What steps do I need to follow to obtain a Non-O visa for retirement in Chiang Mai after arriving on a 30-day visa-exempt entry?

In regards to the original question - a person arrives on a 30-day visa-exempt and looking to transfer this to a Non-O Retirement Visa. With this scenario, does this person require a round trip ticket or proof of onward travel to enter the country? Thank you

Thank you

@Benjamin *****

for the clear process to obtain Non-O retirement in Chaing Mai. A few questions concerning this process. Is it possible to open and fund a Thai bank account within the first week on a 30-day Visa-exempt entry? The second question concerning the TM 30 do I need to remain in the same residence during this complete 120-day process? I would like to travel and try out different residences during this time period. Thank you.

Go to the Chiang Mai immigration office near the airport. They are very helpful and will tell you exactly what you need to do. Also, they have the latest information on visa requirements changes.

It’s too easy when you live this close to the office.

You got your terms slightly mixed up.

1. You did not arrive on a "visa on arrival", you arrived on a 30 day visa exempt.

2. What you'll be doing is is purchasing a 90 day in-country Non-O visa based on retirement, and then once you acquire the visa, you'll get a one year extension of stay based on retirement. This is naturally a two-step process.

* * *

You will (probably) need the following for a Non-O Visa Based on Retirement issued in Chiang Mai:

1. Your passport and a copy of:

a. The data “picture” page.

b. The most recent visa (if applicable).

c. The most recent entry stamp or extension of stay (if applicable).

d. The departure card (“TM 6”) stapled in the passport.

2. A completed TM 87 visa change request form.

3. A copy of the submitted Notification of Residence of Foreigners form ("TM 30”).

4. A letter from a Thai bank showing that 800,000 THB was transferred into the bank account from overseas. There is no seasoning requirements.

5. A hand drawn map to the house where you live written on a special form. Go to the FILES section of the group for a copy of the form used in Chiang Mai.

6. 2x passport sized (4cm by 6cm) photos.

7. A processing fee of 2,000 THB.

You need 21 days or more remaining on your existing “admitted to” stamp. If you need more time, submit a 30 day extension of stay based on tourism (see below).

* * *

After you get the in-country Non-O visa, you can apply for a one year extension of stay based on retirement. You will need the following documents:

1. Your passport and a copy of:

a. The data “picture” page.

b. The most recent visa (if applicable).

c. The most recent entry stamp or extension of stay (if applicable).

d. The departure card (“TM 6”) that should be stapled in the passport.

2. The extension of stay application form (“TM 7”).

3. A copy of the submitted Notification of Residence of Foreigners form ("TM 30”).

4. To meet the financial requirements of either:

- 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account seasoned for 2 months along with a letter from the bank. If renewing the one year extension of stay, the 800,000 THB must be seasoned for two months before applying and three months after the last extension of stay was granted, and for the money not to have been lower then 400,000 THB throughout the calendar year, Or;

- 65,000 THB a month in income to a Thai bank transferred from overseas, Or;

- A letter from the embassy stating the applicant receives 65,000 THB a month in income from overseas.

5. A hand drawn map to the applicant’s residence.Go to the FILES section of the group for a copy of the form used in Chiang Mai.

6. 2x passport sized (4cm by 6cm) photos.

7. 1,900 THB processing fee.

I believe you can apply for this extension of stay when you have 45 days or less remaining on your existing Non-O visa.

* * *

If you need more time to open a bank account to transfer the money in for the in-country Non-O visa, you can get a 30 day extension of stay based on tourism. You will need the following documents:

1. Your passport copy of:

a. The data “picture” page.

b. The most recent visa (if applicable).

c. The most recent entry stamp or extension of stay (if applicable).

d. The departure card (“TM 6”) that should be stapled in the passport.

2. The extension of stay application form (“TM 7”).

3. A copy of the submitted Notification of Residence of Foreigners form ("TM 30”).

4. 2x passport sized (4cm by 6cm) photos.

5. 1,900 THB processing fee.