Answered6 months ago
Do you need to switch from a retirement visa to a marriage visa if you marry a Thai woman?
I’m not sure if this is a stupid question or not.
If you are on a retirement visa and subsequently marry a Thai woman, are you obliged to change to a marriage visa?
If you are on a retirement visa and subsequently marry a Thai woman, are you obliged to change to a marriage visa?
Answer summary
No, if you are on a retirement visa and marry a Thai woman, you are not obligated to change to a marriage visa. Many expats prefer to keep their retirement visa due to fewer requirements and less paperwork compared to marriage visas. The retirement visa generally offers a more straightforward renewal process and fewer immigration checks. However, some individuals do opt for the marriage visa for its benefits, such as lower financial requirements and the ability to work.
43 repliesnewest first
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Adrian *********
No
Ken ********
No
Bill **********
Typical response is "more paper work". I have had both, first was Retirement; now on Spouse for quite a few years. Wife does the paper work. I smile as I sit in the house while she takes pictures. Then go to Imm. office; sit & smile while wife does the talking. There are a lot of doc's I have to sign . . . but, wife makes things very easy, plus I am allowed to work if desired, which I don't.
Peter *********
No, but it has benefits
Robin ******
No
Richard ********
Up to you. But the marriage VISA has two benefits, lower bank deposit requirement and the ability to work, if so desired.
Strength *********
Don't change, because that way she cannot tell you: you can't stay in Thailand anymore 😂.
MNathalie *********
I didn't. Because if your spouse past away before you, you have 1 week to get out of the country and start the process all over again to get retirement visa.
Tom *******
MNathalie Raymond I get your point, but with respect, I think for most couples the odds are very much in favour of the wife outliving the husband based on what I've seen. Not to say it couldn't happen, but is it really such a big consideration?
Brandon ************
@MNathalie ********
That's not true at all. It's only if you get a divorce that your marriage extension ends immediately. No one week grace period, it's void as of the moment the divorce is final.If the spouse dies, you can remain until the end of your existing extension. But for your next extension you would have to apply based on a different reason.
James **********
You sound green as they come, don't make a joint bank account
Mick *****
Obliged no. Can you yes. Do you have to no. I'm married for 10 years but here on DTV, because that's the visa that suits my situation. Either can work it's up to you.
Dca *****
No, even those married with a Thai Spouse change to a Non–O Retirement Visa or Retirement Extensions as less paperwork and, generally, no "Under Consideration" (U/C) period before Extensions granted for Retirement Extensions
Jørgen ********
you can change to a "marriage visa", but you do not have to.
Tom *******
Why are so many people dead set against extension of stay based on marriage? I see it so often on these FB forums. If you are in a good marriage, why wouldn't you choose this option? Of course marriages fail, but on the assumption it's till death do us part, why do so many people advise against it? Is the paperwork involved really that bad as opposed to extensions based on retirement?
John **********
@Tom ******
it's more complicated, requires more contact with immigration and may not allow you to use monthly transfers from overseas. Both require you to visit immigration every year but for marriage you then go through an under consideration period requiring you to return around a month later to get the 12 months stamped in your passport, for retirement it's all done on the day. For marriage you need photos of you and your wife in various rooms in the house and you also need witnesses (neighbours) to attest that you live together as man and wife. Many immigration offices won't allow monthly transfers from overseas for a marriage extension, you have to get an updated certificate from the amphur every year etcTom *******
Thank you. Makes sense why people are put off by it.
Trustworth***********
Tom Found Sh!t happens. People change. Her family might turn against you and in the husband vs family dilemma, the family will ALWAYS win. Why get life insurance when you know you will live till 90? Because you don’t know.
Jay ********
Tom Found paperwork and immigration more pedantic they assume every marriage is a sham hence retirement visa is better that’s my experience I have had both
Brandon ************
@Tom ******
More paperwork. Longer extension process (under consideration period and another trip to immigration), home visits from immigration, etcTom *******
There seems to be a lot of emphasis on the extra amount of paperwork. I can see why some would find it off putting. But if the paperwork is all in order, a period of waiting and an extra visit shouldn't be too much hassle?
Brandon ************
@Tom ******
There's also new witness requirements at most offices, though they are handled vastly different based on the office. Some want 1 witness, some want 2 witnesses. Some just need a copy of their signed ID card and housebook, while other offices want you to actually bring them to the immigration office as part of your application. So that's more running around to do.
Graham ******
Tom Found The paperwork is not too onerous if the marriage was in Thailand but if it was not then there are other steps required first to get it registered in Thailand
MNathalie *********
Check my answer
Ian ********
Tom Found there is a lot more paperwork involved and need witnesses as well
Tom *******
Would love to see a balanced pros and cons from someone who been through both experiences.
Conny **********
Tom Found it is terminated when you divorce....
Tom *******
I understand that, but if the only reason to avoid this type of extension is out of fear of divorce, then you are already on shaky ground. But if you are in a solid marriage, (there are still some around) then that's where I question why people advise against it.
Ken ********
@Bill ********
gay...??Tom *******
Curt Meanor Got your own boys club going there? Haha!
Tom *******
@Bill ********
Why in the world would you marry a moody female? If you do, then you only have yourself to blame for what follows. I have zero tolerance for moody people of any gender.
Curt ********
@Bill ********
THAT is an excellent question!
Bill *********
Tom Found Why in the world would you risk your longevity in Thailand solely in the hands of a moody female?
Vic *****
Keep the retired visa if all goes bad you safe just may need new place to live
Bill *********
Vic Byw Absolutely! Why in the world would you risk your longevity in Thailand solely in the hands of a moody female?
Peter **********
@Bill ********
If she was exceptionally good with her hands one would be foolish NOT to think about it!!!!!!
James ************
No. Don't change
LivelyG********
Not at all, even Non O Retirement is more easy to keep than marriage one....for marriage, you can expect Immigration officers visit on every year extension .... the only good side for marriage visa is less money in bank account requirements
Shahina *********
No need. Retirement visa better than Thai Wife Visa kha.
Thai Wife Visa more documents.
Thai Wife Visa more documents.
Peter **********
OPShahina Quality so you just keep renewing your retirement visa and live happily ever after
Robert ********
No
Mark *********
No
Malcolm *******
No , definately not .
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