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What type of photo and proof of residence is required for a Non-O retirement visa application in Thailand?

Feb 8, 2026
3 months ago
Eric ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Getting ready to apply for a retirement Visa. most likely the Non-O. can someone tell me what kind of photo is accepted? can it be a selfie for instance? What kind of document indicating current location is accepted? can it be a photo of my driver's license?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
When applying for a Non-O Retirement Visa, a variety of photo formats are generally accepted. While some applicants report that selfies against a plain white background are accepted, others suggest using traditional passport-sized photos to avoid rejection. It's important to ensure that the photo meets size and clarity requirements, commonly under 3MB to be accepted. For proof of current residence, various documents such as utility bills or driver's licenses have been accepted by Thai consulates, indicating that a formal document showing your current address is necessary. Individual experiences may vary based on the application process and specific consulate, so checking with the relevant authority is advised.
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.
Tom *******
Go to a photo booth in supermarket and will cost only £10

You get 4

You will need 2 for extension visa at immigration anyway
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Sean **********
Passport photo. If you are in Thailand. Go to the mall and find a Camera shop.
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David *******
Go to a proper shop to get it.
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Tom *********
I recommend getting a proper photo from a high street shop… I used a copy of my UK gas bill for current location. All accepted first time.
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TerranceBrdge ********
Passport photos
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Ling *****
I took a head and shoulders selfie against a white wall, no shadows, no smiling. Then I cropped it and uploaded it. I used my Australian driver's license as residence evidence. It was all approved within a week. NSW Thai Consulate.
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Trevor ***********
Correct for Australia, applying online. The online application tells you what is required. I did the same last year for a Non OX and no issues.
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Ling *****
Trevor Bavington what Thai insurance company did you use and how much was it? Thanks.
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Ling *****
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Bill *********
It seems like this is about the right time to get the services of a Visa agent. Set up a consultation and get a course of action in place. Saved me a whole lot of stress and time and I was confident it was all done properly.
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Lynnette *******
@Bill ********
he's in USA. He can apply for himself viacevisa and no need to pay $$$ for an agent to do it for him.
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Bill *********
Lynnette Munoz Just because you can does not necessarily mean you should. There are many things I could do myself but I prefer to outsource to the experts and will continue to recommend that option.
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Bill *********
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Lynnette *******
@Bill ********
he doesn't need to pay an agent. You recommend that so often 🤔 when people are applying for themselves.
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Lynnette *******
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Ally ************
You didn't mention the subtype of visa or where you were applying for it.. process is different in country to out of country.. and will vary depending upon which office is receiving it.. eg. rules for an application made through a Thai Embassy overseas could vary slightly between different Embassies.. so you really need to check on their website to be sure!
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Eric ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ally S Inglish I'm applying from the US. Then would be applying for extension at a Thai immigration office. Please explain what you mean by subtype.
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Sean **********
Eric Duggan if you are applying from US. I used a selfie. Used a white background. I applied at the NYC consulate. Uploaded it onto their website. Now for your extension get some passport photos for your paperwork at Immigration office
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Tevita ******
Eric Duggan (retirement, marriage etc)
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Tevita ******
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Fred **********
I went to a photographer. He even asked me for which country. So probably there is any difference in size in countries.
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Deborah *******
I took a selfie in front of a white wall…no smile. I used my drivers license to show residency. I originally sent a passport picture. They emailed me to upload a selfie. A current utility bill also works. I got my Non OA in one day. The key is read carefully what they are asking for.
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Shane ***********
@Deborah ******
I did the same, selfie with white background, was accepted
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Fred **********
Shane Kinneally It must be my beautiful haircut then 🤣
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Fred **********
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John **********
Fred Wijnands yes
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John **********
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Graeme ******
I took a selfie and they accepted it just make sure the file is not too small but under the 3mb limit. I used my gas/electricity bill with my address clearly on i also have used council tax bill. All were accepted
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Sean **********
Graeme Mort I did too, on my visa application.
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Eric ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Graeme Mort Thank you!
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Eric ********
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Ray ********
I tried a selfie but it wouldn't work . Thai Visa sent me an email saying the photo is not acceptable. So I used a passport photo and submitted it and 5 days later got my non o visa
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Graeme ******
Ray Low-On probably the selfie picture was nit detailed enough thats normally what they reject on so need it to be close to 3mb
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Eric ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Graeme Mort Good to know!
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Eric ********
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Eric ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ray Low-On was your application rejected and you had to pay the application fee twice?
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Ray ********
Eric Duggan wasn't rejected they just asked to resubmit the photo and didn't need to pay twice. Also when I submitted my bank financials I had a US statement and a CDN statement. Thai embassy thought they were both CDN and said financials are not the right amount. So I phone the Thai embassy and told them of their mistake and closer look it was indeed a US statement approved the application and got my non o visa in 5 days.
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Mike ********
Eric Duggan feels not doubled. I used a copy of my Dr license before.
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Mike ********
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Will ************
Selfie is fine from mobile phone
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Eric ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Will ***********
Thank you, Will!
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Eric ********
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