Should you apply for a retirement visa through an agency or manage it yourself?

Did it without an agent from inside Thailand was a bit of a hassle,better to do from home country first time

many foreigner can get all paperwork and go to do themselves but the agency can make easier for you

Use an agency, it's inexpensive.

I did it a few times by my self...not totally easy but doable...

Most important i think is, to do exactly as youre told, dont comment, dont argue....if you need to go three times so what...

I think the immigration officers want to learn a bit about you, test you and have a relationship...once they trust you it gets easyer every time.

Best retirement visa for you is A RETIREMENT VISA.

My moto is agents are for those that want to cheat the system, i know for some reason others do prefer to use their service when they don't need to, but I honestly find the whole application process goes quite smoothly, i never used agents during my years on a marriage visa, and i don't now I'm on retirement visa

You can do it yourself that’s what I’m doing, but I suggest you get the non-O – a

visa before you leave the country before you get to Thailand.

Ive heard using an agency, they can put the money into the account on your behalf then withdraw it afterwards. Anyone heard of that approach?

It is not a difficult process. If you find an agency that is not expensive and your lazy, then use an agency. A friend that used an agency paid 1000 US. If that is my choice, I will do it myself.

Using an agent makes it easy.expensive thou

The way Thailand is going I wouldn’t bother just get a multi entry and mum the border every 90 days it’s no longer a welcoming country : (

Agency. Thai Visa Centre is very professional, helpful and reliable. Highly recommended

The key is opening a bank account. If you can’t do it on your own you need an agent.

Why nowone say you can have 65.000 baht/mont and get non-o -visa.

You don't need these 800.000 baht in the bank

He’s back

Apply for Non-O from home country

Saves $$$$

I don’t think you need to …I’m going to check out the website before I hand over cash.

If you have the 800,000 Baht to put in a bank then that's the best and cheapest way. If you get the non-immigrant O-visa then that's normally the best as it doesn't need medical insurance unlike the OA-visa. The steps are:- Apply for and get a O-visa in you country BEFORE coming to Thailand, once here go to Immigrtation and get a residency certificate then go to a Thai bank (I recommend Kasikorn) and open a bank account, it must allow immediate withdrawing so a basic account is all you need. Transfer at least 800,000 Baht into that account and this must appear in the account within the first 30 days as you have to wait 90 days before you can apply for the 12 month extension of stay based on retirement (if 50 or over), obviously it also has to be within the 90 days stay that you get on entry. During your wait or when you got the residencey certificate get the documents and checklist of what you need for the extension from the Immigration office. Things that it will include are the TN47 (application of stay), TM30 on a paper attached to your passport from when you registered where you are staying or they will have it on thier records, copies of the info page, arrival stamp, and O-visa from your passport and copies of your rental agreement or other proof of where you are living and finally a letter & statment from the bank (just tell then that it's for a retirement visa and they should know what you want. The list can be different depending on the Immigration office and how things change over time. The letter from the bank will cost 200 or 300 Baht and the retirement extension is 1900 Baht so about 2200 Baht total which is a lot less than an agent which I've been told is currently somethere about 50,000 to 70,000 Baht depending on if you already have the O-visa and if you have the 800,000 Baht in the bank and where you go. One warning about not having the 800,000 Baht in the bank and using an agent to 'cover' it, I've recently seen posts about Immigration coming out and checking people who recently got an extension and asking to see the bank book, I don't know if it is true but it is being posted.

Agency then no need yo have 800k in the bank. Zero hassles.

@THAI *****************************

i come on tourist visa and had one visit to agency... had bank account in 5 days and money in by day 14.. all smooth and no yapyapping with thai immigration..no need for health check and any health insurance proof..

not needed

For most people, the best and most cost-effective way to apply for a retirement visa is to do it yourself while you are still outside Thailand, through the official eVisa portal.

That said, this is not always possible for everyone. Depending on your nationality, timing, location, or personal circumstances, you may not be able to obtain the Non-O visa this way before coming to Thailand. In those situations, it may make more sense to enter Thailand first and apply from inside the country.

However, for most applicants, applying independently through the eVisa portal before arrival is usually the cheapest and most straightforward option.

Once you have your Non-O visa, you can normally open a Thai bank account. Without a Non-O visa, opening a Thai bank account can be extremely difficult unless you use a visa agent who can help facilitate the bank account opening together with the visa process. This route can be expensive, but it can also be effective when someone cannot handle the process on their own.

After you have your Non-O visa and Thai bank account, the next step is up to you. Yearly retirement extensions are usually much cheaper and more economical than the initial setup. If you meet all the requirements and are comfortable dealing with immigration yourself, you can apply for the yearly extension directly. On the other hand, if you want to avoid the hassle, paperwork, or uncertainty, using an agent can still make sense.

