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What are the current experiences of applying for a Non-O retirement visa in Chiang Mai?

Non-O VisaRetirement VisaVisa ApplicationTai Immigration OfficesBank Account RequirementsChiang MaiExpat Advice
Nov 29, 2023
a year ago
Silk ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello,

I'm asking for current experiences with applying for a retirement-visa. Non-o, I guess.

Maybe situation is specific to places. How are experiences in Chiang Mai?

What steps did you take to apply for it?

Thankd
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The process for applying for a Non-O retirement visa in Chiang Mai varies by immigration office. Individuals typically start by visiting the local immigration office to obtain a list of requirements specific to that office. It's important to have 14-21 days remaining on the current visa stamp to allow for processing time. Some applicants have faced restrictions due to not meeting bank account requirements, as it can be challenging to open a Thai bank account on a tourist visa. Therefore, some have been advised to apply for the retirement visa at a Thai embassy in their home country instead. There is also mention of the potential use of agents who can assist with these 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.
Ken ******
guess you may have problem with bank opening unless you already got account
a year ago
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Todd *********
Send your passport to your agent along with payment. That’s all you need to do.
a year ago
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Steve **********
Can get list on internet , but occassionally they add a form or 2
a year ago
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Stuart ***********
Does this help with the process?
a year ago
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Silk ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Update

I went to the immigration office and they recommended to apply at a Thai embassy from a foreign country
a year ago
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Nongnuch ********
@Silk ***
 you can apply for a 90-days Non-Imm-retirement visa at a Thai embassy or consulate in your home country (or by their E-visa system if they are connected to it). However you are also able to do it by "change of visa type". In your case this would be number 9
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a year ago
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Silk ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nongnuch *******
 thank you,

It's all about the bank account currently. Not possible to open a Thai bank account with a tourist visa.

Maybe with an agent it is possible
a year ago
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Stuart ***********
@Silk ***
 have you tried to open a bank account?

If you need an agent to do it I read that they charge about 3,000 baht for this service, so it probably makes more sense than flying home?
a year ago
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Silk ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart **********
 thank you,

I have to find one, then.

However, I have heard, that the banks have enforced the restrictions.
a year ago
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Stuart ***********
@Silk ***
 I have read different things on this topic.

Some people state they could not open a bank account now without an agent, others state it is still possible, so depending on where you are try them and see.

It is a year and a half since I opened my account, so things could have changed, but I still had to go to several banks and branches of banks to find one willing to open, even though I had the letter from immigration and everything.

The bank account was the most difficult part of the visa process, everything else is just filling in simple forms and providing your documents at the correct time.

Good luck, I hope you get it sorted.
a year ago
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Silk ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart **********
 thanks, I have the same impression.
a year ago
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Silk ****
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Nongnuch ********
@Silk ***
 that can happen if you have less than 15 workdays left on your stay permit (see entry stamp). It is one of the requirements if you ask for the "change of visa type" from a tourist visa to a 90-days Non-Imm-O retirement visa.
a year ago
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Wayne *********
@Silk ***
 maybe you don't meet the requirements to apply when in Thailand hence they said apply outside of Thailand
a year ago
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Silk ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Wayne ********
 yes, because I don't have an Thai bank account
a year ago
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Silk ****
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Silk ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you for the information
a year ago
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Will ************
Go to your local immigration office and get the list of requirements.
a year ago
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Brandon ************
The requirements vary from office to office, but the steps should be similar.

You go to the immigration office you plan to use and then ask them for their list of requirements to convert to a non-O visa based on retirement. They'll give you the list for that specific office and then you work on gathering the requirements. You'll need between 14-21 days remaining on your existing stamp in order to apply because they need that long to process your application and you'll be given an "under consideration" stamp and a date to return with your passport to collect your visa stamp.
a year ago
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John **********
@Brandon ***********
 many don't give an under consideration stamp, just a receipt and tell you when to return
a year ago
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John **********
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