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What are my options for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand while on a tourist visa?
Retirement VisaThailand ImmigrationBank Account OpeningNON-O VisaExpatriate HelpVisa Agency Recommendations
Sep 9, 2025
8 months ago
Edward **********
ORIGINAL POSTERHi,
I have arrived to Phuket on a tourist visa from the USA, got a condo lease for one year, tried to open a bank account so I could apply for retirement visa but with no luck. Went to several banks and everywhere it’s the same story: “ can’t open a bank account on a tourist visa “
So what options do I have?
I qualify for retirement visa because I am over 50, have enough money in the US bank to fulfill the requirement and transfer to Thai bank. I have enough passive income from the US (but not enough to qualify for wealthy individual type visa).
I understand an agency or a law firm is my only option?
I would be OK with paying the fee, but I want to go with the right one who can get the job done
So I’m looking for recommendations and referrals from people who had actually used them and were very happy with the results and got their retirement visa.
Thank you in advance 🙏
I have arrived to Phuket on a tourist visa from the USA, got a condo lease for one year, tried to open a bank account so I could apply for retirement visa but with no luck. Went to several banks and everywhere it’s the same story: “ can’t open a bank account on a tourist visa “
So what options do I have?
I qualify for retirement visa because I am over 50, have enough money in the US bank to fulfill the requirement and transfer to Thai bank. I have enough passive income from the US (but not enough to qualify for wealthy individual type visa).
I understand an agency or a law firm is my only option?
I would be OK with paying the fee, but I want to go with the right one who can get the job done
So I’m looking for recommendations and referrals from people who had actually used them and were very happy with the results and got their retirement visa.
Thank you in advance 🙏
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is currently in Thailand on a tourist visa and seeks options for obtaining a retirement visa. Despite qualifying for the retirement visa due to age and finances, they face challenges in opening a bank account due to their tourist status. Several commenters suggest visiting a nearby country to apply for a 90-day NON-O visa, which would facilitate account opening and the subsequent visa process. They also recommend employing an agent for assistance with the visa application, with various specific agencies mentioned by commenters.
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David *********
Contact thai visa centre
Eric **********
Not very difficult.. try
I’ve used their services for two years, great experience
@THAI *****************************
who runs this thread..I’ve used their services for two years, great experience
Andrew ********
@Eric *********
regulations change he can not get an account on tourist visa im on ed visa same issueReply to
Andrew ********
Reply
Vicky *****************
DTV visa. Thai Visa Solutions helped me. I thing the agent’s name was Robert
David ****************
@Vicky ****************
OK I’ve heard other people say they cannot get a bank account on the tourist visa but you used an agent.David ****************
the first response you had you said on the DTV you only had to show your bank statement from America. We’re talking about getting bank accounts in Thailand on the tourist visa he’s not talking about getting the DTV visa he’s talking about getting a Thai bank account on the tourist visa
Vicky *****************
@David ***************
I don’t have a bank account here. For the DTV visa you only have to show your bank account in America. I can stay for five years if I leave every six monthsReply to
Vicky *****************
Reply
David ****************
@Vicky ****************
but it’s still a tourist view. Banks will not give you a bank account. Did you actually get a bank account on the DTV??Vicky *****************
@David ***************
on the DTV I only had to show my bank statement from America.Reply to
Vicky *****************
Reply
Walrus *******
Solves the problem
Walrus *******
Use an agent in Bankok
Bill *********
You absolutely have the right thinking to get an agent involved. I used an agent to get my retirement Visa set up as well as the renewals and all things relating to immigration. Best decision ever. My agent only covers Bangkok though.
Paul *******
@Bill ********
what agent did you use, and how much did it cost you. I am living in the Bangkok areaReply to
Paul *******
Reply
THAI ******************************
We can assist with this process for you without you needing to leave the country, and it only takes 2-3 days.
You can message us here:
You can message us here:
**********************
John **********
Have a short trip to a nearby country and apply for a 90 day Non-O visa based on being over 50, return to Thailand and open a bank account then follow the process of your local immigration office to obtain a 12 month extension of stay
Mark ********
Banks won't open accounts for tourists. Even with paying bribes they're now reluctant to do this after the recent scam exposed at Bangkok Bank.
Kenneth *******
@Mark *******
wrongShane ********
@Kenneth ******
that’s your input . Wrong . Well done . 👍THAI ******************************
@Kenneth ******
We have LINE ( https://tvc.co.th/line ), and EMAIL ( **************
**********************
), and EMAIL ( help@tvc.co.th ).Mark ********
@Kenneth ******
You're obviously not up to date. Both Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn are now closing accounts held by foreigners with only tourist visasTHAI ******************************
@Mark *******
We assist with this process daily for our retirement visa clients which are on exempt entry, and tourist visas.Edward **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@THAI *****************************
I would like to talk to you about my situation. Do you have a WhatsApp number I can contact you on?Brandon ************
@Edward *********
Whatsapp is not very popular in Thailand. You'll want to get a Line account setup if you plan on moving there.Mark ********
@THAI *****************************
For DTV holders?Greg ***********
@Mark *******
no, not for DTV holders. . . . . .That is cleary noted on their schedule . . . . . . Only for those over 50 years old who buy the whole package: bank account opening, initial 90-days Non-O visa and subsequent 12-months extension of stay permit. Including a single or multi re-entry permit for the "1-year extended stay permit"Reply to
Greg ***********
Reply
Brandon ************
Visas are meant to be obtained before traveling to a country.
Your options are use an agent, or go to a nearby country and apply for the non-O visa from the Thai embassy, and then return and do it yourself.
Your options are use an agent, or go to a nearby country and apply for the non-O visa from the Thai embassy, and then return and do it yourself.
Randy *******
@Brandon ***********
I just went through that and my agent was awesome. They handled everything for me. I did have to leave the country and go to Laos  to the city where they had a agent office. I had to stay there for five days and then I got my type 0 visa.  when I got back to Thailand  they got all the paperwork together so I can open up a bank account. Now my money is seasoning until October 22.  it’s a tight race to make sure I got the bank account open and got the money in so it gets sent two months before my three month VA expired.Reply to
Randy *******
Reply
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