Answered3 years ago

What are the requirements for applying for a Non-O retirement visa in Bangkok regarding bank accounts and leases?

Non-O Visa Retirement Visa Bank Account Requirements Lease Agreement Visa Application Process Immigration Procedures

Sabi *****

asked Mar 6, 2024

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Hello,

I have a couple questions regarding the application process for Non O retirement in Bangkok. 

After applying for the Non O retirement visa in Bangkok will I receive some official form that I can use to open a bank account in order to deposit the 800,000 Baht?   I have read that banks will not open account if you have tourist visa.  

Do I need to have a condo/apartment lease signed before applying for the Non O retirement visa in Bangkok?

After depositing 800,000 Baht it’s my understanding that I have to show two months of the money being in the account before the Non O retirement visa can be approved. Will immigration extend my visa or paperwork to allow for the two months or do I need to leave the country and return? 

Thank you

Answer summary

The OP is inquiring about the process to apply for a Non-O retirement visa in Bangkok, specifically regarding the necessity of opening a bank account prior to application, the requirement of having a condo lease signed, and whether immigration will extend their visa to allow for the two-month bank deposit rule. Responses clarify that a bank account needs to be established before applying, a lease agreement is required, and that the two-month seasoning period applies to extensions rather than the initial visa application.

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James ********

I believe that the OP has the answers needed for his question.

Thanks all for your helpful replies.

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3 years ago

Ellie *******

Unfortunately, you need your bank account BEFORE you apply for an in-country Non-O visa based on being over 50 at the local immigration office.

Bangkok doesn't require you to have your funds seasoned for in-country initial Non-O visa application. You can apply for a visa next day of your deposit. Two months of seasoning is the requirement for a 1-year extension application when you already Non-O (90 days) stamp.

Bangkok requires you to have a lease agreement for application for an in-country visa and following 1-year extension

Attachment is the rough process for visa and extension applications all inside Thailand.

This is the requirement list for an initial in-country Non-O visa based on being over 50. But you need to get the latest one at the CW office.

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3 years ago

Ellie *******

one other thing is, if your embassy in Thailand issues income affidavit, you can use it as financial proof, you don't have to have a bank account.

3 years ago

Sabi *****

@Ellie ******

Thank you very much and I do appreciate all your help. As you are involved in answering immigration questions every day I will take your advice over others. Thanks again.

3 years ago

Sabi *****

@Ellie ******

unfortunately the US Embassy doesn’t provide affidavit of income. I’m getting conflicting information about having the bank account opened prior to getting the 90 day extension. On another site people are saying that I apply for the Non O in Bangkok, receive 90 day, open bank account, deposit money, wait two months for account seasoning and apply for 1 year extension which I believe is different then what you stated so I’m very confused.

3 years ago

Ellie *******

@Sabi ****

, sadly, that information is very incorrect. As you can see in the PDF file from the link I provided, you need to show the bank letter about your account with 800K baht for an initial in-country visa application.

3 years ago

Ellie *******

Or, you can apply for Non-O based on retirement in your home country or neighbouring countries to enter Thailand on it and be stamped for 90 days. Then transfer your funds immediately to be seasoned for two months when you apply for a 1-year extension around the end of your 90 days on retirement.

3 years ago

Sabi *****

@Ellie ******

Thank you for the added information and it definitely helped me understand what needs to be accomplished.

3 years ago

Sabi *****

@Ellie ******

Thank you for the response, So I must have bank account prior to Non O application but nearly every post I have read from others state that banks will not open account for tourist visa holders. Once bank account is open and money deposited I can apply for Non O and receive 90 day stamp, before 90 day end I apply for 1 year extension, however I need to have two months of seasoned deposit in account. If that is true then I basically have 30 days to open bank account, deposit money, sign a lease? That seems like a lot to be accomplished in 30 days. I have contacted the Embassy where I live (Philippines) and they responded they don’t issue Non O only Non OA visa retirement.

3 years ago

Ellie *******

@Sabi ****

, basically, yes, you have to do them in 15 days as Bangkok requires you to have the remaining 15 days with your stamp when you apply for an in-country Non-O visa. You can add a 30-day tourism extension if you need days.

Or getting SETV from there entering for 60 days (+ 30 days tourism extension)

Getting a bank account as a tourist is not impossible but getting difficult. You might need to try dozens of branches. (Unfortunately, opening a bank account is out of the scope of this group.

There are some embassies such as Vientiane, Phnom Penh, and a few others that are supposed to issue Non-O retirement. Check them if you want.

3 years ago