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Why can't I find the Non-Immigrant O-A retirement visa option on the Thailand Embassy website?
Non-Immigrant VisaO-A VisaRetirement VisaVisa ApplicationThailand EmbassyVisa RequirementsLong Stay Visa
Jan 2, 2026
4 months ago
Shawn ******
ORIGINAL POSTERI am trying to apply for a Non-Immigrant O-A retirement visa on the Thailand Embassy website. I am currently in the US. The only option that I can use for Visa type is the Non-Immigrant Visa. There is no option for retirement and under the purpose of visit there is also no option for retirement. Is there something that I am not understanding. Has anyone else had this issue and can give advice.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is experiencing difficulty locating the Non-Immigrant O-A retirement visa option on the Thailand Embassy website while applying from the US. Users in the comments clarify that the 'Non-Immigrant Visa' category is indeed the correct choice, despite the absence of a specific 'retirement' label. They suggest selecting options related to a single entry for up to 90 days, and recommend the Non-O visa as an alternative due to fewer requirements. The discussion highlights common confusions surrounding the application process and encourages consulting Embassy resources for clarification.
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David ******
I entered on a Non-O, it created confusion for the bank because they saw Non-O but were also looking for RETIREMENT label on the Visa. There was confusion were she had to call to main branch to get approval. I'm just not sure if there is an actual Non-O retirement now. On the website I didn't see the option at all.
Shawn ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@David *****
exactly I sent an email to the Thai Embassy in DC to ask for clarification and guidance on what the correct procedures are for applying. Hopefully they send me a response.David ******
@Shawn *****
certainly understand, in the end it wasn't an issue at all. I got the bank account. I didn't even notice untill the bank person said it doesn't say retirement. I think it only threw her off , she just needed confirmation from main office that it was not an issue.Reply to
David ******
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Gregory *********
Watch this video first also and you see how it has changed.
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Shawn ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Gregory ********
I was actually using that as my guide but the website has changed quite a bit on it’s options and doesn’t show any of these for type of visa and reason for visit in regards to retirementReply to
Shawn ******
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Gregory *********
Yes they changed the website picklist you have to select the option for single entry not exceeding 90 days. After selecting Non Immigrant visa. So you won't find retirement in the pick list. That should help you out. So you are applying for a Non Immigrant O for 90 days single entry and that can be extended. For Non O-A will be 1 years with multiple entries in the picklist
Shawn ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Gregory ********
thank youReply to
Shawn ******
Reply
Ralph *******
I would advise the non O rather than OA. The requirements are fewer.
Dava ***********
You can come to Thailand first and then apply for the retirement visa. That’s what I did.
Marty *********
@Dava **********
You cannot open a bank account if you come to Thailand as a tourist. You need an O visa before you get here.Dava ***********
@Marty ********
I know.Reply to
Dava ***********
Reply
Doug *******
I just applied for a non O (retirement) Visa through the Chicago consulate and it was approved in less than one week. The non O-A was not appealing to me.
Alan **********
I think it’s listed under “Long Stay” on the embassy website.
Nongnuch ********
you do not have to be retired to apply for the Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa. You only have to be over 50 years old . . only VERY FEW Thai embassies in the world make a "real" retirement a pre-requisite for the Non-Imm-O visa. I do not recommend the Non-O/A visa if you wish to emmigrate, because as soon as you go into the 1-year extension of stay, you need money in a thai bank account and Immigration will enforce you have a private Thai tgia-listed health insurance , ,on a Non-O and the Extension out of it, you keep a free choice regarding your health insurance
Kim *********
@Nongnuch *******
the Thai embassy in Denmark is one of the embassies that requires being retired. I also know a British gentleman who has to prove retirement payments every year for his extension.Nongnuch ********
@Kim ********
well as what goes for the British gentleman, I guess Immigration just wants to see the "source" of the income, not the type of income. Immigration won't bother if you are already a "real" pensioner or not - you just need to be over 50 years old. Only some Thai embassies do botherReply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Graham ******
retirement = over 50
Marty *********
There is also the O visa that is the most popular visa for retirees. It is a 90 day visa that you can extend yearly. The O has fewer requirements than the OA.
Steve *******
@Marty ********
Not only for retirees but for anyone 50 or over 👍Reply to
Steve *******
Reply
Stuart *********
It doesn’t mention retirement so it is a bit confusing. You’ll get a pop up warning like this.
Stuart *********
Non immigrant is correct. For the Non OA it’s worded “for those that want to stay no longer than one year (multiple entry)”
Reply to
Stuart *********
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