Should I apply for a Marriage Visa while in Thailand for my wedding paperwork or after returning to the US?

Question

So, my husband (a Thai citizen), is already in Thailand with his mom, auntie, cousins, and other family (who have lived there all their lives). I am still in America (American citizen) but will be going to Thailand in July. I had to do the whole process with our marriage certificate and just got the last step completed here in the US. Now I have to go to Thailand (going in July) to take the marriage license packet to the Thai (edit: I mean US Consulate) for the final step. My question(s):  Would I apply for the Marriage Visa at the same time while in Thailand doing the last step in the marriage license process (we have been married 30 years) OR do I do that when I get back the the US but before I go back permanently in March 2027? Once I go "permanently" in 2027, I will be working ONLINE for the same Universities that I currently work at, but will be looking for a University teaching position there. Which is why I am not asking about a Retirement Non-O visa since you can't work with one of those. (PS edit: We/They are in Chiang Mai. They live near the US Consulate on Wichayanon Rd.)

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user, an American citizen, is preparing to move to Thailand and is seeking clarification on when to apply for a Marriage Visa. They are traveling to Thailand to complete their marriage registration process and are unsure if they should apply for the Marriage Visa during this visit or wait until returning to the US before permanently relocating to Thailand in March 2027. Comments provide clarification on visa options, including that a Non-O visa can be applied for based on marriage, potentially both in the US and in Thailand without financial requirements, but emphasize that certain procedures, like registering the marriage, must be conducted at the MFA in Thailand.

Karl ********* · Answer

If you are in the US you most likely have to deal with the Thai Consulate that serves your area, not the Embassy.  If you like you can message me and I will walk you thru the steps that I took.

Greg *********** · Answer

if you mean you have to still get your marriage acknowledged inside Thailand, you need to bring the translated & legalized by the Thai embassy in the USA original marriage documents  to the Thai MfA in Bangkok and have the papers co-legalized. Only after this you can register your marriage on the Amphur

Greg *********** · Answer

"Now I have to go to Thailand (going in July) to take the marriage license packet to the Thai Embassy for the final step." ., , , , , there is no Thai embassy in Thailand  😜

Brandon ************ · Answer

There are only 2 visa types that legally allow online remote work. That's the LTR foreign employee visa, and the DTV.

You can get a non-O based on marriage from the Thai embassy in your own country before you go to Thailand.  They just want to see your foreign marriage certificate.  Since you're a foreign female marriage to a Thai man, you can also get the visa inside of Thailand without any financial requirement if you'd like.  It's still easier to do it online before you travel though.

You also will not be going to any Thai embassy inside of Thailand.  That doesn't even make sense.  You take your marriage certificate after you get it translated to the MFA inside of Thailand.

Should I apply for a Marriage Visa while in Thailand for my wedding paperwork or after returning to the US?

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