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What are the steps to obtain a retirement visa in Thailand after being on a tourist visa for three months?
ThailandVisa RulesRetirement VisaNon-O VisaExpats in ThailandImmigrationLiving in ThailandVisa Extension
Jul 11, 2025
10 months ago
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI've been in Thailand and my third month is approaching at the end of July.
Im trying to work out how to get a retirement Visa,do I need to leave the country then return and get another stamp for another month then what do I need to do ?
Im putting 1,500,000($70,000 aud) into my Thai bank account next week,question is how can I get
a retirement Visa,my passport has my current address and stamped,
Help would be very much appreciated
Thank you
Im trying to work out how to get a retirement Visa,do I need to leave the country then return and get another stamp for another month then what do I need to do ?
Im putting 1,500,000($70,000 aud) into my Thai bank account next week,question is how can I get
a retirement Visa,my passport has my current address and stamped,
Help would be very much appreciated
Thank you
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking guidance on obtaining a Non-O Retirement Visa in Thailand while on a tourist visa, as their third month is approaching. They plan to deposit 1,500,000 THB into a Thai bank account. Community responses suggest visiting a local immigration office to obtain a requirements list and confirm that a minimum balance of 800,000 THB must be maintained for at least 60 days. It's also noted that applicants typically need to have 15 to 30 days remaining on their current visa to apply for the retirement visa. Some users recommend hiring an immigration agent for assistance, especially because regulations may vary by location.
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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Taleporos ********
Can I pay the hotel bill with cash card?
Is better paying cash?
Is better paying cash?
Taleporos ********
Can I get money from the ATM?
What is the commission if I withdraw 200 euros?
What is the commission if I withdraw 200 euros?
Mark *********
@Taleporos *******
Should be 220 baht per transaction, + whatever fee your home bank charges.Taleporos ********
Mark *********
@Taleporos *******
Yindi krap (You’re welcome)!Reply to
Mark *********
Reply
Ken ********
Tum Visa..
She can help attain the visa you require I've been with her 5 yrs now with never an issue with immigration..
0865485636..good luck
She can help attain the visa you require I've been with her 5 yrs now with never an issue with immigration..
0865485636..good luck
**********
*****
*****
..good luckKelley ******
Alek *****************
What is the problem?
Vijay *****
You may want to check out DTV visa...
Bob **********
If your applying in Jomtien you haven’t enough time as they require 2 months seasoning for the initial non-o so you would have to do a border bounce and even that is becoming a problem now ,Cambodian borders are closed so fly somewhere for a few days return and after your money has been in your Thai bank for two full months apply if it’s another office just go apply
Ben *******
Must apply from outside the country and remain in the country you apply until get results
Jan ******************
@Ben ******
Not correct, you can apply for a Non O visa inside Thailand too on a TM.86 for tourist visa and TM.87 for visa exemption.Dianne **********
@Jan *****************
I'm in the situation where i will need to exit and apply outside. I was an idiot, came in a week ago planning to use an agent and have now decided to go it alone. Is there any chance one can get the non o from within Thailand using the 65k income option?Jan ******************
@Dianne *********
Sorry, only if your embassy in Bangkok offers to give you a affidavit letter confirming your monthly income.Reply to
Jan ******************
Reply
Jesper *******
If u do already have a thai bank acct ....bank in 800k go to the immigration office near you to apply for 90days nonO (most office doesn't need seasoned for 2mths except jomtien) u need to have a least 15days or more on your current stamp in order to apply mainly u need TM87 lease agreement Bank letter Bank statement bank book (updated to application date)..etc depends on the immigrations offices
Nongnuch ********
First of all, you need a Thai bank account in order to be able to apply for the 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa inside Thailand. You already got a Thai bank account which makes things super easy!
You can apply for the "change of visa type" from the 60-days tourist visa or the visa-exempt entry, to the "90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa", as soon as possible after having opened the Thai bank account.
You need a bank letter confirming that the 800,000 THB are sitting in the account and a proof that they came from overseas.
