What are some recommended visa agencies for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand?

Retirement Visa Visa Agency Recommendations Bank Account Opening NON-O Visa Expats in Thailand Immigration Assistance Thailand Visa Process

Oct 14, 2024

2 days ago

Joe *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good visa agency for retirement visa ?  I will be returning to Benchalak in 6 weeks and would like to start the process. Was going to try to open  Bank account in kantharlak myself , but I’m hearing it’s hard to do. TIA

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post inquires about reliable visa agencies for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand, with plans to start the process upon returning to Benchalak. Several comments provide suggestions, including independent processing of the visa and the advantages of doing it personally to avoid dependency on agencies. Users share experiences regarding bank account opening in Kantharalak, mentioning that it can be straightforward, especially with the right visa (NON-O or OA), and advise checking local immigration offices for assistance. Recommendations include specific agencies for bank account opening and general visa help, with mentions of experiences with regulated processes.

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.

Eric ******

If you use an agent…One Stop Visa Pattaya.

2 days ago

Frankie *******

Union space visa

2 days ago

Marty *********

I would apply for the visa yourself either in your home country or in Thailand. From what I hear, opening a bank account has been increasingly difficult. You might want to look for an agent just to open the bank account which is a one time thing. After that you would be free of the agent.

2 days ago

Ian ********

Apply for the Non O in your country before you travel, problem solved!

Makes opening a bank account easy also

2 days ago

Joe *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ian *******

I’m in Vietnam right now and won’t be back to US for awhile

2 days ago

Graham ******

@Joe ******

You can get a Non-O retirement visa there too, check the Embassy website for requirements and timescales

2 days ago

Joe *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ian *******

Thanks , I’ll give it a try on my own and if I can’t get it I’ll try an agent in Ubon . Someone just sent me the name of one 🙏🏻

2 days ago

Ian ********

@Joe ******

you can convert your TR visa to a non O but you will need a bank account first, maybe use an agent to open one for you

2 days ago

Reply to

Ian ********

Mark ********

Opening a bank account really is easy. You will need an O or an OA visa though.

2 days ago

Marty *********

I opened a Bangkok Bank account in Kantharalak last month. It was easy but I had a yellow house book which might have made a difference. It took less than an hour and they were very friendly. I’ve got an American passport which usually deters banks but it wasn’t a problem for me.

The Sisaket immigration office has a reputation for being very helpful.

2 days ago

Joe *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Marty ********

you’re right Sisaket immigration is very helpful I was there about 6 months ago. I will be living with my girlfriend in Benchalak . Will that make a difference on visa ? Should I just go directly to Sisaket when I return and talk with them? Just made up

My mind to move permanently 🙏🏻

2 days ago

Marty *********

@Joe ******

The standard advice is to get an O in your home country. That gives you more time to open a bank account. Otherwise I would think that is best to use the immigration office where you plan to live long term. Bangkok immigration is big but professional. That is where I started. The same time I moved to Kantharalak I switched from my OA visa to an LTR visa so I don’t have any direct experience getting an O at the Sisaket office. I have been there for other things though.

2 days ago

Reply to

Marty *********

Pascal ********

Do it yourself otherwise you will always be dependent on an (illegal) agency

2 days ago

Jan ************

Lanta conciërge - Koh Lanta

2 days ago

Reply to

Jan ************

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else