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Is it difficult to apply for a retirement visa in Thailand myself without an agent?
May 26, 2025
a year ago
Bailey *******
ORIGINAL POSTERHi everyone, I'm planning to apply for the retirement visa. I already have a Thai bank account. Just wondering - is it difficult to do the application myself without an agent? I speak English but not Thai. Appreciate any advice!
TLDR : Answer Summary
Applying for a retirement visa (NON-O) in Thailand is generally not difficult to do yourself, even if you don't speak Thai. Immigration officers often speak English, and the required documentation is available in English. It's advisable to prepare bank letters confirming your balance of over 800,000 baht, have copies of your passport, and to check the specific requirements at your local immigration office, as they can vary. Getting organized with your documents can simplify future extensions, and many expats find the process satisfying to do independently rather than through an agent.
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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Tony *******
Following
Natasha ********
How did you open a bank account here?
Paul ********
Not difficult and very satisfying to get it done yourself and you also don’t have to worry about the price increase every year from the agents as the price will always rise. Also don’t forget if you want to leave to get a re entry stamp
Jón **************
@Paul *******
you can get multiple entry right? And you need to confirm your address every 90 days, is that possible online?Paul ********
@Jón *************
yes that’s right. It’s online but I do it in person normallyReply to
Paul ********
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Stuart ***********
As others have stated it is easy to do yourself.
The only thing I can add to the other comments is to be organised. Get a folder and put copies of your documents inside, make plenty of copies of your passport pages. Then when you apply for subsequent extensions, everything is already in one place, so you just need to; add the bank letters, fill out the 1 page application and you are done. Good luck.
The only thing I can add to the other comments is to be organised. Get a folder and put copies of your documents inside, make plenty of copies of your passport pages. Then when you apply for subsequent extensions, everything is already in one place, so you just need to; add the bank letters, fill out the 1 page application and you are done. Good luck.
John **********
The only thing to bear in mind if you're applying inside Thailand is that you must have a minimum of 15 days left on your current stamp, 21 days in a few locations. And 1 or 2 offices require you have the 800k baht seasoned for 2 months before you apply. Best to ask at your local immigration office
Bailey *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
Hi, so you mean it’s best to go to the immigration office first, ask them to confirm the exact requirements before starting to prepare the paperwork, right? Also, since you said each immigration office may have different requirements, it makes more sense to confirm with them first before doing anything.John **********
@Bailey ******
correctReply to
John **********
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Brian ******
Following
Tony **********
Are your in Thailand? If so get letter from the bank confirming the 800k and bring a 1yr lease agreement and a couple of passport photos and copies of your passport pages. Take all to immigration. Might be best to go to immigration in advance and get their document checklist.
If not in Thailand, use evisa system to apply. Then deposit the 800k when you get here.
If not in Thailand, use evisa system to apply. Then deposit the 800k when you get here.
Kool *******
It is the easiest visa, and extension, to get yourself. Get a letter from your bank showing your current balance, over bt800,000, and a letter stating the account is yours, in your name only. These can be no more than seven days old. Make copies of your passport, and take all this to immigration and for bt2000 you'll get your type O retirement 90 day visa, and the list of what you need for your one year extension, which isn't much more. It is very easy to do yourself
Braulio *********
Wouldn't it be wise to speak the language where you hope to live??
Tom *******
@Braulio ********
Wow! That’s genius. Anymore pearls of wisdom of wise one?Wayne *****
@Braulio ********
WHY ????????? I have lived in Thailand for 5 years and only know about 20 words of Thai. Easy as!!!!Henry *********
@Braulio ********
Not necessary in Thailand!Reply to
Henry *********
Reply
Andi ***********
Not that difficult to do yourself and documentation is in English; immigration officers speak English. Your local Thai embassy site will detail the process, easiest way , apply for a 90 day Non O and then extend for a year in Thailand.
Stuart *********
Not difficult without an agent. Go to your local immigration office and ask for their hand out for the requirements. Each have slightly different requirements but it will probably be similar to this.
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Stuart *********
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