When you review the OX visa, with the main requirement being a Thai bank account, you may wonder how to obtain one since recent Thai regulations state that tourist visa holders cannot open one. Indeed, securing an OX visa necessitates having a Thai bank account. Let's explore available options and gain a deeper understanding of the OX visa.
The OX Visa, also known as the Thailand 10-Year Retirement Visa - Non-immigrant OX visa, is tailor-made for those aged 50 and above who need an extended stay in Thailand. This visa grants you the freedom to enjoy up to 5 years per entry, with a total maximum duration of 10 years. It's the perfect option for those seeking a prolonged retirement experience in the Land of Smiles.
If you're 50 years or older and are from Japan, Australia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Canada, or the United States of America, you're in luck! To qualify, you must meet one of the following financial criteria:
Obtaining the OX Visa is a breeze. You can apply through your local Thai embassy, select online visa websites (available in some countries), Thai Immigration offices, or with assistance from Thai Kru.
The paperwork is straightforward. You'll need your passport, a passport-sized photo, a biography, flight booking details, financial evidence meeting the specified criteria, a medical certificate, a criminal record certificate, health insurance, proof of residence, and documentation confirming your accommodation arrangements in Thailand.
You might be wondering why you need a Thai bank account and how to get one, especially since you can't open one on a tourist visa. Don't fret! Thai Kru can ease all your concerns. Simply contact us to help you open a Thai bank account while you're here just traveling. Then, you can go back to your home and consider if you really want to retire in Thailand.
Alternatively, you can try the retirement OA visa first, which grants you a 1-year stay in Thailand. You can obtain this visa from your home country as well. Consider it a trial period. If you fall in love with Thailand and are certain this is where you want to spend your retirement, you can use the non-immigrant OA visa to open a Thai bank account and deposit money to meet the OX visa requirements. And that's it!
Certainly, once you have obtained your Retirement Visa, you can include your spouse and children to be dependent on your retirement visa. They can apply for a Non-O immigrant visa, but it’s important to note that the Retirement Visa must be approved first; the visa applications cannot be submitted simultaneously.
Yes. Like the standard retirement visa, you have to report to immigration every 90 days
In conclusion, while many may not need a 5-year visa because they travel home often or can handle yearly extensions, it can be helpful for those who find it hard to move around. Also, for people with a lot of money, depositing 3 million THB in a Thai bank is no big deal if it means avoiding yearly extensions. The option with 1.8 million THB deposit or 1.2 million THB income is less of a commitment. If you just want a visa for 10 years and don't want to deal with extensions, it can save time, especially with online reporting every 90 days. This might be easier than extending a retirement visa every year.