What is the process for applying for a NON-O retirement visa in Thailand and are home visits common?

Question

Report on Applying for FOR RETIREMENT PURPOSES - 50 YEARS OLD (NON-O) at Changwattana 4/4/2023
* Prepared everything exactly as stated on the attached PDF.
* Got my q ticket at 1pm and was served at 3.30pm.
* I made the 800K baht deposit using Wise last month directly to Bangkok Bank from my bank in Australia. Made 1 single transfer of 800K and it arrived 2 days later by the time they stated in the confirmation.
* I went to Bangkok Bank downstairs while immigration is closed for lunch (from 12 - 1pm) and got the letter -> “Present passbook and deposit certificate from banks in Thailand (in Thai language (Attention: Immigration Commissioner))”. Took 5 mins and cost 100 Baht.

After presenting all the docs was shown a stamp which said :-
* You have 90 days Visa (NON-O-Retirement) We stamp On 20 APR 2023
* Don't leave of Thailand before stamp visa 20 APR 2023,
* Keep money in bank until you have 1 year visa
* After 60 days start count today" 4 APR 2023 you can summit 1 year visa at counter L
* Before leave of Thailand you must summit Re-Entry permit for keep visa

They said someone from immigration might call me to do a house visit prior to the 20 April. On 20th April I need to go back to Changwattana and get the 90 day stamp.

Ask Thailand · Answer

The report details the experience of applying for a NON-O retirement visa at Changwattana in Thailand. The applicant prepared all necessary documents, including an 800K baht deposit made via Wise to Bangkok Bank. After a 2.5-hour wait, the applicant received a 90-day visa stamp and was informed about the procedure for applying for a one-year visa. There's a possibility of a home visit from immigration prior to the 90-day expiration, which previously was uncommon for retirement visas but may become more frequent. Comments from the community note that while home visits are rare for retirement visas, stricter regulations are being observed.

Steve ******** · Answer

They "reserve the right" to do a house inspection, but as Brandon says very seldom they actually do it. It's more for "married to a Thai" visa/extension to ensure your wife really is living with you at home, and not working in a bar somewhere 😆

Russell ******* · Answer

Agree.  Also I am hearing that there are so many problems and delays applying for visa's now through social media.   The fact is as of yesterday for this visa type those issues do not apply in Bangkok at least.

Brandon ************ · Answer

Thanks for the report.

Quite rare for a home visit for retirement but they've been getting pretty strict on everything lately.

What is the process for applying for a NON-O retirement visa in Thailand and are home visits common?

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