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Should I apply for a retirement visa for Thailand before or after arriving in the country?

Thai Retirement VisaNon-O VisaNon-OA VisaVisa Application ProcessExpatriatesThailand ImmigrationBanking RequirementsHealth Insurance
Jul 15, 2024
4 months ago
Johnny ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Should I apply for retirement visa before going or after I get there?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The general consensus is that applying for a retirement visa, specifically a Non-O or Non-OA visa, is easier before arriving in Thailand. Many commenters suggest that obtaining the visa in your home country helps with setting up banking and fulfilling financial requirements upon arrival. While both options (applying before or after) are technically possible, prior application streamlines the process and reduces complications related to banking or health insurance. There are different types of retirement visas with varying requirements, so it’s essential to research which one suits your situation best.
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.
Radek *******
In Czechia you need documents that are translated and cross-signed by Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Interior, and local Thai embassy could not even help with where they exactly sign papers like these... I gave up, locally. Documents itself are simple, but signatures / translations are not. Much easier to do in Thailand :)
4 months ago
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Angela ********
I’m confused, I read that it was easier from Thailand. If in Thailand you don’t need as many documents such as medical certificates?
4 months ago
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Brian *********
@Angela *******
 yes, some parts is easier. Medical cert is one dr visit signing a piece of paper for things in some cases they can’t even test for. 🤣

The end run biggest difference is the OA is only for a limited time. Mine has lasted me two years. The O is infinite.
4 months ago
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Graham ******
@Brian ********
 The Non-O is not indefinite just like the Non-OA. Both Visas need a new 12 month Extension of Stay every year to stay in Thailand "indefinitely".
4 months ago
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Brian *********
@Graham *****
 I think you misunderstood my intention and fair enough I did not exactly say ‘infinite renewal’ which was what was meant. And indefinite is an entirely different word. 😉

But thanks for helping the clarification for others. 👍
4 months ago
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Brian *********
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Angela ********
@Brian ********
 unfortunately I am going through a break up and unexpectedly do not have the B900,000

I do have the ability to provide the monthly income needed
4 months ago
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Brian *********
@Angela *******
 if you can have 65,000 baht deposited into a Thai bank monthly you’re fine for an O. 👍
4 months ago
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Angela ********
@Brian ********
 cheers .. I thought so. And it looks like it’s best to do from there. M, that’s my other query?

My son has lived in Bangkok for 17 years and has permanent residency, so I travel there often 👍
4 months ago
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Angela ********
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Rob *********
@Brian ********
 ox must be the best option if you have the funds? Ie 3M I have been told that if you apply in your home country you can show funds in your home country's account ? This gives you 5 years before having to worry again
4 months ago
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Brian *********
@Rob ********
 I think it’s at least easier, less work.
4 months ago
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Brian *********
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Chris ***********
Very easy in Thailand
4 months ago
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Max *************
If you're talking about a 90 days Non-immigrant O visa based on retirement, you should apply for it at home. That's by far the easiest way to start.
4 months ago
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John **********
Exactly which retirement visa are you referring to? There are a number of different ones with different requirements
4 months ago
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Johnny ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
 i don't know. I've just recently thought about Thailand. Because of a woman. I was planning on going to the Philippines.
4 months ago
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John **********
@Johnny *******
 time to do some research
4 months ago
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John **********
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Brian **************
Health Insurance can be an issue
4 months ago
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Charles **********
I recently documented, on my Travel Blog, the process as it applies in the United Arab Emirates. You may find some useful tips there as the process should be similar around the world. Good Luck 🇹🇭🙏🏻
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4 months ago
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Charles **********
I’m not sure what
@Todd ********
 finds so funny about this but you do you Todd 🤦🏻‍♂️😝🤷🏼‍♂️
4 months ago
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Todd *********
@Charles *********
 lol. Why?? As you are unsure, will try to bring you up to speed. The post made me laugh out loud. It’s a full on advertisement for why agencies in Thailand are booming rather than going thru this nauseating, time-wasting process. Love the diligence and micro-detail (well done) but that’s why so many use agents. Takes 5 mins and no requirements
4 months ago
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Charles **********
@Todd ********
 but you put a 🤣 on my comment and not the main post. Anyway, whatever …
4 months ago
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Todd *********
@Charles *********
 because it was meant for your comment not the main post
4 months ago
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Charles **********
@Todd ********
 Bye 🤣🤣
4 months ago
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Charles **********
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Greg ***********
The overall process is much easier and the all the requirements less strict, if you get your 90-days Non-Imm-O retirement visa BEFORE you fly
4 months ago
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Terry *********
After then you get the o
4 months ago
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Graham ******
@Terry ********
 Non-O is also available outside Thailand
4 months ago
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Graham ******
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Bart **************
Before going, more natural way to do it. The conditions that you encounter along the way will then be more tailored to your circumstances, such as when opening a bank account (which is difficult on a tourist visa but required for in-country switches), or with proof of onward travel (required for a tourist visa or exemption, but not for longstay visas).
4 months ago
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Stuart *********
Usually easier to apply before in terms of being able to set up a bank account and stuff, but both options will work fine as long as you can get the bank and financials in place.
4 months ago
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Brian *********
Depends on which you want, Non OA, before. Non O after.
4 months ago
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Johnny ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brian ********
 i don't know what any of that means
4 months ago
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Brian *********
@Johnny *******
 here is a breakdown based out of the LA embassy.

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4 months ago
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Brian *********
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Graham ******
@Brian ********
 Non-O is also available outside Thailand
4 months ago
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Brian *********
@Graham *****
 but OA isn’t from inside and I thought it was a better deal for a period. 😎
4 months ago
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Graham ******
@Brian ********
 I know Non-OA isn't, I was just clarifying your misleading statement which suggested Non-O wasn't
4 months ago
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Benny *****
@Graham *****
 thank you for clarifying that! Honestly as someone trying to wrap my head around this stuff clear info is appreciated! Can you tell me the main difference between O and OA?
4 months ago
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Graham ******
@Benny ****
 Basically OA is a 12 month Visa but has extra requirements such as insurance cover
4 months ago
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Graham ******
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Stacey ****************
Before in your native country. Much easier
4 months ago
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Stacey ****************
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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
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