Hi, where can I find a comprehensive breakdown of what is required and how to apply for a retirement visa in Thailand?

I'll be entering Thailand at the end of February on a tourist visa, I'm a Brit and over 50

Thanks

First thing. Do you have a bank account? After that everything is easy.

It varies depending on office.

For Pattaya the info at the Pattaya City Expats Club website is excellent.

WARNING.

It would be much better to enter on a single entry O visa if possible.

Avoid the OA visa!

Conversion from.a tourist visa to an O visa in Thailand is much less of a sure thing than in the past.

https://pattayacityexpatsclub.com/

14 minutes ago, Upnotover said:

First thing. Do you have a bank account? After that everything is easy.

Yes, I have an account here. I used to have a retirement visa back in 2008 but let it lapse a few years later

Thanks

6 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

It varies depending on office.

For Pattaya the info at the Pattaya City Expats Club website is excellent.

WARNING.

It would be much better to enter on a single entry O visa if possible.

Avoid the OA visa!

Conversion from.a tourist visa to an O visa in Thailand is much less of a sure thing than in the past.

https://pattayacityexpatsclub.com/

I'll be applying in Bangkok. Where can I find info on the procedure?

Thanks

Just now, BillStrangeOgre said:

Yes, I have an account here. I used to have a retirement visa back in 2008 but let it lapse a few years later

Thanks

Things have changed this way.

As a generalization, immigration is more persnickety.

Just now, BillStrangeOgre said:

I'll be applying in Bangkok. Where can I find info on the procedure?

Thanks

The PCEC site will still be helpful as a start.

Don't know about a Bangkok equivalent.

7 minutes ago, BillStrangeOgre said:

Yes, I have an account here. I used to have a retirement visa back in 2008 but let it lapse a few years later

Thanks

You would make life much easier if you get a non-O (over 50) in the UK before you arrive. To do that you only need to show THB800k (equivalent) in a bank account (can be UK or Thai).

Then you will get a 90 day entry on arrival and within the last 45 days of that you can get the 12 month extension. To do that you will need to have deposited the 800k in your Thai account not less than 2 months before applying.

Once the financial elements are in place the rest is mainly relating to your residence. You'll need a rental contract, TM30, maybe a map. But nothing is hard to do. Together with copies of your passport, etc. it's really not difficult.

If you enter on a "tourist visa"(?) you will only add an additional unnecessary step to the process, in-country non-O application. You'll still need to deposit the 800k (and show it's from abroad).

Hopefully you don't use Bangkok Bank.

5 minutes ago, Upnotover said:

You would make life much easier if you get a non-O (over 50) in the UK before you arrive. To do that you only need to show THB800k (equivalent) in a bank account (can be UK or Thai).

Then you will get a 90 day entry on arrival and within the last 45 days of that you can get the 12 month extension. To do that you will need to have deposited the 800k in your Thai account not less than 2 months before applying.

Once the financial elements are in place the rest is mainly relating to your residence. You'll need a rental contract, TM30, maybe a map. But nothing is hard to do. Together with copies of your passport, etc. it's really not difficult.

If you enter on a "tourist visa"(?) you will only add an additional unnecessary step to the process, in-country non-O application. You'll still need to deposit the 800k (and show it's from abroad).

Hopefully you don't use Bangkok Bank.

Thanks for that. What's the issue with Bangkok Bank?

10 minutes ago, BillStrangeOgre said:

I'll be applying in Bangkok. Where can I find info on the procedure?

Thanks

There is no such thing as a retirement visa.
You can extend your permission of stay for 1 year (extension) which is a 'permit', but you must first obtain a Non Immigrant O visa.
It's a far less bureaucratic procedure to obtain this from your local Thai Embassy in your home Country and enter with that, rather than enter VE/TV and then first apply for the Non O at CW, which involves 2 visits.

Financial requirements are 800K THB in a Thai bank account, your sole name for 2 months prior to submitting the extension application.

Just now, BillStrangeOgre said:

Thanks for that. What's the issue with Bangkok Bank?

