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What type of visa should a retired expatriate in Thailand apply for if they receive a monthly pension but do not have the required lump sum?
Non-O VisaRetirement VisaThai Visa RulesExpat GuidanceIncome RequirementsBank Account in ThailandVisa Agent Advice
Jan 30, 2026
3 months ago
Niecy ********
ORIGINAL POSTERThis is all new and overwhelming to me. I'm retired with a monthly pension and now recently started receiving my retirement benefits six months ago. I need help because it so much different information out here about visa.
I don't know which one I should apply for. I won't have the $25k until my house is sold. But with my pension and retirement benefits I have the $2065 monthly going into my bank account.
I've research and watch so many videos but still not sure what I should get prepared to do. I read that I need both the monthly amount and the $25k and then I read it's either one or the other.
Any information would be appreciated as I have tried really hard to understand the process to get started.
I don't know which one I should apply for. I won't have the $25k until my house is sold. But with my pension and retirement benefits I have the $2065 monthly going into my bank account.
I've research and watch so many videos but still not sure what I should get prepared to do. I read that I need both the monthly amount and the $25k and then I read it's either one or the other.
Any information would be appreciated as I have tried really hard to understand the process to get started.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The author, a retired expatriate recently starting to receive retirement benefits of $2065 monthly, is confused about which visa to apply for in Thailand due to differing information regarding the required income and lump-sum deposits. Comments suggest that a Non-O visa based on monthly income may be possible, but also highlight that the author may not meet the income requirements at the Thai embassy in Washington, which is $2500 per month. Other options mentioned include applying for a Non-OA visa with an 800,000 THB deposit, advice to consult with a visa agent, and consideration of the house sale to meet financial requirements.
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.
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Lin ******
The have agents in Thailand that will help you get what you need for a fee an it’s completely legal. They can fast track your visa
Raymond *********
Unless your embassy can certify your earnings, there is no way you can use it for your visa the first year. It has to be 800 000thb. If you don't have it, can you borrow it untill the house is sold?
How fast do you expect your house to be sold? In Canada, it is usually less than 90 days.
How fast do you expect your house to be sold? In Canada, it is usually less than 90 days.
Wayne ********
Use agent make life simple
Jeffrey *********
Matter at ace pattya
Wannikea *********
Your $2065 is barely enough to qualify for the initial visa, and currency fluctuations will easily put you under the requirements for 65,000 baht monthly income. That said, you might be able to qualify for the initial visa but you need your 800k within 30 days once you enter, transferred to Thailand to get the yearly extension. I don't think you're ready just yet.
Richard ********
Contact Thai immigration office.They are your best option.
Murray ********
Use an agent. I'm with you when saying it's making your head spin. My agent has helped me immensely to get to where I'm now at. I opened my Thai bank this week and have transferred the necessary funds.
Greg ***********
Murray Odgers you missed a very important detail: She cannot even do the first step - the visa application. She won't qualify for the 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement visa based on her pension. She said she gets a monthly 2065 USD. The income requirement of the Thai embassy Washington DC however is 2500 USD
Reply to
Greg ***********
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Bill *********
This is about the time to setup a consultation with a Visa agent. They can outline all the options and requirements and then layout a course of action. Saved me a ton of stress and wasted time. I use an agent for anything immigration related.
John **********
There seems to be a bit of confusion here. If you apply at the consulate that serves your home area you can use monthly income to get the initial 90 day Non-O visa but when you get to Thailand you need a minimum of 800k baht in a Thai bank to get the 12 month extension of stay. If you won't have the lump sum you can get a 12 month Non-OA visa based entirely on monthly income and don't need a lump sum but will need insurance, police check etc
Greg ***********
@John *********
she won't qualify for the 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement visa based on her income. She said she gets a monthly 2065 USD. The income requirement of the Thai embassy Washington DC however is 2500 USDReply to
Greg ***********
Reply
David *****
You can get the Visa with your monthly in the US but to extend you need the 800K. To extend using monthly you need to show 12 months of payments in Thailand. Many start with the 800K and then switch to the monthly once they have the requisite 12 months bank records
Greg ***********
David Dye you missed a very important detail: she won't qualify for the 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement visa based on her income. She said she gets a monthly 2065 USD. The income requirement of the Thai embassy Washington DC however is 2500 USD
Reply to
Greg ***********
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Angelo ***********
Watching videos is not the way.
Ken *********
Well iam going through the same situation from Canada and I have decided to do the pension monthly payments with a non oa visa I have letters from Canadian government that show my income and when I arrive I have arranged a visa company to do all my papers and opening bank for 65 thousand bhats
Christa ******
Another option would be to apply for a DTV with the soft Powers option you just need to show that you've had 15,000 in your bank account for at least 3 months. To apply for this would just be around $400-500. Might be worth checking out.
