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What are the requirements and process for changing from a Volunteer Non-O visa to a Retirement visa in Thailand?

May 7, 2025
3 days ago
Debbie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Moving from a Volunteer Non-O visa to a Retirement visa. I think I've got all the documents needed . Just checking if anyone can advise on anything else that's required to make the change?

What I need and have:

1. Required sum in the bank for the last two months (have had it for much longer than that)

2. TM 7

3. TM30

4. Rental house contract in my name

5. Letter from Foundation confirming termination as volunteer

6. Copies of Pages of passport

7. 3 photos

8. Bank statement to be obtained on the day of application

9. application to be done two weeks before expiry of current visa

10. 1,900 baht processing fee

11. Latest 90days document Question: Do I have to show work permit book? Online appointment available to retirement application? Any other requirements I may have missed for this first time change?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the process of moving from a Volunteer Non-O visa to a Retirement visa in Thailand. The user lists the documents they believe are required for the application, including financial statements and forms. They seek confirmation on whether additional documents like a work permit are needed and inquire about the process timeline and the possibility of making an online appointment for the visa change. Comments suggest confirming the immigration office's current requirements and timelines to ensure compliance and readiness.
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.
Graham ******
Go to Immigration well before the two weeks you are planning to apply to ensure that they will allow this change to the reason of Extension of Stay and to get their list of requirements for retirement. That gives you time to meet the requirements or come up with a plan B if necessary. Also be aware that if you change the reason for your Extension of Stay it is very likely that the new extension will commence from when you apply, not added to your current "permitted to" date.
John **********
I assume you're not on a visa but an extension of stay and rather than applying for a retirement visa you will simply be changing the reason for your extension of stay?
Debbie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
hmm...that would be easy enough if it was just changing the reason but it's really I think -- getting on a different visa. I am on a non-immigrant O visa which is subject to several government offices (which means geting documents /approvals from all these different departments every three or six months -- used to be a year once -- with a work permit before Imm. grants the visa .
Frangipani *******
@Debbie *****
My Immigration Office do the extension process in two steps.

My Immigration Office also requires a Medical Certificate obtained within 7 days of Step 2.
John **********
@Debbie *****
look in your passport and see what it says, if it says something like "extension of stay permitted until" you are on an extension of stay and may be able to change the reason for that. If you are on an actual visa you'll need to leave the country and come back either with a Non-O from a nearby consulate or visa exempt and apply for the Non-O at your local immigration office
Debbie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yes, I will go there with ALL my documents and see if it works
Tony **********
@Debbie *****
don't forget to get your bank passbook updated on the day you go to immigration showing the 800k is still there.
Debbie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
ah -- perfect ! Thank you! Yes, it does say "Extension of Stay permitted till......." --- so that should be easy-peasy, right???
John **********
@Debbie *****
easy peasy might be pushing it... Best to go to the immigration office in advance and ask them if you can do it and what they will need from you
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