Answered6 years ago
How can I obtain permanent residency in Thailand without the 400k baht requirement?
Hi, my wife and I we've got married a year ago. I would like to become a permanent residence here in Thailand. Unfortunately I do not have 400K sitting in my bank account. A friend of mine told me that there are agencies to help with this but sounds a bit off... What do you guys suggest? Thank you
Answer summary
The user seeks advice on obtaining permanent residence in Thailand after marriage, expressing concerns about not having the required 400k baht in a bank account. The conversation highlights the difference between permanent residency and a marriage visa, explaining that the marriage visa (Non-O) may not require such proof of funds under certain conditions. Community members share personal experiences and suggest avoiding risky agencies, advising to understand visa regulations thoroughly.
76 repliesnewest first
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David ******
Try contacting the Thai Visa Centre
@https://www.facebook********************
Allan ************
All this so we can stay and spend your hard earned money, making your Thai wife and family have a life they could only dream of, and every neighbour as well.
Dan ********
Nope, was with one for four years, but she had a US green card also and preferred a life in NYC at the expense of her ex husband. And just been disappointed by another, so won’t be getting involved with any more if I can avoid it for now 😂
Allan ************
@Dan *******
then why come to live here when you can have a better exchange rate elsewhere Dan ********
I Only left London in December 😱
Greg ********
@Allan ***********
Do you think every Thai is potless? We can tell the level of society you are familiar with.Allan ************
@Greg *******
what a stuck up snide comment, so you are from the Thai elite obviously not.Greg ********
@Allan ***********
Piss off you potless idiotAllan ************
@Greg *******
pretty ,try spelling correctly Greg ********
@Allan ***********
You made the origimal snide commemt mate. Assuming all Thais are potless and/or cheats. Pretty obvious your standing. Look in the mirror and give your head a shakeDan ********
@Allan ***********
happened to you then ? 😆Allan ************
@Dan *******
nothing just not used to jumping through hoops to stay.Allan ************
Allan ************
@Dan *******
are you married to a Thai lady Dan ********
@Allan ***********
I do still have a business in UK, but a good manager also. Trying to see if I can go a full 12-18 months with the need to return, so this is a good test 🙏Allan ************
@Dan *******
good for you to be able to do what you want at your age, I still have to run a business and rely on a good manager as I cannot go back.Dan ********
@Allan ***********
At your age, it’s easy, I’m 42, I’m considering the elite visa at 45, to get me through to retirement visa age, although already retired, very fortunately. So I’m jumping hoops of METV’s and Ed Visa’s. Ian ***********
@Allan ***********
yes you are correct buddy. 
Wojciech ***********
So you ask for help doing something illegal, impressive, and from you question you know bits illegal too
David ******
@Ervin ******
I thought he asked a reasonable question.Wojciech ***********
@David *****
there is a law how do I get around it, reasonable question?
Asger *********
Visa agents are not illegal as far as I know.........they are just a different way of getting a visa. Almost all visa agents work together with a immigration officer.
Ervin *******
OP@Wojciech **********
I am asking for suggestion and I know that its illegal. If you can read my post again you'll probably see it too 😊
Rob ********
For 1 year non o visa based on spouse 400,000 k or 40,000 bhat monthly income into a Thai account. For the last few years I have gone for the 40 k a month going into my Thai account from overseas . I do mine at Singapore Thai embassy, scan all your required documents online , choose a date to attend . Tells you what’s required on the website ..so easy .
*************************************************
Obviously might be difficult with the current COVID 19 issue
Tod *********
that is NOT correct, the O/P is talking about using the thai consulates that DO NOT require proof of funds to get that visa
Rob ********
He was also talking about permanent resident which is also not correct . I was just pointing out that if he doesn’t have 400k on hand they will accept an income of 40 k a month and it’s easy to do at Singapore. No need to be condescending with your reply to me just trying to give the guy options. For anyone who can’t even prove that you have an income of at least 40k a month or 400k then you probably need to go and live in your own country .
Tod *********
You are totally confusing "Permanent Residence" status <- which you can apply for after working legally and having 3 years of unbroken extensions of stays with getting a year visa from a thai consulate or getting a year extension from the immigration office.
So, now that you know permanent resident status is off the table..
As people suggested IF you don't meet the proof of funds (as in you don't have 400K baht in a thai bank account in your name only for 2 months before you apply for the extension) you can WAIT until the country opens back up and then go to the thai consulate in either Savannakhet Lao OR Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam.
Both of those will issue a year long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type O visa based on marriage to a thai without the need to show proof of funds.
So, now that you know permanent resident status is off the table..
As people suggested IF you don't meet the proof of funds (as in you don't have 400K baht in a thai bank account in your name only for 2 months before you apply for the extension) you can WAIT until the country opens back up and then go to the thai consulate in either Savannakhet Lao OR Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam.
Both of those will issue a year long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type O visa based on marriage to a thai without the need to show proof of funds.
Kraig *******
@Tod ********
hi Tod, appreciate your knowledge on visa requirements. What are the reporting requirements for someone with a spouse visa? (If any)Tod *********
@Ervin ******
here's the list of documents you USED to need to provide at Savannakhet to get the year long, multi entry Non-O visa (I say used to because no one knows if they're still gonna sell visas the way they did before this covid shit storm happened) These are the documents you need at Savannakhet:
-the original rose bordered marriage certificate
copies of:
-front&back of the rose bordered marriage certificate
-front&back of your thai spouse's i/d card
-thai spouse's house book listing
-data page of your passport
-lao visa & entry stamp
you also need 2 passport sized photos,a filled out application along with 5000baht.
