What is the process for applying for a Non-O retirement visa in Thailand from New Zealand?

ou’re mostly on the right track 👍

Usually you enter Thailand first (tourist visa or visa exemption), then apply for the Non-O retirement visa inside Thailand and later extend it to 1 year.

Requirements depend on age + financial proof (bank deposit or monthly income).

If you want, I can connect you with a visa team in Bangkok to guide you step by step.

You should apply for the Non-Imm-O Visa outside of Thailand, either in NZ or in a neighbouring country of Thailand.

For the application to the 90-days visa through the online E-Visa system of the Thai Embassy in New Zealand, you can use your original income verification of a minimum of 65,000 THB equivalent, or three months of account statements of a bank deposit of a minimum of equivalent of 800,000 THB.

For the application to the 1-year extension of the stay permit based on retirement, on Immigration, you either get an income affidavit from your embassy, or you get a Thai bank account opened and transfer a minimum of 800,000 THB into it.

The New Zealand Embassy in Bangkok issues income affidavits (statutory declarations) to support Thai visa applications. These can be used to meet Thai Immigration income requirements (e.g., 65,000 THB/month for retirement) by completing a declaration of income, usually by appointment at the embassy, to confirm your income.

ATTENTION: even on an income affidavit, some Immigration offices will nevertheless ask you to show that you are keeping an active Thai bank account, and to show with a bankbook that you are transferring from abroad some money needed to pay for the living expenses in Thailand

In case you use the deposit method, on the day you apply for the 1-year extension, the deposit must have been sitting in your account for a minimum of 2 months and you need to prove that to Immigration with a bank letter.

ATTENTION: you cannot get a Thai bank account opened on a tourist visa – that’s why we all keep telling you to arrive in Thailand on a 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa. Yes, you COULD get a bank account opened on a tourist visa, but this would need an agent getting involved, and the price starts at a staggering 60,000 THB for the "full package" (bank account, 90-days visa,12 months extension)

Kiwi here mate. Reach out through dm if you want some help regarding agents

In NZ it’s going to cost you $500 to apply for a Non O.

In somewhere like Vietnam or Laos it’ll cost around $120

You apply for the non o 90 day visa in NZ fly to Thailand open a bank account deposit 800k after 2 months you apply for the 12 month extension

Get the 90 day Non-O visa before you leave NZ, when you arrive in Thailand open a bank account, deposit a minimum of 800k baht in it and once it's been in the account 2 months apply for the 12 month extension of stay, no agent required.

To open the bank account you will need a residence certificate from your local immigration office and a Thai SIM registered against your passport.

For over 50 years of age 100% easier & cheaper to apply for a Suitable retirement Visa from your home country through the Thai Embassy website ( All done online )

When you are ready to come - Apply for a Non-O 90 day single Visa from the Thai Embassy in your home country about 30-45 days before departure.

When applying online you will need to show the required funds in any bank account , some personal details & Flight details & proof of first weeks accommodation .

Once approved & arrive in Thailand you have 90 days to organise for the 12 month extension

No.1 requirement is

Within 2 weeks of arrival You need to set up a Thai bank account & deposit 800K Baht for at least 60 days to satisfy the extension

Go to the bank of choice & ask them what they require to open a bank account

If it’s all too complicated and you have deep pockets You can also arrive in Thailand on a tourist Visa & get it converted to a Non-O 90 days + 12 month retirement Visa for a much higher cost