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What is a certificate of residence and do I need a lease agreement to open a bank account in Thailand with a Non O-A visa?

Aug 7, 2025
a day ago
Hello all, finally in Thailand. Q: with Non O-A visa approved 1st visit. I went to Bangkok bank with Documentation today. They required a letter from home country embassy. They called this a “certificate of residence” does anyone know what that is. Immigration did not need this.

Q: They also noted I cannot apply for Bank account without a lease agreement.

Does this mean you have to sign a lease for 1 year and stay in a rental before applying for Retirement visa? Sorry confused?

Thanks for your help.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user, recently arrived in Thailand on a Non O-A visa, seeks clarification on two points: the necessity of a 'certificate of residence' for opening a Bangkok Bank account and whether a lease agreement is required for that purpose. Various comments clarify that a certificate of residence can be obtained from the local immigration office and that bank policies can vary regarding the need for a lease agreement for account application. It is suggested that users check specific branch requirements and alternatives.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
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Terry **********
I had to get yellow house book and Thai I'd card from City Hall , Would not accept certificate from immigration
Terry *********
So not good apply for my visa in state immigration office why is that I want retirement visa long term
Max *************
Immigration issues a certificate of residence but some embassies issues an equivalent to that certificate. Thats the one the bank asked for. You can ask them if immigrations certificate will suffice.
Terry **********
@Max ************
tried to open account with kasikorn bank had certificate from immigration they requested a yellow house book and Thai I'd card

Which I got yesterday so will try again next week.
Brandon ************
You didn't get your visa from immigration if you have a non-OA visa. You got it from a Thai embassy.

A certificate of residence is issued by immigration.

Whether or not you need a lease will be up to each individual bank branch and what their policy is for new bank accounts. The manager at each branch gets to set the requirements. If you don't like the requirements at the branch you go to, leave and go to another one.
Max *************
@Brandon ***********
Some embassies issues an equivalent to immigrations certificate of residence and there are banks that still asks for that certificate. Years ago Bangkok Bank in Kanchanaburi required that certificate. I don't know if they still do. One of Bangkok Banks official requirements (until a few years ago), was that certificate or immigrations certificate of residence.
Pete *******
Q1) To open a Bangkok Bank account you need a certificate of residency. You get this from your local immigration office.

Q2) Most branches require a 1 year lease agreement or proof of ownership on a property.
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