Retirement
Retirement visa, prepared and renewed in Koh Samui
From the first Non-O application to every yearly extension at Maenam — including the Thai bank account most retirees struggle with.
The Thai retirement visa path (Non-Immigrant O, extended yearly for retirement) is open from age 50. It requires either 800,000 THB held in a Thai bank account or a verified monthly income of at least 65,000 THB. Yearly extensions are processed locally at the Samui Immigration Office for a 1,900 THB official fee.
The realistic path for most retirees
Most retirees living on Samui follow the Non-O route: obtain a 90-day Non-O (in Thailand or from abroad), open a Thai bank account, season the 800,000 THB for two months, then extend for one year at the Samui office — renewable every year without leaving the island.
The bank account problem, solved
Opening a Thai bank account as a foreigner on a tourist entry has become the hardest step: branches apply changing internal rules. Our Thai-speaking team accompanies you to island branches that accept visa applicants, with the documents each branch actually asks for.
What we handle year after year
- Initial Non-O application (in-country conversion or embassy route)
- Thai bank account opening and deposit letter for Immigration
- Yearly extension file at Maenam (TM7, photos, bank letters, maps)
- 90-day reports and re-entry permits so your extension is never lost
- Renewal reminders before every deadline
Key facts
- Minimum age
- 50 years
- Financial proof
- 800,000 THB in Thai bank or 65,000 THB/month income
- Bank seasoning
- Funds in account 2 months before applying
- Extension fee
- 1,900 THB per year (official fee)
- Obligations
- 90-day reports, re-entry permit when travelling
- O-A alternative
- 1-year visa from your home country, insurance required
Fees shown are official Thai government fees, paid directly to Immigration. Our assistance fees are communicated privately after reviewing your case.
Frequently asked questions
Can I switch from a tourist entry to a retirement visa without leaving Thailand?
Often yes: an in-country conversion to a 90-day Non-O is possible when enough days remain on your stay and the financial proof is ready. We check your dates and tell you immediately if the conversion window is still open.
Do I need health insurance for the retirement visa?
The Non-O yearly extension currently does not require insurance; the O-A visa issued abroad does. We recommend cover in all cases and can point you to insurers accepted by Immigration.
Can I use income instead of the 800,000 THB deposit?
Yes, with a verified monthly income of 65,000 THB or more — usually proven via an embassy income letter or 12 months of Thai bank credits, depending on nationality. We confirm which proof your embassy still issues.
What happens if my extension is refused?
Refusals almost always come from missing bank seasoning or paperwork errors — exactly what we verify before submission. If a file is not ready, we tell you before you pay any government fee.
Other visa services
Last updated: 2026-08-16