Answered2 years ago

Should I apply for a marriage visa or a retirement visa for Thailand from Japan?

Marriage Visa Retirement Visa NON-O Visa Visa Application Process Thai Immigration Expats in Thailand

Michael ******

asked Feb 25, 2025

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Is it better to try to get a marriage visa or a retirement visa from another country rather than Thailand? I am an American and been working in Japan for the last 12 years working for an American company. I really do not go ba k to the states often. So I would probably try to do this visa in Japan 

Any advice would be helpful

Answer summary

The discussion revolves around choosing between a marriage visa and a retirement visa for Thailand while residing in Japan. Key points include the feasibility of applying from Japan, the initial requirement for a 90-day NON-O visa, financial prerequisites for extensions (such as having a certain amount in a Thai bank account), and the relative ease of documentation for the retirement visa. Generally, the retirement visa is preferred for those over 50, as it has fewer documentation requirements and is not dependent on marital status.

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Michael ********

I’ve done both ways. Prefer the retirement option as I need nothing from her. Just in case she’s in a mood.

2 years ago

Graham ******

The main differences for the initial Non-O and then the subsequent extension is that the retirement route requires less documentation bur the financial requirement is higher. Retirement is often the preferred choice foor this reason and also your Visa status is entirely based on you being over 50 and not still being in a legal marriage.

2 years ago

Tod *********

if you have a long term visa/extension to stay IN Japan as a foreigner you can indeed use the consulate there to get the initial 90 day Non-O (either based on marriage to a thai or being over 50)

Realize once you get here on that 90 day visa you'd need to get a bank account open and get either 400K baht for marriage or 800K baht for retirement banked asap so you can let it season the 2 months required to apply for the year extension at your immigration office for 1900baht

READ the requirements carefully on the website of the consulate you're going to apply at..

2 years ago