Answered9 months ago
Why do people prefer the 3-month non-O visa over the 1-year non-OA visa for retirement in Thailand?
Hi everybody ! I am considering taking a retirement visa to Thailand. Either a non-O or a non-O-A. Here in this group, and in other groups concerning Thailand long term visa, people mostly mention taking a 3 months non-O visa, and then extend it in Thailand, and rarely mention the non O-A 1 year visa. Why is that ? why to take a 3 month visa, where one must rush to get all these documents and open a bank account immediately, when it's possible to get a 1 year visa and have more time to do everything calmly, without a rush ? Is it about the need for a health insurance in the non- OA ? or does the non OA have other dis-advantages ? Would appreciate a clarification.... Many thanks :-)
Answer summary
The discussion revolves around the choice between a Non-O visa and a Non-OA visa for retiring in Thailand. Many expats suggest starting with a 3-month Non-O visa before applying for extensions rather than opting for the more straightforward 1-year Non-OA visa. Key points include the Non-OA visa's strict health insurance requirement, which involves using a government-approved policy, while the Non-O visa does not require insurance. Additionally, the Non-OA visa is seen as restrictive due to its ongoing commitments, making the Non-O visa more appealing for those not wishing to be 'locked in.' Some comments also touch on topics like health checks, the potential financial implications of bank requirements for extensions, and the logistics of pet relocation impacting visa choices.
38 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Adam *************
Thailandblog.
Jim *******
@Adam ************
That site is not worth pissing on it.
Colin *********
Deffo Non O
Michael ********
I have no idea how old you are but try yo get health insurance for a reasonable annual price if you are 75 or older !!!
Matani ******
I was on it about 3 years. I got off the O-A visa because of the Health Insurance goat rope. ((This does not mean I don't have health insurance or you don't need health insurance. )). Also the the required health exam is very easy and cheap in Thailand in my country, not so. The advantage of OA visa is you don't need to worry about dead money sitting in a Thai bank earning SFA interest, dealing with yearly bank statements, bank books and letters, and minimal need to attend the immigration office here.
Shira ***********
OPMatani Adam I see.... ! some serious advantages too ! Could you explain the situation with health insurances ? what's the difference between the insurances "on the limited list" you get when applying for a non-OA compared with a health insurance you choose yourself ? IS he latter much cheaper ? or are there any other/additional differences ? thanks
Matani ******
Shira HeartEcho Even though I am already insured by my US company , when I was on the O-A visa I had to buy redundant and near useless Thai insurance policies, with a very high deductible to satisfy the needs of the visa. A paper exercise. They were still equivalent of hundreds of US dollars per year. Have you looked into the LTR visa? There is a self insurance option
Matani ******
Shira HeartEcho If you can get a 90 day Non-O online from your country Thai Embassy/consulate it’s easiest. Then come to Thailand open a bank account with 800k baht. The rest is routine and easily accomplished.
Brandon ************
@Shira **********
Only 2 of the LTR types are related to work, one for working inside of Thailand in a specialized industry, and another for working remotely. The other 2 categories are for wealthy pensioner, another type of retirement visa, or wealthy global citizen, which requires an investment in Thailand.Matani ******
Shira HeartEcho Look it up. You need pretty high passive income or make a 500,000 dollar equivalent investment in Thai bonds or property.
Shira ***********
OPMatani Adam I didn't look into the LTR visa ! didn't think it's an option for me... Is it easy to get ? don't I have to be a business owner or work under this one ?
Dann ********
Is tricare for life accepted?
I was told that travelers med insurance is better than thai insurance
Thoughts?
Suggestions?
I was told that travelers med insurance is better than thai insurance
Thoughts?
Suggestions?
Matani ******
@Dann *******
Here is the problem. Will two officers at "Tricare" wet sign a Thai form specifying the exact dates and coverage limit of your "One year" insurance policy. Do you have a one year policy? Is there a coverage limit clearly stated? No probably, that is why the insurance I get thru my company is not compatible with the 0-A visa either.
Nigel **************
It has to be on the list of Thai companies provided by your embassy
Brandon ************
The non-OA has the mandatory insurance, forever. You have to pick a policy from the approved list and cannot get whatever insurance you want, or self insure. You have to get a new policy from the list every year for your extension.
The non-O does not have that requirement. Why lock yourself into such a requirement if you're already planning on getting extensions in Thailand?
The only time the non-OA makes sense is if you're going back to your home country every 1-2 years and will apply for a new non-OA visa from the Thai embassy. Then you don't have to keep any funds in a Thai bank or deal with Thai immigration.
If you're already planning on doing those things, then it doesn't make sense to get an OA
The non-O does not have that requirement. Why lock yourself into such a requirement if you're already planning on getting extensions in Thailand?
The only time the non-OA makes sense is if you're going back to your home country every 1-2 years and will apply for a new non-OA visa from the Thai embassy. Then you don't have to keep any funds in a Thai bank or deal with Thai immigration.
If you're already planning on doing those things, then it doesn't make sense to get an OA
Nick *********
@Brandon ***********
what is the none O visa thanks, learning things now thank you.Brandon ************
@Nick ********
It can be many things. O means other.
Jyrki *********
Nick Tsourou what 12 month visa?
Nick *********
@Brandon ***********
ok thank you mate I was thinking about getting a 12Month Visa and see later for a retirement visa,
Ian *******
@Brandon ***********
they still need to deal with Thai Immigration for their 90 Day Reporting.Brandon ************
@Ian ******
Technically yes, but realistically they never have to go to immigration unless they want a certificate of residence, so there's no one to ever call them out on it.
