Is it possible to switch from a Non-B visa to a Retirement visa without leaving Thailand?

Non-B visa Retirement visa Visa transition Work permit Thai immigration Visa application process Visa requirements Non-O visa

July 3, 2023

a year ago

Mma *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello: I am on a Non- B visa and work permit. I want to transition to a Retirement visa when I quit my job in October. When I quit, I understand the Work Permit and Non- B are canceled. I would like to pivot from the non B to Retirement visa, is this possible if my Work Permit is canceled, and not have to leave the country and re-enter? Cheers-

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is seeking guidance on transitioning from a Non-B visa and work permit to a Retirement visa without leaving Thailand. Responses indicate that typically, one must cancel the current work permit and Non-B visa, and it is often required to leave the country to apply for the new Retirement visa. Some commenters share personal experiences indicating that applying for a new visa in-country may have different processes, but returning as a tourist may simplify the transition.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
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Mma *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Is there a Insurance requirement for the Retirement visa? I would inagine there is cheers..?

a year ago

Mzwaks ************

Sorry to take over your comment, but my school in Thailand is putting together the paperwork I need to apply for a visa. I have a three-year university diploma as well as a postgraduate diploma (level 8, just above a degree), but I'm not sure if they will accept it since many people say you need a degree and I'm in the middle of my Masters in philosophy, which is due to end next year. I have saqa verification in addition to having studied in South Africa and being a South African, so I'm unsure if this is the right course of action.

a year ago

Prinze ******

From what I know as well, you need to leave the country.

If you're changing Visa types, it would be easier for everyone for you to cancel the old Visa and work permit. Leave the country, come in as a tourist then process the NEW Non O Visa.

Or they might ask you, to process the NON-O in a Thai Embassy, in the country where you're going if it's easier for you.

a year ago

Mma *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Prinze *****

thanks- seems best option from what I can gather.

a year ago

Reply to

Mma *******

Anthony *********

I went from non B to Non O for marriage, I had to cancel my work permit etc and then I had to leave the country and then come back in on a 30 day visa free stamp and then start the in country process for obtaining the non O for marriage.

I'm not 💯 sure but I'm pretty certain that will be how you will have to do it as well, you'll need to close the loop by leaving the country Essentially ending your time here on a non B then returning to start the process for Non O retirement, although you apply for this outside the county as well, I just went for the In country option which is available as well, at least on a non O for marriage

a year ago

Mma *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Anthony ********

I tend to agree. It seems the best way to reset everything.

a year ago

Reply to

Mma *******

Brandon ************

Your work permit and work extension are not cancelled. You need to cancel them. Whether or not your immigration office will then let you apply for a conversion to non-O will be up to them. You need to ask the office you'll be applying through if they'll allow it.

a year ago

Mma *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

OK thanks- I thought when I quit my job I have 7 days to leave the country...?

a year ago

Brandon ************

@Mma ******

no. Your permission to stay ends your last day of work. There's no magical 7 days to leave. You also need to cancel your work permit with documentation from your company that states your last day of work. You can go about a week early and cancel it for the future. Then take the same documents and your cancelled work permit to the immigration office that issued your work extension and cancel that about a week ahead of time as well. If you don't do this you cannot apply for another long term extension in Thailand until you do, and you'll be fined 20,000 baht for failing to notify immigration about your change in status which you agreed to do when you signed the paper for your extension.

Once you cancel your work extension is when you would apply for your non-O visa. In the same visit to immigration even. But you need to check with them if they'll allow the change from work extension to non-O visa and if they will, what the requirements are.

a year ago

Charlotte *************

@Brandon ***********

one question. If there is a move ahead. Mustn't be in the same place where you work(ed). I mean can cancel everything and then apply for visa in another district/province?

a year ago

Brandon ************

@Charlotte ************

you can only cancel where it was issued. But if you're going to apply in a different office you'd have to do that there. But you'll want to ask beforehand if it's possible before planning everything around the expectation that it is.

a year ago

Reply to

Brandon ************

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Can I convert my work extension of stay to a retirement extension in Thailand without leaving the country?

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