The Non-Immigrant O Visa in Thailand is a versatile visa category that caters to various groups of people, including those who wish to stay in Thailand for extended periods due to family reasons, volunteering, retirement, or other long-term purposes. Here’s a detailed overview of the Non-Immigrant O Visa:

 

Types of Non-Immigrant O Visa

1. Marriage Visa: For those married to a Thai national.
2. Retirement Visa: For those aged 50 years and older who wish to retire in Thailand.
3. Dependent Visa: For dependents (spouses, children) of Non-Immigrant B, O-A, or ED visa holders.
4. Volunteer Visa: For those working as volunteers with registered organizations in Thailand.
5. Guardian Visa: For parents of students studying in Thailand.
6. Thai Child Visa: For foreigners with a Thai child, allowing them to stay in Thailand to care for their child.

 

Eligibility
Eligibility varies depending on the specific purpose of your stay:

• Marriage: You must be legally married to a Thai national and be able to provide proof of marriage and financial stability.
• Retirement: You must be at least 50 years old and meet financial requirements, such as a monthly income or savings in a Thai bank account.
• Dependents: You must be a spouse, child, or parent of someone legally residing in Thailand on a long-term visa.
• Volunteering: You must be associated with a recognized charity or non-governmental organization in Thailand.
• Guardian: You must have a child enrolled in a recognized school in Thailand.
• Thai Child: You must be the parent of a Thai child and provide proof of the child's Thai nationality and your relationship.

 

Required Documents
The documents required vary based on the specific visa type but generally include:
1. Passport: Valid for at least 6 months with sufficient blank pages.
2. Visa Application Form: Completed and signed.
3. Photographs: Passport-sized photos, usually two.
4. Proof of Relationship: Marriage certificate, birth certificate, or other relevant documents.
5. Financial Proof:

• For Marriage: Proof of income or savings (e.g., 400,000 THB in a Thai bank account or a monthly income of 40,000 THB).
• For Retirement: Proof of income or savings (e.g., 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account or a monthly income of 65,000 THB).

6. Medical Certificate: May be required for certain types of Non-Immigrant O visas.
7. Volunteer/Organization Documents: For volunteers, a letter from the organization and registration documents.
8. Proof of Guardianship or Child’s Enrollment: For guardians or parents, relevant legal documents and proof of school enrollment.

 

How to Apply
1. Apply from Outside Thailand:

• Visit the Thai Embassy or Consulate in your home country or a nearby country.
• Submit the required documents along with the visa fee.
• Wait for processing, which typically takes a few days to a week.

2. Apply from Within Thailand:

• You can sometimes convert a Tourist Visa or Visa on Arrival to a Non-Immigrant O Visa at a local Immigration Office, but this depends on the specific case and is not guaranteed.
• Submit the necessary documents and pay the applicable fee.

 

Duration and Extensions

• Initial Validity: Typically, 90 days for a single-entry visa.
• Extension: You can apply for a 1-year extension at a local Immigration Office. The extension process usually requires you to meet the same financial and documentation requirements as the initial visa application.
• Re-entry Permits: If you plan to leave Thailand and return during your extended stay, apply for a re-entry permit to keep your visa valid.

 

Considerations

• Complexity: The process can be complex, particularly when dealing with financial requirements and the need for specific documentation.
• Professional Assistance: Using our service to assist with the application and extension process can be beneficial, especially for those unfamiliar with Thai immigration procedures.

 

If you need help to obtain a Non-Immigrant O Visa, TVS Visa Services are available to ensure all requirements are met and the process goes smoothly!

 

Non Immigrant O-A

The Non-Immigrant O-A Visa, commonly referred to as the "Retirement Visa," is designed for foreign nationals aged 50 and above who wish to live in Thailand long-term without the need to work. It’s a popular option for retirees looking to enjoy an extended stay in Thailand.

 

Key Features of the Non-Immigrant O-A Visa

• Purpose: For long-term stay in Thailand for retirees.
• Duration: Initially valid for one year, with the possibility of annual extensions.
• Multiple Entries: The visa allows for multiple entries into Thailand during its validity period.

 

Eligibility Criteria

1. Age: You must be at least 50 years old at the time of application.
2. You must not be employed or engage in work while in Thailand.
3. Financial Requirements: You must meet specific financial criteria, either through savings or monthly income.

 

Financial Requirements

• Option 1: Savings in a Thai Bank:
  A minimum of 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account for at least 2 months prior to the visa application (or 3 months for renewals).
• Option 2: Monthly Income:
  A monthly income or pension of at least 65,000 THB.
• Option 3: Combined Savings and Income:
  A combination of savings and income totaling 800,000 THB per year.

 

Required Documents
1. Passport: Valid for at least 18 months.
2. Visa Application Form: Completed and signed form.
3. Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photos (4x6 cm).
4. Financial Proof:

• Bank statements showing the required balance or a letter from your bank.
• Proof of monthly income, such as a pension statement, or a letter from your embassy.

5. Police Clearance Certificate: Issued by your home country within the past 3 months, certifying you have no criminal record.
6. Medical Certificate: Issued within the past 3 months, stating you are free from prohibited diseases.
7. Health Insurance: A health insurance policy that covers at least 40,000 THB for outpatient treatment and 400,000 THB for inpatient treatment.

 

How to Apply
1. Apply from your Home Country:

• Visit the Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country.
• Submit the required documents along with the visa fee.
• Processing time may take a few days to weeks.

2. Apply from within Thailand:

• You can sometimes convert a Tourist Visa to a Non-Immigrant O-A Visa, but this is less common and generally not recommended.
• It’s better to apply for the Non-Immigrant O-A Visa from your home country.

Duration and Extensions

• Initial Visa: The visa is valid for one year from the date of issue.
• Re-entry Permits: If you plan to leave and return to Thailand during the visa's validity, you must obtain a re-entry permit to maintain the visa’s validity.
• Annual Extension: You can apply for an annual extension at a local Immigration Office before the visa expires. The same financial and health insurance requirements apply. 

As of October 31, 2019, it is mandatory for Non-Immigrant O-A Visa holders to have health insurance that meets the specified minimum coverage. This is to ensure that retirees have sufficient coverage for medical care while residing in Thailand.

 

Important Considerations

• No Work Permitted: The O-A Visa is strictly for retirees. Engaging in work or business activities is prohibited.
• Overstaying: Overstaying your visa can result in fines, deportation, or being blacklisted from re-entering Thailand.

 

Why Consider Professional Assistance?
Navigating the requirements and ensuring all documentation is in order can be complex, especially with the added health insurance and financial proof requirements. Using TVS Visa Services can help ensure a smooth application process and avoid any issues with Thai immigration.
If you, or someone you know, is considering retiring in Thailand and needs help with obtaining a Non-Immigrant O-A Visa, consulting with an experienced visa service provider will ensure all requirements are met and the process is handled efficiently.