This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

What are the steps and requirements for applying for a retirement visa in Thailand?

Mar 20, 2025
14 days ago
Jim *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi All.

I am going to apply for retirement visa in June. I have a Permanent address and yellow book. I also have a ID card(Pink) for people of non Thai nationality. I also have the 800k and Thai bank account. I'm from Ireland .

My question is

1) Do I apply for retirement visa before I go to Thailand .

2) Can I get multi entry retirement visa.

3) As I won't be in Thailand for the majority of the first year. Is there a minimum amount of days I must stay in Thailand.

4) Do I need a agent or can I apply myself.

Is it straight forward.
2,250
views
3
likes
54
all likes
18
replies
2
images
10
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user plans to apply for a retirement visa (Non-O or Non-OA) for Thailand and has several questions: whether to apply before traveling, availability of multi-entry options, minimum stay requirements, and the necessity of hiring an agent. Community responses suggest applying from Ireland before departure to ease the process, clarifying that a multiple-entry retirement visa isn't available, discussing minimum stay requirements before obtaining a one-year extension, and advising that applying oneself is straightforward.
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 ********
Oh and how/where did you get an id card on just a tourist visa?
Jim *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *******
when I applied for yellow book they issued id
John ********
@Jim ********
good stuff. I tried that and they came up with all sorts of other requirements. Yellow book, plus chanote, plus translation of passport, parental names and then finally a thai witness of good standing...
John ********
It is easier, less hassle and more secure to apply from your home country. Do it at least 6 weeks before you intend to fly. Good luck
Paul *******
1. Yes, I suggest that you apply before arrival. 2. Once you are here and have your Retirement visa, then you can go to Immgration and purchase a single or a multi re entry. 3. There is no m inimum stay requirement. 4. It is straight forward and simple to do yourself - why pay an agent extra money.
John **********
There are a number of different visas all referred to as retirement visas. The Non-O is by far the most common but if you want a Multiple Entry retirement visa out of the box it may also be worth looking at the Non-OA option. The drawback is it requires insurance and a police check
Graham ******
Straightforward to get your Extension of Stay in your case
Sharron *******
I would like to know how you opened a bank acct ? I understood that you had to have a visa to do so? I plan on moving in May , but don't have insurance nor bank acct. I do have the money for bank deposit. But need to open an acct. thought I would just do that when I got there? I am 77 with a few ailments that won't be covered by insurance, so I probably won't be able to get it. Nothing life threating. Just high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, COPD..
Anna *********
@Sharron ******
years ago anyone could open an account I opened one on a 10 day visit when I was there on visa exempt
Steve *******
@Sharron ******
Get the Non Imm O visa in your home Country, you should then be able to open a bank account after you're here.
Sharron *******
I can not find the non O, only the non o-A and that requires insurance. To fill out on line.???
Brandon ************
@Sharron ******
I posted this in one of your other threads. These are the options you choose in the evisa system to apply for the non-O visa based on being over 50. Also called the non-O retirement visa.
Sharron *******
I saw that but the embassy I have to use is Miami and thats not what they have. I masy have to wait until I get there and get an agent, for visa and bank acct. I will be needing one anyway when I rent or buy a condo, to read paper work so I don't get ripped off
Jim *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sharron ******
. my partner is Thai and I am named on a yellow book. This gives me permanent address. I got refused several times straight off.But just keep trying and then one bank make a few phone calls and said yes. Bit of luck I guess.
Graham ******
@Sharron ******
People, like myself, have had bank accounts for years when it was easy to do so on Visa Exempt stramps especially in tourist areas. Arrive with the correct Visa (not a tourism entry stamp) it is still possible, just get a residence certificate from Immigration.
Brandon ************
1) If you apply before you go to Thailand, you'll save 2 trips to immigration, many hours of waiting, and you will be able to apply for the 1-year extension sooner.

2) You cannot get a multiple entry retirement visa. But you can purchase a re-entry permit for your extension so that it is not cancelled when you leave Thailand.

3) You'll need to be in Thailand long enough to apply for the 1-year extension. That means if you purchase the 90 day non-O visa before you travel, you would need to stay at least 45 days if you will be staying in an area where you can apply for the extension 45 days before your stamp expires (Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, a couple others) or at least 60 days for the rest of the immigration offices. But once you get the 1-year extension you can purchase a re-entry permit and leave. You just need to be back before the extension expires to apply for the next one.

4) No need for an agent. You already meet all the requirements, the largest one being the money in the bank.
Greg *********
@Brandon ***********
Isn’t obtaining an OA Retirement visa also effectively getting a multi-reentry permit? I thought that’s what I read when I got mine.
Jim *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
Thank you very informative.
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