Dear group members,
My (Thai) wife and I are starting the process of migrating from Belgium to Thailand (I know, crazy to do that at this time, right? 😀). We've already postponed this for several months due to you-know-what, but we feel we are losing precious time and would like to avoid waiting longer if at all possible. The goal is to move there permanently.
I am able to fulfill all the requirements for a Non-immigrant O-A (retirement) visa, but the embassy here told me they are not issuing these at the moment until further notice. Of course no-one can tell what "further notice" means.
All I can get right now is a Non-immigrant O (based on marriage). We're willing and able to go through the whole hassle of getting a CoE, a seat on a repatriation flight, testing, ASQ, etc., etc. Not a problem.
My BIG question however is: since 90-day border bounces are no longer possible, and nobody knows if and when they will return, and assuming that borders will not open anytime soon, do I have options after 90 days to extend my stay?
By the time we will be getting there, the whole amnesty thing will be over of course. I read here and in other groups that there seems to be a possibility to go to Thailand on a marriage visa, and then, before the first 90 days are up, ask for a 1 year extension of the marriage visa provided you fulfill some financial requirements. I've seen many of these posts but it's sometimes hard to follow the context and details.
I'm not so much worried about any requirements, may main worry is: is there a reasonably sure way I can stay (significantly) longer than 90 days?
Because if there is no way that gives me at least some degree of certainty, I do not want to go through the hassle (and significant cost) of getting a CoE, quarantine, etc., only to have to leave 90 days later and having to go through it all again. I'm looking for a longer term option (if that exists), and I will see what happens once this situation improves. Yes, I know that could be a long time...
I understand fully there are no guarantees here, but anyone who can help me get a better understanding of what should at least theoretically be possible would get my eternal thanks.
Please: I'm not interested in answers like "you should wait". I'm getting older by the minute. I want to understand if there are options and what they are.
Many thanks in advance.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking guidance on options to extend their stay in Thailand beyond the initial 90 days after arriving on a Non-immigrant O visa based on marriage. They are concerned about the implications of the ongoing pandemic on immigration policies and want to avoid having to leave the country frequently. Several commenters suggest that they can apply for a 1-year extension of the marriage visa after meeting certain financial requirements, specifically maintaining a minimum deposit in a Thai bank account. Additional discussions clarify the differences between marriage and retirement visas, including financial and documentation requirements, and the ability to work under a marriage visa.
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.