Your thai spouse signs the things with their name on them, you sign the things with yours <- meaning you BOTH sign the marriage certificate copies ;)
NOTE: if your thai wife changed her name (took your surname when she got married OR after that) you need the certificate stating she changed her name too..
Ervin *******
OP@Tod ********
thank you so much Tod. 😀
Joe ***********
The Thai Consulates in Savannakhet Laos and in Ho Chi Mihn City Vietnam will issue a Non Imm O Visa One Year for marriage with minimum documentation and a 5000 Baht fee. No financial requirements. Under this type of visa one must do a border run (exit Thailand and Reenter every 90 days). Many thousands of Foreign men get this kind of visa every year.
Lindsey **********
@Joe **********
Will this be the same as a lady marriage visaI have never had to show money in 12 years I have had marriage visa
I missed my year extension only because I was ill in UK 😭
So I came in on tourist visa
Joe ***********
@Lindsey *********
No It is not the sameErvin *******
OP@Joe **********
would you be able to inform me with the list of the documentation that I need to take with me? Thank you 😊Tod *********
@Ervin ******
how about waiting until the borders open and you can get back IN to thailand AND for the country lao to not require you to do 14 days quarantine when you go there?Ervin *******
OP@Michael *******
thank you Michael 😊
Michael ********
@Ervin ******
its on there website the latest. Search embassy thailand.But when i was there last time
Copy of marriage certificate
Wifes ID
Wifes proof of address
Your passport
All these needed to be signed by person you or wife.
I took loads extras as well in case they needed but didnt.
All this may change when it opens up again. Who knows
Ervin *******
OP@Tod ********
sounds great 😀 but if I know the list of the documentation that they require then I can get it out of the way Ervin *******
OPWhat if I borrow the money and leave it in my bank account for few months? Is that a legal thing to do?
Robert **********
@Ervin ******
you can do that but you may have to keep it there a certain amount of time, and show your bankbook next year to show you’ve maintained all or ***
the money Ian ***********
@Ervin ******
don’t do it Ervin *******
OP
William ********
It can be done through certain agencies but the Thai government are trying to stop it.
Ian ***********
I’m a little under funded. But I now teach online so I’m not going to be wanting.
Ian ***********
Underfunded is being on the back-foot. Financial. Experience. And streetwise
Ian ***********
@William *******
don’t do it William ********
@Ian **********
I agree.Ian ***********
@William *******
my visa is based on me. And my bank account not on my next ex. 
James ***********
Non-O gotten crossing the Lao or Vietnam border gives you 90 days in country at a time with multiple-entry for one year. Not he best, but you can convert to regular non-O when you get 400K in the bank. Cal The Thai embassy in VN for instructions, they are very helpful.
James ***********
Good luck.
Ervin *******
OP@James **********
thank you. Ian ***********
Stay away from agency. That’s doggy.
Paul ********
@Ian **********
*dodgy. Doggy is a position. 😉Ian ***********
@Paul *******
good for your information Greg ********
PR is something different from what I think you mean. Are you talkong about a year long extension based on marriage with 400k Baht needed in Thai bank account?
Ervin *******
OP@Greg *******
Yes, sorry I think I got it wrong. Robert **********
@Ervin ******
I do the real money no agent. Had home visit in Bangkok, they photographed me with my bankbookIan ***********
@Robert *********
I agree ☝️ Ervin *******
OP@Robert *********
sounds very professional 😂Greg ********
@Ervin ******
No problem. We were just discussing PR this morning on the beach as a colleague is thinking of applying this year. As to your question yes there are agents that help to satisfy the financial requiremants for a fee. As an example for a retiremwnt visa requirment of 800k it usually costs 26k fee to agent I have heard.
Stan *******
@Greg *******
How would you know that the 'majority' of retirees do that? Bar gossip? But I don't associate with any type. I give most farangs a wide berth here, bar a few, for reasons that are still obvious to me.,
Greg ********
@Stan ******
I think you will find the majority of retirees have the 800k or at least 65k a month income. You must associate with the wrong typeStan *******
@Greg *******
Yes, sorry, the extension. The first time is a lot more.As to sticking to the rules - like the other 5% who do? 🤣🤣
Greg ********
@Stan ******
14 is the price of the extension after the first one if you do not have the money. First time is 26k I have hewrd. Simple thing is have the required 800k and do it yourself. Stick by the rules.Stan *******
@Greg *******
26 grand is almost twice the usual price of 14 grand if you don't have enough in the bank. I have heard of a British agent in Pattaya who rips people off for that amount.Ervin *******
OP@Greg *******
Thank you Greg 😊Greg ********
@Ervin ******
Of course it all depends on personal circumstances and attitude to risk. Good luck anyway and hope it all works out well for you and family.Ervin *******
OP@Greg *******
Some one mentioned that it's a bit risky. I have a family here and I don't want to get kicked out of the country for 400K. So sounds a bit dodgy really. Ian ***********
Keep away from doggy. Play by the rules. Get the right money.
*****
0 baht in the bank and don’t touch it. Ever. Get a job teaching online to help you. But the truth is. Don’t come to Thailand 🇹🇭 underfunded. Greg ********
@Ian **********
400k for marriage. 800k is single persons retirement requirement
Garrett ***********
Are you currently in Thailand? If so, what visa are you on?
Ervin *******
OP@Garrett **********
I have a non B visa. Michael ********
Your on about marriage visa not PR thats a different thing. When borders open up again there were embassies that issued visas without proof of funds. Nobody knows if that will still be the case when that reopens.
There are agencies search the group there was a post yesterday
There are agencies search the group there was a post yesterday
Garrett ***********
Permanent residencey is a long and difficult path, only 100 people per nationality per year can be granted it. Among many other things, it requires you to hold the same non immigrant visa for 3 consecutive years and pay taxes.
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