As for which agency to use, we are obviously biased and would say that we are the best choice for most people. That said, it is always a good idea to ask others for their experiences and recommendations. Hopefully, others will recommend us as well.

We would also like to note that we are the highest-rated and most-reviewed visa agency in Thailand when combining public reviews across platforms.

Using a Bayesian average rating calculation on our google reviews, our review score is approximately 97.8 (1,911 reviews 4.9 avg).

If you trust the banks of thailand with 800,000 bht do it yourself. If you dont want to go back and forth to the imagination office until youve struggled with all the requirements, then an agent is nice. Drip your passport off and sit in your easy chair until the agent has you pick up your passport.

I used an agency and I was damn glad I did. I use them for everything, annual extensions, AND 90 day reports.

I just don’t like messing with the sh it.

I don’t like the fact that I even need to think about it so once this extension is up I’m moving to Cambodia. There renew retirement visa once per year without a bunch of paperwork and headache, no 90 day reports, and an agent does everything. Total cost about $300.

Not evry one has the posibilty, to put 0b in a bank.

The best ist the privilege Visa 10 years and after that 20 years.

Important is whether having a bank account in Thailand. If not get an agent

I did it myself. About half way through the process i considered using an agency but was talked out of it by a couple of Thai freinds. It was aggravating and time consuming, and i had 2 Thais helpingme. I've done it myself every year since. It's not as bad now that I'm more familiar with the process, but it's still a little aggravating.

I'm considering using an agency next year.

I have 1 question for experts here. About non-O. Since 1 have to deposit TBH$800k and season for 2 months minimum, would keeping it in FD applicable for 1yr extension?

Hello Wise Folks, How much Bank deposit is needed for a couple over 55 years old?

If money is more precious than your time do it yourself. If you can afford an agent don’t do it yourself the first time.

It's best to apply for a visa before you travel to Thailand. Which visa you should apply for is a mixture of personal preference and eligibility. There are at least 4 visas that all get referred to as retirement visas, check them out and apply for the one that best suits you

Non-O, Non-OA, Non-OX and LTR Wealthy Pensioner

Agent if you havnt got the 0 and don't want the headaches,never heard of anyone having problems with an agent ,

depends on how you like to spend your time and what cost your visa agent has in mind for you. The first one I did on my own the renewal I also did on my own. It took me about 6 hours to complete the paperwork and go through the waiting process at the immigration office.

I got mine sorted with agency.One visit had non o and retirement visa in 7 days.

Easy enough not to use an agent

If you are intending to fly in and out of Thailand after you get your 12 month stay get a multiple entry permit this costs 3400 baht that's what I'll be doing as I intend to be traveling outside Thailand twice a year.

Apply for a Non O retirement visa before traveling to Thailand .

What I haven’t seen mentioned yet is that most banks now require a letter of residency from

Immigration to open an account .

Immigration will require a non tourist visa (non o works ) and a one year lease to issue this letter.

You have only 90 days to get the lease , the letter , and transfer 800k .

You allow need to have the 800k for 2 months now to apply for a one year extension. So if you DO NOT use an agency you will be under pressure to get all this done in the first week of your arrival. some agencies are able to get things done for you however each step they are involved in likely raises the price of services.

Step 1. Apply for Non O from outside of Thailand ( does not have to be your own country I did it from Laos.)

Step 2. Obtain a lease agreement ( pretty sure it has to be one year to satisfy bank , and immigration)

This can take time depending on the sabai sabai of your landlord.

Step 3. Go to immigration ask for a letter of residency to open a bank account ( I paid 500b)

Step 4. Go to a Thai bank open an account make sure to bring the letter from immigration, passport , 2nd ID , and lease agreement. (Still some may turn you down . I suggest trying Kasikorn first.

Step 5. Transfer 800k to your Thai account.

Now after 2 months you can apply for a 1 year extension for 1900b

If you want to skip this step then use an agency .

Check Google reviews .

Ask expats in your area etc. you have done most of the work already so rates will be 12-20k .

I asked around in my area , and the answer from local expats were all the same so I used said agent. Was in and out of immigration in 30mins most of that was wait time.

DO NOT USE AN AGENCT THAT DOES NOT Take you TO IMMIGRATION IN person there have been scams that used forged stamps . The victim was charged , and spent some time in Thai jail. Agency gone.

Google reviews are your friend . Good luck

Contact the Thai embassy in whatever country you are from, assuming you are there now. You should be able to apply for a retirement visa via an application, fee, and then send in your passport and usually a photo or 2. That's worked for me time after time, been flawless. I usually send in proof of income as well or funds in savings as that is a thing now.

