thailand
Ask question

What are the requirements to apply for a retirement visa in Thailand using the income method?

Retirement VisaNon-O VisaVisa RequirementsIncome MethodPattaya ImmigrationHealth InsuranceVisa Extension
Jan 26, 2025
3 days ago
Terary **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I goofed earlier.

I need to apply retirement visa. I would be using the income method (I hope), I have the several months of deposits. I own my own condo, and I am a pretty nice guy.

If I get the bank statement tomorrow evening and showed up at the immigration office the following morning.

Would they give me a new 90 day visa? And within that time I have to apply for the extension?

It happens to be my current stamp expires Wednesday. I can get the extension but maybe that doesn't make sense.

Also, what are the health care requirements.

EDIT:

Anybody know a good agent in the Pattaya area?
2,050
views
5
likes
71
all likes
38
replies
1
images
10
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking guidance on applying for a retirement visa in Thailand, specifically looking to use the income method for eligibility. They are uncertain about whether obtaining a bank statement the day before visiting immigration will allow them to secure a new 90-day visa, and they express concern about the expiration of their current visa stamp. Additionally, they inquire about health insurance requirements and request recommendations for visa agents in the Pattaya area. Comments from other users indicate that the income method requires documentation from an embassy, along with specific financial requirements, such as having a bank deposit of 800,000 baht for at least 2 months, making the user's situation complicated.
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.
John **********
You will first need to get the 30 day extension as you need a minimum of 15 days left on your stamp to apply for a Non-O visa. Whilst you are doing that you can ask if they will accept the 12 months of transfers to apply for that visa but I doubt they will accept it without an income certificate from your embassy (if it even provides that). As you appear to be in Pattaya the 800k needs to be in your bank for 2 months before you apply if you need to use that method. Other than that your only option is going to be using an agent.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Greg ***********
@John *********
 correct, the Pattaya Immigration office is one of few that want a 2-months seasoning of the 800,000 THB deposit for the application to the initial 90-days Non-O visa. . .
@Terary *********
 They make this up on their own. The standing police order only asks for the deposit to SIT in the account, no seasoning needed. Only for the application to the 1-year Extension of Stay, the 2-months seasoning is required . . . . .
@Terary *********
 a very bad experience on the Pattaya Immigration is in the waiting for you, because Brandon correctly said, they don't accept a 12-months of transfers bank statement for the "change of visa type" from the 60-days exempt entry to the 90-days non-Imm-O retirement visa. Even if they would really allow it (I give you a 10 against 90 chance), you still first need to get the 30-days extension, because for the application to the "change", you must have a minimum of 15 workdays left on your stay permit stamp
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Terary **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Greg **********
 I like pattaya, I don't like the Pattaya immigration.

Last time I went up to Siracha to see if I could use that office, they said I had to go to Pattaya.

Thanks for the informative response.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Terary **********
Reply
Roberto *********
Do you have a notarised verification that you are "a pretty nice guy"? Immigration may not take your word for this 😆
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Terary **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Roberto ********
 No one believes me.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Terary **********
Reply
Chris *******
No 800k,

No 1 yr of transfers,

No embassy letter,

NO VISA
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Colin *********
@Chris ******
 embassy will not do embassy letter now
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Chris *******
Colin Huttley

Many embassies still issue letters.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Jan ******************
@Chris ******
 Some immigrations in fact accept proof of 12-15 months consecutive transfers of minimum 65K baht for the initial 90 days Non O visa in country as well.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Jan ******************
Reply
Terary **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Colin ********
 That's how I understand.. Its been that way for years.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Terary **********
Reply
Todd *********
They actually stopped you from border bounce now?

You will 12 months of deposits minimum 65k to your Thailand bank account
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Terary **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Todd ********
They "talked" to me the last time I came in. But I just turned 50 so the rules have changed, a little

I didn't understand "You will 12 months of deposits minimum 65k to your Thailand bank account" this bit
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Todd *********
@Terary *********
 to qualify for the monthly income method, you need to show immigration 12 consecutive months of 65k deposits to your Thai account.

At 50, retirement visa should be no issue for you. DTV might also be worth considering also. And if you happen to qualify, LTR is a 10 year no brainer
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Terary **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Todd ********
 For the past 9 months I thought I qualified for the LTR, but yesterday when I sat to down to apply, I read the fine print "passive income" so now I am scrambling to find a visa solution.

I turned 50 6 months ago and I have made 65K deposits for the past 15+ months, from international sources (Wise 'longterm stay in Thailand'). This was the same method I used to establish overseas funds to buy my condo.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Jan ******************
@Terary *********
 If your current stamp expires on Wednesday, you’ll have to apply for an extension first anyway as you need minimum 15-21 days left to apply for a Non O in country.

Regarding income method you’ll just have to check this further out with your specific immigration if they will accept proof of consecutive transfers before you apply for the initial visa.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Terary **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jan *****************
 That's probably the most intelligent response I read.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Kool *******
@Terary *********
 you're in for a rude awakening when you go to immigration and don't have bt800,000+ in your bank account for at least two months before you apply...lolol.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Kool *******
Reply
John ********
This is what you will need to get the retirement visa, but you will need to confirm it with the immigration officer that you will be using
3 days ago
Like
Reply
John ********
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
@John *******
 This list is for extension, not for conversion to non-O visa.
3 days ago
Like
Reply
John ********
@Brandon ***********
 you are right, but he was also talking about the retirement visa application
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
@John *******
 Which this list is not applicable to.
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Brandon ************
You cannot use the income method to apply for a 90 day non-O visa unless you have an income certification from your embassy. Monthly deposits is not eligible to convert to a non-O visa, nor is it eligible to apply for the first 1-year extension.