When you go for the extension they will (may) insist on freezing the 800k in your account for 4 months. This is in order for them to issue the required account letter. No other banks do this and it is nothing to do with immigration. A wise move would be to arrive on a non-O and open a new account anywhere else, if Bangkok Bank happens to be where your account is.

2 minutes ago, BillStrangeOgre said:

Thanks for that. What's the issue with Bangkok Bank?

In your case, it makes little difference as you must maintain the 800K balance in the account after the extension is granted as per Immigration Orders.

1 hour ago, BillStrangeOgre said:

Hi, where can I find a comprehensive breakdown of what is required and how to apply for a retirement visa in Thailand?

I'll be entering Thailand at the end of February on a tourist visa, I'm a Brit and over 50

Thanks

To a certain extent, the exact details depend on the local immigration office you plan to visit.

The term 'retirement visa' can be a bit unclear... and I think more precise to note "non-immigrant Type-O visa for reason of retirement". That is sort of a moot point of mine.

Nominally, most people do not enter on a tourist visa, but rather enter visa-exempt. However you stated tourist visa, so I believe you can switch from a Tourist Visa to a Type-O visa at the same time as you apply for the Type-O visa (I think that means a TM-86 is used (if coming from Tourist Visa) instead of a TM-87 (if coming from Visa exempt). Hopefully others chime in and correct me.

There is a lot of things (paperwork) needed. Also some financial criteria (where some of the money has to be in a Thai bank a sufficient time in advance - time of money in the bank depends on whether this is one's first Type-O or an extension of permission to stay on that type-O).

In Phuket it is all detailed here:

https://piv-phuket.com/retirement/

Note thou, some immigration offices are different.

Again - I believe it is the Type-O you are looking for. In Phuket you can nominally apply 45 days before your Tourist visa permission to stay (or a visa exempt permission to stay) expires. Many other immigration offices only allow one to do this 30 days in advance.

That Type-O will give you only 90 days permission to stay (initially) in Thailand. Then (in Phuket) 30 to 45 days before your Type-O permission to stay expires, you need to go to immigration AGAIN and apply for a 1-year extension (for reason of retirement) on your permission to stay in Thailand. Again, many other immigration offices only allow one to do this 30 days in advance.

Good luck in your efforts.

OP, some posts in your thread have given excellent advice.

Have a good read of post from @Upnotover

He makes good point re obtaining the Non O e-Visa prior to entry.

Entering with a Non O best option and opens up option of opening bank account at another bank account.

Having stated that the BBL freezing your funds for 4 months is of little concern as the funds need to be maintained for 3 months + in any event.

Bangkok (CW) immigration is a good office. If you enter visa exempt you will obtain the Non O at LakSi immigration office (IT mall) + form TM87.

BUT again why would you opt for that when the eVisa is all online simple process.

With the 90 day entry stamp once you transfer the 800k to Thai bank and season funds for two months you apply for the 12 month extension in last 45 days (or less) of 90 stamp

May I tag on as I am also moving back.

My question is the Type O retirement 90 day visa according to Thai Consulate LA (USA) reads the usual about the 800k etc but I wondered about

6. Itinerary showing flight from U.S. to Thailand and flight out of Thailand.

Last time I moved there I went in on a one way ticket. Is this no longer accepted?

Thanks for any info

8 minutes ago, mania said:

May I tag on as I am also moving back.

My question is the Type O retirement 90 day visa according to Thai Consulate LA (USA) reads the usual about the 800k etc but I wondered about

6. Itinerary showing flight from U.S. to Thailand and flight out of Thailand.

Last time I moved there I went in on a one way ticket. Is this no longer accepted?

Thanks for any info

The application does not ask for a return flight, it just asks what day you will be leaving Thailand. Put any date within 90 days and you can proceed with the application.

3 hours ago, BrandonJT said:

The application does not ask for a return flight, it just asks what day you will be leaving Thailand. Put any date within 90 days and you can proceed with the application.

Thank You! 👍

25 minutes ago, mania said:

Thank You! 👍

In addition the airline at departure will not ask for return/onward flight as you have a visa.

3 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

In addition the airline at departure will not ask for return/onward flight as you have a visa.

