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What do I need to know about applying for a Thai retirement visa from the UK?
Thai Retirement VisaNON-O VisaVisa Application ExperienceThai ImmigrationUK to Thailand Visa ProcessVisa RequirementsEmbassy Communication
Sep 6, 2025
8 months ago
Hardev *******
ORIGINAL POSTERHi . Anyone recently applied for a Thai retirement visa from the UK.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion includes recent experiences regarding applications for Thai retirement visas, specifically the NON-O visa, from the UK. Several users share their recent application timelines, reporting quick processing times of around 5 days to a week. Additionally, there are tips for those struggling with technology while completing the online application and advice on contacting the Thai embassy in London. A question arises about the financial requirements for the visa, particularly regarding bank statements.
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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Steven ******
I applied for a Non O in July. It took about 5 days to get it back but my application went in late on. Friday so it was only 3 working days.
Dave **********
Is it 3 months of bank statements showing the equivalent 800,000baht,I saw one post saying they only showed 1 month,thanks.
Steven ******
@Dave *********
different place seem to accept different things. UK was definitely 3 months.Reply to
Steven ******
Reply
Mahmood *********
I can help you for VISA retirement
Daniel ******
LTR Visa is valid for 10 years! Check the requirements!
Henrik *****
Search and you will find.
Mathew *******
I did 2 one for my mum that took a few days as she had the money in her account for 3 months. Mine took longer as I did not have the funds in one account. In the end the accepted just having the funds in my account at that time. Top tip, if you have any issues write a letter in word and send it instead of the document you are supposed to and they ring you up to help you. Well that's what I did.
Tim **********
I applied for a non o visa recently. It took less than a week. I did not find it easy completing the application online. Down loading the required documents. If you are not good with technology get someone to help you. Also if you feel the need to speak to the Thai Embassy in London. Be prepared for a long wait to get through. Can take from 45 minutes to 2 hours. And they keep cutting you off saying they have a technical problem phone later. They only take phone calls from 2pm to 5 pm weekdays. Thats why it so difficult to speak to them. Also!! They issue the visa from the date of approval for 90 days. But I understand that the date of your 90 day stay starts from the day you arrive in Thailand. Immigration will stamp your passport for 90 days from your arrival date. Best of luck
John ******
I applied for a non-o last month. Submitted on Sunday evening and was approved by the following Wednesday. So it’s pretty quick. No extra questions were asked.
Hardev *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *****
John . Thanks . This is for an initial 90 day retirement and followed by extension in uk ?John ******
@Hardev ******
yes. An initial 90 day visa in the UK and then to apply for the 12 month extension of stay once in Thailand.Jesper *******
@Hardev ******
you get a 90days nonO in UK and travel to thailand to apply for your 1yr extension here .....you dont do your extension in UKReply to
Jesper *******
Reply
Will ************
Yes
Hardev *******
ORIGINAL POSTERhow long did it take from application to approval and did they come back seeking additional information
Nongnuch ********
@Hardev ******
from 4 days to 4 weeks . . .depending if you have uploaded all the correct documents. If they feel that anything is missing, they will email you. Always check the spam folder as wellRichard *********
@Hardev ******
It took about 4 weeks and yes they did come back for additional information. The information related to proof of having the money…and the problem for me was sending the proof on their small gb of data. However, I did manage, with some help, to eventually send it. We put it in a ‘File’ and zipped it. Problem solved!Donald **********
@Richard ********
You can reduce PDF file sizes easily (and massively) by using Acrobat. I’m sure there are other programs that will do this too or you could get someone with licensed Acrobat to do it for you, if you haven’t got a licence yourself.Reply to
Donald **********
Reply
Will ************
@Hardev ******
I always plan ahead and apply 2 months before I intend arriving in ThailandReply to
Will ************
Reply
Brandon ************
What is your actual question? Ask that. Because if someone comes here and just says "yes" that answers your question but doesn't help you. So ask what you actually want to know and save everyone time.
Hardev *******
ORIGINAL POSTERgood point . How long did it take between submitting the application online and approval and do you get a single entry 90 day visa or multiple entry 1 year visa
Brandon ************
@Hardev ******
Which visa you gets depends on which one you applied for.Non-O is a 90-day single entry visa with very easy requirements.
Non-OA is a 1-year multiple entry visa with much higher requirements, including mandatory insurance, health check, background check, etc.
Günter *********
@Brandon ***********
entering with the non-O Visa makes also sense if you finally want to go for a Marriage Visa? Still one year ahead for me, so things might change. I would like to keep my German health insurance, traveling between Thailand 🇹🇭 and Germany 🇩🇪 in the beginning. House and living place is there in both countries.Hardev *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Günter ********
thanks for this . I am married to a Thai national so keeping this option open makes senseJusten ********
@Brandon ***********
Have you ever heard of anyone being refused a visa because of a pre-existing health condition when getting a medical check?Brandon ************
@Justen *******
there's a specific list of things they're looking for. 5 or 6 of them. They are all disqualifying. The form is on the embassy website. But most people don't want that visa. If you start with a non-OA and intend on moving to Thailand permanently, you're going to have to purchase the mandatory insurance every year, forever. And it's only going to get more and more expensive as you get older. There's absolutely zero advantage to getting a non-OA visa if you're planning on moving to Thailand. You should be getting a non-O if that's the case.
Doug ********
@Brandon ***********
..so are you are saying insurance is not worth getting.Stuart ***********
@Doug *******
I don't think that is what Brandon is saying. The non-oa visa has a requirement for mandatory insurance and you are pretty restricted on which companies/policies you can use. If instead you get the non-o visa you can still get insurance, but without the restrictions.Doug ********
@Stuart **********
ah ok 👍Nongnuch ********
@Doug *******
no, he didn't say that. Out of your very own interest, you should get a good health insurance if you intend to move to Thailand. But instead of having started on a Non-O/A visa and such being forced to contract an almost worthless Thai tgia-listed insurance, if you start on a Non-Imm-O visa, you are keeping your freedom of choice regarding a worthy insuranceReply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Jan ******************
@Hardev ******
The announced processing time is up to 10 working days, but many applicants receive their visas within 2-3 days. It's recommended to apply about 6 weeks prior to your intended travel date.Reply to
Jan ******************
Reply
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