Answereda year ago
What is the best way to apply for a retirement visa in Thailand, and can anyone recommend a reliable visa agency?
Thinking of getting a retirement visa for Thailand. Anyone can suggest a good Thai representative company to handle this?
Answer summary
The conversation revolves around seeking advice on obtaining a retirement visa for Thailand. Several users suggest using agencies like the Thai Visa Centre for ease and efficiency, while others recommend self-applying for the Non-O visa to save costs. Key advice includes applying for the Non-O visa in your home country and managing extensions through local immigration offices post-arrival in Thailand.
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Frangipani *******
You don’t need an agent. The government is clamping down on them doing this anyway.
Apply for a Non O visa in your home country
When you get to Thailand, open a bank account and deposit 800,000 B. Go to your local Immigration Office and ask for a handout of the requirements for a 12 month extension ( each IO may have different requirements).
Follow those requirements and apply for your 12 month extension. It’s easy to do.
Good luck. 😃
Apply for a Non O visa in your home country
When you get to Thailand, open a bank account and deposit 800,000 B. Go to your local Immigration Office and ask for a handout of the requirements for a 12 month extension ( each IO may have different requirements).
Follow those requirements and apply for your 12 month extension. It’s easy to do.
Good luck. 😃
Jim *******
@Frangipani ******
The goverment is not clamping down on the agencies. How could they?The Visa agencies are not regulated, Thai government, officially, does not even know they even exist.
They are clamping down on low life that are trying to live in Thai without a proper visa with their border runs.
Todd *********
@Frangipani ******
nobody is clamping down on agents. And for sure you don't need an agent. But if you are retired, you can probably afford one. Anyone placing 800k in a thai bank at less than 1% interest simply doesn't understand basic finance.Frangipani *******
@Todd ********
but, for the first year extension you have to.Todd *********
@Frangipani ******
yes, if you don't use an agent, you are absolutely right.
Gemneye ******
Thai Visa Center, definitely
Eric **********
THAI ******************************
You’re welcome to consult with our team anytime.
The easiest approach is to apply for your Non-O in your home country first, then open your Thai bank account afterward. Once these two steps are done, third-party agents in Thailand can handle your yearly extensions at a much lower cost.
We also offer a rush service for travelers who arrive on exempt entry or tourist status without completing these steps. In those cases we can assist with opening a bank account, securing the initial Non-O, and obtaining the yearly retirement extension, typically within 1 to 3 days.
LINE:
EMAIL:
The easiest approach is to apply for your Non-O in your home country first, then open your Thai bank account afterward. Once these two steps are done, third-party agents in Thailand can handle your yearly extensions at a much lower cost.
We also offer a rush service for travelers who arrive on exempt entry or tourist status without completing these steps. In those cases we can assist with opening a bank account, securing the initial Non-O, and obtaining the yearly retirement extension, typically within 1 to 3 days.
LINE:
**********************
EMAIL:
**************
Bill *********
Excellent thinking. I used a Visa agent and it made life so much easier. No stress and time efficient; I can make money but I cannot make time. Plus I was happy to have things done properly. I suggest you contact the moderator of this forum. Set up a consultation to get a whole plan laid out so you know what to expect and no surprises.
Tom ********
It's easy to do yourself if you have all the requirements and you can save between 20-40K baht
Todd *********
@Tom *******
you don’t save a penny if you tie up 800k in a Thai bank at less than 1%Tom ********
@Todd ********
That's not a problem for me and all part and parcel of being able to live here within the law.Tom ********
@Todd ********
Well I guess if you don't like the rules of whatever Country you are in you can always leave, also not for everyone!Todd *********
@Tom *******
it's a problem for me, as i am financially literate. But i do realize that is a distinct minority. And some people don't mind lining up at government offices to beg for bureaucratic services. Also a problem for me. But i have a fun life... also not for everyone
Stuart ***********
Someone reported they paid 90,000 baht a few days ago! Sounds like this guy wants them to do everything for him, so i doubt it will be 20,000, probably 40,000+. When it costs about 2,000 to do it easily yourself.
Tom ********
@Stuart **********
Where I live it's 20K, they was obviously scammed and there's no reason for that when it's easy to do yourself if you take the time and follow what's required.Todd *********
Jim *******
@Todd ********
Just go with Thai Visa Centre. It would be cheaper (still there is a cost involved) for you if you came on a Non-O Visa (from your home country, online) that gives you 90 days stay while you are sorting out all the requirements for extension. Thai Visa Centre can do that within 2-3 days for you. I came to Thai in July 2025 on Non-O 90 days visa and Thai Visa Centre made my 1 year extension. On that Extension, I am in Thai now, since October 29. 2025. Perfectly legal, Immigration Officer even welcomed me to Thai.
Todd *********
@Jim ******
I assume you didn’t mean to direct this to meJim *******
@Todd ********
Not really, as you mentioned TVC I connected to it with my experience.
สก็อต *********
I applied online for mine was easy , I think after all docs etc 10 days from the Uk embassy
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