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

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

It works.
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".
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.
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?
Graham ******
The requirement for a non-O visa for retirement is aged 50 or over
Ellie *******
@Graham *****
he is talking about trailing spouse for his wife
Graham ******
@Ellie ******
yes, but she can't get that until he is on an extension of stay
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.
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