You need a rental contract and you will need a minimum of 15 days stay permit left on your entry stamp in order to apply.
This application costs a 2000 THB fee, the 90-days visa will be issued for 14 days "under consideration". After 14 days you visit Immigration again and pick up the stamp
And as soon as the money has seasoned in your bank account for two months, you can apply for the "1-year extended stay permit based on retirement" (which some people call "retirement visa" but which is NOT a "visa" but a stay permit). (it doesn't have to be in your account for 70 days, like Ant W Tailor here told you - this was a WRONG advice)
This application costs another 1900 THB fee
Keep in mind, in order to get any service from Immigration, you need to be properly registered in your accommodation by the TM30 registration system
Visit Immigration and askfor the handout list of requirements of the application to the"change of visatype" from a touristic entry to the initial 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement visa. Open this Immigration website and click onto number 9, this shows the official police order for the "change" . . . . . .
You can apply for the "change of visa type" from the 60-days tourist visa or the visa-exempt entry, to the "90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa", as soon as possible after having opened the Thai bank account.
You need a bank letter confirming that the 800,000 THB are sitting in the account and a proof that they came from overseas.
You need a rental contract and you will need a minimum of 15 days stay permit left on your entry stamp in order to apply.
This application costs a 2000 THB fee, the 90-days visa will be issued for 14 days "under consideration". After 14 days you visit Immigration again and pick up the stamp
And as soon as the money has seasoned in your bank account for two months, you can apply for the "1-year extended stay permit based on retirement" (which some people call "retirement visa" but which is NOT a "visa" but a stay permit). (it doesn't have to be in your account for 70 days, like Ant W Tailor here told you - this was a WRONG advice)
This application costs another 1900 THB fee
Keep in mind, in order to get any service from Immigration, you need to be properly registered in your accommodation by the TM30 registration system
Visit Immigration and askfor the handout list of requirements of the application to the"change of visatype" from a touristic entry to the initial 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement visa. Open this Immigration website and click onto number 9, this shows the official police order for the "change" . . . . . .
*******************************************
Dianne **********
@Nongnuch *******
may I ask....do you know of anyone who has managed to get the 90 day non O from within Thailand using the 65k income option? I do have a bank account and my embassy says they can support me with the affidavit to prove my income.Nongnuch ********
@Dianne *********
you need to ask your Immigration if they accept an affidavit of income from the South African Embassy in Bangkok as proof of finances, in order to "change" from a touristic entry to the initial 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa inside Thailand. The official police order says that you indeed can! However the money MUST be a pension. Other income types will not be acceptedDianne **********
@Nongnuch *******
thanksReply to
Dianne **********
Reply
Kunrat *****************
@Nongnuch *******
Hi, you give very good advice. Can you tell me do I need proof the 400,000 THB came from overseas if applying for Non-Imm-O based on marriage. Thank you.Reply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Jan ******************
@David *******
The complete and perfect answer.Reply to
Jan ******************
Reply
Jim *******
Trolling?
The money, providing you have a Thai bank account, has to sit (season) for 2 months. Not clear how you could have Thai bank account at all.
No passports in the world have residential address (I have Aus passport).
The money, providing you have a Thai bank account, has to sit (season) for 2 months. Not clear how you could have Thai bank account at all.
No passports in the world have residential address (I have Aus passport).
Nongnuch ********
@Jim ******
wrong. wrong. wrong. For the application to the "change" to the initial 90-days visa, the 800,000 THB just need to sit in the Thai bank account. And one must prove the money came from abroad. Only for the application to the "1-year extension of stay" in 60 days later, the bank must issue the "bank letter of guarantee" that the money has been in the account for two months. . . . . . . . . . Only Jomtien/Pattaya Immigration requires a two-months seasoning also for the initial 90-days visa. Which is against formal police order regulations. They love to pull out of their noses absurd regulations, to force you into the fangs of agencies, so they can earn their share of tea moneyJim *******
Nothing different to what I said.
Jim *******
2 months before applying, 3 months before extension, 800K THB in place.
