple entry retirement,

*****

THB I believe 3 days and done

a year ago

Fortune ************

@Bob *******

*****

THB ????????

a year ago

Bob ********

Yes,

*****

for extension and 4000 more or multiple entry. THB so about 600 USD

a year ago

Pete *******

@Bob *******

1900 baht extension, 3800 baht multi re-entry stamp

a year ago

J **************

I’m 71.5

1. Depends in what visa you want: talk to your friends over here they will have solid recommendations for an agent

2. Make sure you get inpatient health insurance when you arrive unless you are wealthy

a year ago

Anna *********

Don’t wait until you get to Thailand on a tourist Visa that doesn’t work.

you will need to get a non-O Visa from where you live then enter Thailand open a bank account deposit fundsinto the Thai bank account

Then go to immigration and apply for a extension based on retirement

No need for a Visa Agent. My parents just did this at the grand old age of 86 and they are technologically illiterate Thai

Ensure you meet the requirements as outlined on the official Thai website

a year ago

Sai ********

@Anna ********

Please allow me to trouble with few basic questions, like what you have to do first when you landed with non-immigrant O visa. Report to immigration within 24 hours of your resident; ask for requirements to apply of 1 year extension stay; registered family registration with concerned Amphur authorities; open bank account and transfer necessary amount to season it for 2 months; then apply for 1 year extension at the concerned immigration department. Please tell me, if the said procedure are in order? Or if I have overlooked any step. And if 400,000 deposit for marriage Visa and 800,000 for retirement are still correct? Thanking you in advance.

a year ago

Andy ***********

a year ago

Lynnette *******

Get your non-O in USA. Fly in, open bank account asap, deposit the 800k, once seasoned apply for 12 month extension at immigration. Ask them for the last of what documents they want.

a year ago