I remember when I moved there in 2012 & had the same 90 visa based on marriage & China Airlines asked why you don't have a return & I told them I was moving & would extend yearly they said no prob....hopefully this goes as easily 😉

I would make sure your bank account hasn’t been frozen / closed by the Thai bank

33 minutes ago, ian carman said:

I would make sure your bank account hasn’t been frozen / closed by the Thai bank

Another good reason to obtain the Non O e-Visa, prior to entering Thailand.

If there is an issue with the BBL account he will not be able to open an account with visa exempt or tourist visa entry stamp.

On 1/31/2026 at 4:52 PM, BillStrangeOgre said:

Thanks for that. What's the issue with Bangkok Bank?

They have frozen the accounts of many farangs here as reported by AN members. SCB will do same day bank statement and letter BB won't.

Again, enter with an O visa.

On 1/31/2026 at 4:30 PM, BillStrangeOgre said:

I'll be applying in Bangkok. Where can I find info on the procedure?

You would apply for Non O (retirement) from visa exempt entry at LakSi immigration office IT mall.

You use a TM87 and other basic docs such as banking requirements etc.

To anyone planning this it's an absolute no brainer to obtain the Non O eVisa prior to entering Thailand.

Even though the OP has indicated he has an existing BBL account he would be dealing with the bank with tourist status. Risky IMO.

For others without a Thai bank account you cannot (now) enter visa exempt and obtain a Non O at your local immigration office.

OP, you have not stated reason for not obtaining the e-Visa but rather entering visa exempt.

Strange.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14YoHBDSwWB/

On 1/31/2026 at 8:45 PM, Upnotover said:

Then you will get a 90 day entry on arrival and within the last 45 days of that you can get the 12 month extension. To do that you will need to have deposited the 800k in your Thai account not less than 2 months before applying.

Hi, if I arrive on a 90 day O-visa and I get a bank account opened and transfer the money the first week of arrival, leave it there for 2 months, that would mean 3 weeks before it expires to apply for the extension.

Is 3 weeks enough to apply for the 1 year extension?

I'll be applying in Phuket, can see the minimum time to apply here: https://piv-phuket.com/retirement/

Thanks.

4 minutes ago, BaanOz said:

Is 3 weeks enough to apply for the 1 year extension?

You can apply for extension up till expiry of the 90 day entry stamp.

Obviously you need to have the funds seasoned for two months prior to application.

The critical thing is to obtain the Thai Bank account ASAP after entering Thailand

3 minutes ago, BaanOz said:

Hi, if I arrive on a 90 day O-visa and I get a bank account opened and transfer the money the first week of arrival, leave it there for 2 months, that would mean 3 weeks before it expires to apply for the extension.

Is 3 weeks enough to apply for the 1 year extension?

I'll be applying in Phuket, can see the minimum time to apply here: https://piv-phuket.com/retirement/

Thanks.

There is no minimum time to apply for the extension. But of course it best to do it earlier rather than later in case additional documents are needed. But in your case applying 2 or 3 weeks before your entry expires will be fine (extension will run from expiration so nothing to be gained by applying later).

26 minutes ago, StampStay said:

Most people start by looking at the retirement visa (the Non-O or “Long-Stay” visa) as a combination of minimum age, financial proof, and the embassy’s sense of whether the documentation feels complete.

I won't go through your post sentence by sentence and correct all the errors.

It's pretty much a nonsense.

8 hours ago, BaanOz said:

I'll be applying in Phuket, can see the minimum time to apply here: https://piv-phuket.com/retirement/

You read the wrong section. You would not be converting to the 90-day non-O visa, because that's how you entered. It's only when converting from tourist to non-O visa that you must have a certain number of days left.

The extension from non-O to annual extension can be done until the last day of the stamp you received when you entered Thailand on that non-O visa.

On 1/31/2026 at 2:52 PM, BillStrangeOgre said:

Thanks for that. What's the issue with Bangkok Bank?

One thing to be aware of when applying for the Non-IMM O in the UK is the option you need to choose is "Retirement (Pensioner aged 50 or above with State Pension who wishes to stay in Thailand for no longer than 90 Days)"

This can cause concern for people who aren't recieving the State Pension, but you don't need to be, you just need to have the 800K THB equivalent in a Bank Account.