Answered2 years ago
What are the steps to obtain a Non-O visa and extend it based on retirement in Thailand?
I want to apply for the Non-O 90 day visa and then extend on the basis of retirement. Agents want lots of money assuming that I want to cheat the system. I want to play it straight and do it myself. I’m in Bangkok and I know the procedure/requirements. The only thing I don’t know is what form to complete and where to take it. A pretty basic problem in my plan.
I would appreciate any pointers. 🙏
I would appreciate any pointers. 🙏
Answer summary
The user seeks guidance on applying for a Non-O visa for 90 days and then extending it for retirement purposes. They are determined to handle the process independently despite pressures from agents. Commenters suggest opening a Thai bank account (which can be challenging without a visa), applying for the visa from abroad, and visiting local immigration offices for specific forms and requirements. Some share their own experiences and provide step-by-step instructions, emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation and utilizing local resources like immigration offices.
105 repliesnewest first
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Hilary *****
The steps are not that difficult.
1. First you have to leave Thailand and apply for a Non-O single entry visa at the nearest consulate or embassy. You can show your own bank from your country.
2. Once you get your visa, re-enter Thailand and open a bank account immediately. Say the reason is for a Retirement Visa. Prepare your Resident Certificate and your own Sim Card to open a bank account. This is easy at this point. Then put 800,000 baht in it.
3. Go to Immigration about 1 month before your current visa expires and apply for a Retirement Visa extension. Job Done!!!
This is exactly what I did for my aunt.
1. First you have to leave Thailand and apply for a Non-O single entry visa at the nearest consulate or embassy. You can show your own bank from your country.
2. Once you get your visa, re-enter Thailand and open a bank account immediately. Say the reason is for a Retirement Visa. Prepare your Resident Certificate and your own Sim Card to open a bank account. This is easy at this point. Then put 800,000 baht in it.
3. Go to Immigration about 1 month before your current visa expires and apply for a Retirement Visa extension. Job Done!!!
This is exactly what I did for my aunt.
Christina *****
I'm also going into that situation soon, I'll be in Thailand, phuket to do some research but I definitely need some pointers on how to open a bank account as I heard foreigners cannot open a bank account unless u hold a visa, but to get a visa such as retirement visa I need to have bank account. Moni is not the issue but it's a catch 22 system. Any help will b much appreciated.
Christina *****
@Albert *******
Am due to fly out onda 1st April for some dental work and hoping can get information about trasistion8ng to move thr semi permanent on a retirement visa or dtv whichever is easiest. I'm 50yrs old n I have the deposits I just need to open a bank account thr.Albert ********
@Christina ****
from what I’ve been advised, apply for non O or whichever applies to your situation from your home country and when you get into country the bank will help you open an account. If I remember correctly, Thai Visa Centre gave me that as an option or for a fee they would help or do it. Thai Visa Pattaya said all I’d need is my passport and id and for $1600 USD they’d fund the $800,000 TB and open my bank account. I just sit back and wait. If you’d like I can find and post the options I was given and the prices.Christina *****
@Albert *******
yes please do any info will be appreciated.
Thehoodyguy *************
Open a bank account with HSBC’ in your country then transfer your account to their branch in Thailand if your still in your own country it’s much simpler to apply for the non0 there they will give you all the requirements and then extend your self at the local immigration office where your staying in Thailand straight forward if you follow the procedure they set out for you just go once your in Thailand and tell them what you want to do and they will pretty much walk you through the process
Ashley ********
@Thehoodyguy ************
impossible. HSBC Thailand is corporate only. No personal banking. The sign in on their door in three languages. Picture on google if you don't beleive me. There are no "normal" foreign banks operating in Thailand.
Bri *****
@Ash***
correctAlbert ********
I’m just paying a facilitator instead of the headache. I can’t write very legible due to a stroke last year so it would probably take me a week just to fill out any forms. If forms could be filled in on a pc on site that would be be great. I’m not familiar with the exact process.
Petrov ********
This is address on Immigration. If you write it in google maps (It square laksi )this is big trade center on 3 th flor can get there by BTS and change to train. They will tell you what you need. If you have something wrong they never will take your documents. Most important is Address if you do not have TM30 can pay to same Hostel 100 per night for fews days they will do for you TM 30. Good Look !!!
