What is the Non-Immigrant O2 visa for retirees in Thailand, and how does it compare to tourist visas?

Non-Immigrant O2 Visa Visa Rules Retirement Visa Thailand Thailand Tourist Visa Visa Extension Thailand Expat Visa Information

May 22, 2024

6 months ago

Bill **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

We (retired Canadian couple living in Berlin) have been spending three-month sojourns in Thailand by means of 60-day tourist visas, a week in Cambodia or Laos, and then returning to Thailand on a 30-day exemption. This works for us, but I found a new kind of visa on the website of the Berlin Thai Embassy — Non-Immigrant O2. (At least new to me.) 

It gives you a 90-day stay and the only difference from the Single Entry Tourist Visa if you’re over 50, seems to be a financial hoop you have to jump through and a fee of €70 rather than €35 for the tourist visa. 

Am I missing something? Why isn’t this visa mentioned more often by seniors who want to stay longer than 2 months? Could this visa also be extended by an additional month at an Immigration office?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The Non-Immigrant O2 visa allows individuals over 50 to stay in Thailand for 90 days and may have a pathway to a year extension if certain financial criteria are met. While it seems more advantageous than a tourist visa, it cannot be extended for an additional month unlike the tourist visa. This visa is often overlooked by retirees seeking longer stays in Thailand, despite being available for a long 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.
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Willem ****

This non O single entry 90 days visa based on retirement is not new. Its available for very long time. O2 is just a referal in the evisa system.

6 months ago

Tod *********

As a rule, that is the visa people get when they want to switch to a year extension based on being over 50 (retirement) at the immigration office after they enter

The visa is sold as a single entry and gets you a 90 day stamp when you enter.

Sadly it cannot be extended for 30 days

It can only be extended for a year by meeting the proof of funds and submitting the correct documents at the immigration office.

In reality if you're not going to go for the year extension it's no better for you than coming in on a tourist visa getting the 60 day entry stamp then taking the one 30 day extension in country you're allowed at the immigration office for 1900baht

6 months ago

Bill **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

thanks for the extremely swift reply. OK we’ll stick with the tourist visa.

6 months ago

James ********

@Bill *********

Just how long are you really wishing to stay in Thailand? IF only 90 days then the SETV single entry tourist visa is fine for you.

There's a METV multiple entry tourist visa issued for 6 MONTHS, which can get you up to 9 months stay in Thailand with a few simple Border Bounce entries.

6 months ago

James ********

And IF you want to get the One year extension of stay as retired... you do NOT have to deposit any money in a Thai bank as your Embassy of Canada in Bangkok can provide you with an Affidavit of Income letter to give Thai Immigration for you.

6 months ago

Bill **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@James *******

thanks for that. Yes the SETV has and will work for our 3 month trips. I’m also aware of the METV. Affidavit from Canadian Embassy won’t work for us because the pension income is mixed German, Canadian and French (don’t ask). However we’ll cross that bridge when and if we come to it because as of now we have no intention of living in the LOS full time. That could change though.

6 months ago

James ********

@Bill *********

thank you for your helpful reply. I understand you now. We wish you both a Safe and pleasant stay in Thailand. 🤗

6 months ago

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James ********

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