David ********
@Brandon ***********
Thank you!Brandon ************
@David *******
It's an insignificant thing. So yes, they are just doing that. For some people it's cheaper than making repeated trips to immigration depending on where they live. TM30 reports their address already.David ********
@Brandon ***********
So these ppl just ignore the 90 reporting requirement and then get fined 2k for the pleasure year after year, no consequence. I would think anything involving a fine could make trouble at some point.Brandon ************
@Ian ******
Completely possible. There are also people who do extensions every year who also never do 90-day reports, they just pay the 2000 baht fine at their extension every year.Ian *******
@Brandon ***********
so they live here for years, but never register with an immigration office, so never do a 90 day report?
Kim *********
Shira HeartEcho the 90 days reporting is to report you've been in Thailand 90 consecutive days 😏 If you are not in Thailand you don't do the reporting - until you've been here 90 days.
Shira ***********
OPMatani Adam Thanks ! makes sense...
Matani ******
Shira HeartEcho You only have to do 90 reporting if you stay more than 90 days. There is never a need to do a 90 day report from outside of Thailand. Even during covid I never stayed 91 days.
Shira ***********
OP@Brandon ***********
Does it mean I don't necessarily have to be physically in Thailand for the 90 day reporting ?Matani ******
@Brandon ***********
Or a TM-30, unless they accept the PDF from the online form. To open a bank account, buy a vehicle etc., eventually everyone will need a certificate of residence, or Yellow book. (Unless it is refused).Shira ***********
OP@Brandon ***********
That makes lots of sense, thanks ! The main reason I REQUIRE to get a non O-A, at least 1 time, is because I won't go immediately to Thailand. I need to bring my dogs from India to Thailand. So I thought to first apply for a non OA in my home country, then go to India and get the dogs ready, which can take up to 2 months, and then go to Thailand. I didn't realise I am then "locked" in the terms of this visa...
Bradley ********
Shira HeartEcho you can git the non O and still go to get your dogs. You have 90 days to enter the country from the time the visa is issued and once you actually enter you have 90 day stay to sort the bank account which is still very easy to get with this visa class to insure your 1 year extension of stay
Shira ***********
OPBradley Gibson That's really good to know ! I thought the non O 3 months duration starts when one receives the visa ! Thanks.
Greg ***********
Bradley Gibson wrong, you have only 29 days, not 90 days, to sort out the bank account, because in order to apply for the 1-year extension, the 800K deposit must have been sitting in the account for a minimum of 2 months
Brandon ************
@Shira **********
Unless you let your status lapse and leave Thailand and return, you are locked in as long as you continue extensions from a non-OA.So if you get the non-OA, do your plan, and then leave Thailand after your visa expires, you can then apply for a non-O and start over again.
Shira ***********
OP@Brandon ***********
Thanks @Bra****
.... Sounds about right :-)
Jack ********
Health insurance, background check, health check
Activity
17 joined17
people
Related
25What is the best visa option for a 57-year-old British expat wanting to retire in Thailand with a private pension?
3k26361d
What are the differences between the Non-O and Non-OA retirement visas in Thailand, and why do many expats prefer one over the other?
17.6k943406mo
What are the requirements for a 1-year extension on a Non-OA retirement visa in Thailand?
1.9k15216mo
What are the differences between Non-O and Non-OA visas regarding the 800,000 THB requirement?
2.9k22327mo
What is the process for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand for an expat with a non-o visa?
7k251648mo
Why do many expats choose a Non-O visa for retirement over a Non-OA visa in Thailand?
5.3k45541y
Can I obtain a retirement visa in Thailand if I'm under 50 and my husband qualifies?
3.9k31372y
What is the difference between the Non-O and Non-OA retirement visas for Thailand?
3.5k17252y
Is a Retirement Visa in Thailand required to have both 800,000 baht and 65,000 baht monthly income or just one of them?
1.7k10102y
What factors influence the choice between a Non-O visa and a Non-OA visa for retirement in Thailand?
2.9k21252y
What are the steps and timeline for applying for the LTR visa in Thailand and what alternatives exist if I do not qualify?
2.6k23122y
What are the key differences between Non-O and Non-OA retirement visas in Thailand?
9.7k71962y
What are the visa options and requirements for British expats looking to stay in Thailand long-term?
896464y
What are the requirements for a NON-OA retirement visa in Thailand based on monthly income?
4.7k37464y
What are the requirements for applying for a 3-month Non-O visa in the UK for retirement in Thailand?
1.2k3184y
Can someone under 50 obtain a retirement visa in Thailand?
3.6k19585y
What are the differences between the Non-O and Non-OA visa in Thailand?
1.2k5145y
Should I apply for a retirement visa to Thailand before arriving or in my home country?
3.3k30165y
What are the financial requirements for a Retirement Visa in Thailand, and does property ownership affect these requirements?
3.3k20425y
Which visa should I apply for if I want to retire in Thailand with a one-way ticket?
2k17115y
What are the financial requirements for a Non-O visa for expats with children in Thailand?
1.6k1285y
What type of visa should I get initially to move to Thailand while transitioning to a Non-Immigrant OA retirement visa?
1.6k10166y
What are the options for extending a marriage visa in Thailand without leaving the country?
5.4k56238y
What are the requirements and process for obtaining a retirement visa (Non-OA) to retire in Thailand?
1.1k689y
Do I need a return ticket to enter Thailand on a Non-O visa while planning to apply for a retirement extension?
1.8k12189y
Resources
Need help with your retirement visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served