Answered8 years ago

Is it easier to apply for a retirement visa in Thailand after arriving on a tourist visa?

Retirement Visa Non-Immigrant O-A Visa Visa Application Process Visa on Arrival Chiang Mai Immigration Expat Visa Guidance

Mouseen *******

asked Mar 25, 2019

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I am interested in getting a retirement visa. I am in the USA and will arrive in Chiang Mai mid April. It seems to be simpler to arrive in Thailand as a tourist (visa on arrival), then apply for retirement visa in Chiang Mai. Am I right?

Answer summary

The easiest method to obtain a retirement visa is to apply for the Non-Immigrant O-A visa at a consulate in the USA before arriving in Thailand. This visa is valid for one year and allows multiple entries, providing a total stay of almost two years. Arriving on a tourist visa and then transitioning to a retirement visa can involve more complex procedures, including the need to meet specific requirements within a limited timeframe.

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Matthew ********

Take care of everything you can while in the US. You will be glad you did, believe me.

8 years ago

Mouseen *******

Thank you all for great and clear advices. Much appreciated!

8 years ago

Adam *********

As others have conveyed, best to get the Visa in the US before you depart for Thailand. So much easier, no hassle and straight forward.

8 years ago

Robert *******

Much more difficult way: Come to Thailand on a 30 day Visa Exempt Entry, find a Thai bank to open an account and make a foreign deposit of minimum 800.000 Thb. Do this all in 8 days, than visit Immigration Office to apply for the Non Immigrant O visa based on being over 50 years of age, get 90 days of stay and apply after 60 days for an Extension of Stay based on being over 50 years of age.

8 years ago

Paul *********

Time is running short but if you can I would advise getting an non-0A from a consulate in america before you come. You'll get up to 2 years in Thailand without going thru all the hoops of getting a "non-0" and then an "extension of stay" inside Thailand.

8 years ago

Paul *********

To do it incountry (assuming you're an american) you'll arrive either on a tourist visa or a visa exempt entry, then go to a 90day non-0 (>50) then a yearly extension of stay (>50) - believe me if you can get a non-0A before you arrive in Thailand.

8 years ago

Mouseen *******

i went to immigration office in Chiang Mai. What i understood from agent is that i can go straight from 'tourist visa VOA' to retirement visa, as long as you satisfy the financial requirement. They didn't mention non-O. But i hear you and i will double check.

8 years ago

Robert *******

The most easy way is to apply before you make your way into Thailand for the Non Immigrant O-A visa, this is valid for 1 year, gives you multiple entries during this year and you can stay inside Thailand for almost 2 years to find out if you really love it and other ways to stay.

8 years ago

Mouseen *******

I already spend 6 months in Chiang Mai and i love it. Thanks for "Non Immigrant O-A" suggestion; i will explore it!!

8 years ago