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What are the requirements for applying for a Non-O visa in Thailand and how to open a Thai bank account?

Dec 8, 2025

21 hours ago

I have a Thai daughter and I plan on applying for the 1 year Non O visa next year. Does the 400,000 baht need to be in a Thai bank account or can it be a US bank account or Wise?? Also how am I supposed to get a Thai bank account if I don’t have the visa yet? Has anyone tried opening the bank account with just a birth certificate of their child? I’m getting mixed info on the internet so I just need more clarification. Thank you!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

To apply for a 1-year Non-O visa in Thailand, you can apply from outside Thailand using a personal bank account in any country; funds in a Thai bank account are not necessary for the initial application. Upon arrival in Thailand, you can open a Thai bank account using your Non-O visa. Although mixed information exists regarding opening a bank account, a birth certificate is typically not required. Additionally, you must consider guardianship if you intend to apply for an extension.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
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Wannikea *********

I don't believe there's anywhere where you can buy the one year non-O visa. I believe they have stopped selling that visa. You can buy a 90-day visa and then apply for the one-year extension in Thailand

11 hours ago

Max *******

for get it... there is more to come in 2026...

18 hours ago

Ian **********

You can get a non-O visa based on visiting family, but you can not extend that for 12 months unless you have guardianship of your daughter via the family court. So getting a bank account is moot.

18 hours ago

Shawn ********

You have a very long way to go .

19 hours ago

SunnyPho********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Shawn *******

That didn’t answer my question

Thanks for those 2 cents that I didn’t ask for

19 hours ago

Reply to

SunnyPho********

John *******

@Michael *******

- we know this is you. No need to hide your identity now

Ray ****

oh yeah 😎 😀

Michael ********

someone drink too much at Monday 😂😂

19 hours ago

Reply to

Michael ********

David **********

when you get to thailand get a residency certificate and ask for a letter for the bank to open the account

21 hours ago

Michael ********

@David *********

I have account

19 hours ago

Reply to

Michael ********

John **********

You apply for the 90 day Non-O visa before you travel to Thailand. When you arrive you open a bank account, put the required funds in it and apply for a 12 month extension when you have 30 days or less left on your 90 days visa

21 hours ago

SunnyPho********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

when I do apply for the one year after the 90 days will I have to leave and apply from a different place or I can do everything in Thailand?

19 hours ago

John **********

You do the extension at an immigration office inside Thailand

10 hours ago

Brandon ************

SunnyPhoenix2325 You apply when the money has been in your bank account long enough. You apply at an immigration office. It's called an extension, not a new visa from an embassy outside of Thailand.

19 hours ago

Michael ********

@Brandon ***********

why don't you answer me? Honestly I'm waiting your advice

19 hours ago

Reply to

Michael ********

Get Non O from outside country this gives you 90 days and enough time to open bank account and season it for 2 months for extension

21 hours ago

Mikkel *******

@Michael *******

there are no seasoning requirements for the yearly extension based on having Thai kids.

12 hours ago

Corinna *******

@Mikkel ******

ah really? I thought there was. So no requirement either on how long to leave the 400k in the bank after obtaining the visa/1 year extension?

9 hours ago

Bob **********

@Corinna ******

you can spend it as long as you’ve been approved but you’ll need it two months before your extension

8 hours ago

Reply to

Bob **********

Brandon ************

You apply for the non-O visa from the Thai embassy before you travel to Thailand using your personal bank account in any country.

Then once you're in Thailand you use the non-O visa to obtain a bank account that you'll need for the extensions.

Banks will not care anything about a birth certificate. That has nothing to do with a bank account.

21 hours ago

Reply to

Brandon ************

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Can I open a bank account in Thailand with a Non-O visa from my home country?

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