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What are the requirements for obtaining a Non-O Retirement Visa in Thailand, and can I use monthly transfers instead of a lump sum?
Non-O VisaRetirement VisaThailand ImmigrationMonthly TransfersVisa RequirementsThai Bank AccountLong-Term StayEducation Visa (ED)Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV)
Dec 19, 2022
3 years ago
Chris ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI have been searching and evaluating all of the requirements and strategies for obtaining a Non-O Visa based on Retirement and I have one question that I cannot resolve. Some of the info gets me close to understanding but I am missing something.
I am a US citizen who has visited Thailand once and am currently back in the US working and saving money. I met a Thai citizen and we have developed a relationship but we are not ready to marry yet. She has been unable to get a tourist visa to the US so our only option for now is for me to return to Thailand eventually - most likely this coming summer. My goal is to work and save money and outline a strategy so I can stay long term. I have looked into starting with visa exempt entry or a Tourist Visa. I might seriously consider taking Thai language classes and try for an ED visa, but also might start with a Non-O Retirement visa after I arrive. I am working on options and will have questions later but for now I have just one question. I will have 800K when I finally travel to Thailand but have to use it to pay expenses so I cannot put it in a bank account and leave it. The 65K monthly transfer is more attractive but I am not understanding something. Can I use this money after I transfer it? So if I initially deposit at least 65k, can I pay my monthly expenses and therefore draw my account down theoretically to zero or does this have to eventually accumulate to 800K? In short, is there a path to obtaining a Non-O Retirement visa by depositing 65k monthly from my US account and using it for expenses and therefore never having much money in my Thai bank account or is the sum of 800k still required before I can do anything. I can't tell if I can really apply for the initial Non-O or the extension if I don't have 800k but do have the 65k/month transferred in. Thank you for any clarifications that you can provide
I am a US citizen who has visited Thailand once and am currently back in the US working and saving money. I met a Thai citizen and we have developed a relationship but we are not ready to marry yet. She has been unable to get a tourist visa to the US so our only option for now is for me to return to Thailand eventually - most likely this coming summer. My goal is to work and save money and outline a strategy so I can stay long term. I have looked into starting with visa exempt entry or a Tourist Visa. I might seriously consider taking Thai language classes and try for an ED visa, but also might start with a Non-O Retirement visa after I arrive. I am working on options and will have questions later but for now I have just one question. I will have 800K when I finally travel to Thailand but have to use it to pay expenses so I cannot put it in a bank account and leave it. The 65K monthly transfer is more attractive but I am not understanding something. Can I use this money after I transfer it? So if I initially deposit at least 65k, can I pay my monthly expenses and therefore draw my account down theoretically to zero or does this have to eventually accumulate to 800K? In short, is there a path to obtaining a Non-O Retirement visa by depositing 65k monthly from my US account and using it for expenses and therefore never having much money in my Thai bank account or is the sum of 800k still required before I can do anything. I can't tell if I can really apply for the initial Non-O or the extension if I don't have 800k but do have the 65k/month transferred in. Thank you for any clarifications that you can provide
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user seeks clarification on the process of obtaining a Non-O Retirement Visa in Thailand, particularly regarding the financial requirements. They have $800,000 but need to use it for expenses and are considering using the monthly transfer method of 65,000 baht. Several commenters explain that while the monthly transfers can be used as proof for a future visa extension, the initial application for a Non-O Visa requires having $800,000 in a Thai bank account, which must remain at that level for three months after the visa is granted. Alternative options like using an educational visa or employing an agent are also discussed.
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.
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Peter ****************
You didn't ask about the O-A Visa but after reading your whole post I think you'll be much better off with this one. Your money remains in the USA. I pulled money from investments and put it in my bank account and took a screen shot of it. My bank would not verify anything. Do you have a primary care physician who can sign the medical certificate? I didn't and paid over 700 USD and waited about 3 weeks for all tests. But most people just have their doctor sign it. You'll need to buy insurance. But this one really looks best for you. It will give you 2 years if you play it right.
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Steve ********
US doesn’t do the 65k thing any longer. Come in a 60 day TV and then get an agent
Parry ***********
Contact Thai Visa
Chris *****
I've no idea about US applications, but I believe if you apply at a consulate in the US you can avoid having to have money in Thailand?
