Answered2 years ago
What is the difference between the Non-O and Non-OA retirement visas for Thailand?
Hi . Some confusion on various sites re the retirement visa. I’ll be applying from the UK before I travel . Non O or Non O-A ? I will not be working just retiring. I understand the Non O -A is better for me ? Can someone explain the difference between the two. Thanks .
Answer summary
The Non-O visa requires applicants to maintain 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account for annual extensions, ensuring they can support themselves in Thailand. In contrast, the Non-OA visa allows applicants to show funds in a home country bank account and requires purchasing an insurance policy worth $100,000 from approved Thai companies, making it suitable for those who prefer not to hold funds in Thailand. The Non-OA also permits a longer stay of up to two years before reapplication.
17 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Richard ********
All this makes very interesting reading to me but at 78 I will be visiting Thailand once a year and stay for a few months. Thank you and good luck in what ever you do.🌀🙏
Brandon ************
Non-O means you'll have to keep 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account in order to get your extension every year. This is to ensure you can take care of yourself in the event something bad happens to you.
The only reason to get a non-OA visa is if you don't want to keep 800,000 baht in a Thai bank but instead would rather leave it in your home country. You apply for the non-OA and show money in your home bank account, but you must also purchase an insurance policy with $100,000 from a list of Thai insurance companies. This is because you are not required to have money in a Thai bank account, so you must show that you have insurance for if anything happens to you.
You can get about 2 years from a non-OA visa before you would have to return to the UK and apply for a new one, and then repeat every 2 years or so, forever.
The only reason to get a non-OA visa is if you don't want to keep 800,000 baht in a Thai bank but instead would rather leave it in your home country. You apply for the non-OA and show money in your home bank account, but you must also purchase an insurance policy with $100,000 from a list of Thai insurance companies. This is because you are not required to have money in a Thai bank account, so you must show that you have insurance for if anything happens to you.
You can get about 2 years from a non-OA visa before you would have to return to the UK and apply for a new one, and then repeat every 2 years or so, forever.
Gary ********
OPThank you all
Tim *******
@Brandon ***********
re funds, is that not just for Oz? in my country of residence its different. the funds need to be in thailand on extention date.the other points of difference non oa requires medical insurance O does not and OA allows dependent on visa while O does not.
Tony **********
@Brandon ***********
don't forget the required criminal background check for OA.Brandon ************
@Tony *********
and medical check and other things. I just tried to keep at a high level.Steve ********
You can also get a non immigrant ‘O’ visa if you fulfil the income requirements i.e. you remit a minimum of
*****
baht to Thailand from overseas every month. Then you do not need to put *****
0 in a Thai bank account, or need health insurance.Nongnuch ********
@Steve *******
he is a UK citizen, he cannot get the affidavit of income from his embassy he would need for the first and the second year. He would have to wait until he has collected monthly transfers coded as coming from abroad to his Thai bank account month for month over 12 months, before he would be able to use the 12-month bank statement for the second application to the 1-year extension of the stay permitSteve ********
@Nongnuch *******
I am fully aware of that. It’s what I do and I have a non-immi ‘O’ visa and have always used this method. I have never had *****
0 baht in a Thai bank account.Brandon ************
@Steve *******
Not worth mentioning at this time because you cannot get the initial 90 day non-O visa using this method nor can you get the first 1-year extension using this method.
Mark *******
Gary ********
OP@Brandon ***********
oh ok thank you for the quick response 🙏 . I have friends who say the non O is the one to get . I’m leaning towards that one now . Then I just apply at the local immigration every 12 months for an extension of stay based on retirement…? 👍Nongnuch ********
@Gary *******
Your roadmap should be:1. Apply for the 90-days single entry Non Immigrant O retirement/over 50 visa BEFORE you travel to Thailand.
2. get a 90-days stay permit stamped upon entering Thailand
3. Visit your local Immigration Office for a Certificate of Residence and the hand out to apply for the 1 year Extension of Stay.
4. Visit a bank branch with passport and documents from point 3 and open a bank account, so you can deposit a minimum of 800.000 THB
5. Wait until the deposit has seasoned for 2 months. Visit the bank and have them prepare the “bank letter of guarantee” and prepare the documents mentioned on the hand out
6. Visit Immigration and apply for the 1 year Extension of the Stay Permit based upon being over 50/retired
Paul ********
Nice summary. Point 3 - what do you need to get a Certificate of Residence ?
Gary ********
OP@Nongnuch *******
thank you 🙏 much appreciated
Brian *********
@Gary *******
my experience I would disagree. In my case for two years I’ve kept my money in a bank account earning interest that even after paying the required insurance resulted in gains that paid my rent for nearly a year. Thai banks don’t pay anything worth mentioning. After two years the non OA is pretty much done and to continue the non O is the next logical step.
But this is my experience. If over 70, if unhealthy the O is likely better.
Brandon ************
@Gary *******
that's basically it. Meet the requirements and extend annuallyActivity
10 joined10
people
Related
25What do we need to know about applying for a retirement Non-O visa in Thailand as South Africans?
170126d
Do Immigration officials conduct property checks for Retirement visa holders in Thailand?
7.7k68851mo
Can I change my Non-OA extension to a Non-O extension without leaving Thailand?
475512mo
What is the best visa option for a retired Austrian wanting to spend 4-5 months in Thailand during winter?
2.8k26263mo
What are the differences between the Non-O and Non-OA retirement visas in Thailand, and why do many expats prefer one over the other?
17.6k943406mo
What is the process for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand for an expat with a non-o visa?
7k251648mo
What is the validity period for a retirement visa before entering Thailand?
1.4k11109mo
Can I use US bank statements for the retirement visa O-A in Thailand and what do I need to do regarding the 800,000 THB deposit?
4.1k26609mo
What are the different types of Thai visas and their benefits?
8.4k621159mo
What are the requirements and process for obtaining a 12 Month Extension of Stay on a Non-O Retirement Visa in Thailand?
14.2k11018310mo
Why do many expats choose a Non-O visa for retirement over a Non-OA visa in Thailand?
5.3k45541y
Can I get a retirement visa for Thailand without health insurance?
6.8k51841y
What are the steps and requirements for applying for a retirement visa in Thailand?
2.9k18362y
Is the new DVT visa a better option than a Non O retirement visa for staying in Thailand for 6 months?
1.3k972y
What are the requirements for insurance when applying for a retirement visa in Thailand?
882443y
How can a married couple from the USA secure a retirement visa in Thailand on pension funds?
2.3k21123y
Is it better to apply for a Non-OA visa in Singapore or Thailand, and how do I provide proof of income as a retiree?
2.2k18164y
What are the current rules and options for extending a non-visa entry stamp and obtaining a Non-O visa in Thailand?
2.2k19114y
What are the differences between Non-O and Non-OA visas in Thailand, and why did my stay duration change after re-entry?
3.2k28224y
What are the financial requirements for a Retirement Visa in Thailand, and does property ownership affect these requirements?
3.3k20425y
Which visa should I apply for if I want to retire in Thailand with a one-way ticket?
2k17115y
When should the 800k be in the bank for a Non-O retirement visa extension application in Thailand?
1.5k1196y
How can I determine if my retirement visa is a Non-O or Non-OA in Thailand?
688337y
What should I expect when re-entering Thailand with a Non-O retirement visa?
6.7k47909y
How can I correctly apply for a retirement visa extension in Thailand while on a Non-O visa?
1.3k1069y
Resources
Need help with your retirement visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served