Ask question

This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

How can I convert my tourist visa to a retirement visa in Thailand?

Retirement Visa Non-O Visa Visa Application Process Condition of Funds Thai Bank Requirements DTV Visa Income Requirements

Feb 11, 2025

11 days ago

Madelein ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Good day. Husband and myself are in Thailand on Tourist visa.  Want to apply for retirement visa.  Have the 800 000k, older than 50, not working at all anymore... how is easiest to do this, please

3,104

views

4

likes

96

all likes

43

replies

0

images

17

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is seeking guidance on transitioning from a Tourist visa to a Retirement visa in Thailand, stating that both they and their husband are over 50 and meet the financial requirement of having 800,000 baht. The conversation provides information on the steps needed, such as visiting a local immigration office to obtain necessary documentation for applying for a Non-O visa and later extending it. Participants clarify that funds must be in a Thai bank for certain visa applications and inquire about income-based eligibility for the Retirement visa and alternative options like the DTV visa.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the DTV 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.

Pelle Eriksson

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted DTV Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Thatchaya ******

I recommend to get DTV Visa , You can apply by remote work or Soft power like Muay Thai. My boyfriend from German take 5 working day to get approved.

they give us advise :

***********************************************************************************************

*******

/22/thailand-destination-visa-dtv-remote-work-muay-thai-cooking/

Like

Reply

Stuart *********

Alternatively look at getting a DTV visa for the both of you. Easy option for many. It’s a 5 year multiple entry visa and lets you stay for 180 days each time.

Like

Reply

Madelein ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

looked at that... our current challenge is the 6x months proof of income. We were on holiday since April last year - funded from a lumpsum and not regular income....

Like

Reply

John **********

@Madelein **********

many embassies are just wanting to see the activity on your account, as long as you have a closing balance above 500k baht

Like

Reply

Stuart *********

@Madelein **********

Only some embassies and consulates need the 6 months income. Some seem to be ok with just the last months statement.

Advise what embassy you’d be using to see if others have direct experience with it for their policy.

Like

Reply

Madelein ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

we are open to travel to any neighboring embassies... Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia....

Like

Reply

Stuart *********

@Madelein **********

Maybe best to start a new post asking which embassies will work with less than 6 months statements. Pretty sure Vietnam requires that but the others may not.

Like

Reply

Madelein ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

thank you so much 💓

Like

Reply

Reply to

Madelein ***********

Reply

Keith ********

@Stuart ********

Can that visa be extended

Like

Reply

Stuart *********

in theory you can extend your stay from 180 days for another 180 days once per entry. However in practice it’s just way simpler to “bounce” to another country and return for a fresh 180 day entry.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Stuart *********

Reply

Mark *******

I also heard that if one's pensions/ income was at least 65,000 baht per month,and you were over 50,this would also qualify you for a retirement visa. Is this true?

Like

Reply

Graham ******

not for the initial in-country Non-O Visa or first 12 month extension (unless your Embassy still issues the income affidavit) but it can be used for the second and subsequent extensions

Like

Reply

Reply to

Graham ******

Reply

Deb ********

Just go for a non o with an agent for 15 months to see if you like it first, that way you don't need the 800k in a Thai bank. You can choose whether you want a multi entry or single entry on top.

Like

Reply

Amanda ******

Deb Bailey how do you go about doing this 😊

Like

Reply

Reply to

Amanda ******

Reply

Leo *****

I have a question

About the 800 000

Must be in a thai bank

Or it's possible to have the money in my won European bank

Like

Reply

Gregor **********

For the 90-days Non-O visa application in your home country, it can be on any bank account anywhere, as long as it is in your name

For the application to the 1-year Extension of Stay, it must be on a Thai bank account

If you do the “change of visa type” inside Thailand from a touristic entry to a 90-days Non-O visa, the money must sit in a Thai bank account

Like

Reply

Nigel **************

in a Thai bank and in your name only

Like

Reply

Leo *****

@Nigel *************

thanks

Like

Reply

Reply to

Leo *****

Reply

Charlie ***********

I told her about the retirement visa

Like

Reply

Charlie ***********

So the 800,000k must have been in a Thai bank for at least 3 months before applying then go to immigration office and check what others things you need

Like

Reply

Gregor **********

@Charlie **********

only on the Jomtien, Khon Kaen and Samui Immigration! On most other Immigrations, the 800,000 THB just need to sit in the account, no seasoning needed for the application to the initial 90-days Non-Imm-O visa. A 2 months seasoninh is then needed for the application to the 1-year extension of stay

Like

Reply

Nigel **************

@Gregor *********

In Petchabun I had to show the 800,000 in my bank for 2 months for the initial 90 day Non O Visa and again for 2 months before getting the 12 month extension.

Best advice check with the Immigration Office you intend to use and do not listen to any other advice. 😉😉

Like

Reply

John ********

@Nigel *************

is “my bank” a Thai bank?

Like

Reply

Nigel **************

yes

Like

Reply

Lay *******

@Nigel *************

is it two months before and three months after for 12 months extension? Or just two months before and never go under 400k baht.

