Answered9 years ago
Do we need two financial letters from the British Embassy for a joint retirement visa extension as a married couple in Thailand?
My husband and I are about to renew our retirement visa.
I am going to request a consular letter from the British Embassy confirming our income. My question is, we have a joint account in the UK so proof of funds for us both will come from the same account. Last year we paid for 2 letters and the embassy questioned why we wanted two. I've just rang the consular dept of the embassy and this year they won't give me an answer whether i need to pay for 2 letters. Anyone know?
I am going to request a consular letter from the British Embassy confirming our income. My question is, we have a joint account in the UK so proof of funds for us both will come from the same account. Last year we paid for 2 letters and the embassy questioned why we wanted two. I've just rang the consular dept of the embassy and this year they won't give me an answer whether i need to pay for 2 letters. Anyone know?
Answer summary
The question revolves around whether a married couple applying for a retirement visa extension in Thailand needs one or two consular letters from the British Embassy to confirm their joint income from a UK bank account. Various comments indicate that generally, only one letter is needed for couples as they can 'piggyback' on a spouse's financial proof if they meet the combined income threshold. However, due to inconsistencies in immigration office practices, the poster is uncertain and seeks clarification on embassy requirements and payment for the letters. The thread highlights the complexities and varying interpretations of visa requirements and procedures.
41 repliesnewest first
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Tod *********
Now something you should be aware of is the fact that SOME immigration offices are trying to stop that piggy-back extension IF both people are over 50 already (which means they can get retirement extensions on their own). In theory they can't deny you the ability to piggy back onto your husbands extension but some offices do.
Also the paperwork on a piggy-back extension is more than just a regular retirement one, so you might wanna consider that too..
Also the paperwork on a piggy-back extension is more than just a regular retirement one, so you might wanna consider that too..
Ron *******
It may have helped
@Rachael ****************
if you had confirmed or denied if you was attempting 2 seperate visas. Some people don't help themselves.
Rachael *****************
OPThank you
@Tod ********
Tod *********
Why would you need two letters, if you are married only one of the people has to hit the financials and the other one 'piggy-backs' onto the extension based on being the spouse of a person on a yearly extension of stay. That piggy back extension doesn't require financials.
Kevin ******
Rachel, This is the worst place you could have asked this question its just going to leave you more confused, There are too many bar stool visa agents on here rather then fully qualified agents !
David ************
@Tod ********
Tod, When you reply I am always confident it’s straight up correct.Tod *********
@David ***********
, the brit consulate charges the most of all of them to issue the affidavit of income from abroad letters :O And they only do it by post too :/Tod *********
@Kevin *****
, okay, this group and the members try really hard to provide accurate information. If you can't contribute to the topic don't post. :/David ************
@Rachael ****************
safe bet Rachael. Do these letter cost so much as be a concern to people ?Rachael *****************
OPGoing to get two letters just to make sure. Was just hoping to get away with paying for one.
Kevin ******
Thank you David !
David ************
Kevin’s point is most all
Posts here have conflicting and wrong answers (and some correct). Go to immigration, the source and find the solid answers. Most all Facebook groups are people wanting some sort of attention either posting or replying. I have never seen a post here that did not have conflicting answers.
Posts here have conflicting and wrong answers (and some correct). Go to immigration, the source and find the solid answers. Most all Facebook groups are people wanting some sort of attention either posting or replying. I have never seen a post here that did not have conflicting answers.
Kevin ******
Can you please explain what you mean by the thats the whole point of this group Jon
Jon **********
errrr thats the whole point of this group
@Ke***
......🤔🙄Valère *************************
Ok guys. Just wrap it up then. Close the group.
Kevin ******
Visa rules and regulations change like the wind here what you did or know 2 months ago doesn't always apply today !
Korn ***********
You both apply as same time? My parent apply same time only use 1 copy/ + copy bank book in Thailand but one again depend where you applying and who you deal with
Valère *************************
You don't need to be an agent to have actual knowledge from experience.
Jonathan *************
"qualified agents" lol
Stephen *******
Sorry but how does a UK bank account generate income. Ok, a term deposit maybe. Or a million quid earning 2%. (This is just an example not an actual calculation). Income is from a pension or rent, etc? Money in the bank is capital, not income.
Ron *******
The US don't but can. The UK has to be proven.
Ron *******
You've proven it by getting the letter from a pension provider.
Richard *******
The UK accept a letter from a pension provider without checking further.
Gary ********
Does anybody now if the consulate check the info u give them ie phone calls etc
Valère *************************
In Belgium 100% sure they check with both the bank, revenue department and/or pension office.
Ron *******
If they are both applying for a visa in there own right, they need 2.
Ron *******
I've no idea. Best too ask the OP. Some people don't want to be reliant on there partner.
Valère *************************
That would be a total overkill as they are entitled to apply together as a married couple and thus reducing the monetary requirement from 1.6mil to 800k. Where is the logic?
Valère *************************
The consulate questioned why you needed two because you are married and only need one. So your request was unusual.
Rachael *****************
OPThanks everyone. Will get 2 letters. Money is in the UK
@Parmentier *****
which is why we need a letter from the embassy.Richard *******
@Parmentier *****
They are not using the 800,000 in the bank, they are using the 65,000 per month, which does not have to be in a Thai bank.David ************
Yes, just so you can prove you receive the minimum amount of 65k a month like retirement pension or something.
Jonathan *************
the money has to be in a Thai bank in Thailand doesn't it? The income option can be from anywhere
David ************
Their issue is income based like mine. No bank details needed.
Ron *******
Or a minimum 65,000 baht per month income.
Craig *********
Each person needs the letter...Two visas...Two letters
Dave ********
never said anything about an agent or lawyer...but thank you for your comment.
Valère *************************
Dave Durant BS! Never needed or have done such a thing in 25 years and still living happily and running my two succesfull companies. Make sure your things are in good order and you can sail through without paying anything under the table. Furthermore, if you read up and stay alert you also don't need an agent or a lawyer for anything. I haven't used a lawyer for nothing here. The only thing that comes in handy is a very good accountant if you're running a business.
Dave ********
@Valère ************************
This is Thailand, nothing is right. complete lack of common sense or reasoning. just have the cash to give the counter person to pay off is all they understand...Valère *************************
No. 1 letter is enough for a married couple as long as you can prove a total of 800k per year for the couple.
Ron *******
If your both applying separately on income, you'll both need a letter stating your both receiving income of at least
*****
baht a month each. A total of 130,000 baht.Activity
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