My wife and I are looking at retirement visa options. Do we need separate back accounts with 800,000 in each name to satisfy the visa requirements or can it be a joint account in both names.
Many thanks
Answer summary
The thread discusses whether a joint bank account is acceptable for the retirement visa application in Thailand, with mixed responses. Many contributors indicate that while individual accounts with ฿800,000 are typically required per person, there are scenarios where one spouse can apply as a dependent, allowing only one account with the full amount. Joint accounts can be used, provided they meet the combined requirement of ฿1.6 million. It's crucial to consult with immigration or a professional visa service for specific cases.
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Oh and btw, the Trailing Spouse Visa that some are suggesting works by having one of you on an Non-O Retirement visa with 800k and does not require the trailing spouse to show independent financial proof. They get a 90-day initial entry which can be extended for one year. Be aware that if the Non-O visa holder leaves Thailand, the trailing spouse must leave the country as well.
One question gets turned into an ego fest of commentators with no clue of what they write and then they start discussing shit and giving advise about subjects that were never mentioned and irrelevant to the one question asked!
Q) Do we need separate back accounts?
A) No.
We (both farang) maintain a joint account totalling ฿1.6M. We reapply for Non-O using one annual bank statement printout for us both when submitting separate applications together. All other docs you will each need a copy of.
The Thai Dependent Visa (Non-Immigrant O) allows the spouse of a foreign resident to live in Thailand legally. A dependent visa can be issued if the primary spouse holds a Non-O (Retirement) Visa. Spouses can join a retiree, even if they aren't 50 themselves. I'm not sure but I don't think they need an additional 800,000 baht. The primary holder must prove they can support you. Immigration typically looks for a Thai bank statement showing at least 30,000 THB or proof of the primary holder's salary
I believe once you're above 50years of age, you no longer can be dependent and if both of you are 50+, then I guess you need to prepare 1.6M Bath, but if one of you both is below the age of 50, then you only need to prepare 800K as the younger below 50 age person can be dependent, did I understand this correct?
I would go to the Immigration Office in the province you plan to reside in and sit down with them and ask your questions of the people that will be processing your request to stay but that’s just me.
No joint account for deposit. Your wife can be your dependant, but account and money are yours. Your wife has only informal access or power of attorney and/or will
My best advice would be, two accounts, apply separately with your own qualifications, and apply online via the Thai visa website under one account. That way they can see you are applying together but both have your own 'docs in a row'. That is the safest, most watertight way to ensure you won't run into unnecessary roadblocks or more/confusing paperwork requirements. Simplest is always best :) Good luck
Steve Iveson, when I extend the one year Non-O Retirement visa, can my husband add my name to his application? One application with two bank accounts? Thanks!
My understanding is 800.000B each even though both of you are married legally. The 400.000B is only applied to a foreigner who married to a Thai citizen.
You both need to have the 800k in the bank. For a non-o retirement. I think (please do some research) you might be able to apply for non-o retirement and your spouse can be a dependent and only one person has to show the 800k.
If they have a marriage certificate they can use a bank account in single name for the extension and the other extension with the marriage certificate.
Ken Heller i am pretty sure the rules haven't changed. There are probably some rogue bank branches that refuse to provide the payment confirmation letters.