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What are the best steps to take when applying for a retirement visa in Thailand as a USA citizen?

Thailand retirement visaNon-O visaVisa application processExpat adviceFinancial requirements for visasThai immigration rulesThailand visa typesRetirement in ThailandNon-OA visaThai visa agents
Jul 5, 2023
a year ago
Thai****
ORIGINAL POSTER
I intend to retire to Thailand within the year. Do I go on a tourist visa then apply for the retirement visa after arrival? What are the first steps to take. Thanks for any info. This seems to be a great group :)
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the intentions of an individual from the USA to retire in Thailand and seeks advice on the initial steps for obtaining a retirement visa. Key advice includes the use of a Non-OA visa application from the Thai Embassy, financial requirements such as proving a monthly income or sufficient savings, and the option of converting a tourist visa to a Non-O after arrival. Community responses emphasize the importance of knowing specific financial thresholds and considering local embassy rules depending on the applicant's home country. Helpful tips on utilizing visa services and alternatives like the Thailand Elite Visa are also mentioned.
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.
Ann **************
There's that Elite Visa for ~$17,500USD which provides a lot of nice perks. If you're financially able, you might want to check into that one, while you're at it.

There are several agencies which can assist you with it; here's one I just found by Googling:

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a year ago
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Peter ****************
I first got the O-A visa. It took about 2 months from start to finish. But if you can just get a physician to sign the medical certificate then you can knock off 3 weeks. I spent nearly 800 USD and waited 3 weeks to get all test results back to get the document signed. Other people said their doctor just signed it for free in seconds. The next time I got a "retirement" visa I just arrived non exempt and I paid a reputable visa agent around 25k Baht to do all the paperwork. I used Wise to transfer the 800k Baht. This is the simplest but most expensive option.
a year ago
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Andi ***********
@Peter ***************
 I'm considering doing the retirement visa via non exempt artival and agent. Which agent did you use?
a year ago
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Peter ****************
@Andrew ********
 they recommended Bangkok bank. I don't recall how long it was. But I arrived on visa exempt and just left it in their competent hands. They responded to email questions.
a year ago
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Andi ***********
@Peter ***************
 ok, That bank seems to be the best one to have for expats. Thanks for your answers.
a year ago
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Andi ***********
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Peter ****************
@Andrew ********
 BTW, 5k of the "around" cost was to open a bank account. They are good about breaking down the costs. I could have spun the wheel to open an account on my own but decided to pay for a sure thing
a year ago
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Andi ***********
@Peter ***************
 They are actually one of the ones im considering due to reviews. It is good to hear from someone who actually used their services. How long did it take to get the visa? You can choose the bank you want to open with or they have one they recommend?
a year ago
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Andi ***********
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Peter ****************
@Andrew ********
 Assist Thai Visa in Chiang Mai.
a year ago
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Peter ****************
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Thai****
ORIGINAL POSTER
There are 2 of us and we've gotten rid of 95% of our possessions and downsized to a small apartment in preparation. We're very excited to start our next chapter and appreciate all this good info!
a year ago
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Thai****
ORIGINAL POSTER
I've actually never been to Thailand, but I know people who've been and I've watched SO many videos. I look forward to getting there by early 2024 to see for myself :)
a year ago
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Ste *******
@Thai****
 Go on holiday first before planning to retire there, obviously. Ask Ex Pats questions. Thailand is amazing but can be challenging in some areas
a year ago
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Thai****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ste ******
 Oh, ok, I understand what you mean now. Thanks 😊
a year ago
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Thai****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ste ******
 We just want to go there & stay. We have no fear or qualms about living in Thailand. If we don't care for a certain area, we'll move on to another. Once we leave USA we'll be without a home.
a year ago
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Ste *******
@Thai****
 sorry i dont mean area as in land. I mean area as in living issues. Police, visas, buisness, locals, health services etc. You need to go first.
a year ago
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Ste *******
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Steve *******
Get the Non Imm O visa before you go.
a year ago
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Terry ********
By the way, there is no such thing as a retirement visa. You can convert a tourist visa to a Non-O and ask for the retirement extension.
a year ago
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Thomas *********
Apply on the online portal:
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a year ago
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Wyn **********
Apply for OA retirement visa in your Country only have to show money in your bank not in Thailand. Must have health insurance. Can get 2 years out of it.
a year ago
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Wayne *********
@Wyn *********
 not all countries that apply for OA or OX allows you to leave your money in your own bank. Australia Sydney consulate is one of the few that allow it. Even Canberra Embassy says you must have in Thailand bank
a year ago
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Steve *******
@Wayne ********
 It clearly states amount EQUAL to 800,000 on the screenshot you posted.
a year ago
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Wayne *********
@Steve ******
 yes and for the 3rd time they decline people
a year ago
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Steve *******
Wayne Roberts If they decline

