thailand
Ask question

What are the requirements and options for obtaining a retirement visa (OA) in Thailand from Australia or upon arrival?

Retirement VisaThailand ImmigrationNon-O VisaVisa RequirementsBank Account for VisaMedical Insurance for Visa
Mar 6, 2023
2 years ago
Steve ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you for reading and any replies. I am looking at OA retirement Visa options - 1. getting it in Australia will cost approximately 10000 baht plus the insurance requirement seems to be about 30000 baht..🤔

2. The other option is to come to Thailand on a 45 day Visa on arrival then pay somebody 30000 battery-> you get 15 months of retirement Visa, (tacked on to your 45 day free Visa entry), which includes a bank book and within that you have accident medical insurance ... is this all I need to do..??
1,083
views
2
likes
37
all likes
24
replies
1
images
9
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is considering two options for obtaining an OA retirement visa for Thailand: acquiring it in Australia for about 10,000 baht plus insurance, or entering Thailand on a 45-day Visa on Arrival and paying 30,000 baht to obtain a 15-month retirement visa. Various comments provide insight into visa types, bank account requirements, insurance considerations, and the processes involved in obtaining the visa, suggesting that a Thai bank account is necessary for the process. Additionally, alternatives such as changing from a tourist visa to a non-O retirement visa in Thailand are discussed, along with costs associated and the need for documentation.
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.
Steve ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you for your time to write all that information which is excellent and it is perfect except for the last 8 years, I have been doing my OA in Australia Using my Australian bank account with over $
*****
. Don't really want to open a Thai bank account because often I buy and sell Shares sometime in one day some time it takes 6 months to sell. Not sure if I can do this using a Thai bank account..??
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Klaus ***********
You left out where you want to retire? Not all immigration offices ask the same and who quoted you 30.000 baht for the visa conversion to Non O and retirement ? It should be roughly
***
that price.

So having turned 50 I arrived on 30 day visa exempt stamp - was told by my agency (Best Friend Visa in Chiang Mai) to have at least 3 weeks left on my stamp - put the 800k into a fixed savings account went to my agency in Chiang Mai paid 14.900 Baht the first time and they took care of everything - change from visa exempt stamp to non immigrant O - and then finally the retirement extension - done. Only 2 short visits to the agency and immigration to have my picture taken.

You also need a TM30 which you should have anyway from your landlord or hotel where you are staying.

Yearly extension now for 5200 Baht - one short visit to the bank to get bank letter and update bank book - visit to agency hand over everything and meet next day at immigration to take picture and pick up passport with 1 year extension - done for another year .
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Russell *******
Come on a tourist visa and change in Thailand to non O retirement, no insurance needed and 3900baht for 15months 1900 baht for each extension. You just need the 800,000 baht ina bank account 🙏
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Steve ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Steve ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Russell ******
 Thank you Russell the most simple and easy option Does the bank account have to be a Thai bank account or can I use my Australian..?~
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Russell *******
@Steve *******
 it must be a Thai bank account,and opening the account is likely to be your biggest headache in the process of getting your visa

Just be patient and you will find a branch that with open an account for you

As soon as I had a certificate of residence from immigration,it was very easy. 🙏
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Steve ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Russell ******
 Thank you but I will never have a certificate of residency so I hope it's not too difficult
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Russell *******
@Steve *******
 really , all hoteliers , landlords or friends are required to inform the immigration of your stay That is enough information for immigration to issue a resident certificate 🙏
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Russell *******
Reply
Richard *********
@Russell ******
 Or Visa exempt 🙂 save the $40
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Russell *******
@Richard ********
 Yes that's the other option depending where the poster is from. From my indeed the extra days, so the cost is worth it 🙏
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Russell *******
Reply
Sean *********
Don't forget you need a thai bank account with
*****
0 baht for 3 months(
*****
0 in your account constantly) before you apply for retirement visa. You need to do some research on options. Not sure on a monthly income (pension etc) for other visas
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Wayne *********
@Sean ********
 you dont from Australia, we can get the OX 5 year retirement visa and leave our money in Australia banks, can even get it on salary if you earn more than 5000k a month via our Sydney Thai Consult, many countries have different requirements
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Sean *********
@Wayne ********
 every day is a school day, didn't know that thanks
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Sean *********
Reply
Bobby ********
Talk to
@Wayne ********
 in the Australians In Thailand group. Get the OX visa from Sydney Consulate. It's a 5+5 year retirement visa. Don't pay anything to an agent and no need to transfer money.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
There's no visa or bank book that includes medical insurance
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Steve ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 ~ So if you do your Visa in the country you are coming from, you have to pay for medical insurance but if you get an agent in Thailand to do the retirement Visa for you, you don't have to pay for medical insurance which means you're also not covered..🤥
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Steve ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you and yes getting an OA Visa in Australia, requires medical insurance but all people I have spoken to who you have got their 1st retirement Visa (and of course renewal renewal) with an agent in Thailand, they have never purchased medical insurance..??😒
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
@Steve *******
 because it's not required..
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Brandon ************
@Steve *******
 no. If you do an OA visa which you can ONLY do in your home country, you have to have medical insurance. One of the requirements for an OA visa is medical insurance.

