Answered3 years ago
What do I need to apply for a Retirement O Visa in Thailand while on a tourist visa?
Hi i would like to apply for a retirement O visa. I am arriving on a tourist visa in a few weeks. I believe i can use an agent or can i do it myself applying for a retirement O visa when i am in thailand. I have the money required in thailand. What else would i need. I will be staying at a friends place. I am South African and will be staying in Koh Phangan can i arrange this from the island or do i have to travel to Phuket or Bangkok to do this. I have travel insurance for the whole year through AiG will that be good enough.Any advice will be appreciated thanks.
Answer summary
The user is seeking guidance on applying for a Retirement O Visa in Thailand after arriving on a tourist visa. They have sufficient funds in Thailand and will be staying with a friend in Koh Phangan. Various comments advise against using an agent since the process is straightforward, suggesting to consult the local immigration office for specific requirements, including bank statements and the need for a TM30 filing. Additionally, it is noted that travel insurance is not required for a Non-O Visa.
24 repliesnewest first
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Thomas ***************
I hope you never need to actually use the AIG insurance. I used that company once for a cruise I ended up not being able to go on and once for a " local " trip in the USA. Never again. It's like trying to get money from a rock 🤔 Maybe others have had better experience
Arisara *********
Do it yourself is better. Check all the requirements in Thai Embassy website of your country. You then apply from there( could be an application form online) or if you are in Thailand - search from the Thai immigration website, make a phone call to ask questions.
Stuart ***********
No need to use an agent, it is a simple process.
Using an agent ties you into using them every subsequent year, so it's a waste of your money.
Using an agent ties you into using them every subsequent year, so it's a waste of your money.
John **********
Go ask at your local office what they need. Some require you to show the money came from overseas. Only a couple require your money having been in your account for 2 months. All will want to see a "permanent address" and you'll need a TM30 filed but it's a very easy process. If they can't do it there on the island they will direct you to either Koh Samui or Surat Thani which is the main office for the province you are in
David *******
You don’t need insurance for a Non O visa.
Go to the local immigration office and ask for their requirements as they can vary between offices.
The money (800k) will have needed to have been in your Thai bank account for at least 2 months.
Go to the local immigration office and ask for their requirements as they can vary between offices.
The money (800k) will have needed to have been in your Thai bank account for at least 2 months.
Peter ***********
@David ******
400 k it isDavid *******
@Peter **********
That’s for the Non O based on Marriage. It’s 800k for the one based on Retirement.
Gregor **********
@David ******
for the application to the "change of visa type" from a tourist visa to a 90-days Non-Imm-O visa, the money just has to sit in the account. The 2-months seasoning is needed for the application to the 1-year Extension of StaySteve *******
@David ******
For the initial visa the 800k doesnt need to be in the account for 2 months, that's just needed for the 1 year extention of stay.
Gary ********
OP@Steve ******
Its been in for a while so thats all goodGary ********
OP@Steve ******
Yes i know thanks was talking about the 1 year visaSteve *******
@Gary *******
You wont get a 1 year visa in Thailand, only a 90 days Non Imm O and then apply for the 1 year extention of stay.David *******
@Steve ******
Depends on the office. Some do require it.Gary ********
OP@David ******
Been in for a while any other details i need.
Nongnuch ********
@Gary *******
for the application to the "change of visa type" from a tourist visa to a 90-days Non-Imm-O visa, the money just has to sit in the account. The 2-months seasoning is needed for the application to the 1-year Extension of Stay . . . . only in Pattaya they ask for the seasoning for the application to the visa. . . . . and much more important could be the requirement by some offices that you need proof the money came from abroadDavid *******
@Gary *******
There are a number of things they might need but it can vary. You will need to check. eg TM30 (your friend will need to register you are staying there, if he is the owner), Residence Certificate, copies of passport, copies of rental agreement, etc etc.David *******
@Gary *******
In Chonburi they usually say to allow at least 15 working days as it is sent to Bangkok to process. I have no idea about Koh Phangan.Gary ********
OP@David ******
Thanks and any idea how long the process takes once you have everything the Imm office needs
Phil ******
@Gary *******
immi offices vary on requirents so David is correct by advising you to go in to the local officeNick *******
If you have the money don't use an agent . You need to provide the same bits of paperwork for either so do it yourself and save a ton of money . Immigration are very helpful.
Gary ********
OP@Nick ******
Can i do it at immigration in koh phanganNick *******
@Gary *******
I'm not sure as I did mine in the north and it was very simple . Join one of the koh phangan forums if you don't get an answer here .
Nick *******
Here's one group I'm on 👍
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Christopher *************
Use the Thai visa centre , they are great
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