Your ONLY option for the initial visa and first 1-year extension is an income certification from your embassy or a bank deposit of 800,000 baht in your Thai bank account. There are NO other options.

10 years of bank statements showing a million baht transferred every month would be rejected because monthly transfers is not eligible for either of those.
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Conny **********
@Brandon ***********
 it was no problem to use that in september 2023 when I converted exempt to non o Retirement.

And as I see it nothing has changed.
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
@Conny *********
 Then you used proof of 800,000 in your Thai bank account or a letter from your embassy.
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Conny **********
@Brandon ***********
 no. 12* 65k in a bank account. I did have an income letter to but they wanted that verified in Bangkok so I showed the bankbook. They wanted a letter from the Thai bank that the money was transferred from abroad.
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Terary **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Conny *********
 yeah, I have 12 months from abroad. I am in Pattaya.

They are a bunch of crooks but I thought I could do income method and every document I have seen said its possible.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
@Terary *********
 not even a chance, especially in Pattaya.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Nick *******
@Conny *********
 Which IO let you do the 12 month deposits for a first time Non-O? I’m in Phuket and they are saying deposit method is not possible and insisting on 800k in the bank for my first application.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Conny **********
@Nick ******
 i live in Hua Hin
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Roberto *********
@Nick ******
 I switched from OA to O via a visa exempt in Bangkok, and used the 65k transfer method. I never once had the 800k lump sum. I guess some immigration offices use their own set of rules
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
@Roberto ********
 That's because you switched from non-OA to non-O. That's a special circumstance
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Roberto *********
@Brandon ***********
 I actually switched from a visa-exempt entry. It's not possible to go directly from OA to O. It was accepted because I had sufficient monthly transfers to meet the criteria.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
@Roberto ********
 you start on non-OA. Then you leave and return visa exempt and switch to non-O. That's the only way to do it and that's a specific situation that won't apply for 99.
*****
% of people. You cannot use monthly income for the non-O conversion and that's accurate for basically everyone.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Roberto *********
@Brandon ***********
 What's a non-O conversion? I thought that's what I did
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
@Roberto ********
 And like I specifically said, your situation is different because you had a non-OA, left and returned visa exempt, and then converted. That's not how it works for everyone else. And therefore they cannot use monthly transfers.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Roberto *********
@Brandon ***********
 Ok I can only speak for Bangkok. If you have a minimum of 12 months of unbroken monthly transfers from overseas of minimum 65k this can be used in lieu of the 800k lump sum. It effectively replaces the embassy affidavit method for those countries whose embassies will no longer provide the certification. That's Bangkok. Since I've done the conversion a couple of years ago, I know two other people personally who have also obtained the non-O without the lump sum.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Conny **********
@Roberto ********
 that is what I did too. Had a non o a and immigration recommendations was to kill that by going to Malaysia and return on a extemt and convert that when I got back
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Conny **********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
What are the considerations when applying for a retirement visa in Thailand through an agent in Pattaya?
6 comments
8 days ago
What are the financial requirements for a retirement visa or Non-O visa in Thailand if I want to live in Korat?
49 comments
10 days ago
How can I transition to a retirement visa in Thailand while currently on a tourist visa?
18 comments
2 months ago
What are the current challenges and requirements for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand?
28 comments
2 months ago
What are my options for obtaining a long-term visa in Thailand as a tourist planning to retire?
103 comments
4 months ago
What are the options for opening a bank account on a tourist visa in Thailand and pursuing long-term residency?
123 comments
4 months ago
What steps can I take to obtain a retirement visa for Thailand during my current trip?
43 comments
5 months ago
What is the process for obtaining a Retirement Visa in Thailand as an expat, and should I hire an agent?
98 comments
7 months ago
What are my best options for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand given my current situation?
24 comments
9 months ago
What do I need to apply for a Retirement O Visa in Thailand while on a tourist visa?
24 comments
a year ago
What is the best visa option for applying for a retirement visa in Thailand and what documents should I bring?
25 comments
a year ago
What are the requirements and best strategies for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand?
47 comments
a year ago
How can I apply for a retirement visa in Thailand using an income certificate or bank deposit?
4 comments
a year ago
Can I manage my retirement visa and bank requirements independently after using an agent in Thailand?
9 comments
a year ago
Can I apply for a Non-O Retirement Visa in Thailand, and what are the financial and health insurance requirements?
11 comments
2 years ago
What are the steps for my friend to obtain a retirement visa in Thailand given her situation?
42 comments
2 years ago
What are the requirements for applying for a retirement visa in Thailand, especially regarding income proof?
10 comments
2 years ago
Do I need a 90-day visa before applying for a retirement visa in Thailand?
33 comments
2 years ago
What are the requirements and recommendations for applying for a retirement visa in Thailand for expats over 50?
25 comments
2 years ago
What are the requirements and process for applying for a retirement visa in Thailand, and is it necessary to use an agent?
10 comments
2 years ago
What agency should I use to obtain a retirement visa for Thailand without directly depositing 800,000 THB?
36 comments
2 years ago
What are the necessary documents and requirements for extending a retirement visa in Thailand using bank deposit?
4 comments
3 years ago
What are the steps to document income for a Non-O retirement visa in Thailand?
12 comments
5 years ago
What steps can I take to obtain a Retirement Visa in Thailand after finishing my employment?
10 comments
7 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.