Like

Reply

Nigel **************

most offices are 2 before, 3 after and never ever below

*****

0 even for 1 day

Like

Reply

Lay *******

@Nigel *************

Right. That's what I thought.

Like

Reply

Gregor **********

@Nigel *************

so Immigration Phetchabun will be added to my list of weird offices that don't follow the standing police order 😉🙂 Yes, best advice, must check, I always advise it

Like

Reply

Nigel **************

@Gregor *********

yep! And they came to the house to check and take photos and sign loads of docs. Just for my 'based on over 50 Visa'.

Like

Reply

Graham ******

@Nigel *************

you must look too young 555

Like

Reply

Reply to

Graham ******

Reply

Steve *******

@Charlie **********

No seasoning for the initial Non Imm O visa and TWO months seasoning for the yearly extension of stay.

Like

Reply

John **********

@Charlie **********

not true. For the Non-O 90 day visa there are no seasoning requirements (unless you happen to be using the Jomtien immigration office which requires 2 months seasoning)

Like

Reply

Nigel **************

@John *********

Not True in Petchabun. Be careful what news you are spreading. Not every IO is the same.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Nigel **************

Reply

Madelein ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Charlie **********

thank you

Like

Reply

Reply to

Madelein ***********

Reply

Peter ********

Think U both gotta have 800,000 each ,might be wrong

Like

Reply

George *******

correct 800k per applicant

Like

Reply

Madelein ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

so no follower visa then?

Like

Reply

Stuart *********

@Madelein **********

Not these days. If your spouse applies for a Non OA from your home country then that embassy ‘may’ issue a “trailing spouse” Non O. Few do. Generally it’s 800k per person in a Thai bank in their name only. Joint accounts may be accepted but the amount would be doubled as they see it as 50% yours 50% the other holder.

Like

Reply

John **********

@Madelein **********

you definitely can't get that in Thailand or any surrounding countries, perhaps not anywhere

Like

Reply

Peter ********

@Madelein **********

not sure ,heard it's 800,000 per person

Like

Reply

Reply to

Peter ********

Reply

Stuart *********

Go to your local immigration office and ask for the handout how to convert from tourist visa (or exempt) to a in-country Non O. Cost is 2,000 baht.

If you meet all the requirements you’ll get a 90 day Non O visa and when that’s winding down you apply for the yearly extension of stay. Again ask what is required for that. Cost for the extension is 1,900 baht.

Like

Reply

Kristie *******

@Stuart ********

you are a legend

Like

Reply

Madelein ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

thank you

Like

Reply

Reply to

Madelein ***********

Reply

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

How can I transition to a retirement visa in Thailand while currently on a tourist visa?

18 comments

2 months ago

What are the steps to apply for a retirement visa in Thailand after returning on a tourist visa?

8 comments

4 months ago

What are my options for obtaining a long-term visa in Thailand as a tourist planning to retire?

103 comments

5 months ago

What is the process for converting from a marriage visa to a retirement visa in Thailand?

10 comments

6 months ago

What retirement visa options are available for UK Citizens planning to live in Thailand?

54 comments

9 months ago

What visa options are available for retirement in Thailand if I have 800,000 THB in a bank and am over 60?

48 comments

9 months ago

Can I convert a tourist visa to an educational visa and later to a retirement visa in Thailand?

87 comments

9 months ago

What is the process for converting a tourist visa to a Non-O visa in Thailand as a US citizen over 50?

22 comments

a year ago

Can I apply for a 50+ retirement visa while on a tourist visa in Thailand?

98 comments

a year ago

What are the requirements for converting a Tourist Visa to a Single Entry 90-Day Non-O Visa in Thailand?

20 comments

a year ago

Can I convert a tourist visa to a retirement visa in Thailand without leaving the country?

11 comments

2 years ago

What is the process to convert a Tourist Visa to a Non-O Retirement Visa in Thailand?

19 comments

2 years ago

What visa should I obtain to transition to a retirement visa in Thailand?

7 comments

3 years ago

What are the steps to apply for a retirement visa in Thailand for a UK expat married to a Thai citizen?

42 comments

3 years ago

How can I meet the 800,000 THB requirement for a retirement visa if I start on a tourist visa?

7 comments

3 years ago

How can I convert a 60-day tourist visa to a Non-O visa based on retirement in Thailand?

10 comments

3 years ago

Can I convert my tourist visa to a Non Immigrant O visa based on retirement while in Thailand?

9 comments

3 years ago

What are the steps to switch from a Special Tourist Visa (STV) to a retirement visa in Thailand?

37 comments

4 years ago

What are the requirements for changing from a Tourist Visa to a Non-O Visa in Thailand?

16 comments

4 years ago

How can I convert my tourist visa to a retirement visa while based in Chiang Rai?

18 comments

7 years ago

What are the steps and documents needed for my husband's parents to apply for a retirement visa in Thailand after their tourist visa?

20 comments

7 years ago

How can I convert my tourist visa to a retirement visa while in Phuket and open a bank account without a work permit?

71 comments

7 years ago

Do I need a Non-O visa to apply for a retirement visa in Thailand and what documentation is required?

44 comments

8 years ago

What are the requirements and process for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand while on a 60-day tourist visa?

34 comments

8 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.