Richard ******
Same thing here. Between Social Security and Veterans Disability I make just over $3000 a month. I will never have 25k in savings. You cannot get any answers here. One person tells you one thing and then the next comment says another. I would take a portion of your house sale and get an agent.
Greg ***********
Richard Hill you missed a very important detail: she won't qualify for the 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement visa based on her income. She said she gets a monthly 2065 USD. The income requirement of the Thai embassy Washington DC however is 2500 USD
Dennis *********
Richard Hill doesn’t need an agent. With her home sale assuming she makes $25k then she can do it all on her own — it’s not hard.
Ken *********
Richard Hill rest assured yes you can get a non oa visa with proof of monthly pension deposit from your country every month
Greg ***********
Ken Withers you missed a very important detail: she won't qualify either for the Non-O/A visa, nor for the 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement visa based on her income. She said she gets a monthly 2065 USD. The income requirement of the Thai embassy Washington DC however is 2500 USD
Reply to
Greg ***********
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Tony **********
I would wait to apply until you you've passed the inspection phase of the sale of your house sale process. You can use your monthly income to apply for the non-o visa which will be valid for 90 days after approval (90 days to use it and a 90 day entry permit). This should be enough time for your house to close so you will have the required ฿800k to transfer into a Thai bank account.
Update: i misread the income from retirement and pensions. You will have to wait for your house to close so you can use the 800k method. At current exchange rates you don't qualify for the income method.
Update: i misread the income from retirement and pensions. You will have to wait for your house to close so you can use the 800k method. At current exchange rates you don't qualify for the income method.
Greg ***********
Tony Birnseth wrong again. A 90 days Non-Imm-O visa is valid for entry for 90 days, and upon entry you will get a 90-days stay permit stamped. And you missed a very important detail: she won't qualify for the 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement visa based on her income. She said she gets a monthly 2065 USD. The income requirement of the Thai embassy Washington DC however is 2500 USD
Tony **********
Greg Alexander want sure in the 90 versus 60... Didn't know totals if her income. My main point in answer to get question, was about the timing of when to apply.
Greg ***********
Tony Birnseth you are correct in advising her to wait until her house sale has gone through
Reply to
Greg ***********
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Russ *****
You want to apply now, before you've sold your house? And you don't have $25k usd. Sounds like non oa visa. You won't have to move the 800k thb to Thailand after you arrive, but will need police background and health check, health insurance in Thailand etc.
Greg ***********
Russ Ell and you missed a very important detail: she won't qualify either for the Non-O/A visa, nor for the 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement visa based on her income. She said she gets a monthly 2065 USD. The income requirement of the Thai embassy Washington DC however is 2500 USD
Greg ***********
Russ Ell actually a bad advice for people who wish to live in Thailand for the rest of their lives, as after the first two years that are possible to squeeze out of the O/A visa, she will need the money in the Thai bank account or 12-months of transfers from abroad, every month, month for month, of a minimum of 65,000 THB. And she will need a tgia-listed Thai private health insurance. It is much better to start out on the 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa
Floyd ******
Russ Ell non o better
Reply to
Floyd ******
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Barb ******
I'm in the same boat... overwhelmed.
Stuart ***********
I think you need the 90 day non-O visa based on being over 50. You can use your monthly income to apply online via the Thai Embassy in the USA. Then when you come to Thailand you need to open a Thai bank account and deposit 800,000 baht straight away. You then wait 2 months and apply to extend your stay for 12 months.
Greg ***********
Stuart Chiverton she won't qualify for the 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement visa based on her income. She said she gets a monthly 2065 USD. The income requirement of the Thai embassy Washington DC however is 2500 USD
Stuart ***********
Greg Alexander thanks Greg I didn't realise that.
Greg ***********
Stuart Chiverton it is a pretty newly set requirement. It used to be 2000 USD in the recent years, for many years
Reply to
Greg ***********
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Barb ******
Stuart Chiverton so one can open a bank account on an O visa? which bank do you recommend? 👍
Martyn ***********
Barb Macy I advise to get one that you can transfer too via Wise. The best method of moving your money.. There's only certain Banks do it...
But also... NOT BANGKOK BANK!
But also... NOT BANGKOK BANK!
Stuart ***********
Barb Macy Yes, you should be able to open a bank account with a non-O visa.
You might need to go to a few banks until you find one willing to open an account for a foreigner, as it's a bit of a hassle for them. You will need a thai phone number linked to your phone and a residence certificate from immigration. I like Kasikorn.
You might need to go to a few banks until you find one willing to open an account for a foreigner, as it's a bit of a hassle for them. You will need a thai phone number linked to your phone and a residence certificate from immigration. I like Kasikorn.
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Stuart ***********
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