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Should I apply for a retirement visa or a tourist visa before traveling to Thailand?

Dec 28, 2025

5 hours ago

Hello, I am inquiring about the retirement visa.  I have plans to travel to Thailand in March of 2026. Would you apply for the retirement visa prior to coming or apply for the tourist visa 1st? Hope this makes sense. Trying to get clarity. Thank you.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The consensus among community members is that it is advisable to apply for a retirement visa (Non-O) before traveling to Thailand. Several comments emphasize the benefits of obtaining the visa in advance, highlighting that it simplifies entry into the country and avoids additional steps and paperwork associated with converting a tourist visa to a retirement visa once in Thailand.

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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Juliana **********

If you qualify, it’s usually best to apply for the retirement visa before traveling, as it simplifies entry and avoids extra steps in-country. Some people do enter on a tourist visa first and convert later, but that can add time and paperwork. For clear, step by step guidance and current requirements, it’s worth checking out Landscape for more tips.

an hour ago

Jack *****

100% obtain Non O (retirement) prior to entering Thailand.

This is done online using eVisa platform.

4 hours ago

Anna *********

Apply for non O before coming to Thailand

Arrive in Thailand

Open bank acct

Transfer required funds

Apply for extension of stay based on retirement

All done 😀

4 hours ago

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

Unless you already have a Thai bank account, getting a retirement option inside of Thailand is not an option.

Do things the way they are meant to be done. Get the visa you need from a Thai embassy before you travel, and that will allow you do the next steps inside of Thailand that will allow you to extend that stay.

5 hours ago

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

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How far in advance should I apply for a retirement visa in my home country before moving to Thailand?

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