VaiAna **********
We obtained retirement visa w multiple entry while vacationing in Thailand . We're US citizens . The way I look at it there are 2 ways of going about it . Do it on your own & apply thru Thai consulate back home or hire an agent from Thailand . Since we were in Thailand already , we paid an agent to do the paperwork . We're happy and every year we renew . For 12 months we don't have to worry about visa extension or leaving the country and fly back in
Jimmy *********
I would make sure I was financially secure before making a move based on your situation...if you don't have liquid 20k, I would be very cautious and make sure you aren't going to put yourself in a bad spot. I know it seems like a good idea and I am sure she is special, but man you need your financial ducks in a row.
Paul *******
Save the stress go to a agent.It is so easy and no problem.you can now convert 45 day entre
Chris ********
ORIGINAL POSTERWhat I will be trying to do is find a way to stay for a year or so while I work on transitioning into remote employment from the US. There are some programming classes that will help me get started with a remote income stream while I live with my likely future Thai wife. Once my income stream starts (hopefully) I can save the required 800k. Do you think I can limp along with multiple tourist visas and extensions? Any combination of easy visas until I save the required amount or get married. If I pursue an Ed visa I will go with a reputable institution. Thanks
John **********
@Chris *******
please note that it is not legal to work inside Thailand without a work permit. Doesn't matter who you work for or where you get paid. There is a long term visa that allows this but you're never going to meet it's requirements I suspect. I know people do work remotely without regards to the legality but if you follow this route be sure to keep quiet about itAlistair **********
@Chris *******
multiple entry tourist visa. You get 60 days per entry which can be extended by 30 days. It's valid for 6 months. So if you time it right you can get 270 days total. Add in a border bounce or two and you're at a year.Aaron *******
@Chris *******
What I do is stay in Thailand 2 months or so on Multiple Entry Tourist Visa. Go back USA for a couple of months. Thus, my December Entry was my 3d Entry for 2022. No questions, no problems yet. Going into 2d year of this schedule.Chris ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Aaron ******
I probably wouldn’t go back to the US but could go to Laos or Cambodia for a week if that is sufficient. So the 270 would be possible if I re-enter Thailand just before the end of the 6 month period and then I get 60 more days plus the 30 day extension. After that could I apply for another METV or would that be difficult? Didn’t I read that the METV requires some kind of documentation proving that you need the multiple entry instead of single entry? Thanks again for the adviceAlistair **********
@Chris *******
you need to leave and re enter Thailand every 90 days on a METV to get a further 90 days (60 visa + 30 day ext). When you apply you need to prove you need a METV and not just a single entry visa. To do this you need to show a ticket leaving and re entering Thailand within the period of travel. If you don't provide this the embassy may just give you a single entry tourist visa instead, but keep the METV fee which is more expensive.
Pretty sure you can only apply for a METV in your home country. To stay for an extra 95 days to make it a year, just use a border run company. They grease the wheels with immigration so you can get a new stamp without hassles. You can do this twice by land per calendar year. Each will give you 30 days visa exempt which you can be extend by 30 days. That should give you enough time to see if retiring in Thailand is right for you.
Reply to
Alistair **********
Reply
Gordon *******
@Aaron ******
Sounds the most sensible and easiest way to be honestReply to
Gordon *******
Reply
Aaron *******
1st things 1st. Slow Down. You only visited Thailand one time. Visit Thailand several more times on a Tourist Visa (60 Days) or Visa Exempt. Get to know the country and the people, a lot more, for a couple of years. Save your money and slow down.
Gordon *******
@Aaron ******
Best bit of advice yet on this post. ThanksReply to
Gordon *******
Reply
เจสัน ******
Type into Google Retirement Criteria Royal Thai Police Order 35 / 2561.
The document explains all in English.
What the seasoning requirements / withdrawal limits are of the 800k deposit, monthly 65k minimum income etc.
Bear in mind that 65k monthly is 780k annually.
So the bottom line with the income route is as long as min 800k has passed through your Thai account in a year all will be fine.
Anyhow this is how my local IO interprets the legislation.
But as you will find some IO's will do differently.
I hope this helps?
The document explains all in English.
