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What is the difference between a Non-O visa and a Non-OA visa for expats in Thailand?

Non O visa Non OA visa Visa requirements Thailand Bank account opening Thailand immigration Expat visa Thailand Financial requirements Non O Retirement visa Thailand

Feb 18, 2025

3 days ago

Paul *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello 

Can  someone explain the difference in a Non O and a Non AO visa please?

It seems a lot less hassle applying for a Non O as don't need police check or insurance.

I'm 57 so hoping the Non O is the way to go.

I don't have a bank account and can see from other posts that it not possible to get on in visa exempt now.

With a Non O visa is it an easy process to open a Bank account to convert it to 12m?

Thanks

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The Non O visa offers a more straightforward application process compared to the Non OA visa, as it does not require police checks or health insurance. Individuals can initially enter Thailand on a Non O visa for 90 days and must then open a bank account to deposit 800,000 baht, which must be seasoned for two months to apply for a 12-month extension. The Non OA visa is typically applied for outside Thailand and has more stringent requirements, including insurance and health checks. Many expats prefer the Non O visa due to fewer conditions, but it requires funds in a Thai bank for extensions.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

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Marty *********

I got my OA in 2017 before the insurance requirement. I do have Thai insurance. I'll just add that you can extend you OA inside Thailand yearly. You will have to meet the same financial requirements as the O visa (money in a Thai bank) + show proof of acceptable insurance.

Actually, I am past that now. I have a pensioner LTR which also requires insurance but no money deposit requirement.

3 days ago

Gary *******

@Marty ********

Hi Marty, I'm coming out soon and will be on the O visa but like you change at some point to the LTR visa as a wealthy pensioner, what did you use to show your finances if you don't mind me asking?

2 days ago

Marty *********

@Gary ******

My tax returns. They may ask for two years. I qualify with just my work pension so everything they need to know as on my tax returns.

2 days ago

Gary *******

@Marty ********

Did you use an agency for assistance. I have the money coming in but not on any tax return so I might have get creative.

2 days ago

Brandon ************

@Gary ******

An agent for the LTR is nothing like an agent for the other visas. Those other visas are all done through immigration, but the BOI completely controls the LTR. There is no agent that can "force" an application through for that visa. You either qualify or you don't. The BOI makes all the decisions so any questions on your specific situation should be directed to them.

2 days ago

Marty *********

@Gary ******

I did not use an agency (there weren't any agencies doing this in October 2022). It was incredibly easy to do it myself using the BOI LTR website but then my finances are incredibly simple. I can't really be of much help if you don't qualify with a straight forward pension. I never asked the questions regarding anything more complicated. Sorry.

2 days ago

Gary *******

@Marty ********

No problem Marty thanks for your help.

2 days ago

Reply to

Gary *******

Stuart ***********

Most people seem to choose the non O visa.

The downside of the non O is that you need to deposit 800,000 baht into a Thai bank account when you get here.

The sequence is:

Apply for the non O in your country before coming to Thailand.

Enter Thailand using the non o.

Open a bank account immediately (this should be possible with the non o visa).

Deposit 800,000 baht into your account in the first week or two.

Go to immigration and get a list of their requirements for a 12 month extension of stay based on retirement (every office is slightly different).

Wait until your money has been in your account for two months and then go to your immigration office with everything they ask for on their list, to enable you to get the extension and pay 1,900 baht.

You can repeat the final part every year. Good luck.

3 days ago

Liam ***********

@Stuart **********

plain and clearly understandable

3 days ago

Craig *********

@Stuart **********

very helpful this summary Stuart, Thank you.

3 days ago

Reply to

Craig *********

Jan ******************

and wisely means don’t use the Non O-A if you plan to stay for more than two years in Thailand ore else you’re stuck with the mandatory health insurance approved by the Thai immigration for all you’re future yearly extension of stays.

3 days ago

Brandon ************

@Jan *****************

Added a #3 to my post 😂

3 days ago

Brandon ************

@Jan *****************

The non-OA is a good option if 3 things are true:

1) You aren't too old for the required insurance to be very expensive

2) You plan to return to your home country every 2 years to visit family etc so you can apply for a new visa regularly.

3) You're not from New Zealand where the Thai embassy charges insane fees for visas.

3 days ago

John *********

@Jan *****************

You can leave after 2 years and

A. Get another OA from their own country or

B. Leave and renter on 60 days and apply for O inside Thailand.

3 days ago

John ********

@John ********

Or if it's possible after your two years, get another O-A back in your own country, which if you can afford outrageous insurance policies, gives you another two years. This is what I'm led to believe, easy on my ears if its not, thanks. 😂

2 days ago

Nongnuch ********

@John ********

that would be really clever, I fully agree! . . . . . . . . . open a bank account while you are on the Non-O/A. Easy to do by yourself. . . . . Max the stay out for two years, transfer 800,000 THB to your account durng the last month. Exit Thailand without a re-entry permit, re-enter on a visa-exempt, and immidiately apply for the initial 90-days Non-Imm-O and later apply the subsequent 1-year Extension . . . . . . bingo!

3 days ago

Jan ******************

@John ********

Yes that’s an option, but then you’re not using your Non O-A for more than a two years stay, and I’m not sure I would have use the mandatory health insurance for more than two years either. Probably better to get a regular Non O and fulfill the requirements at once to get a more permanent stay if that’s your intension in the first place.

3 days ago

Reply to

Jan ******************

Graham ******

The Non-O only gives you a 90 day entry so just a few weeks to open a bank account and transfer the funds to allow them to season for 2 months for your first 12 month extension (unless your Embassy still does the income affidavit)

3 days ago

Stuart *********

Very basically you can only get Non OA in your home country. You don’t need funds in Thailand but you need insurance and health and police checks. Good for 2 years if used wisely.

Non O initial visa bought outside can use funds outside Thailand. Don’t need insurance or checks. To extend or get in country you need funds in Thailand.

3 days ago

Reply to

Stuart *********

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Is it possible to open a bank account on a Non O visa in Thailand?

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