thailand
Ask question

Is it worthwhile to use an agent for applying for an 'O' visa in Thailand?

Thai visaO visavisa applicationexpatimmigrationagent vs DIYfinancial requirementsretirement visaThai immigration process
May 7, 2022
3 years ago
Mark *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi, will be applying for an 'O' visa in country shortly. Will be depositing tb 800k in local bank. What are people's views using an agent? Worthwhile or not?
3,096
views
2
likes
90
all likes
43
replies
0
images
16
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion encompasses opinions on whether to use an agent when applying for an 'O' visa in Thailand, particularly focusing on the financial requirements such as the need to deposit 800,000 THB in a local bank. Many participants suggest that if you meet all requirements, it is straightforward to apply on your own, saving considerable money, as agents can charge significantly higher fees for their services. However, some believe that agents can offer convenience and may handle complex cases better, provided they come recommended. Ultimately, it seems to depend on personal preference, financial comfort, and the specific circumstances of the applicant.
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.
Chut ******
another easy way, buy elite card
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Terary **********
I prefer not use an agent but sometimes it is worth while. I think also depends a little on the immigration office you intend to use. I find Pattay's immigration office to be challenging while Bankgok and Phuket a little more user friendly.

If you have the time and patients, do it yourself. If you have special needs, value your time, or rather not be bothered, use an agent.

If you choose to use an agent, get a recommendation from some who has used that agent for the same purpose you require.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Aslam ******
No agents required
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Grant *******
Many of the agent visa's/extensions are not valid. Better to do yourself
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Ben *********
Not.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
David *********
Some agencies are very good. You can pay 25,000 to 30,000 THB to an agency and everything is done including the bank deposit. Yes you can do yourself much cheaper 1,900 THB
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Winston ********
@David ********
 1900 is only for a one month extension not for a retiree visa. and my agent charges even less than 50% of what you have mentioned. and i don't leave my home. It's all done for me and peace of mind for a year. It's been my third renewal in Feb this year
3 years ago
Like
Reply
David *********
@Winston *******
 you have this all wrong. Yes it is true you can extend a tourist visa 30 days for 1,900 THB. I never mentioned a tourist visa. To apply for a retirement visa for the first time it will cost 1,900 THB and will be valid for 3 months. You can then apply for a one year extension which is also 1,900 THB. Of course you have to meet financial requirements with the bank or proof of income. All I said was it is easier to have an agent do for you especially the first time. For the first time most agents charge 24,000 to 30:000 THB To renew a retirement visa most agents charge 12,000 THB. Or you can do yourself for 1,900 THB. I prefer to renew mine and my wife’s visa myself each year for 1,900 THB each. What you pay each year is about 10 times what I pay doing it myself. For now I prefer to spend the money I save doing it myself on other things.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Winston ********
@David ********
 ok you know better good for you. Just as i know it you can't get a retiree visa without first applying for a non O which is valid for 3 months and then and then only can you apply for a retiree visa for 12 months which is renewable every year.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
David *********
@Winston *******
 Isn’t that what I said Also You should not admit you do not meet the financial requirements on Facebook or any other social media.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Mark *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David ********
 Agreed
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Mark *******
Reply
Paulus *********
Do it yourself it's easy
3 years ago
Like
Reply
THAI ******************************
Everyone has their own preference.

A fullservice agent handles everything.

If you are in bangkok our team does document pickup/drop off, as well as reporting without you ever needing to leave your condo/residence.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Winston ********
@Thai *****************************
 you're awesome
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Winston ********
Reply
Bobby ********
Waste of money. Get the lowdown from people in this group and do it yourself
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Chris *******
If you qualify and have an account and the required money, why would you use an agent?

Unless it is just convenience and money is not a concern.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Ron ******************
If you meet all the requirements and you have a few hours available each year do it yourself. If you use an agent you will save time at a hefty price and could be scammed in the process.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Winston ********
@Ron *****************
 I made my Non-O visa while i was in Thailand. I used an agency. Then i made my retiree visa. This year Feb was my third renewal with my agent. No hassles, no problems, no going to the immigration, no bank deposit. I just pay them a nominal fee plus 4000 thb for multiple entry visa. Within 2 biz days I get my passport with my visa by courier. Luckily I did it before the onset of the pandemic. 3 years down the line i have had peace of mind.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Siddhartha *********
can you refer agency to me too?
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Winston ********
@Siddhartha ********
 check your messenger please
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Winston ********
Reply
Ron ******************
@Winston *******
 good for you.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Winston ********
@Ron *****************
 thanks. many have benefitted too
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Ron ******************
@Winston *******
 yes. It is a personal choice and some who use agents get great results.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Winston ********
@Ron *****************
 very true Ron. It suits me and now 3 years down the line no hassles of any sort.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Winston ********
Reply
Stuart *********
If you’ve got the money then fairly easy to do it yourself. Just work through the check list of documents you need copies of, bank letters etc and apply.

Most people use an agent because they can’t meet the financial requirements.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Zap **********
Thanks
@Kool ******
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Zap **********
@Kool ******
 does it have to come from your own bank account overseas or just any source overseas? For example your personal financial management company.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Stuart *********
@Michelle ***********
 They don’t care about the source, just that it comes from overseas.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Kool *******
@Michelle ***********
 any overseas source, but it must be direct deposited into your Thai bank account, and your bank statement must show that.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Kool *******
Reply
Philip **********
@Mark ******
Read 22

*****************************************
*****
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Mark *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
 was looking at alternatives for year 1 to see if it was possible to not tie up tb 800k. Year 2would be sending tb 65k monthly.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Philip **********
@Mark ******
 Are you over 50? Look at the extension based on retirement option. No 800 k no insurance requirement.

