Can a spouse under 50 apply for a Non-Immigrant O visa in Thailand if the other spouse is over 50?

Non-Immigrant O visa Thailand visa rules spousal visa expat living in Thailand German expats visa application process tourist visa trailing spouse

Apr 17, 2023

2 years ago

Patrik ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Frankfurt: Non-Immigrant O as spouse of 50+ year old / Trailing spouse in neighboring countries

Hi, a German couple would like to move to Thailand. He is 53. She is 47. They plan to get the Non-Immigrant O. Upon asking at the consulate in Frankfurt (Germany) they were informed, that he can apply for the Non-Immigrant O but she could only get a tourist visa.

Has anyone made the same experience or seen similar reports? I wonder if it was just miscommunication of either side and if they should risk the eVisa application (he applies first and then she applies with his visa approval letter).

If Frankfurt really doesn't issue it to a trailing spouse, the only other way would be, to come to Thailand, get him on the EoS and then have her apply in a neighboring country. However, currently this seems tricky as well. Haven't really seen any recent success stories.

Thank you in advance for your support.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A German couple inquiring about moving to Thailand faced challenges with visa options. The Thai Consulate in Frankfurt stated that while the husband (over 50) can apply for a Non-Immigrant O visa, the wife (under 50) is limited to a tourist visa. There are suggestions to proceed with her applying for a visa after his approval or considering application in a neighboring country. Responses indicate that some consulates may have different policies on trailing spouse visas, which may require a strategic approach to align their visa statuses.

Patrik ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

The Thai Consulate in Frankfurt, Germany, just confirmed by email that:

"...Spouses who are under 50 years of age cannot apply for a Non-Immigrant O visa.

Even if the spouse is over 50 years old, the only possibility for the spouse is a Tourist Visa."

2 years ago

Stuart *********

Some embassies/consulates will offer to sell a trailing spouse visa at the same time as the applicant. Some won’t. If they do then you’re sorted. You both go together when the main applicant gets their extension then so can the spouse.

If you enter on a tourist visa as as an intended trailing spouse you’ll need to wait until the applicant is on their extension of stay before applying at at a nearby consulate for a non O based on theirs.

That might mean a border bounce or two before all your ducks are aligned.

Once you have the main applicant on an extension and you on a trailing visa you can visit the immigration office to get an extension that will then match their dates.

2 years ago

Patrik ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

Thank you. Yes, I was just wondering whether Frankfurt just recently changed their guidelines and stopped issuing Non-Immigrant O's for spouses. I've sent them an email with the same question.

And then for plan B I'm looking for an embassy/consulate around Thailand that still issues them (Singapore & Vientiane don't). Seems like there are still no recent reports.

2 years ago

Reply to

Patrik ********

James ********

Your second scenario is what will work for you... And your wife.

It works.

2 years ago

Patrik ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@James *******

Thank you. Have you seen any recent report about a nearby embassy/consulate? The document requirements would also be helpful. I've searched through the group but found only one post where it stated that Singapore does not issue it for trailing spouses of "retirees".

2 years ago

Patrik ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you, that's what I did. Seems like there are no success stories from anywhere close by since Covid. Only just saw a screenshot that Vientiane also does not issue it and they recommend to apply for any other Non-Immigrant O in order to convert at the immigration office.

They will be staying in Hua Hin.

2 years ago

James ********

@Patrik *******

use the search tool top of the forum. Enter TRAILING SPOUSE... And click on it and all posts about getting the trailing spouse will Pop up to read.

Where will you be living in Thailand?

2 years ago

Reply to

James ********

Graham ******

The requirement for a non-O visa for retirement is aged 50 or over

2 years ago

Ellie *******

@Graham *****

he is talking about trailing spouse for his wife

2 years ago

Graham ******

@Ellie ******

yes, but she can't get that until he is on an extension of stay

2 years ago

Ellie *******

@Graham *****

no, not true when they apply for visas in home country. Usually (if they issue non-O dependent to non-O retirement), they can apply for visas together.

2 years ago

Reply to

Ellie *******

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What visa does my husband need to apply for the Non-O Retirement Visa in Thailand, and how can I apply for a trailing spouse visa?

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