Answered5 years ago

What is the process for changing from visa exempt to a non-O (retirement) visa in Chiang Mai?

non-O visa visa exemption retirement visa Thailand immigration process Chiang Mai immigration expat experiences

Cm *********

asked Jul 23, 2021

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My experience of applying to change from visa exempt to non-O (retirement). Thanks to Todd and others I completed the first step of my application for a non-O visa. For anybody that is new to the process at Chiang Mai immigration I'll share my experience yesterday (22nd July).

Go through the COVID screening station and get a "screened" sticker. If you don't know which forms you need go to the information window inside the main immigration building.

Once you have the correct forms and any other documentation, go to the seating area outside the building covered with a canopy. An immigration officer will check your paperwork, if it's in order you'll get a card with number. Go back to the information window inside the main building and give card. Your papers will be checked again and then you get a queue ticket. Wait for your number to be called.

I had a glitch of my own making, I was called to the window to change my visa exception stamp to a non-O visa (retirement). The immigration officer told me that I needed to extend the visa exception for 30 days, since it expired less that than the 21-days required. She told me that if I got the extension, they could process my non-O application on the spot.

I now have my receipt to go back and pick-up the 90-day non-O visa on 17th August.

The Chiang Mai Immigration staff were very helpful. Thanks again to Todd and others for their great advice. I've attached the requirements I received from Chiang Mai Immigration in case it's useful to others.

Answer summary

The post describes a user's experience transitioning from a visa-exempt status to a non-O retirement visa at the Chiang Mai immigration office. They detail the steps involved, including obtaining a COVID screening sticker, gathering necessary forms, and undergoing paperwork verification. The user faced a minor complication regarding the extension of their visa exemption stamp but received guidance from immigration staff and others. They also attached useful requirements from the immigration office for future applicants.

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Cm *********

@Eugene ****************

I already have a Thai bank account with the 800,000 Baht deposited for over 2 months. I just needed a letter from the bank to immigration and a bank statement. I opened a Thai bank account several years ago. It seems that the rules have tightened since. I tried a couple of different banks in Chiang Mai recently. They wanted a copy of a work permit or non-O visa. Chicken and egg situation - can't open an account without a visa - can't get a visa without a bank account. Anyway, I think you need to plan a lot longer than a few weeks ahead. The experts may have better information or ideas.

5 years ago

Eugene ********

Thanks for all the helpful advice as ever.

5 years ago

Cm *********

At Chiang Mai immigration I needed 2 copies of a letter from the bank and bank statements to apply for my non-O visa based on being over 50 years of age. I was told that I can apply for a year extension when there is less than 45 days left on my 90 day non-O. I was told I would need to submit the same documents for the extension as I gave for the initial non-O visa application.

5 years ago

Tod *********

@Cm ********

yep, same exact documents (just new bank letters) and they're right C/M allows new extensions when you have 45 days or less left on your current stamp 🙂

5 years ago

Tod *********

@Timmy *****

that 3 days or less for Chaengwattana is ONLY for extensions

5 years ago

Tod *********

@Timmy *****

nope, we're not talking about getting an extension of stay at Chaengwattana.

This is about getting an in country 90 day Non-O visa issued at the immigration ofice in the area where you live.

Chiang Mai requires that you have at least 21 days left on your current stamp because they have a 20 day under consideration period before you go back and get the Non-O visa and a new 90 day stamp inked in

Bangkok requires that you have at least 15 days left on your current stamp because they have a 14 day under consideration period before you go back and get the Non-O visa and a new 90 day stamp inked in

5 years ago

Timmy ******

@Tod ********

Hypothetically speaking...if applicant was in Bangkok...He can only apply at CW Office 3 days or less from expiration date?

5 years ago

Tod *********

@Cm ********

there is no requirement to have the 800K baht in the bank 2 months before you apply for the initial 90 day Non-O visa. That seasoning requirement is only when you apply for the year extension.

5 years ago

Eugene ********

I have a couple of questions if I may (as I will be doing exactly this in a couple of weeks)

You need 5.1, 5.2 AND 5.3? Which Bank in CM do you use to do this? It's possible to open the account with an exemption?

It says 3 months rental receipt - how can one provide that if one has an exemption and only been in country 2 weeks?

(Maybe more than a couple of questions)

TiA for any light shed.

5 years ago

Eugene ********

I got a bank account no problem with Visa exemption with KrungSri / Ayudha (seems like they have two names)

Three months is mentioned at the end of requirement #8

thanks

5 years ago

Benjamin ******

@Eugene ****************

> Which Bank in CM do you use to do this?

This is not a banking advice group, ask on a local Facebook group

> It's possible to open the account with an exemption?

Yes. You may need to get a residency certificate though. Different banks have different requirements.

>It says 3 months rental receipt

I don't know what you mean by that. What rental receipt? I looked at the list and I didn't see it listed

5 years ago