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What documents and process do I need for a retirement visa in Thailand, and will 60 days be enough time?
Retirement VisaNON-O VisaBank Account IssuesVisa Application ProcessImmigration RequirementsChiang MaiExpat Life in Thailand
Aug 24, 2025
8 months ago
Martin **********
ORIGINAL POSTERHello Group,
I would like to get a retirement visa. I was hoping that I could deposit the required 800,000 baht into my BB and come to Chiang Mai 3 months later on 60 day standard stay for UK passports. My question is would 60 days be sufficient time to get a retirement visa and am I likely to run into any problems, and what information/documents would I need to bring with me - appreciate any guidance thanks.
I would like to get a retirement visa. I was hoping that I could deposit the required 800,000 baht into my BB and come to Chiang Mai 3 months later on 60 day standard stay for UK passports. My question is would 60 days be sufficient time to get a retirement visa and am I likely to run into any problems, and what information/documents would I need to bring with me - appreciate any guidance thanks.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user seeks guidance on obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand, questioning if 60 days is sufficient for the process and what documents are needed. Community members provide insights, including the importance of having funds in a Bangkok Bank account, verification of the account, and the suggestion to consider applying for a Non-O visa before arriving in Thailand to ensure a smoother application process.
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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Martin **********
ORIGINAL POSTERThanks everyone for the suggestions - much appreciated. One final question regarding Thai banks as this seems to be an ongoing issue. I opened my BB account about 2 years ago and recently the mobile app was blocked because the Sim I was using was from the airport and apparently not registered in my name. When I called BB I was told that I just needed to come into the branch I opened the account and show them proof the sim was mine and it would be unblocked. I was told they would not close my account. Are people finding that in these situations BB is actually closing the account or it just means you are unable to use the account until you get back to Thailand?
Philip *******
Why not apply for 90 day non O retirement visa at home before you come then just go to immigration to get 1 year extension of stay
Wannikea *********
Buy the non O visa in the UK before you get here
Karen **********
@Wannikea ********
why is it better to buy the non O visa in the U.K. beforehand?Wannikea *********
@Karen *********
wait in the 800 person queue at Chaeng Wattana to convert from visa exempt to Non O, then again 2 months later. Save 3 mature trees from becoming photocopy paper.Reply to
Wannikea *********
Reply
Mark *******
Ask your local immigration what they expect...
Graham ******
Why don't you get your Non-O before you arrive to get a 90 day entry stamp? You're complicating it.
Kevin ********
@Graham *****
not really i came in on a 60 day exempt and had no problem getting my visa but I already had a bank accountGraham ******
@Kevin *******
two Immigration applications to get to the 12 month extension stamp, up to youKevin ********
@Graham *****
yep got a 3 month visa then go back get my 12 monthReply to
Kevin ********
Reply
Jesper *******
It's good to park your 800k early 60days is more than enough time to get yourself a lease agreement....pls apply for your nonO 90days retirement visa with more than 15days on your current stamp...visit the immigration office near u to check the lists of requirements
Kevin ********
@Jesper ******
it depends on the imigration office doing your applicationReply to
Kevin ********
Reply
Tom ********
If you opened your BB account on a tourist visa it would be a good idea to go in and verify it again as they are blocking all accounts with short term visas, you can only open one now with a long term visa such as retirement, as mentioned above you can always open an account with another bank and move the funds over.
Alan *****
@Tom *******
do you know if you own a condo & it was paid through the bank & you opened the account a while back your account will be safe. Asking for a friend 😁Tom ********
@Alan ****
It's not about what you have purchased or what you own it's about your Visa status and whether it was opened on a long or short term one.Reply to
Tom ********
Reply
Kevin ********
Shouldn't have any trouble just go to the imigration office and ask them what paperwork they require its how I did mine.
Brandon ************
If you already have a Bangkok Bank account then your plan should be okay.
Expect to be confronted by your bank and forced to sign a document that gives them permission to freeze your 800,000 baht for 4 months per their new policy. Anyone trying to get proof of funds for immigration on money that has not already been in their account for 4 months must sign this document to freeze the money for 4 months from the day the letter is issued.
Suggest showing them what you think of their policy by trying to open an account at a different bank and using the new bank for your 800,000.
Expect to be confronted by your bank and forced to sign a document that gives them permission to freeze your 800,000 baht for 4 months per their new policy. Anyone trying to get proof of funds for immigration on money that has not already been in their account for 4 months must sign this document to freeze the money for 4 months from the day the letter is issued.
Suggest showing them what you think of their policy by trying to open an account at a different bank and using the new bank for your 800,000.
Reply to
Brandon ************
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