.Is baht per month not better than 800,000 lump sum that cannot go below 400,000 then back up to 800,000 3 months or more before the extension ? As soon as the 65,000 is deposited it can then be withdrawn/spent until the following month. Using an FX provider like Money gram or Western Union carries a £1 fee each transfer. Am I missing something here ?

I’ve spent the last three weeks trying to register on the visa website and it keeps crashing.

I’m retiring there in September. Im going with the 60 Day entrance visa, then hiring an agent to change it to a retirement.

I’ve got a lease, I’ve got the cash for the deposit, I’m not stressing it.

Steven Kureiji the Non O based on retirement is easy. Do in your home country then travel here and get the bank account. Season ฿800,000 for 2 months and apply for the extension. Easy

Welcome to Thailand 🇹🇭 ♥️

Go to nearby Thai embassy or consulate in your country is the best way to apply and save money sir.

the question if you need an agent depends on your intellectual skills. If you apply for the 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa before you wing your way to Thailand, you can get your bank account opened and transfer the required 800,000 THB needed for the 1-year stay permit

Of course there is such a thing as a “Non-O retirement visa”.

I am amazed how careless people use the word “Retirement Visa”.

Do you mean the 90-days Retirement Visa or do you mean the 1-year Retirement Extension?

Actually, the term “retirement visa” can mean seven (7) different visas and stay permits, it depends what people like to say, be it wrong or not.

With kind regards and thanks to Robert Lagas, who wrote it up originally, and whose original text I have only marginally altered.

Once more, because people try to give advice based on what they think is a "Retirement Visa"

First of all, you do not have to be retired to apply for this visa. You however need to be 50 years or older.

Well, some Thai embassies will insist that you already receive a pension, or they will tell you to apply for the Non-Imm-O/A Longstay Visa instead. How the Thai embassy in your country handles this, you need to check beforehand.

Second is that all options have DIFFERENT rules, regulations and requirements.

So please read and refrain from giving incorrect advice by mixing up and confusing the requirements for different types of visa or extensions of stay.

What is a retirement visa?

It is a phrase used by foreigners and Immigration and it could be seven different types of visa or stay permits, with different rules, regulations and requirements

OR

it could even be an 1 year Extension of Stay based on being over 50 years of age and willing to sit out the rest of their life inside Thailand.

It is easy to type “retirement visa”, but very difficult to understand which option the person refers to

Options are:

1. Single Entry Non Immigrant O visa based on being over 50 years of age

2. Multiple Entry Non Immigrant O visa based on being over 50 years of age (it got discontinued by October 2023 and is not available any more)

3. Non Immigrant O visa based on being over 50 years of age without entry by conversion at local immigration office

4. Non Immigrant O-A visa (Long Stay)

5. Non Immigrant O-X visa

6. Long Term Residency (LTR) visa

7. Extension of Stay based on being over 50 years of age and willing to sit out the rest of their life inside Thailand (stamp from Immigration, which is not a visa)

ONLY for options 3, 5 and 7 the applicant needs a bank account in Thailand or a Certificate of Income from their Embassy.

Option 2 cannot be applied for any more, since all Thai Embassies and Consulates took it out of the E-visa program.

Option 3 is applied for by conversion of your Visa Exempt Entry or Tourist Visa at your local Immigration Office inside Thailand.

Option 6 is applied for with support of BOI Thailand

Option 7 is applied for at your local Immigration Office AFTER you used a Non-Immigrant visa.

Other options are applied for at a Thai Consulate OR for those countries who are legit, on-line.

Thanks for reading this long explanation.

Not an agency,Do it yourself or it will cost you a lot later on and better for immigration to see you have.

90 Days Non O. No Agency needed. Just applay with the e-Visa System and upload your documents. If you cannot fullfill the financial requirement, stay at home.

It's ridiculously easy

 Don't waste your money do it yourself at an immigration center

I fond a agent was best

The best is VIP or LTR visa .

Do it yourself. The process isn’t hard. The easiest option is to enter Thailand on a 90 day Non-O visa. That allows you to open a bank account and deposit the required funds for your annual extensions. Do the bank and deposit immediately after arrival. The 800K Baht needs to be in your account for a full 2 months before you apply for the one year extension which will cost you 1900B.

No agency needed. Look at the Thai embassy website and see what you can qualify for. It depends on your country and if you want to have mandatory health insurance or not. The O-A or the O are two options. The O is what a lot of us start with then open a Thai bank account and transfer ฿800,000 into the account, season it for two months then apply for a one year extension of permission to stay in the Kingdom. If your embassy still issues a certified income letter you may be able to use that. No insurance is required.

Do it yourself 1900b