What are the requirements for applying for a retiree visa in Thailand as a US citizen?

July 26, 2023
a year ago
Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello all! First timer here posting. WRT retiree visa, coming from the US

- 50 yr old age to apply? Correct?

- is it recommended coming on tourist visa and applying for retiree there?

- does showing proof of monthly income (retirement) suffice for visa paperwork? I believe there is a set amount to show proof vice having the 800k baht?!

Thank you!!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A retiree visa in Thailand, typically requires applicants to be at least 50 years old. It is possible to enter Thailand on a tourist visa and later apply for the retiree visa (NON-O), although obtaining a NON-O visa before traveling may simplify the process. Showing proof of income is only feasible if the embassy can verify it, which the US embassy no longer does; hence, applicants will likely need to show 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account for at least the first year. The NON-OA visa is another option, offering a one-year entry and more flexibility on financial proof.
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.
Henrik ****
The Non-OA visa is an option used by many as their first retirement visa even though you will need health insurance for this of one year. The Non-OA gives you 1 year per entry and is much more flexible on how to show financial proof as getting it at the embassy in your home country. It gives you plenty of time to get a bank account in Thailand for the longer run.
Pascal *****
@Henrik ***
you need thai health insurance with the non OA
Henrik ****
@Asia ******
, not necessarily Thai health insurance but health insurance complying with similar requirements. Thai health insurance might be a cheap solution. You can look up the requirements on the Embassy home page.
Brandon ************
50 years old yes.

The choice of getting the non-O before traveling is up to you. You can either get it in the US or convert in Thailand. Many embassies require you to show insurance if you want to purchase a non-O before traveling, but it's only for the 90 days of the visa and usually a travel insurance policy is enough to cover that requirement. Having a non-O visa may help you open a bank account in Thailand compared to entering as a tourist.

The ONLY way to use proof of income is if your embassy will verify your income, and the US embassy has not done this for many years. So your only option is 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account in your name only, at least for the first year.
Eno ***********
@Brandon ***********
If you are going for a retirement visa, you need to plan ahead a bit. After comming to Thailand with a 30 days visa excemption, you go straight to immigration, and extend it by 30 days. Give you 60 days alltogether. On the same day, you get a residence certificate, from immigration direct or from an agent. I woukd the cimmend staying in a condo instead a hotel. Next day you apply for a bank account in bangkok bank. After open this, you transfer 800.000 thb into your new account, and let them print out a certificate for it. With that you apply for retirement o visa 3 months, which you can extend then to a year
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