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Can I apply for a retirement visa in Thailand after starting with a 60 + 30 Tourist Visa?

Aug 24, 2022
2 years ago
Just arrived on a 60 +30 Tourist Visa.My plan was to start the process for the retirement visa- first apply for the 90 day non-immigrant visa then go for the 1 year retirement visa. Everything I have read online and friends here say that is the way to go. Then on a visa agency (located in BKK) I quote-

"When applying for a Thai retirement visa within Thailand (Non-Immigrant O-Long Stay Visa):

* You must start the application process by applying for a 90-day non-immigrant visa from a Thai embassy or consulate outside of Thailand, after which you can make an application for a retirement visa in Thailand (you cannot apply for a Thai retirement visa while in Thailand on a 30 day entry stamp or Tourist Visa)."

Is this true or are the just totally wrong?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking clarification on whether it's possible to apply for a retirement visa in Thailand after arriving on a 60 + 30 Tourist Visa. They have encountered conflicting information: a visa agency claims that one must first obtain a 90-day Non-Immigrant O visa from outside Thailand before applying for a retirement visa, whereas several community comments suggest that it's possible to convert to the 90-day Non-O visa from within Thailand.
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.
Nigel *********
You seem to have done your homework. Why would you be going to an agent?
Stuart *********
Wrong. You can apply for an in country Non O (at most immigration offices).
Luis ***********
@Stuart ********
great information. Do you ever sleep? I always see you responding at all hours of the day and night. 😂
Stuart *********
@Luis **********
Ha Ha. I do crazy hours. Get bored, so answer FB questions over and over and over again. Most are copy any paste stuff though. (Don’t tell anyone that).
Leonard *********
@Stuart ********
with the requirement for up to date address registration, I started out 2 months at HOMA so my TM30 was done at that time. I’ve now moved in with my Thai girlfriend at a normal address, and I don’t know how to get a proper change to my TM30 to reflect that. Any thoughts appreciated!
Stuart *********
@Leonard ********
best option is to use the online system. Get your GF to sign up here
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Once you have a login it takes a few minutes to register.

Other option is at a immigration office with copies of owners ID, house registration, power of attorney, tax stamps and more.
Leonard *********
@Stuart ********
okay I’m going to appreciate your attentiveness and ask you this question too.
Stuart *********
Here’s the list of requirements for the Phuket office. Your local office may vary slightly.

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Brandon ************
I mean, technically they are right because there is no "retirement visa". There's only a non-O based on retirement.

But you most certainly can convert to the 90 day non-O visa inside Thailand, and it's actually the easiest method.
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