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What are the advantages of a Non-O marriage extension compared to a Non-O retirement visa in Thailand?

Non-O Marriage Extension Non-O Retirement Visa Thai Visa Types Visa Comparison Immigration Rules in Thailand Work Permit from Marriage Visa Income Requirements for Visa Expat Life in Thailand

Oct 15, 2025

16 hours ago

Michael ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hallo, I'm on my second non O marriage exstenion, I'm thinking about changing to non O retirement next time, less paperwork only have to visit immigration once, are there any advantages with the Marriage exstenion which the retirement one deosn't have?  I get my income letter from the Embassy.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The conversation discusses the advantages of the Non-O marriage extension visa over the Non-O retirement visa in Thailand. Key points include lower financial requirements for the marriage extension, the possibility of obtaining a work permit, and much less paperwork involved in switching to retirement status. It's mentioned that a monthly income of at least 40,000 baht is needed for the marriage extension, whereas the retirement visa requires 65,000 baht monthly and cannot allow employment.

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.
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Nigel ***********

If your on a,retirement visa, why would u want to work, ha

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Colin **********

@Nigel **********

some people come to Thailand and are in-between working and retirement, and therefore like the flexibility of working or not. The over 50 or retirement visa is one of the easiest to obtain without the restraints of marriage or the like, but no flexibility in working.

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Colin **********

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Stuart ******

Hi what country do you come from please.

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Michael ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I'm English but worked in Germany 40 years, so i have a German Pension.

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Stuart ******

@Michael *******

thanks for that do you use the German embassy to verify your pension, because the UK embassy do not issue you letters anymore. I used to get a letter every year when I lived there before.

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Michael ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Yes the German Embassy even add up all my pensions together even my Army pension because i let it be paid into a German Bank.

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Stuart ******

@Michael *******

thanks for that. I will just leave 400k or 800k in bank when I decide which way to go. Last time I had my Army pension and war pension paid directly into my Thai bank account. But not even got one of them at the moment lol 🙃. I know the married visa is a pain to do, well so my friends say but only have 400k tied up rather then 800k. How much different is to do then retirement? Will always do myself. Thanks.

You obviously stayed in Germany when you finished in the Army?

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Michael ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

heres the list i have from Phetchabun Immi, its not that bad but have to travel twice to apply and pick up. yes stayed in germany after 6 years RA.

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Stuart ******

@Michael *******

weather are looking to move to Hui Hin next year. I done 12 year’s in Germany 6 yrs Bieldfeld and 6 yrs Munster. Done 24 yrs in total.

What is family Registration? My missus not sure lived to long in the UK. Lol

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Michael ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

its a form you get from your local town hall to state that you are still married. I was in Gütersloh

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Stuart ******

@Michael *******

cheers mate. Where do you stay?

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Michael ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

A little town called Wichian buri near Phetchabun. i go to Cha am on holiday twice a year maybe we can have a beer when your over.

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Stuart ******

@Michael *******

no problem add me as a friend. Cheers stay safe

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Stuart ******

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Colin **********

You can't work on retirement extension.

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Jan ******************

If you still obtain an income affidavit from your embassy, you only need to prove a monthly income of at least 40,000 baht — without a lump sum of 400,000 baht in a Thai bank. For retirement it’s at least 65,000 baht a month.

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Michael ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jan *****************

my pension covers that, thanks

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Stuart *********

@Jan *****************

Good point. Didn’t think of that.

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Stuart *********

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Stuart *********

The advantages are that the amount of money you need is 400k less, and that you could get a work permit from a “marriage extension”.

As you rightly point out there is far less paperwork to go the retirement option and your wife doesn’t have to be with you when you apply.

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Michael ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

thanks

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Michael ********

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