If you do a non-O visa in your home country, you might not be required to get medical insurance as there is no requirement to have that with a non-O visa.

If you get a non-O visa in Thailand, whether you get it yourself or through an agent, there is no requirement for medical insurance because it's not required for a non-O.

Where you get the visa isn't the issue, it's the type of visa. Non-OA always requires insurance whereas non-O does not.

The reason you have to show 800,000₿ to get a non-O visa is to prove you can take care of yourself if something happens. So there is no requirement for insurance because you have proven you have money.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Paul ********
@Brandon ***********
 if you open a Bangkok bank account they charge you 6or 7,000 baht but that’s just accident on a bike insurance. I wonder if they are saying this is the insurance you need to rip you off?
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
@Paul *******
 that's an "optional" insurance policy they charge to foreigners to open an account. Optional as in you can say no but they won't open the account for you. It's depends on the branch of Bangkok bank though as some will not even offer and some will accept a "no thank you" and still open the account.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Bonnie *********
@Brandon ***********
 not true, I opened with no insurance fee at BKB.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Paul ********
@Brandon ***********
 yes I accepted mine just to get the account but maybe the agencies are saying it’s sufficient. I know it’s not
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
@Paul *******
 an agent opened bank account will not include the insurance though.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
What is the process for retiring in Thailand as an Australian expat?
19 comments
8 months ago
What are the best retirement visa options for a 60-year-old Australian moving to Thailand?
8 comments
8 months ago
What are the best long-term visa options for a retiree moving to Thailand?
18 comments
9 months ago
What are the requirements and best strategies for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand?
47 comments
a year ago
What are the steps to apply for a retirement visa in Thailand from Australia?
9 comments
a year ago
What are the requirements and process for obtaining an O visa for retirees in Thailand if you don't meet financial criteria?
103 comments
a year ago
Can I apply for a Non-O Retirement Visa in Thailand, and what are the financial and health insurance requirements?
11 comments
a year ago
What are the options and costs for obtaining an O or OA retirement visa in Thailand?
19 comments
2 years ago
What are the financial requirements for a Thai OA retirement visa from Australia?
13 comments
2 years ago
What are the steps to apply for a Retirement Visa (O-A) for Thailand as Australian citizens planning to settle in Koh Samui?
10 comments
2 years ago
What are the best health insurance options for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand?
26 comments
2 years ago
Can I apply for an A/O non-immigrant retirement visa in Thailand after entering on a 45-day stamp?
13 comments
2 years ago
What is the best plan for an Australian retiree to stay in Thailand for an extended period?
13 comments
3 years ago
Is it easier to obtain an OA visa in Thailand if I come on an initial Non-O retirement visa?
34 comments
3 years ago
Should I apply for a retirement visa to Thailand before arriving or in my home country?
30 comments
3 years ago
What is the correct process for transitioning from an education visa to a retirement visa in Thailand?
6 comments
3 years ago
What are the key requirements and options for obtaining a Non-immigrant O-A retirement visa in Thailand for Australian citizens?
8 comments
3 years ago
Should I apply for a Thailand retirement OA visa in Australia or switch from a tourist visa in Thailand?
8 comments
4 years ago
What is the best visa option for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand while ensuring the necessary funds are maintained in a Thai bank account?
44 comments
4 years ago
What advice is available for an Australian seeking a retirement visa in Thailand after staying on a tourist visa?
83 comments
4 years ago
What are my options for getting a Non-O visa based on retirement in Thailand?
19 comments
5 years ago
What are the requirements and benefits of applying for a Thai Retirement Visa (O-A) in Australia?
8 comments
6 years ago
Should I apply for my "O" retirement visa in Australia or Thailand?
33 comments
6 years ago
What are the options and requirements for Australian retirees applying for a long-stay visa in Thailand?
31 comments
7 years ago
What do I need to know about obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand as an Australian expat?
50 comments
7 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.