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Can my wife apply for a dependent visa in Thailand once I have a retirement visa, or does she need to return to the UK?
Apr 14, 2024
2 years ago
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTERHi I am planning on arriving in Thailand next February on a non o visa and then applying for an extension to retirement. My wife will be accompanying me on a tourist visa as she is below 50 years old. My question is, once I get my retirement visa can my wife apply for dependent on my visa in Thailand or will she have to return to our home country (UK) and make the application there? I find the process a bit confusing. Many thanks
TLDR : Answer Summary
The poster is seeking clarity on whether their wife can apply for a dependent visa based on their retirement visa once they arrive in Thailand or if she needs to go back to the UK to apply for it. The comments suggest that while the wife can apply for a dependent visa based on the husband's retirement status, it might be more challenging to do it while in Thailand if she entered on a tourist visa. Generally, the dependent visa application may need to be initiated from the UK or at an immigration office in Thailand, depending on their specific circumstances.
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.
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Trudi **********
As a couple from the uk we have this problem, my husband got his retirement visa here in Thailand and I have had a tourist visa, until we go back to the UK and then I can be granted a non O visa to follow my husband (which the embassy in London said they will do) and then I am able to get a year extension here in Phuket to trail husbands visa (which I have been told here is possible)
So not so easy but doable and worth it once it’s done
Good luck
So not so easy but doable and worth it once it’s done
Good luck
Tod *********
@Trudi *********
definitely post back and let people know IF you were successful in getting that 90 day Non-O visa based on being the trailing spouse of a retiree on a Non-O visa/extension because that's a HARD visa to come by anymore 😕Ellie *******
@Trudi *********
, when did you apply for your Non-O dependent at the Thai embassy London?Trudi **********
@Ellie ******
I haven't done it yet but I emailed them and they said I would be able to do it when I go back to ukTony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Trudi *********
please post how you get on I would like to know thanksTrudi **********
ok I will, but I don't go home until July
Ellie *******
@Trudi *********
, thank you. If you can apply for non-o dependent on Non-O retirement (without A or X) + extensions in UK, it’s good news.Reply to
Ellie *******
Reply
Tullio *******
If my understanding is correct once
@Tony ********
is in Thailand and gets his extension of stay based on retirement his wife can apply for a extension of stay as a dependent no matter what visa she has arrived, meaning if she has a 60 day TR (add 30 extension in country) she will get her extension based of being the wife of Tony with no additional financial requirements. Am I correct?Tod *********
@Tullio ******
that is a bad understanding of it, It does not work that way sadly 🙁 His wife FIRST needs to get OFF the visa exempt/tourist visa entry and apply for a 90 day Non-O visa based on "trailing spouse". That is not issued inside thailand to a spouse of someone on a "retirement visa" (Non-O visa/extension)
That's the problem, and anything as far as how the process works AFTER she has her Non-O is unfortunately not relevant to this current situation (with him getting a non-O to come here)
John **********
@Tullio ******
no. Thailand doesn't issue dependant visas based on a non-o issued for retirement, and neither does the thai embassy in his home country. The non-oa visa issued in his home country will allow a 90 day non-o dependant visa to be issued alongside the non-oa visa.Reply to
John **********
Reply
Ellie *******
Basically, your wife under 50 can get on Non-O dependent on you (so-called piggybacking) as the main visa/extension holder.
BUT
If you are applying for single entry Non-O based on retirement/pensioner in UK or inside Thailand, nearly zero chance for her to be able to get Non-O dependent inside Thailand/around Asia.
Generally, you can apply for Non-O dependent for her at the same time as when you apply for Non-OA (in your home country) or Non-OX (in your home country or at the immigration office in Thailand). You may need to contact the embassy or immigration office where you want to apply for details directly.
BUT
If you are applying for single entry Non-O based on retirement/pensioner in UK or inside Thailand, nearly zero chance for her to be able to get Non-O dependent inside Thailand/around Asia.
Generally, you can apply for Non-O dependent for her at the same time as when you apply for Non-OA (in your home country) or Non-OX (in your home country or at the immigration office in Thailand). You may need to contact the embassy or immigration office where you want to apply for details directly.
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ellie ******
hi thank you. I did email the thai embassy in London and they explained what I would need to do but when I asked about my wife they just replied with tourist visaTod *********
@Tony ********
yep, sadly, you can't trust a consulate outside thailand about anything to do with visas/extensions inside thailandThere is no way to get a trailing spouse Non-O for someone married to a Non-O visa/extension holder based on retirement. It's just not issued.
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tod ********
Thank you both for the advice. So just to clarify I am understanding this properly. I should apply for a Non OA or OX in London and at the same time apply for a Non O for my wife? Forgive my ignorance 🙏Tod *********
@Tony ********
unfortunately yes, as it sits, that's the only way your wife can get a 90 day Non-O visa based on trailing spouse to a retiree issued by a consulate.Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tod ********
ok thanks for the advice I really appreciate it. 👍Reply to
Tony *********
Reply
Wannikea *********
@Ellie ******
I see you didn't mention Non-O for him, only OA and OX in his home country, any reason for that?Tod *********
@Wannikea ********
because at this time NO thai consulate (either in the west or here in S/E Asia) will issue a 90 day Non-O visa based on their spouse holding a "retirement visa" (a Non-O with a year extension). It's just not a reason to get a "trailing spouse" Non-O visa issued anymore. The primary visa holder has to be on an OA or an OX and get the Non-O the same time as the application for those visasReply to
Tod *********
Reply
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