Ask question

What is the process for applying for a retirement visa in Thailand and how long does it take?

Retirement Visa NON-O Visa Thai Immigration Visa Application Process Financial Requirements Thai Embassy Visa Centre Document Requirements DTV O-A Visa

Oct 17, 2024

a month ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

How to apply for retirement visa? And how fast can I do it ?

2,539

views

10

likes

75

all likes

49

replies

1

images

25

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

To apply for a retirement visa in Thailand (NON-O), you need to first obtain a Non-Immigrant "O" visa from a Thai embassy in your home country. Once in Thailand, you can apply for the actual retirement visa extension at an immigration office during the last month of your initial visa's validity. This process typically requires proof of age, financial evidence such as bank statements (with at least 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account), and might take about 2-4 weeks for processing. It is recommended to consult the Thai Embassy website for specific procedures and options, and some users suggest utilizing visa assistance services for an expedited process.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the DTV 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.

Annie ***************

Non-O Retirement

Approximately 4 week

We services in Pattaya

Like

Reply

Henrik *****

Start by reading the visa section of the Thai Embassy website.

Like

Reply

Kemal ******

If you are in Thailand with the correct paper work and 800K in a Thai bank you can get it the same day of your application. At least that is my experience. My on line visa application in the UK took 2 days 3 years ago.

Like

Reply

David *********

i had to leave Thailand in hurry and let my retirement visa lapse because of medical reasons how can i re apply?

Like

Reply

Norbert **********

@David ********

you dont had a multiple retirement?

Like

Reply

Reply to

Norbert **********

Reply

Bill *********

Absolutely get a visa agent working for you. There are ways to go alone, but just because you can doesn't mean you should.

Like

Reply

Jim ********

Don't waste your time with a retirement visa, just get the DTV

Like

Reply

Nick *******

in your opinion, what’s the advantage of the DTV over the NON-O extension for someone over 50?

Like

Reply

Jim ********

Five years no need to visit immigration is the big plus! DTV better suits those retirees who frequently travel. With regular travel there's no need for planned border bounces as these will just take place "organically". DTV works out so much cheaper over the five year period. No need to keep 800k perennially in a Thai bank account earning pittance interest, and no need for the 65k monthly transfers from overseas. It's really a no brainer

Like

Reply

Alan *********

how do you get a ret visa ? With dtv.if you don't fit criteria

Like

Reply

Jim ********

Use the soft option. Medical, dental etc

Like

Reply

Nick *******

Ok, but if I’m not planning to leave the Kingdom that often and 65k transfers is how I fund my lifestyle anyway, then no real advantage in the DTV for me?

Like

Reply

Jim ********

If you're happy with your current situation stick with it

Like

Reply

Nick *******

I’m coming to the end of Non-B visa so I have to change my visa status. Hence why I’m interested in your comment on DTV being a better option as I have to choose soon.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Nick *******

Reply

Johnny ********

Like

Reply

Vince *********

Do not use knight visa in Bangkok or in pattaya crooks

Like

Reply

Darin ********

What country are you from, do you have 800.000 baht to put in a Thai bank account. Doing your application in your country is the best way but allow three months approval time. In country you can get a bank account and retirement visa with no problems for between 15- 30 thousand baht

Like

Reply

Darin ********

I’m the only Australian in this area and live in a small village with my beautiful family and wife

Like

Reply

Darin ********

I have a retirement visa and understand the Thai immigration system

Like

Reply

Graham ******

3 months? What country is that?

Like

Reply

Darin ********

l live in Thailand

Like

Reply

Darin ********

l did say up to 3 months however usually around 2-4 weeks is from Australia

Like

Reply

Graham ******

the only Embassy I've heard that takes anything like that is Paris. The problem with saying allow 3 months for approval means if it is approved within days (possible with London) it could expire before the person leaves for Thailand so the Embassy should always be mentioned not make such generalisations.

Like

Reply

Darin ********

I’m Australian and my visa application was approved in Australia whilst l was still in Australia and took three weeks. Then l moved to Thailand.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Darin ********

Reply

Darin ********

I’m Australian living in Thailand under a full retirement visa, you need to report your location every 90 days with a TM30 form if renting private residence. All holiday accommodation are required to do this on your behalf regardless of were you stay. Just never overstay your visa

Like

Reply

Reply to

Darin ********

Reply

Eddie **********

Make from your country

Like

Reply

Eddie **********

Online

Take abt 10 day If you have correct

Paper and insurrance

Like

Reply

Eddie **********

Lived here for 10 year so have little

Experience

Like

Reply

Graham ******

@Eddie *********

Insurance is only needed for a Non-OA, not a Non-O except in a very small number of exceptions

Like

Reply

Eddie **********

Hi

I have many friend that get thai e visa 1 year.

O-a that is what they have option to apply for.

Non-o i have

And i did my applikation in Thailand with mony in bank

Like

Reply

Reply to

Eddie **********

Reply

Slim ***

Make a Bad Bet with a Bookie???

Like

Reply

Frankie *******

Firstly hve $800,000 deposited in a thai bank account under your name n secondly contact thai visa center or union space visa to get them to process your application.they can get it done quickly with less hassle.they can open your bangkok bank account as well

Like

Reply

Laurie *****

@Frankie ******

*****

0 $ or baht?

