Answered3 years ago

Is the OX Visa a better option than a marriage visa for retiring in Thailand?

OX Visa Marriage Visa Retirement Visa Thailand Immigration Visa Options for Expats Health Insurance Requirements

David *********

asked Feb 15, 2024

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Hi All! Thanks for letting me join the group 🙂

I am married to a Thai and we currently have been living in Australia for 8 years after moving here from Thailand.

I am looking at retiring in the next several years, and we would move back to Thailand (I'm a US, NZ, and AU citizen, if that matters)

Is this OX Visa a better option than a marriage visa?

Answer summary

A user inquired about the suitability of the OX Visa versus a marriage visa for their eventual retirement in Thailand. They noted their current residency in Australia and their marriage to a Thai citizen. Comments indicate that the OX Visa might be a favorable choice due to its long duration (up to 10 years) and less demanding financial requirements compared to the marriage visa, which necessitates funds in a Thai bank and extensive paperwork. Additionally, the OX Visa requires health insurance, and there is discussion on what insurance options and costs would be appropriate for a 67-year-old applicant.

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David *********

Thanks

@Stu***

! I'm not too worried about a failed marriage at this stage, but the OX does sound enticing.

What kind of insurance is currently required for this visa for a 67 year old guy and what kind of costs for a sort of 'normal healthy guy' kind of policy?

3 years ago

Christopher *************

OX is fine if you can afford it 3mill in the Bank or 1.8 mill +1.2 income/yr. In any case the whole 3 mill has to be there by the end of the 1st yr. From then on the balance cannot be less than 1.5 mill and the money is supposed to be spent in Thailand.. Shop around for the Insurance but I have found that Thai Company's are cheaper and easier to deal with ie. claims as Hospitals know them and usually pay them faster than offshore ones.

3 years ago

Todd *********

@Christopher ************

if you get O/X from Sydney, no need for any funds in Thailand at all. It's a fantastic deal

3 years ago

Stuart *********

@David ********

You’d have to check on the Sydney website for their requirements. I know some who take out the “max deductible” policies that basically make them useless other than covering the requirement for the visa.

3 years ago

Stuart *********

The OX visa given from Sydney is certainly a good way to go. You don’t need funds in Thailand and it’s good for a potential of 10 years for $600.

A “marriage visa” (extensions from the original Non O) requires funds in a Thai bank and fairly extensive paperwork on a yearly basis. Many people use this option and it’s only 1,900 baht per year plus the photocopying and time costs but do you need that hassle if you can get a 5+5 year visa/extension from the outset?

The OX visa does not finish if your marriage were to fail (there is no intent on disrespect here) but it does require a health insurance option at the outset.

3 years ago

Sue **********

@Stuart ********

no funds needed in Thailand? I just read that you need either 3 mio baht in a Thai account or at least 1.8 mio baht in the thai account plus a yearly income of not less than 1.2 mio baht.

3 years ago

Stuart *********

@Sue *********

Yes for every other embassy other than the Sydney consulate. They currently don’t have that requirement.

3 years ago

Bernie *************

@Sue *********

I never fancied being an Australian untill now 🤔

3 years ago

Sue **********

Well then its really the best deal on could make if from Sidney, I'm evnious now 😊

3 years ago

Stuart *********

It’s the only one in the world that I’m aware of that don’t have that requirement. Which is why we almost exclusively see OX visas from Sydney. Many apply for a AO out of Sydney and are informed that they qualify for the OX visa instead ($300 versus $600). A no brainer.

3 years ago