How do I apply for a Non Immigrant O visa for Thailand before transitioning to a Marriage Visa?

Sep 25, 2024
2 months ago
Joseph ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
My Thai wife and I (US citizen) will be retiring to Thailand next year...I will be looking to eventually get a Thai Marriage Visa...I understand the process is to 1st aquire a 90-day or Non Immigrant O visa, then eventually the Marriage Visa...If correct, where do I apply for/aquire the 90 Day or Non Immigrant Visa, in Thailand after arriving or in my home country before arriving ? Thank you in advance for any information..
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A US citizen planning to retire to Thailand and seeking a Thai Marriage Visa should first apply for a 90-day Non Immigrant O visa. It is recommended to obtain this visa before traveling to Thailand as it simplifies the process of opening a Thai bank account needed for the one-year extension associated with marriage. While you can apply for the visa upon arrival or convert to it in Thailand, applying from your home country is generally easier and advised.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Louis **************
I just went through the process.Do it before you come.It wasn't that difficult,15 business days to get it.Go to link in previous comment
Joseph ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Louis **************
************************
Tan *************
Following
Stuart *********
You have the option of both. Either apply for a Non O visa prior to coming and then apply for an extension or do so in Thailand
Joseph ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Rick *********
@Stuart ********
I am doing basically the same thing as the person asking the question. So do I apply for the e-visa online at the US Embassy or what? Thanks in advance!
Graham ******
Marty ********
easier in your home country
Joseph ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Marty *******
thank you
Brandon ************
The non-O visa IS the marriage visa. The O is for "Other" and covers many things.

The 1-year extension based on marriage to Thai is what comes after the visa.

You can get the visa from the e-visa system online before you travel, or you can apply to convert to it in Thailand. In order to convert in Thailand you will need to show proof of money in your Thai bank account. It's almost impossible to open a Thai bank account without a long-term visa now, so it's much better to get the visa before you travel to Thailand so you'll have an easier time opening the bank account you will need for the 1-year extension.
Joseph ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Mikkel *******
@Brandon ***********
beware that not all immigration offices offer that initial 90 day visa for marriage. My local one says you have to go to an embassy outside Thailand. It might be a minority of offices.. But still. Check first, or prepare to maybe have to take a trip. Getting it before traveling would be advisable if possible.
Joseph ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Brandon ************
@Mikkel ******
I would never advise anyone to try and get it in Thailand anyways. That's not how visas are supposed to work anywhere in the world. You are supposed to get the visa for you purpose BEFORE you travel, not after.
Joseph ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
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