Stay away from agents unless you can’t meet the financial requirements.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Mark *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Philip *********
 Over 50, would have to wait 13 for seasoning before I could use the 65k monthly option. No 800k ?
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Kool *******
@Mark ******
 he's misinterpreting a type OA retirement visa that you would get at the Thai embassy in your home country. You can use your home country bank deposit. In Thailand you need the bt800,000 in a Thai bank account in your name only for your one year extension on a type O visa based on retirement, but be very aware that this bt800k must come from an overseas source deposited directly into your account. You can't just deposit bt800k cash, and you can't take it out from an ATM, and use that receipt. It must come from an overseas source directly into your account. Many people use Wise to do this with, checking the long term option on the transfer. The same applies to your monthly bt65,000+ deposits for next year
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Philip **********
@Kool ******
 I’m on a non O based on retirement. I don’t have 800 k in bank. My monthly income is over 65 k Bhat a month. I provided proof with a verification letter from the Canadian Embassy. Yes I know most countries don’t issue the letters. You can also use bank statements to show your monthly income. I was already in Thailand.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Kool *******
@Philip *********
 the bank statements must show that the bt65k a month came from overseas. The government about 4 years ago now required that the income notarized letters from embassies had to be verified that they were true, as many people were simply lying on them, as no embassy was checking. Those countries that still issue them, like Canada, do actually verify that what is listed is true, and as such immigration accepts them. Other countries refused to do that, like the US.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Philip **********
@Kool ******
 Good to be Canadian!
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Winston ********
@Philip *********
 To me Canada sucks. I hate their policies n I have a lot of reasons for that.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Philip **********
@Winston *******
 Policies on what? What reasons? Sounds like you got denied a visa. Have you ever lived in Canada?
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Winston ********
@Philip *********
 I am Canadian and i know what i am talking about. This isn't the place nor the time and each to his own. You are very quick to judge and draw assumptions when you don't know the ABC of what some people go through.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Stuart *********
@Philip *********
 er what? What do you mean no 800k?
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Philip **********
@Stuart ********
 I’m on a non o based on retirement. I used the over 65 k monthly income method. I don’t have 800 k in bank. I didn’t even have a bank account when I first applied. ( I do now though). I thought you knew this.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Philip **********
Reply
Stuart *********
@Mark ******
 once you go down the rabbit hole of using an agent you’re usually stuck with doing so again and again unless you “break the chain” and get a new Non O visa from abroad and start over. Many local immigration offices won’t deal with you once you have dealt via an agent.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Stuart *********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
Is it possible to hire an agent to help with the 500k bank statement requirement for a Thai visa?
11 comments
2 months ago
Can I really obtain a Non-O retirement visa in Thailand without opening a local bank account?
109 comments
3 months ago
What are the pros and cons of using a visa agency to help obtain a visa and open a bank account in Thailand?
44 comments
4 months ago
Should I use an agent or go DIY for my retirement visa in Thailand?
46 comments
5 months ago
How can I get a Type O retirement visa in Thailand without a Thai bank account?
116 comments
6 months ago
What is a reasonable fee for an agent to organize a Non-Immigrant O retirement visa in Thailand?
98 comments
7 months ago
How can I find an agent for my O-A visa application in Bangkok or Hua Hin, and is it easy to renew without an agent after the first year?
24 comments
7 months ago
How does using an agent to manage funds for a Thai bank account work, and is my money safe?
48 comments
8 months ago
What do I need to apply for a Retirement O Visa in Thailand while on a tourist visa?
24 comments
9 months ago
What are the steps and costs involved in applying for a retirement visa in Thailand using an agent or on my own?
20 comments
a year ago
What are some recommendations for visa agents in Thailand?
33 comments
a year ago
Is it possible to use an agent to manage my retirement visa requirements using their own funds in Thailand?
100 comments
a year ago
Is it safe to use a visa agent for obtaining a Non-O retirement visa in Thailand?
100 comments
a year ago
What are the options and costs for obtaining an O or OA retirement visa in Thailand?
19 comments
2 years ago
What are the pros and cons of using a visa agent for a Non-O Marriage Visa in Thailand?
12 comments
2 years ago
Is it easier to apply for a Non-Immigrant O visa in Thailand with an agent or in Canada with the embassy?
16 comments
2 years ago
What experiences do expats have with obtaining a 90-day Non-Immigrant O visa and transitioning to a one-year retirement visa in Bangkok?
14 comments
2 years ago
What agency should I use to obtain a retirement visa for Thailand without directly depositing 800,000 THB?
36 comments
2 years ago
What are the typical fees for agents assisting with retirement visas in Thailand, and what do they include?
61 comments
2 years ago
Is it easier to hire a visa agent or do the paperwork myself when changing from a work permit to a retirement visa in Thailand?
41 comments
4 years ago
Can I apply for a Non-O visa based on retirement in Thailand without an agency?
12 comments
4 years ago
Should I use an agency for my O/A visa in Thailand or apply for it before entering the country?
0 comments
6 years ago
Should I apply for my "O" retirement visa in Australia or Thailand?
33 comments
6 years ago
What is the process and approximate cost of renewing a retirement visa in Thailand with the help of an agent?
58 comments
7 years ago
Is it worth hiring an agent for a marriage visa in Thailand if I meet the financial requirements?
15 comments
7 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.