Can a civil partnership qualify for a Spouse Non-O visa in Thailand?

Spouse Non-O visa Thailand visa rules civil partnership Thai immigration law Visa application process Same-sex marriage recognition Civil union in Thailand

Dec 12, 2018

6 years ago

Santtu *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Does anyone know if it's possible to apply for a Spouse Non-O visa in the case of a "civil union / civil partnership" instead of marriage? 

This is a case of a new employee coming from France who will get a Non-B visa and her partner is moving with her to Thailand. 

After a quick Google search it seems that it's not possible as a marriage certificate is required at the Paris embassy. However, most info I found it's regarding same-sex partnerships. I know these are not recognised in Thailand and it is NOT the case in this situation. It seems these "civil unions" are very common in France for opposite-sex couples too instead of marriage.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The issue of whether a civil union or partnership can be used to apply for a Spouse Non-O visa in Thailand was discussed, particularly regarding a case involving a new employee from France. Multiple comments indicate that currently, Thailand does not recognize civil unions or partnerships for visa purposes and requires a registered marriage certificate instead. There are suggestions that applying from countries that recognize such partnerships might yield different results, but the overall consensus is that civil unions are not acceptable for the Non-O visa application in Thailand.

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Marie *******

I did our civil partnership in the French embassy in Bangkok with my wife. I have been told nothing will be recognised here in Thailand. But they are now working on the law on civil partnership. Maybe soon, people who are in a civil partnership (same sex or not) might be able to get a visa

6 years ago

Robert *******

@Ferdie *******

Keep us updated. It sounds very strange for me that a Thai Embassy change the Thai laws and regulations if the laws in the country where they are located, are different than Thailand.

6 years ago

Ferdie ********

@Robert ******

oh. That I forgot

6 years ago

Robert *******

Ferdie Gähler Problem is if the Consulate like to help, the people with this Non O will have a big problem when entering Thailand where Immigration decide. But This is Thailand, nothing surprise me anymore. Good luck.

6 years ago

Ferdie ********

@Robert ******

I was quite surprised with that new information. But then I guess it's within the discretion of the embassy officials..let's see if it will work for me next year. Will definitely keep you you posted.

6 years ago

Reply to

Ferdie ********

Okay I just had an information about this. Apparently according to one of the Siam legal staff. They assisted a same sex couple from the US. They apparently applied a non-o based on marriage in Thai embassy in Washington DC and got the visa. So they advised me to apply in a Thai embassy in a country where same sex marriage /partnership is recognized like in most parts of Europe. Will try to apply in Thai embassy in Bern next year when were off to visit our family in Switzerland and check if it works.😬

6 years ago

Tod *********

There was a recent post by someone from Canada who has a civil union from there and was denied a Non-O visa in Savannakhet <- hands down the EASIEST thai consulate in S/E Asia (and maybe the world) to get a Non-O based on marriage from. They said they do NOT recognize civil unions. :(

6 years ago

Santtu *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks both, all clear (y)

6 years ago

Glen *********

Marriage only

6 years ago

Benjamin ******

No, it must be a registered marriage. Thailand also does not recognize same sex marriage.

6 years ago

Benjamin ******