What the seasoning requirements / withdrawal limits are of the 800k deposit, monthly 65k minimum income etc.
Bear in mind that 65k monthly is 780k annually.
So the bottom line with the income route is as long as min 800k has passed through your Thai account in a year all will be fine.
Anyhow this is how my local IO interprets the legislation.
But as you will find some IO's will do differently.
I hope this helps?
Damian ********
If you can't meet the financial requirements for Non O then you could just pay an agent to do it for you. No need to transfer money. Many people use this option. Just do a little research first, cost anywhere from 25k to 45k depending where you are and who you use.Hope this helps.
Bonnie *******
@Damian *******
you get trapped into staying with the agent and it will cost a lot in the long runDamian ********
@Bonnie ******
Not sure how you come to that conclusion. A few of my friends use agents every year, costs them around 25k. No problems so far.Reply to
Damian ********
Reply
Tony *********
@Damian *******
it can be done that way without the funds. I did it once myself a few years ago through an agent. But it has to be said that it is illegal.Reply to
Tony *********
Reply
Shayne **********
If you're over 50 they're now making education visas harder to get.
Ernesto ********
Yes, you have definitely confused the two methods and maybe you are not financially ready to “retire” with you newly found Thai friend.
Brandon ************
You can use the 65,000 immediately after it's transferred, but you cannot use this method for your first 1 year extension as an American citizen.
There are 2 ways to use the monthly income method:
1) your embassy in Thailand certifies your income. The US embassy stopped doing this many years ago.
2) show 1 year, 12 individual months, of a transfer of at least 65,000 baht from overseas to a Thai bank account in your name only.
Since it sounds like you do not have a Thai bank account yet, this method will not be available to you until at least a year after you arrive in Thailand as you would need to start doing the transfers every month after you open a bank account.
So you either need to put the 800,000 in an account for your first annual extension and make sure it reminds at 800,000 for 3 months after your extension is granted, and then never let it drop below 400,000 after that, or get an ED visa and start doing monthly transfers for a year then you should have the proof of 12 months of transfers you can use for retirement.
There are 2 ways to use the monthly income method:
1) your embassy in Thailand certifies your income. The US embassy stopped doing this many years ago.
2) show 1 year, 12 individual months, of a transfer of at least 65,000 baht from overseas to a Thai bank account in your name only.
Since it sounds like you do not have a Thai bank account yet, this method will not be available to you until at least a year after you arrive in Thailand as you would need to start doing the transfers every month after you open a bank account.
So you either need to put the 800,000 in an account for your first annual extension and make sure it reminds at 800,000 for 3 months after your extension is granted, and then never let it drop below 400,000 after that, or get an ED visa and start doing monthly transfers for a year then you should have the proof of 12 months of transfers you can use for retirement.
Jackie ***********
@Brandon ***********
you show 800k for the initial 90 day O visa. Is there a rule that says you can't show 12 prior months of international transfers for the first one-year extension? I'm about to apply for the non-O in Thailand. I've been living here for years, my prior visa expired while I was on a trip back to the USA. I have the thai bank account and I've been dutifully making the monthly transfers, even while I was back visiting the USA.Brandon ************
@Jackie **********
some offices will not let you use monthly transfers for the first extension. But the thing blocking it for most people is that they just can't show 12 months of transfers for their first extension. You'd need to ask your local immigration office if they will accept it.Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
John **********
@Brandon ***********
while the 12 months of transfers is fine for an extension I don't think it is for the initial in country Non-O visa. That still requires 800k transferred in from overseas.John **********
Sorry. You're correct as long as he's on an extension and not on the visa itself
Steve *******
@John *********
If the OP was on an ED visa extention of stay he wouldnt need a Non Imm O, he could just change the reason for his extention of stay.John **********
@Steve ******
I'm not convinced that is correct. He would first have to get himself on the appropriate visa in my view, which means applying for a Non-O.Steve *******
@John *********
It is correct. It's from any Non Immigrant visa you can change the reason for a year long extention providing he meets all the requirements.Reply to
Steve *******
Reply
Brandon ************
@John *********
yeah I wavered on how to cover it but it's so far away. He's probably better off traveling back home after a year to get the non-OReply to
Brandon ************
Reply
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