Jim *******
That is how Thais made it near impossible.
Tony **********
Take a short vacation to Vietnam and apply for the non-o from there.
Todd *********
Paying the agent is cheaper than leaving and re-entering. Enjoy. Many people do exactly this
Tony **********
@Todd ********
will an agent still be able to open a bank account for him?Todd *********
@Tony *********
yes. Most likely. Check locally or with @THAI *****************************
THAI ******************************
@Albert *******
Just a quick note: if you prefer to have everything handled in one day, including having your passport returned with the 15-month extension and processed through Bangkok immigration, the fee may be roughly 10,000 THB higher.If you can wait a few weeks, the cost will be lower.
Todd *********
@THAI *****************************
thank you for clarifyingTHAI ******************************
@Albert *******
This most likely included bank account opening as well.Right now we charge for everything in one go for 50,000, and if you do not need bank opening we charge 37,000.
23,000 - 3 month non-o
14,000 - yearly extension
13,000 - bank opening in TR, or exempt
Todd *********
@Albert *******
55k seems a bit extreme, maybe 40k for 90 day O visa + 1 year extension + bank account. But generally same idea. Then allow 15k baht for yearly extension.Albert ********
@Todd ********
for a price. It wouldn’t break the bank. I can’t find the message with price break down. I do know Thai Visa Pattaya wanted $55,000TB to do everything. All I’d have to do is provide passport and ID.
Charly ********
As I done the first what need to do is to apply retirement visa from your country only with a retirement visa I could open bank account and this money have to stay 3 months in bank before to go to immigration because you will not get a 90 day appointment before so in my case it was like that so I had to move out by plan to vietnam and apply in thai embassy in vietnam but that was 15 years ago maybe now they changed already I not sure after that you need a yellow book if you stay with girlfriend or if you rent a house the house owner need to guarantee for you that you stay at this place for 1 year you need copy from bank book and original bank book to show to immigration and now have to take care because I think you have to show tin number as I wrote that only get new visa if you have a tax number this number you get in tax office and so on I wish you good luck if you lucky you CAN find a bank without to have visa in fact is easy and people's in immigration always kind so let it go on easy
John **********
Your first step is to open a bank account, not easy but not impossible. If you get a residence certificate from immigration that can help as can someone of standing vouching for you. Other than that it's just a case of trying multiple branches of multiple banks until you find one that will, every branch has their own rules. Explain why you want it. Failing that go to a neighbouring country and apply for the 90 day non-o there, opening a bank account should be much easier but the residence certificate will still help.
Jamie ******
Go ask your local immigration what forms you need
Liam ***********
Paul *********
OP@Jamie *****
I’ve been to the local immigration office and there is nobody to answer a question, just a 3-4 hour queue. I was expecting that but I don’t really want to queue that long to get an answer that they don’t issue that kind of visa at that location.Todd *********
@Paul ********
haha, yes, i went to an immigration office once several years ago. That was one visit too many. No thanksTodd *********
@Paul ********
Zactly. At that age, it’s tolerable. At this age… no wayPaul *********
OP@Todd ********
The queue reminded me of the Tutankhamen exhibition at the British Museum in 1972. I queued with my mum for four hour in the midsummer sun. At that age I could deal with it.
Chris *******
You will need to use an agent to open the bank account.
It is virtually impossible to open one yourself, especially on a tourist stamp.
Then once you have the account and transferred the money, you can do the visa and subsequent extension yourself.
The local immigration office will give you a list, follow it.
It is virtually impossible to open one yourself, especially on a tourist stamp.
Then once you have the account and transferred the money, you can do the visa and subsequent extension yourself.
The local immigration office will give you a list, follow it.
Jim *******
@Chris ******
I called Bangkok Bank in Osaka.They told me, I can open a bank account with them, deposit the money, but no ATM card, no money movement out. Can not do anything with that bank account from within Thailand.
Chris *******
Jim *******
But that was where I started. Actually, asked for my daughter (21) a Thai national, a year ago.
What it told me, no overseas BKK bank would open and account (even for Thai nationals) to be used within Thailand as personal account.
