What are the requirements for obtaining a non-immigrant O visa in Thailand for retirement purposes?

Non-Immigrant O Visa Retirement Visa Visa Requirements Bank Account Financial Proof Expat in Thailand Visa Extensions Immigration Rules

Jan 23, 2025

6 days ago

Greg *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello, seeking advice on obtaining a non-immigrant O visa, as I want to retire here. I've been researching some myself, but only making marginal progress.

I'm American, over 50, single, currently living in Bangkok but want to relocate elsewhere in Thailand in the next few months.

Currently here on tourist visa expiring March 4th but can extend 30 days. I do have a rented condo and TM30

I have been receiving documented retirement of about $1500 for a few years, which is over 600k baht annually. If I understand correctly, I need to deposit @ 200k baht additionally to a Thai bank account to bring the total to the 800k total. I have not been able to open a bank account yet. I do have other assets in savings in an American bank.

Given my circumstances, what should I do? I don't mind parking the 200k in an account, especially since it doesn't have to be there 12 months each year.

Thanks in advance!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

An American seeking a non-immigrant O visa for retirement in Thailand needs to meet specific financial requirements, including depositing 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account. The initial application process does not allow the income method from the US for the first year. Instead, it requires proof of having the full amount in a local bank account for a specified duration. It's crucial to check with local immigration for any options that may allow international transfers combined with domestic funds for extensions.

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.
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Wayne ********

Mine was easy, went while in USA had a retirement OA visa, came opened bank account, now maintain 800k in that account. Multiple annual extensions

5 days ago

Tod *********

@Wayne *******

but they are HERE in Thailand and want to get a Non-O issued in country 🙁 so the "get a non-OA before you come" isn't all that useful 😕

5 days ago

Wayne ********

@Tod ********

I came numerous times with family on various visa. Far easier in reality to go back, do the visa there FIRST as can use bank account etc there for initial visa. Then you come and have adequate time to easily prepare for extension vs trying to slip slide around to obtain a visa . IE we planned so far ahead we purchased property and added fill months on a 60 day visa, before I did retirement visa at consulate so one way ticket even on that entry. Now only round trip with reentry permit in passport.

5 days ago

Tod *********

@Wayne *******

yep, totally see your point just wanted to point out the O/P is already here

5 days ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Ellie *******

Sadly, as you are an American passport holder, you cannot use the monthly income method for the first year.

Methods to meet the financial proof for an initial Non-O based on retirement for 90 days and/or following a 1-year extension based on retirement are:

A. monthly income of more than 65k baht, with a letter of guarantee from your Embassy in Thailand

B. 800k baht in a Thai bank account

C. combination of A and B total 800K baht

The monthly international transfers method is only acceptable for the second or later year's extension.

Unfortunately, the US embassy in Thailand no longer issues an income affidavit.

So if you want to apply for a visa and 1-year extension, you need to have:

1. 800k baht in your Thai bank account for in-country visa,

2. then 800K baht in your Thai bank account for 2 calendar months when you apply for a one-year extension

3. then keep 800K baht for 3 months after an extension is granted, and keep 400K baht for the rest of the year.

You have to check the local immigration first if they accept "partially banked money + international transfers for 12 times" for a 1-year extension.

If they do, you can start monthly transfers as soon as you get an account, then use those for the second 1-year extension and after.

It could be problematic if you apply for the first 1-year extension at a different office from the one you apply for an initial in-country Non-O visa. Plan accordingly.

6 days ago

Reply to

Ellie *******

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Do you need to have 800k baht in a Thai bank for the 90-day retirement O visa related to the 1-year extension?

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