Can you transition from a visa exempt status to a marriage visa in Thailand?

May 12, 2023
2 years ago
Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Can you transition to marriage visa from visa exempt or do you need to be on tourist 60 day?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Yes, it is possible to transition to a marriage visa from a visa exempt status in Thailand. You will need to meet specific requirements, such as having 400,000 THB in a Thai bank account and ensuring that you have sufficient time remaining on your current visa (15 or 21 days depending on the location) to make the application. Some commenters note that while it's possible, the process can be more straightforward with a retirement visa, which may have different financial requirements and implications for permanent residency.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
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John ********
My advice is don't

It's much easier to get a retirement visa than the marriage visa
Kool *******
@John *******
the first year only. For every other year, as long as you save copies of everything, the renewal of the extension is the same, with just new bank letters and new pictures, unless you move. A very big reason to get an extension based on marriage, is that with a retirement extension you can never qualify for and get permanent residency, or citizenship. You can with an extension based on marriage to a Thai.
John ********
@Kool ******
you are right if you are trying to do that
Kool *******
@John *******
you don't want to close that option off if you plan on living here long term
John ********
@Kool ******
I am going back home soon so I don't want the option
Steven ***************
@John *******
. Yeah if you're over 50 and don't want to work or own a business in Thailand.
Frank **********
@John *******
yes more paperwork is required but also less money is required to bank.
John ********
@Frank *********
well I hope that it will workout for you
Frank **********
@John *******
it has so far.
Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Frank *********
irrelevant. I asked the question I wanted the answer to.
Lyndon ************
@Jack ***************
it's good advice though. I know many an expat that chooses to go down the retirement route rather than marriage, despite the additional cost, because it's much easier and more secure (as in if the marriage goes pear shaped, they won't also be having problems with their visa renewal)
Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lyndon ***********
how many of them are less than 50?
John **********
Yes but you will have limited time, you need to open a bank account in your name, transfer in the required funds and still have
*****
days left on your stamp before applying depending on where you are
Stuart *********
You can transit from exempt. But your local office may have their own rules.
Graham ******
Yes you can if you have 400k in a Thai bank account
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