She opened her own acount in Bangkok.
What it told me, no overseas BKK bank would open and account (even for Thai nationals) to be used within Thailand as personal account.
She opened her own acount in Bangkok.
Chris *******
@Jim ******
yes and it's not relevant to a personal savings account.Jim *******
@Chris ******
That was Bangkok Bank in Osaka. The account opened that way is meant to be used in Thailand for commercial transactions, like payments between companies, not retail banking.
Yuen *********
100% correct that the immigration office is the place to go to...
For additional support, try your embassy too...
For additional support, try your embassy too...
Yuen *********
Sure, this is forever a recurring problem, irregardless...
The fact that WE are paying their salaries never crossed their minds..., so...shall we then leave them to their stupidity???...I sometimes think so...
The fact that WE are paying their salaries never crossed their minds..., so...shall we then leave them to their stupidity???...I sometimes think so...
Paul *********
OP@Yuen ********
We have little choice, we just have to navigate our own lives around them. 😁Paul *********
OP@Yuen ********
That’s a good idea to talk to my embassy. They will give me a hard time because they’re British 😂 But it’s certainly worth a try. 🙏Paul *********
OP@Yuen ********
British public servants often have the attitude that they are doing you a favour. The fact that they are not being paid by you directly seems to make British people think that the service is free and that we should be grateful. The fact that we’ve paid huge amounts of tax over many years seems to not be a consideration. The result is often that they take a passive aggressive approach to the people they are paid to serve, suggesting that you’re wasting their time. This attitude is normally more common in the administrative staff than in the profession people. A good example is the National Health Service - when you finally get to see a doctor or some other clinical staff, they will treat you with respect and professionalism. The problem is that you will have to go through a number of administrative people who will make you feel like a freeloader. All cultures have their good points as well as their pathologies and this is just part of the joy of being British. 😂
Nongnuch ********
@Yuen ********
he doesn't have a Thai bank account yet. He is on a tourist visa, and even agents can't help with opening a bank account any more since recently. Without money in a Thai bank account he cannot apply for a Non-O visa on ImmigrationTodd *********
@Nongnuch *******
except agents CAN helpGeraldine **************
@Nongnuch *******
gosh how many times are you going to text the same comment 🤣Geraldine **************
Go to immigration they have all the forms there.. And they will tell you which one you need and how to apply.. Good luck.. I never use an agent.
Paul *********
OP@Geraldine *************
Do you remember which office you went to? I went to the big government building in Lak Si, they sent me to IT Square and they sent me back to Lak Si. 😂Geraldine **************
@Paul ********
Oh dear.. I went to the big one which is outside of the city.. But that is a a long time ago.. Now I live in Chiang Mai and the immigration here is really very helpful.. 😕Geraldine **************
@Paul ********
Yesssss it most certainly has! But Chiang Mai is still a wonderful place to be in ❤️Paul *********
OP@Geraldine *************
I haven’t been to Chiang Mai since 1992, maybe I should spend a few weeks up there. It’s probably changed a little 😊Nongnuch ********
@Geraldine *************
he doesn't have a Thai bank account yet. He is on a tourist visa, and even agents can't help with opening a bank account any more since recently. Without money in a Thai bank account he cannot apply for a Non-O visa on ImmigrationGeraldine **************
@Nongnuch *******
Gosh you really are a nit picking pain in the rear.. Shut up FGS 😴😴😴Geraldine **************
@Nongnuch *******
Thank you.. But for your information I actually have a retirement visa and have had it for several years 😂 I do all my own paperwork and certainly don't need anyone to tell me how to do it 😂😂😂Nongnuch ********
@Geraldine *************
if you already are on an extension for several years, it's time somebody tells you that you do not have anything that is called "retirement visa". You don't have a visa any more. You just got a "1-year extened stay permit"
Graham ******
So you have Thai bank account in your name with 800k from a foreign transfer and you are over 50? Just go to your local Immigration Office and get their list of requirements then prepare all of the documents to support your application.
Albert ********
@Graham *****
is having $800k TB the only avenue? I thought a monthly income over $65,000 TB was also acceptable?