Like

Reply

Eric ******

if it were 800k USD, there wouldn't be very many retirees from overseas in Thailand.😄 Thank goodness it is in Baht.

Like

Reply

Frankie *******

in $800,000 thai baht about $23,000 in us dollars for 1 year n u can use it but don't go below $400 000 thai baht 2 months before your 1 year renewal of the retirement visa

Like

Reply

Reply to

Frankie *******

Reply

Michael *******

Google is your friend

Like

Reply

Craig ********

@Michael ******

it's really not though

Like

Reply

Peter ********

why isn't it? Google should find information from the immigration website. If that isn't up to date, then what is?

The problem with Thai immigration is that the officer dealing with the application can make their own demands as many people here know.

I suggest reading the immigration site and others for tips. It's always good to take extra documents.

Like

Reply

Michael *******

I beg to differ, I embarked on this journey over 6 years ago, from South Africa and after initial on line research, I headed to the Thai Embassy in Pretoria, and after one false start secured O-A retirement visa‘s for my wife and I - despite being advised to engage a lawyer on arrival in Phuket by friends already here. Only when I draw a blank on line do I reach out to the wider community for advice. Our parents relied on word of mouth and encyclopedias 🤔.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Michael *******

Reply

Peter ********

It took me 10 seconds to search my trusted friend "Google "

To apply for a retirement visa in Thailand, you must first obtain a Non-Immigrant "O" visa at a Thai embassy in your home country, which allows you to enter Thailand, then once inside the country, apply for the actual retirement visa extension at an immigration office within the last month of your initial visa validity; this requires meeting age and financial requirements, providing a medical certificate, and proof of funds like bank statements.

How fast can you fill in the documents?

Like

Reply

Craig ********

this is why googling it yourself is not wise, your answer is wrong in almost everything it said

Like

Reply

Eric ******

so you're saying there is misinformation on the internet? 🤔

Like

Reply

Reply to

Eric ******

Reply

Todd *********

lucky it was so quick so you could waste your time writing this. And the info there is wrong....

Like

Reply

Peter ********

I honestly didn't read the results. My point was that, Googling is better than asking here, as typically you would also get lots of different answers. I obviously didn't print out all the results but by reading through them he could certainly find the right answer.

Like

Reply

Eric ******

'Google' has never actually done it, people on here have.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Eric ******

Reply

Jeffrey ************

Your local RTE website...

Like

Reply

Marc *********

Thai Visa Centre in BKK can give you advice & help in obtaining

Like

Reply

Charles **********

I recently documented, on my Travel Blog, the process as it applies in the United Arab Emirates. You may find some useful tips there as the process should be similar around the world. Good Luck 🇹🇭🙏🏻

*********************************************************************

Like

Reply

Andi ***********

There are a few retirement visas. Check your Thai Embassy website for the options and application process.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Andi ***********

Reply

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

What are the steps to apply for a 1-year retirement visa in Thailand for expats?

99 comments

3 months ago

Should I apply for a retirement visa for Thailand before or after arriving in the country?

36 comments

4 months ago

How do I change my 90-day NON-O visa to a retirement visa in Thailand and where should I go for this?

12 comments

7 months ago

Can I apply for a Non-O multi-entry retirement visa while in Thailand on a tourist visa?

10 comments

a year ago

What is the process and requirements for obtaining a NON-O retirement visa in Thailand upon arrival?

24 comments

a year ago

What are the costs and process duration for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand?

13 comments

a year ago

How long does it take to process a Non-O retirement visa application in Thailand?

11 comments

2 years ago

What are the requirements for applying for a Non-O retirement visa in Thailand?

39 comments

2 years ago

What are the steps to obtain a retirement visa in Thailand, and do I need to open a Thai bank account prior to applying?

83 comments

2 years ago

What is the fastest way to obtain a Non-O immigrant retirement visa for shipping belongings to Thailand?

5 comments

2 years ago

What is the expected timeline for processing a Non-O visa and retirement visa in Thailand?

6 comments

2 years ago

What steps should I take to obtain a retirement visa in Thailand after arriving?

6 comments

2 years ago

How can I obtain a retirement visa in Thailand and what are the costs involved?

25 comments

3 years ago

What are the steps to obtain retirement visas in Thailand while on a Covid extension?

15 comments

3 years ago

What is the best way to obtain a retirement visa in Thailand if I can't get one from the Thai embassy in Hong Kong?

10 comments

3 years ago

Can I apply for a Non-O visa in Thailand to extend my stay based on retirement?

12 comments

4 years ago

What are the requirements and process for obtaining a Retirement extension visa in Thailand?

34 comments

4 years ago

What are the requirements and processing time for a retirement visa in Thailand?

0 comments

6 years ago

What are the requirements and process for applying for a Thai retirement visa?

13 comments

6 years ago

Can I apply for a retirement visa in Thailand before turning 50, or must I wait?

12 comments

7 years ago

Can I apply for a Non-O visa in Thailand if I am over 50 for retirement purposes?

14 comments

7 years ago

What are the steps to apply for a retirement visa (Non-O) in Thailand as a first-time applicant?

22 comments

7 years ago

Can I apply for a Non-O retirement Visa while in Thailand?

12 comments

7 years ago

What are the requirements and process for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand while on a 60-day tourist visa?

34 comments

7 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.