What long-term visa options are available for Americans over 50 who do not want a retirement or marriage visa for Thailand?

Jan 28, 2020
5 years ago
Rob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am an American, over the age of 50, who is interested in long term visa for Thailand. Not interested in Retirement or Marriage visa. What type of visa should I get? O? O-A? Do I get the visa in my home country? Thank you for your advice.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
An American over 50 interested in long-term visas for Thailand, but not in retirement or marriage visas, should consider the Non-O and Non-O-A visas. The Non-O visa is often linked to retirement, while the Non-O-A visa allows for longer stays. Obtaining these visas must be done through a Thai consulate in the individual's home country, where specific documentation such as a police background check, medical certificate, proof of funds, and health insurance is required. Alternative options like the Thailand Elite visa may also be worth considering.
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.
Reiner *********
Th Elite visa is then the best and practicality the easiest
Bobby ********
Although not relevant for you as far as application goes, I have found the Sydney consulate website to be very user-friendly as far as researching the different types of visas available. If you find what you're looking for there, you can then check on the US consulates/embassy website to find your local conditions for the type of visa you are looking for

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Benjamin ******
Different consulates do have different requirements, and sell different visas though.
Tod *********
@Rob ********
before you come out and say you're not interested in a "retirement visa" I want you to know the difference between the things commonly called that in conversation because they are very different visas/extensions.

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Rob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
great, thank you. I will take a look.
Leon ********
O visa
Tod *********
There are almost no consulates left that will sell a year long, multi-entry Non-O visa based on being over 50. <- the kind of visa you bounce out and back in on every 90 days

In fact it's getting harder to even get a 90 day single entry one from the thai consulates so you can get a year extension inside the country by meeting the proof of funds and supplying the documentation at the immigration office.
Tod *********
@Rob ********
IF you're not interested in the "retirement" or marriage visas you almost just shoe horned yourself into a year-long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type O-A (Long Stay) visa (which is issued for the purpose of retirement for people over 50) :O

You get it from the thai consulate in your country BEFORE you wing your way here. It requires a police background check, a medical certificate, you showing proof of funds using your bank account in your country AND proof you carry the minimum mandatory health insurance requirements (OPD 400k / IPD 40k).

In the US you can get it from only FOUR thai consulates; Chicago, New York, Los Angeles & Washington DC.. Depending on where you are in the US you might have to use a specific one of those consulates.
Tod *********
as other people pointed out there is the thai elite visa as well which has several price points and length of visas. Go to their website to get the info.

I didn't bother mentioning an ED (education) visa or anything that is just a stop gap short term visa. You said you were looking for long term. You can get almost 2 years of stay out of that O-A visa before you have to decide whether to extend it inside the country OR wing your way back to your country and buy a new one.
Rob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
thank you. Very helpful information.
Ellie *******
what is your intention to stay/live in Thailand? Not really sure what you mean 'not interested in retirement'... Do you mean you want to work?

If you want to work, Non-B/SMART visa, Non-O (Spouse to Thai National/ Guardian to child/ Volunteer), may be options.

Non O (being over 50 (so-called retirement), Non O-A (being over 50 long-stay), Non-ED, tourist visa, and Thailand Elite are set as employment prohibited.

Your question (rather request) is vague, I guess better to do a bit more research and ask a bit more specifically.
Wayne **********
As already said but clarification It is a Non Immigrant "O" Visa. Based on being over 50. You need to fulfill all the other requirements as well. Search the posts and topics for what is best.
Micha *********
Non O
Rob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Micha ********
what is the advantage of Non O please?
Ben **********
Well, the "retirement" visa is actually a 50+ visa and that seems to be your best option if you are not going to work or study.
Joris **********
@Ben *********
elite visa...
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