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Is it expensive to use an agent for a NON-O visa and bank account setup in Thailand?
Thailand visaNON-O visaexpat life in Thailandbank account in Thailandusing agents for visa applicationsfinancial requirements for Thai visa
Jun 2, 2025
a year ago
Sam *********
ORIGINAL POSTERIs your monthly about 90,000 baht?
Then, in your opinion...
Is using an agent to get non.O and open a bank account relatively expensive to you?
[US retired guy asking. ThanX in advance for your time]
AND Thank you for your responses.
Thought about it. I'll be 70 in November. I think I'll keep my house for a place to visit until I get tired of long flights, maybe in 6 or 8 years. Then I'll sell it. That's the only way I could get an elite visa. I want to live in Thailand, probably til death.
Meanwhile...
I'll see if the town's "guv'ner" can help, along with my fiancé, represent with me at the local bank. Soon enough it seems from reading the constructive comments here and other same-group posts... I'll be able to use the monthly income method for the 800k/yr.
Then, in your opinion...
Is using an agent to get non.O and open a bank account relatively expensive to you?
[US retired guy asking. ThanX in advance for your time]
AND Thank you for your responses.
Thought about it. I'll be 70 in November. I think I'll keep my house for a place to visit until I get tired of long flights, maybe in 6 or 8 years. Then I'll sell it. That's the only way I could get an elite visa. I want to live in Thailand, probably til death.
Meanwhile...
I'll see if the town's "guv'ner" can help, along with my fiancé, represent with me at the local bank. Soon enough it seems from reading the constructive comments here and other same-group posts... I'll be able to use the monthly income method for the 800k/yr.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The community discusses whether or not it is cost-effective to use an agent for obtaining a NON-O visa and setting up a bank account in Thailand, especially for retirees with a monthly income of around 90,000 baht. Opinions vary, with some suggesting that hiring an agent saves time and hassle, while others believe that the process is simple enough to handle independently if financial requirements are met. There are considerations about the requirement to maintain 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account and the implications of using an agent versus doing it oneself. Overall, the conversation highlights different perspectives based on personal priorities regarding time, money, and willingness to engage with bureaucratic processes.
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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Dennis *********
You still going to have to deposit 800k when you apply, unless you use an agent... so depends on if you have savings.
Martin *********
I used one the first year I came and I'm in the middle of using one for my second year. Yes the paperwork is too confusing and I don't want to stand in line all day. I would much rather pay them to do it
Bill *********
@Martin ********
Precisely right! I have far better things to do than standing in line when such can easily be outsourced.Stuart ***********
@Martin ********
It's one a4 form with about 15 questions, things like name, date of arrival in Thailand, address in Thailand. The rest is simply photocopies of your documents and a hand drawn map of where you live. It couldn't be much simpler. I have done it four times and it has taken me less than an hour each time. I respect your decision, but it's very simple really.Reply to
Stuart ***********
Reply
Pete *******
If you meet the financial requirements there is no value in using an agent.
Bill *********
@Pete ******
There is huge value in using an agent. My time is valuable. I can make money, but I can't make time. If you've found a way, then enlighten us. Otherwise I'll use an agent and recommend that approach to everyone.Pete *******
@Bill ********
if you think you can find value in using an agent go for it. I however prefer to invest those funds in a passive income stream resulting in never worrying about working again.Bill *********
@Pete ******
Definitely a good strategy. I became "recreationally employed" back in 2002 and passive income investing several years ago. So we're both reading the same book.Reply to
Bill *********
Reply
Jesper *******
It's not how much u earn VS spending on agents......some like to do it themselves and learn the process where else some just like to chill out and let others handle it for a fee....for myself I can afford a agent but I like to do it myself as will be doing it every year and spending half a day at the immigration office once a year is OK with me .....mostly those that doesn't have the 800k funds will need assist from the agent
Steve ******
@Jesper ******
not necessarily I've got 800,000 but don't want to tie it up in a thai bank account,I've got a bangkok bank account😊😊Michael *******
You will be breaking the law, and regardless of Will relatives can access the account allbeit through a local lawyer - I speak from experience - a Will is best way to go however takes care of all potential issues for those you leave behind.
Jesper *******
@Steve *****
well yes many have been stating they earn more interest else where and rather pay agent fees and I do agreed ....it's only for the first 2yrs once you have successfully changed to 65k method your 800k is set freeSteve ******
@Jesper ******
hi jesper it wasn't the interest part for me it was the fact if something happened to me its hard for anyone to access the money even if theres a willJesper *******
@Steve *****
I understand you and it's a different scenario for everyone .....I have a legal next of kin here in thailand so I won't think too much into itReply to
Jesper *******
Reply
James ********
I'm planning to use one.
Bill *********
@James *******
Great ideaReply to
Bill *********
Reply
Stuart ***********
It's an easy process (admittedly heavily dependent on lots of photocopies). So it depends if you want to give your money away or spend an hour in immigration each year. Up to you.
John *******
@Stuart **********
Last time for me was a day and a half.Stuart ***********
@John ******
why? What happened?John *******
@Stuart **********
Nothing. It’s normal. The place is always packed. There’s a large tent outside for overspill. It is also always packed. So, experience varies. It isn’t always simply a choice between ‘giving your money away’ on an agent and ‘spending an hour’ doing it yourself. If that were the case then far fewer people would use agents.Stuart ***********
@John ******
when was this and which immigration office?Reply to
Stuart ***********
Reply
Dwain *******
@Stuart **********
it has been my experience to be at least an hour at the office I frequent and some headache medicine would be advised. And yes, remember, copies, copies, copies!Stuart ***********
@Dwain ******
It does depend on the immigration office and choosing the best day/time, but I have done it four times now in two different provinces and the times ranged between 30 to 55 minutes. Admittedly, you do have to spend a bit of time in the bank in addition to this.Reply to
Stuart ***********
Reply
Sam *****
If you have that money get an elite visa..save yourself 20 years of hassle.
Sam *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Sam ****
ThanXx . Thought about it. I'll be 70 in November. I think I'll keep my house for a place to visit until I get tired of long flights, maybe in 6 or 8 years. Then I'll sell it. That's the only way I could get an elite. I'm thinking 90 to100 thousand baht per month is ok for two,so it would be awhile before I could get 800k to plunk over. Im coming over on June 16th for a while, maybe long term.เดแคลน ***********
@Sam ****
You need to be invited to apply for the 20 year elite visa, max you can get is 15 without the invitation.Mark *********
@เดแคลน **********
How do you obtain an invitation?เดแคลน ***********
@Mark ********
I've no idea but if I had to hazard a guess, my guess would be that you either have to have had them before or you know somebody who knows somebody (the invitations a very selective and very limited)Reply to
เดแคลน ***********
Reply
Bob **********
@Sam ****
LTR if you got the money much cheaperMarty *********
@Bob *********
Not going to happen with 90,000฿/ monthSam *****
@Bob *********
true!Reply to
Sam *****
Reply
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