Do I need a TM30 when living with my unregistered Thai wife on a visa exemption?

TM30 Visa exemption Thailand visa rules Chiang Mai Foreign spouse Marriage registration Extension of stay

Feb 24, 2023

2 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi I'm an Australian coming to Thailand on a visa exemption and will be living with my wife ( marriage not registered in Thailand) in her house in Chiang Mai do I need to have a TM30 .

Also if I travel and go to a hotel do I have to register when I return.

Thanks in advance.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user inquired about the necessity of filing a TM30 when living in Thailand with an unregistered spouse while on a visa exemption. Responses indicated that filing the TM30 is generally not necessary unless intending to apply for a visa extension. If extensions are planned, the TM30 should be filed upon arrival and when returning from travels, especially if further extensions are desired. It was also emphasized that the TM30 is usually the landlord's responsibility; however, failure to file doesn't incur heavy penalties unless you attempt to get an extension without it.

Duncanc **********

Yes

2 years ago

Phil ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Duncanc *********

thanks

2 years ago

Reply to

Phil ***********

Kool *******

Technically the owner/landlord of the property is supposed to file the TM30, but, like mentioned above, if you aren't getting an extension then don't worry about it. The fine is bt1600, but they usually cut it in half if you're nice to them. There is not fine when you leave. You should make a serious effort this trip to get your marriage registered in Thailand. Then you can come in on a type O based on Thai wife for 90 days. It can make a difference in the future. Just something to think about. Have fun.

2 years ago

Phil ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Kool ******

thanks for the information as I'm over 50 is a retirement visa a easier option

2 years ago

Phil ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks for the information

2 years ago

Kool *******

@Phil **********

the retirement visa is easier the first time, but it requires more money to meet the financial requirement, and with a retirement visa extension you can never get permanent residency, as it requires that you legally work for at least three years, and file Thai income tax, plus a few other details, but working is the most important, and you can't work legally on a retirement visa extension. You can legally work on a marriage visa extension. With the marriage visa extension after you file the first year, and save copies of everything, the only updates you need in following years is new bank letters, and new pictures, unless you move. Just something to think about if you're eventually going to make Thailand your home with your wife.

2 years ago

Reply to

Kool *******

Michael ********

You can get the app and register your house for it. Only important when extensions are coming up.

2 years ago

Brandon ************

If you are not planning on applying for a 30 day extension then don't worry about it. If you are planning on applying for the 30 day extension and then leaving Thailand before needing any other extension, you can have her file the TM30 right after arriving and then apply for your extension immediately since Chiang Mai allows 45 days, and then you don't need to worry again until you leave.

If you are planning on getting another extension after that (like visit Thai family or marriage) then you might need to file another TM30 when you return from traveling for use in your next extension application.

Make sure she gets proof of filing the TM30 since you'll need it when you apply for your extension.

2 years ago

Reply to

Brandon ************

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Can I extend my stay in Thailand without a TM30 as my visa exemption is expiring?

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