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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
2 years ago
Johnny ********
ORIGINAL POSTERShould I apply for retirement visa before going or after I get there?
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.
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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 :)
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?
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.
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".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. 👍
Reply to
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
Brian *********
@Angela *******
if you can have 65,000 baht deposited into a Thai bank monthly you’re fine for an O. 👍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 👍
Reply to
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 againBrian *********
@Rob ********
I think it’s at least easier, less work.Reply to
Brian *********
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Chris ***********
Very easy in Thailand
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.
John **********
Exactly which retirement visa are you referring to? There are a number of different ones with different requirements
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.John **********
@Johnny *******
time to do some researchReply to
John **********
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Brian **************
Health Insurance can be an issue
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 🇹🇭🙏🏻
*********************************************************************
Charles **********
I’m not sure what
@Todd ********
finds so funny about this but you do you Todd 🤦🏻♂️😝🤷🏼♂️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 requirementsCharles **********
@Todd ********
but you put a 🤣 on my comment and not the main post. Anyway, whatever …Todd *********
@Charles *********
because it was meant for your comment not the main postCharles **********
@Todd ********
Bye 🤣🤣Reply to
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
Terry *********
After then you get the o
Graham ******
@Terry ********
Non-O is also available outside ThailandReply to
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).
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.
Brian *********
Depends on which you want, Non OA, before. Non O after.
Johnny ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brian ********
i don't know what any of that meansBrian *********
@Johnny *******
here is a breakdown based out of the LA embassy. **********************************************************************
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Brian *********
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Graham ******
@Brian ********
Non-O is also available outside ThailandBrian *********
@Graham *****
but OA isn’t from inside and I thought it was a better deal for a period. 😎Graham ******
@Brian ********
I know Non-OA isn't, I was just clarifying your misleading statement which suggested Non-O wasn'tBenny *****
@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?Graham ******
@Benny ****
Basically OA is a 12 month Visa but has extra requirements such as insurance coverReply to
Graham ******
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Stacey ****************
Before in your native country. Much easier
Reply to
Stacey ****************
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