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What is the process and timeline for applying for a retirement visa in Thailand, and can I travel on a holiday visa if my application isn't processed before my arrival?

Retirement VisaThailand Visa ApplicationNON-O VisaThai ImmigrationVisa Processing TimesBank Account Requirements in ThailandVisa Exempt Entry
Jun 18, 2025
2 days ago
Darren *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I will be travelling to Thailand on the 6 July this year and I’m looking at applying for an retirement visa, how long does it take and if it is not processed by then, can I still go on a holiday visa?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user inquires about the timeline for obtaining a retirement visa (NON-O) for Thailand, as they will be traveling on July 6. They ask if they can enter Thailand on a holiday visa if the retirement visa isn’t processed in time. Responses from the community emphasize the importance of applying for the NON-O visa from the user's home country, which allows them to open a Thai bank account necessary for the visa process. If entering Thailand visa-exempt, they won't be able to apply for the retirement visa in-country. The processing time for a NON-O visa is generally under a week, but they may face challenges in opening a bank account without it.
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.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Rok ********
Much easier to apply for non-o in home country allowing you to open the bank account on arrival to Thailand, season 800k for 2 months and then apply for 1 year extension. Applying in Thailand is a catch 22: to apply for non-o you need 800 k balalnce but without non-o you cannot open a bank account. In home country application you use local currency bank account already in place.
a day ago
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Taison ****
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2 days ago
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O ***********
I suggest you to apply for non-o from the Thai embassy in your country. It will be easier and come to extend for 1 year in Thailand. Or if you need help from a representative, I can recommend one.
2 days ago
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Henrik *****
Start by reading the Thailand Embassy website visasection.

And then search the group.

Biggest hurdle may be to get a Thai bankaccount.
2 days ago
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Robert *********
@Henrik ****
 Agree about bank account opening. Have 90 day non immigrant o visa. In Pattaya refused by 12 banks. Had 7 agents working on it and they couldn't help either. I do have the
*****
0 baht but could not open bank account. Apparently one agent in Bangkok can help.
2 days ago
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Robert *********
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Nongnuch ********
if you enter visa-exempt, you can't apply for an in-country Non-Imm-O retirement visa, because you cannot open the Thai bank account which is needed for this process. You need to apply for the 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa in your home country before you wing your way here. On this visa, you can open a Thai bank account
2 days ago
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Robert *********
@Nongnuch *******
 In Pattaya.
2 days ago
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Robert *********
@Nongnuch *******
 Got 90 day Non immigrant o visa.Arrived May 14th. Have
*****
0 baht. Refused by 12 banks to open bank account. Had 7 agents working on it. Up until last week no one could help. UK passport holder. All banks said my non immigrant o visa was a tourist visa.
2 days ago
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Nongnuch ********
@Robert ********
 unbelievable. Mot's or F.S. Consulting could have helped you to open a bank account in Pattaya. Service fee would be 5000 THB. It is absolutely possible on an entry using a 90-days Non-Imm-O visa. You however need to be TM30 registered, have a Thai mobile phone number and need the "certificate of residency" from Immigration
2 days ago
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Robert *********
@Nongnuch *******
 Had all of above but could not get residence permit. Reason stated in message. Apparently one agent can now help.
2 days ago
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Robert *********
@Nongnuch *******
 Tried MOTs. immigration said I need 1 year rental contract. Not something I would do before securing 1 year extension.
2 days ago
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Nongnuch ********
@Robert ********
 the Immigration in Pattaya is known for pulling out of their noses random extra requests. Never heard you need a one year rental contract in order to receive a certificate of residency. Some people actually get one - but obviously not in Pattaya - when they accomodate in a hotel
2 days ago
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Nongnuch ********
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Graeme ******
Where are you located? I have just applied for non o through UK embassy, they typically take no longer than a week? You can get into thailand on visa exempt if you qualify although will find it very difficult to open a bank account without a long term visa
2 days ago
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William ******
@Graeme *****
 I am a dual citizen US/UK. I am planning on moving to UK because I am retired and I want to spend several months with my family. When you applied for the Non-Imm O what information do they need? Is it 3 months of UK bank statements or just show you have money in your bank account. I have yet to get a UK bank account (we will see how difficult that'll be).
2 days ago
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Graeme ******
@William *****
 i was applying for a non O retirement visa for thailand, I already live in the uk. The requirements are usually in your own currency and I submitted 3 months statements to show income have the funds. I am sure if you are applying to thailand from the uk you can show USA banked funds
2 days ago
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William ******
@Graeme *****
 ok so it's still 3 months? I'll probably be in the UK several months, so I can use the UK statements. Thanks.
2 days ago
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Graeme ******
@William *****
 yeah that what the requirements asked for, relatively simple process much easier than a visitor visa
2 days ago
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Graeme ******
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Wylie *******
@William *****
 when you apply outside of thailand you should simply need to show a bank statement with the money in it. The statement does not need to be from a bank in the country you are applying at so you can use a US bank statement to apply in the UK. I say should because each embassy may have special requirements.
2 days ago
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Wylie *******
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Lynnette *******
Apply for the visa in your home country now, so you can open a Thai bank account. Which you'll need for your 12 month extension.
2 days ago
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Lynnette *******
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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
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