Jan ******************
@Albert *******
Same question and answer as above;If your embassy doesn’t offer to give you a affidavit letter regarding income, you’ll need to prove the first year yourself by showing proof of 800K baht in a Thai bank. For the second year after showing proof of twelve months consecutive transfers of minimum 65K baht you can switch to the income method. And you’ll need to prove the requirements individually.
Casper *************
@Graham *****
what if I have a pensionable incomGraham ******
@Casper ************
For the retirement Visa the source of the income/funds is not important, it can even be wagesGraham ******
@Bob *********
because the wages are not from within ThailandCasper *************
@Bob *********
thank you
Bob **********
@Casper ************
if it’s a non-o based on marriage it’s only 400k or proof on 40k a monthBob **********
@Graham *****
how can you have wages and be on a retirement visa ?Graham ******
@Casper ************
Two farangs or one Thai? If two farangs it is difficult to get a Trailing Spouse Visa in SE Asia but it could be possible from your Thai Embassy in your home country before travelling.Jan ******************
@Casper ************
If your embassy doesn’t offer to give you a affidavit letter regarding income, you’ll need to prove the first year yourself by showing proof of 800K baht in a Thai bank. For the second year after showing proof of twelve months consecutive transfers of minimum 65K baht you can switch to the income method. And you’ll need to prove the requirements individually.Casper *************
@Graham *****
do i still have to have 800.000 baht in the bank as well and what if we are a married couplePaul *********
OP@Graham *****
Thank you for your reply. No, I need the 90 day Non-O visa to open a bank account. I’m in Thailand on a tourist visa. These visas are normally obtained before leaving your country of origin but I know that they are available for people already in Thailand. I’ve been travelling for a year now and don’t really want to go back to the U.K. just for a visa.
John *********
@Paul ********
I was in the same position when I came in January. Pretty much unless I used an agent I was not going to get a non-0 visa while I was in Thailand. I actually had to go to Cambodia and file for the E Visa online the day. I got there. It took Tuk 10 full business days so I was actually there for two weeks. Fortunately hotel rooms are ridiculously cheap in Cambodia.
Ken *******
@Paul ********
reach out to @Annie *******
she will help you
James ******
@Paul ********
you better get an agent to get your bank account. It’s not easy anymore.
Richard *********
@Paul ********
DefinitelyBob **********
@Paul ********
you can definitely go apply for a non-o but you’ll need at least 15 days left on your current stay and a couple offices required seasoned money to apply for the non-o but I think your ok in BangkokAshley ********
@Nongnuch *******
rubbish like most of the stuff you say. Not long ago you were telling the person that announced the bank account problem that they were lying. Make your mind up......its actually still possible to open one on a tourist (visa exemption). I opened two since the 17th Feb when the rule came in. in two banks....and actually 4 if you count my partner. You just got to know what you are doing and who to ask. Certainly not you.
Osian ********
@Bob *********
which bank accepted you Bob, I'm on a non-O already but they're refusing bank account even with letter from immigrationTodd *********
@Nongnuch *******
where are you getting ‘agents can’t help from’?? Cmon manNongnuch ********
@Bob *********
how many years ago was that?THAI ******************************
@Nongnuch *******
Agents can still assist with bank acounts on tourist, or exempt entry.We do regularly, but we require the client to use us for visa services as well.
He may find one that does not have these requirements.
Bob **********
@Nongnuch *******
I didNongnuch ********
@Bob *********
he doesn't have a Thai bank account yet. He is on a tourist visa, and even agents can't help with opening a bank account any more since recently. Without money in a Thai bank account he cannot apply for a Non-O visa on Immigration
Greg *********
@Paul ********
You will probably need an agent to facilitate opening a bank account if you only have a tourist visa.
David **********
@Paul ********
you don't have to go back to the UK. You just have to prove that you are not in Thailand. We did ours in Vietnam and it was a very easy process.
Wylie *******
@Paul ********
you need the bank account first. The 800k in a thai bank account in you're name only is one of the requirements for the initial 90 day non-o based on retirement when applying in Thailand. Banks used to let people on a tourist visa open one up until recently. Even agents may not be able to help with that anymore. Unfortunately it's become a bit of a catch 22 situation.Activity
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