Answered6 years ago

How can I switch from a retirement visa to a marriage visa in Thailand?

Retirement visa Marriage visa Visa extension Thai immigration Visa process NON-O visa

Ralf ********************

asked Mar 20, 2021

2.1k

views

replies

likes

I am here on a retirement visa since 2018. Is it a lengthy process to switch to a marriage visa?

We also have 2 kids together

Answer summary

The process of switching from a retirement visa to a marriage visa in Thailand is generally not lengthy, but it involves additional requirements. While some respondents noted that many might have an extension based on retirement rather than a specific retirement visa, changing the reason for the extension is possible. Key steps include submitting further documentation, such as photographs, a home visit by immigration, and possibly having your spouse accompany you during the application. Overall, while it is manageable, it requires attention to the specific paperwork and requirements.

9 repliesnewest first

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Clive *********

OP - semantics aside, just change your reason for extension when you’re next due to apply. You’ll find yourself 400,000 baht richer but there are a few more easy hoops to jump through.

6 years ago

Ian *******

Stick with the annual retirement extension. It's far easier.

6 years ago

Tod *********

One more time people, pay attention to the stamps in your passport. FEW if any people have a "one year retirement VISA" <- seeing as the immigration offices inside thailand don't issue anything like that

READ your stamp. If it says "extension of stay permitted until" and then has the date you're allowed to be here it is NOT a visa and to change to a different reason does NOT require you to get a new Non-O visa only meet the requirements for the new reason you want an extension..

I deleted comments where people mistakenly said apply for a new Non-O visa. That's not what the O/P would do.

6 years ago

Ralf ********************

@Tod ********

thanks for the explanation. I appreciate the comments

6 years ago

Paul *******

Not lenghty but more hoops to jump through. Photos. visit to you home by immigration, drae your house map, more paperwork, wife must go to immigration when you apply. May more questions from immigration. If you have the funds then entension of stay based on Retirement (you have an extension rather than a retirement visa) is much, much easier.

6 years ago

Tod *********

IF I was to bet I'd say you're not here on ANY visa and instead have gotten yearly extensions based on being over 50 from your immigration office (LOOK at the stamp in your passport and see if it says "extension of stay permitted until...." ;) )

6 years ago

Phil **********

@Tod ********

It also says "retirement"

6 years ago

Tod *********

@Phil **********

BUT what it doesn't say is VISA ;)

It says exactly what I said it did :O "extension of stay permitted until" and has a date your current extension is valid for, correct?

It has "retirement" stamped on it in engrish is that is the REASON you got the extension and when you apply for a new extension based on marriage to a thai, they'll stamp either THAI WIFE, or ภรรยาไทย (thai wife in thai :P) on it

6 years ago

Tod *********

You would not be changing from ANY visa to ANY visa; what you would be doing is "changing the reason" for your extension from one based on retirement to one based on marriage.

I'd go to your immigration office and get the hand out listing the documentation requirements needed to apply for a yearly extension based on marriage to a thai (take your thai wife too so she can ask if there's anything required that's NOT on the list).

Then when you go in for your next extension you just apply for it based on marriage rather than retirement. You'll pay the same 1900baht and you'll get a 30 day under consideration stamp in your passport. Then when that runs down you go back to get the year extension based on marriage inked in

6 years ago