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

What is the correct process for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand as a New Zealand citizen?

Thailand retirement visa TM30 Thai bank account Non-O visa 800,000 THB deposit health insurance border run expat advice Thai driver's license

Jan 27, 2025

a month ago

Tony *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi guys.👋

So I’ve booked a one way ticket to Phuket late April. I’m well travelled and have been to SE Asia many times.

Planning on a retirement one year visa initially and may buy/start a business there.

So the process order is.

- find accommodation and get TM30

- arrange bank account and deposit 800,000bth

- apply for retirement visa

- this deposit has to be in for 2 months before I can apply.. yes?

- organise health insurance for $100,000us

Therefore as I have 60 days (I’m a kiwi coming for retirement visa, not elite) I have to a boarder run to get another 60 days until my deposit is recognised.

I’m I correct on the methodology ?

Getting a Thai drivers licence will be easy.

Cheers

603

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is planning to apply for a retirement one-year visa in Thailand, outlining a sequence of steps including finding accommodation, opening a bank account for an 800,000 THB deposit, applying for the visa, and obtaining health insurance. They seek confirmation on whether the deposit must be in the bank for two months before applying and mention needing to do a border run for an additional 60 days. Commenters clarify that there is no specific time requirement for the deposit for the initial visa application, unless applying in Jomtien, and suggest verifying with the embassy about other document options.

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.

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted Retirement Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Ron ******

Not allowed to work with retirement visa

25 days ago

Tony *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ron *****

who said anything about working?

I can co-own a business.

25 days ago

Ron ******

@Tony ******

active mangement has gotten some folks hung up, usually as result of jealous competitors or disgruntled employees. Best of luck to you

25 days ago

Reply to

Ron ******

Graham ******

Therre is no seasoning for your 800k for your initial Non-O (except in Jomtien) so no border bounce necessary as long as you can open a bank account in time

a month ago

Ellie *******

Q. - this deposit has to be in for 2 months before I can apply.. yes?

If you are applying in Phuket, there is no requirement for a specific period your funds in a Thai bank account for the initial Non-O visa based on retirement.

You can apply for a visa a day after you have a deposit in your Thai bank account.

Two months of seasoning is for a 1-year extension after the initial visa for 90 days.

Also, there is no requirement for mandatory insurance for an in-country Non-O regiment visa application.

That plan sounds okay. It depends on how early you have your funds in Thailand whether process goes to smooth or not. Check with your embassy in Thailand if they issue an affidavit of income. If they do, you can use an embassy letter instead of a deposit in a bank account.

a month ago

Ty *******

@Ellie ******

sounds right, I don’t have the drivers license but know how to mumble talk around using an expired US license. When apply, wear a Suit with tie.

25 days ago

Graham ******

@Ellie ******

good point, I think NZ still does the income affidavit

a month ago

Tony *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Graham *****