Can I enter Thailand visa exempt and then switch to a retirement visa based on marriage?

Thailand Visa Exempt Retirement Visa (Non-O)Marriage Visa (Non-O)Visa Conversion in Thailand Visa Requirements for Expats

Apr 29, 2022

3 years ago

Pat *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Can I enter Thailand visa exempt and change to retirement based on marriage?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Yes, you can enter Thailand visa exempt and change to a retirement visa based on marriage. However, it is recommended to enter with a Tourist Visa (TR) as this can be converted to either a Non O visa for retirement or based on marriage once you are in Thailand. Additionally, if you already have a Thai bank account, you can deposit the required funds to meet the criteria for the Non O 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.
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.

Peter ****************

Should

@P**

already have a Thai bank account, he already can put the 400k฿ (mariage) or 800k฿ (retirement) in his bank account as international transfer for asking a non imm O visa, I think

@Stu***

3 years ago

Peter ****************

Okay

@Stu***

. So for the "in country non imm O (90 days)" it's okay, but for the year extension (after 60 days about) he needs it 2 months before in his account, yes ?

3 years ago

Stuart *********

@Peter ***************

yes. For the initial 90 day Non O visa there is no seasoning of funds required, just that it has come in from overseas (for retirement - doesn’t matter for marriage).

3 years ago

Reply to

Stuart *********

@Peter ***************

Yes. If they don’t already have an account they’ll need to get their skates on to get one and transfer funds. They need 21 days (15 for some offices) left on a valid stamp, either entry or 30 day extension.

3 years ago

Reply to

Stuart *********

David *******

You’ll need to get a Tourist Visa (TR) before entering then, yes, that can be converted to either a Non O for Retirement or a Non O based on Marriage within Thailand.

3 years ago

Stuart *********

@David ******

Doesn’t need to be a tourist visa.

3 years ago

David *******

@Stuart ********

if he plans on doing it all himself then it’s unlikely he’d manage it - though it depends on the Immigration Office. Last person I know that converted from TR needed 8 visits to the office as they kept asking for more documentation.

3 years ago

Stuart *********

@David ******

No reason at all that they couldn’t do it themselves. Obviously have to have all their ducks in a row and time left on a valid stamp (21 days for some offices, 15 for others). But no reason it can’t be done or the need for an agent.

3 years ago

David *******

@Stuart ********

I agree there’s no reason they can’t do it themselves but I’d still want the extra time available by having a TR just in case.

3 years ago

Reply to

David *******

Stuart *********

I’m assuming you meant OR rather than on. The answer is yes for either.

3 years ago

Craig ********

@Stuart ********

yes you can change from tourist to retirement or marriage, but you CANNOT go from visa exempt to anything else.

3 years ago

Stuart *********

@Craig *******

I suspect you may have got that information from a embassy website somewhere. A few state erroneously that you can’t change an exempt entry. But you can.

3 years ago

Stuart *********

@Craig *******

You can change from an exempt entry. Timing will be tight for many getting the funds over and needing 21 days left but you can do.

3 years ago

Reply to

Stuart *********

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