Nongnuch ********
@Jim ******
wrong again! "2 months before applying for the Extension, and 3 months AFTER the Extension has been issued, 800K THB in place" would be the correct advice! . . . . . . . . But now you have left the topic. . . . . . . . We were talking about the application inside Thailand to the initial 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa. There is NO seasoning requirement for the 800,000 THB at this point (only on crooked Pattaya Immigration, they want to see a 2-months seasoning for the application to the visa - these crooks will pull out of their bandit noses their own requirements, to enforce you use an agent to whom you need to pay tea money to get things done)Graham ******
@Jim ******
There is no seasoning for the initial Non-O except at Jomtien - very different to what you saidReply to
Graham ******
Reply
Jan ******************
@Jim ******
Only Jomtien/Pattaya Immigration requires two months seasoning also for the initial 90 days visa against formal regulations.For the first year extension it’s two months seasoning.
Reply to
Jan ******************
Reply
Jan ******************
Depends on the immigration, but they require minimum 14-21 days left on you current stamp to apply for a Non O in country.
If you need more time you should consider to do a border bounce with a professional transport company in order to get another 60 days visa exemption.
Do as Peter says, visit your immigration and get a hand out list of requirements for a Non O in country.
If you need more time you should consider to do a border bounce with a professional transport company in order to get another 60 days visa exemption.
Do as Peter says, visit your immigration and get a hand out list of requirements for a Non O in country.
Ant ***********
@Jan *****************
If he doesn’t have a retirement Visa & is applying for it in Thailand - he will need a minimum of 30 days asI have just done it this week
Nongnuch ********
@Ant **********
officially he needs to have a minimum of 15 days left on his current stay permit, because the 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa will be issued for 14 days "under consideration". On day number 15 he needs to visit Immigration and pick up the visa stamp. The 90 days stay permit will start on the day he applies for the "change", though!Ant ***********
@Nongnuch *******
I have just done it all at pootaya / Chonburi immigration I was required to have minimum 30 days left
Pootaya immigration has changed a lot 😎
Nongnuch ********
@Ant **********
yes, Pattaya Immigration is a bandit nest. They try to enforce you to pay bribe money to a agent to circumvent the absurd rules they made on their own. Their requirements are against the standing police order! . . . . . . . . . . . there must be a minimum of 15 days left on the current stay permit not the "visa" this is the typical BAD Immigration English) THIS HERE is the official police orderReply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Jan ******************
@Ant **********
Ok, normally it’s 14-21 days on your current stamp and there’s more than 80 immigrations in Thailand. Chiang Mai requires 15 days.Reply to
Jan ******************
Reply
Ant ***********
If you already have a Thai bank account that’s half the battle done ✔️
As mentioned go to the nearest immigration & ask for their requirements for a
Non-O retirement Visa
Yes you will need a minimum of 800K baht to sit in a Thai bank account for a minimum of 60 days
If it all seems a bit confusing
A visa agent can help for a price $$
As mentioned go to the nearest immigration & ask for their requirements for a
Non-O retirement Visa
Yes you will need a minimum of 800K baht to sit in a Thai bank account for a minimum of 60 days
If it all seems a bit confusing
A visa agent can help for a price $$
Nongnuch ********
@Ant **********
your advice is not correctAnt ***********
@Nongnuch *******
? The poster doesn’t have a retirement Visa
He will need funds in a Thai bank for the first 3 month
Nongnuch ********
@Ant **********
no he doesn't. Read my explanation on how to apply for the "change of visa type" from a visa-exempt entry to an initial 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa on Immigration inside Thailand. He only needs a minimum of 800,000 THB sitting in his Thai bank account on the day he applies for the "change". There is no seasoning requirement at this point. Only 60 days later, for the application to the 1-year Extension of the Stay Permit based on Retirement, the 800,000 THB must have been in his account for two months (NOTE: you just need the funds in your account at the date you apply for the change, shown as an international transfer, unless you apply at Jomtien immigration. Only in Jomtien they pull their own absurd rules out of their noses, trying to force you into the fangs of agents)Reply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Jan ******************
@Ant **********
Generally you just need the funds in your account at date shown as an international transfer, unless you apply at Jomtien immigration. For the extension of stay you’ll need two months seasoning.Reply to
Jan ******************
Reply
Ellen *************
Have you been accepted by a local bank yet? Seems to be getting quite difficult. Hire an agent it’s worth it. I can’t remember the one that’s super legit- perhaps someone will come along and post it.
