What is the correct process for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand as a New Zealand citizen?

Thailand retirement visa NON-O visa TM30 Thai bank account 800,000 THB deposit health insurance border run driver's license

Jan 27, 2025

3 days ago

Tony *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi guys.👋

So I’ve booked a one way ticket to Phuket late April. I’m well travelled and have been to SE Asia many times.

Planning on a retirement one year visa initially and may buy/start a business there.

So the process order is.

- find accommodation and get TM30

- arrange bank account and deposit 800,000bth

- apply for retirement visa

- this deposit has to be in for 2 months before I can apply.. yes?

- organise health insurance for $100,000us

Therefore as I have 60 days (I’m a kiwi coming for retirement visa, not elite) I have to a boarder run to get another 60 days until my deposit is recognised.

I’m I correct on the methodology ?

Getting a Thai drivers licence will be easy.

Cheers

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A user inquires about the steps needed to obtain a retirement visa in Thailand, including accommodation, bank deposits, health insurance, and the timeline for applying. Comments clarify that the 800,000 THB deposit does not need to be in the bank for two months for the initial application of the Non-O visa, and there are no mandatory health insurance requirements for this visa. Additionally, users confirm that no border run is necessary if the bank account can be opened in time.

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.
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Ron ******

Not allowed to work with retirement visa

2 days ago

Tony *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ron *****

who said anything about working?

I can co-own a business.

2 days ago

Ron ******

@Tony ******

active mangement has gotten some folks hung up, usually as result of jealous competitors or disgruntled employees. Best of luck to you

2 days ago

Reply to

Ron ******

Graham ******

Therre is no seasoning for your 800k for your initial Non-O (except in Jomtien) so no border bounce necessary as long as you can open a bank account in time

3 days ago

Ellie *******

Q. - this deposit has to be in for 2 months before I can apply.. yes?

If you are applying in Phuket, there is no requirement for a specific period your funds in a Thai bank account for the initial Non-O visa based on retirement.

You can apply for a visa a day after you have a deposit in your Thai bank account.

Two months of seasoning is for a 1-year extension after the initial visa for 90 days.

Also, there is no requirement for mandatory insurance for an in-country Non-O regiment visa application.

That plan sounds okay. It depends on how early you have your funds in Thailand whether process goes to smooth or not. Check with your embassy in Thailand if they issue an affidavit of income. If they do, you can use an embassy letter instead of a deposit in a bank account.

3 days ago

Ty *******

@Ellie ******

sounds right, I don’t have the drivers license but know how to mumble talk around using an expired US license. When apply, wear a Suit with tie.

3 days ago

Graham ******

@Ellie ******

good point, I think NZ still does the income affidavit

3 days ago

Tony *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Graham *****