Can a trailing spouse apply for the Non-Imm-O visa without proof of funds if they are under 50?

Jun 27, 2021
3 years ago
Gregor **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
If a foreign married couple wants to move to Thailand and the male part of them is over 50 and fulfills all requirements included the 800,000 THB deposit on a Thai bank account, applies for the Non-Imm-O visa based on being over 50/retirement in his home country, gets it issued, and the follow up yearly extension on Immigration in Thailand.

Can his partner apply for the “trailing spouse” ( “piggyback”) extension without showing proof of her own funds?

The reason I ask is, some people say that once the “piggyback spouse” turns 50 years, she must have her own 800,000 deposit in the bank account
942
views
5
likes
22
all likes
4
replies
0
images
4
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
A male foreigner over 50, eligible for a Non-Imm-O visa due to retirement, can bring his partner as a trailing spouse. While it's generally possible for the trailing spouse to 'piggyback' on the primary visa holder's financial requirements, there’s some controversy about the spouse's age affecting this. While some officials encourage both spouses to obtain their own extensions, there’s nothing explicitly stating that a trailing spouse must have their own financial proof when over 50, allowing for the potential to continue the 'piggyback' arrangement indefinitely.
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.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Benjamin ******
Just a reminder, the OP is asking about the trailing spouse option and how it works. I’m not going to let this get side tracked to other visas/ extension of stay
Tod *********
The first thing you need to realize is that IF a foreign couple comes in and one of them gets an in country Non-O visa based on being over 50 the other spouse cannot get a Non-O visa under the trailing spouse clause because that is one of the only reasons you can't get a 90 day Non-O for inside the country at any immigration office.

They would BOTH need 90 day non-O's before they come here to make the retirement/trailing spouse concept work.

SOME offices try to "encourage" foreign couples where both people are over 50 to get their own stand alone extensions but there is nothing in the rules that state once a trailing spouse hits 50 they need their own extension. They can 'piggy back' for years and years.
Gregor **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
thank you very much for the clarification,
@Tod ********
Robert *******
@Tod ********
exactly right. That was my situation here for a while.
Thai Visa Advice
... members · 40% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice