Can a married couple on Visa Exemption in Thailand change to a Non-O Retirement Visa and Dependant Visa without leaving the country?

Visa Exemption Non-O Retirement Visa Dependent Visa Immigration Thailand Visa Application Process

Apr 8, 2023

2 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello experts!

I think my yesterday's post hasn't make it through...If not, please apologise!

We are a married German couple in Thailand on Visa Exemption.

We want to change that into Non-O Retirement Visa for my husband. And for me the Dependant Visa (is it the right term?).

Ko Samui Immigration Office said, we have to go out of the country to get those Visa.

Is that the case? Or can we do that change at other Immigration Offices?

Couldn't ask the lady on the phone. She hung up 😬

And now I am confused 🤯

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A married German couple in Thailand on a Visa Exemption wishes to change to a Non-O Retirement Visa for the husband and a Dependant Visa for the wife. The local immigration office informed them that they may need to leave the country to obtain these visas. However, it is possible for the husband to apply for the Non-O visa in Thailand if he meets the requirements, but the wife must obtain her Dependant Visa from a consulate outside of Thailand after the husband secures his visa.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
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Ellie *******

You have to apply for an in-country visa at the immigration office that serves your registered address. In your case, at the Samu immigration office or possibly at Surat Thani main office.

Your husband can apply for an in-country initial Non-O visa based on retirement if he meets all requirements including a minimum of 15 days remaining with his current stamp. But you as a dependent (as a spouse) on another foreigner who is with a legal stay based on retirement in Thailand cannot apply for your initial visa inside Thailand. You need to go to the embassy/consulate nearby country to apply for your Non-O dependent once your husband gets a 1-year extension (about 3 months after his initial visa).

This means, if you two want to apply for your visas at once together, you need to go to another country to apply.

You may want to check the Samui office if your husband (only) can apply for an in-country Non-O visa based retirement again.

2 years ago

Momo *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ellie ******

Thank you for your answer! That helps a lot!

😊

2 years ago

Ellie *******

a bit of additional information - just comparison

2 years ago

Reply to

Ellie *******

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