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Answered6 months ago

Do my wife and I need separate bank accounts for our retirement visa in Thailand?

Ian **********
asked May 7, 2026
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Hi.

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.
55 repliesnewest first
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Geoff **********
Geoff **********
*****
0 baht for marry couple
Larry *********
Larry *********
It's hilarious seeing all the so called advice from non professionals
Karine ********
Karine ********
Joint account is also correct
Micky ********
Micky ********
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.
Micky ********
Micky ********
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.
Brenton ******
Brenton ******
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
Geert ********
Geert ********
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?
Karsten **************
Karsten **************
Apply in your home country
Joe *********
Joe *********
Common Couple Strategy

* One spouse applies for the retirement visa using the 800k THB method.

* The other spouse applies as a dependent/spouse tied to that retirement visa.

In that case:

* Only the main applicant usually needs to show the 800,000 THB.

* The spouse needs marriage documentation and supporting paperwork, but not another full 800k deposit.
Kevin ********
Kevin ********
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.
Ka *****
Ka *****
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
Matt *******
Matt *******
Message me. I used a visa service and avoided having to deposit the 800k.
Houssem *******
Houssem *******
For the retirement visa, the 800,000 THB requirement is usually based on an individual account in the applicant’s name, not a joint account.

However, some cases depend on how the immigration office interprets the documents, so it’s important to structure it correctly before applying.

If you want, I can connect you with a visa team in Bangkok who can check your exact situation and guide you properly.
Keith *******
Keith *******
Separate bank accounts. 800,000 each for retirement.
Dan ********
Dan ********
Go through Thai Visa Center via “ Line”
PinkRad*******
PinkRad*******
Joint account no problem me and my wife did it every year

Must show 1 million and 600 thousand in bank.
Charles ******
Charles ******
I thought the spouse is the dependent and doesn't need another 800k in the bank
Steve ********
Steve ********
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
Barath *******
Barath *******
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!
JoyfulPer**********
JoyfulPer**********
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.
Graeme *******
Graeme *******
I know several Americans who use the income method and have done for years.
Graeme *******
Graeme *******
US
Sue **********
Sue **********
Graeme Edgar does the US embassy still provide the certified annual affidavit for pension income?
Stuart ******
Stuart ******
Sue Heimchen No they don't nor UK or Australia.

The 65k a month after your first extension is down to the IO and not a guarantee.
Graeme *******
Graeme *******
Sue Heimchen An Aussie mate does it by the the income method every year and doesn't need to do one.

I dont this the IS does it either.
David *******
David *******
800,000 each
Alon *******
Alon *******
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.
Chris **********
Chris **********
Ok I did here that but I wasn’t sure. It’s been a long time since I started mine .
柳**
柳**
My understanding 800 k is per head
Joe *********
Joe *********
No only one if your married.
Gerar ********
Gerar ********
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.
Frank **********
Frank **********
Gerar Teuben did he marry a Thai
Gerar ********
Gerar ********
They are taking about 2 foreigners looking for retirement extensions.
柳**
柳**
Gerar Teuben thank you for sharing 🙏
John *********
John *********
In basic terms Everything is doubled up. Except the lease on your rental.

You will also need to factor in setting up costs.

Health insurance, Rental deposits, hotel costs while you find your home. A set of wheels. Budget for around $10K US
Miyamoto *********
Miyamoto *********
John Kenealy Why the wheels???? Not needed.
John *********
John *********
Miyamoto Musashi - 2 or 4 especially considering what’s about to happen with bolt 😬
Kaz ********
Kaz ********
Your wife can ride off you then only need 1 account with 800,000
Graham ******
Graham ******
Kaz Wright that will normally mean the OP gets a Non-OA as most Embassies will not issue a dependent Non-O basd on a Non-O
Gerar ********
Gerar ********
Account has then to be in one name only.
Kaz ********
Kaz ********
Gerar Teuben yes
Kaz ********
Kaz ********
Your wife must provide a certified copy of your marriage certificate.
Alan *********
Alan *********
Yes
Tong ******
Tong ******
Joint account probaly same surnames as well.
Gerar ********
Gerar ********
Joint account is only accepted if it has double the money (1.6 mm)on it.
Chris **********
Chris **********
Or you can show a monthly income of B65 k each per month . But you’re correct in saying B800k x 2
Stuart ***********
Stuart ***********
Chris Clifford only if their countries embassy will issue an affidavit. If not they must use the 800,000 baht method x 2 for the first year.
Ken ********
Ken ********
Stuart Chiverton the rule just changed. The 800k must remain in the bank at all times.
Stuart ***********
Stuart ***********
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.
Graeme *******
Graeme *******
Ken Heller only at the BKK Bank.

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