Jim *******
@Ellen ************
I got my eVisa 90 days over the net, from Japan, before even setting my foot into Thai. Then, used an agent and my 1 year extension is in my passport, with another stamp for multi entry. Bank account, bank passbook and ATM card with me. Took 2 business days.Ellen *************
@Jim ******
good?Jim *******
2 business 2 days, Bank Account, ATM Card, Bank App, 1 year extension & separate stamp for multentry. That Agency (Thai Visa Center) is touted to be among the biggest, often mentioned here as being behind this site. I can tell, do it first time with them. They happened to have a respectable office (with an ATM for them, on their premisses) and Bang Na, near my home in BKK.
Reply to
Jim *******
Reply
Bob **********
@Ellen ************
Agents are having trouble opening banksEllen *************
@Bob *********
I am aware. I still think a solid one may be able to get a better result. Who knows?Reply to
Ellen *************
Reply
Nongnuch ********
@Ellen ************
he already has a Thai bank accountEllen *************
@Nongnuch *******
no he didn’t, he said he is ‘putting it in a bank next week’ - that’s not the same as already having an account. Some new people think it will be easy and they will just open an account, so I asked to be sure he has already found one for sure.I’m really ok without a translator 😉
I asked- he may or may not answer, but my question and my advice were both meant to be helpful.
People come here for help and the experience of other foreigners… if he wants to answer or explain that I didn’t fully understand, he probably will.
Nongnuch ********
@Ellen ************
he wrote "into my Thai bank account" and this clearly indicates he already got one 😉Ellen *************
@Nongnuch *******
sorry but many people would use my as a presumptive statement. You have problems. Weird thing to need to be right about but congrats? 🤷🏻♀️Nongnuch ********
@Ellen ************
he wrote he is gonna put half a million Baht into "my Thai bank account by next week". I am out of wits trying to find the mistake in his sentence which indicates for YOU, that he doesn't already have a Thai bank account 😄Robbie *******
@Nongnuch *******
, if I ever get into trouble in Thailand I want you as my attorney 🤪Ellen *************
@Robbie ******
super weird to be like this in this context but I hope it resulted in getting whatever it was as he felt he needed. Christ on a cracker.Robbie *******
@Ellen ************
, the only ‘super weird ‘ thing about this thread is you .Nongnuch ********
@Ellen ************
you have completely misunderstood the proceedings, so here AGAIN: He already HAS a Thai bank account and he only needs a minimum of 800,000 THB sitting in his account ON THE DAY he applies on Immigration for the "change of visatype" from a touristic entry to an initial 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa.
There is NO seasoning requirement for the funds at this point.
So, if he deposits 1.5 million Baht into his account by next week, he can apply for the “change of visa type” theoretically on the same day the bankbook update shows the funds in his account and the bank issues a statement
The only downside is – he needs a minimum of 15 days left on his current stay permit stamp to be allowed to apply for the “change”
In case he can’t meet this timeline, he will need to do a border bounce using a reputed Visa-Run Agency to receive a new 60 days stay permit
Reply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Pete *******
Go to your local immigration office and ask for the handout that lists the requirements. Follow the list.
Dwayne ********
@Pete ******
you would think he would’ve done that in the first 3 months rather than ****
, doing the red-light bars.ฉันเป็นทางของประชาชน *********
@Dwayne *******
we all been in that position 😂😂time just goes byDwayne ********
@ฉันเป็นทางของประชาชน ********
I never have did all my research before even traveling out, before even ever having a social media account. Everything was so much more easy before Facebook groups and smart phones.Reply to
Dwayne ********
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