people it's NOT because they haven't got a Thai bank account!
a year ago
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Wayne *********
@Steve ******
 how would you know your not Australian. Go join Australian in Thailand and its mention they are told need money in Thai Bank
a year ago
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Steve *******
@Wayne ********
 Clearly they don't according to the RTE Canberra website!
a year ago
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Wayne *********
@Steve ******
 waste of time with discussing with you. You obviously know everything even in a foreign country
a year ago
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Wayne *********
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Wyn **********
@Wayne ********
 The Thai Embassy website for Canberra says you can apply for the OA.🤔
a year ago
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Wayne *********
@Wyn *********
 Where did i say you can not apply ? I said They ask for money in Thai Bank account, they have rejected people with money in Australia banks
a year ago
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Wayne *********
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Wyn **********
@Wayne ********
 I was suggesting that if its your first OA visa applied for in your own Country you only need to show you have the money in your home bank account.Maybe the person has never been to Thailand before so you wouldn't have a Thai bank account when you apply.
a year ago
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Wayne *********
@Wyn *********
 And as I said not every country allows you to apply for OA and leave money in your own country
a year ago
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Steve *******
@Wayne ********
 Every Country that issues the OA visa allows you to use your own countries bank account. The OA isn't available in Thailand.
a year ago
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Wayne *********
@Steve ******
 Thai Embassy Canberra does not. Yet Thai consulate Sydney does. Are you 100% sure every country does ?
a year ago
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Steve *******
@Wayne ********
 There's nothing on the Canberra RTE website about the money needing to be in a Thai bank account for the OA visa
a year ago
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Wayne *********
@Steve ******
 clearly mentions Thai baht doesn't mention aud either
a year ago
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Steve *******
Wayne Roberts That's because of the exchange rate, they'd have to change the amount in AUD everday. It's the equivalent of 800,000 or 65,000 per month.
a year ago
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Wayne *********
@Steve ******
 the difference between Sydney and Canberra as I said they have declined people regardless of exchange rate or not
a year ago
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Wayne *********
@Steve ******
a year ago
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Wayne *********
@Steve ******
a year ago
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Wayne *********
@Steve ******
 as I said they have declined people and they have re-applied at Sydney and got the OA
a year ago
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Steve *******
@Wayne ********
 100%, I'd wager you're wrong about Canberra.
a year ago
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Steve *******
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Henrik ****
Many times the easiest way is to start out with a Non-OA from the Thai Embassy in your home country. Most likely they will accept your annual tax report as financial evidence of having at least a net 65,000 THB per month. The Non-OA is a multiple entry visa giving you 1 year each time you stamp into Thailand. Ultimately, it will give you 2 years in Thailand.
a year ago
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Stephen *******************
Depends on your financial status to apply for a retirement visa ?

Are you aware of the amount required to apply for a retirement visa?

Sorry your post is a little vague to give you a correct answer

Good Luck 🙏
a year ago
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Thai****
ORIGINAL POSTER
I receive a monthly pension that meets that requirement. Do I also need to keep a minimum amount in a Thai bank as well? I've done research, but have only gotten info overload & confusion :(
a year ago
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Keith ************
@Thai****
 you'll need to start with 800,000 baht in a Thai bank. After a year of monthly deposits of 65k from the US, you can switch to the income method.

There are a few different ways you can do it. I'd suggest getting a non-O visa in the US. I believe that will give you 90 days in Thailand.

You can get everything arranged and apply for a yearly extension in that 90 days. That includes getting a bank account and getting the 800k transferred in.
a year ago
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Thai****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Keith ***********
 Thank you so much 😊
a year ago
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Thai****
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Thai****
ORIGINAL POSTER
BTW, I'm in USA :)
a year ago
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Thai****
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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
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