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What are the banking and visa requirements for expats moving to Thailand on a marriage visa?
Marriage VisaBanking RequirementsNon-O VisaRetirement VisaFinancial ProofThai ImmigrationTransferring Money to ThailandUK Pension
Dec 19, 2025
4 months ago
John ********
ORIGINAL POSTERHi guys ,I'm looking to move to Thailand to live with my Thai wife in January 2028 when Ill be retired I live in the UK at the moment,my pension will cover the 40,000 Thai baht.im just a bit confused about the banking requirements,I popped in to a Thai bank last month and they gave me a list of visa types that I can use to open an account with them but as I'll be paid from the UK state pension into my UK bank in pounds how can I transfer this money in to a Thai bank if I first need need a marriage visa to be able to open a Thai bank ? I need proof of the 40,000 before I can get a visa . Can I transfer the 40,000 from my UK bank to my wise account to show as proof for the visa requirement . Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Thanks
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is planning to move to Thailand in January 2028 with their Thai wife but is confused about banking requirements related to obtaining a marriage visa. They inquire about using their UK pension to show proof of income for the visa application and seek clarification on transferring money to Thailand. The responses highlight the need for 400,000 baht in a Thai bank account for the first year visa or 800,000 baht for a retirement visa, and emphasize that having the Non-O visa before arriving in Thailand can help them open a bank account and understand further requirements.
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.
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David **********
non o visa will get an account opened
Alan *******
If you don't already, I recommend using Wise - formly TransferWise, to convert and send money from UK to Thailand.
Kim *******
The British pension amount will remain frozen at whatever it is the year that you enter Thailand. There will never be any cost of living increases. No big deal the first couple of years, but quite significant after 10+ years of living here.
John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kim ******
yes I've checked that out already typical of the UK govt thank youReply to
John ********
Reply
Greg ********
It's all going to change by January 2028
John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Greg *******
hopefully not cheersGary *********
@Greg *******
what makes you say that Greg , it'll change in 2028 ?Greg ********
@Gary ********
really?Reply to
Greg ********
Reply
Ian **********
Before your next visit to Thailand obtain a Non Immigration O visa based on visiting Thai family. With this visa you can open a Thai bank account and also visit the immigration office and ask what is required for an extension based on marriage. They will give you a printed list so you can start to get your head around the requirements. Meanwhile start saving for your 400k baht deposit.
John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ian *********
thanks ,can I not wait untill I start to get the 40,000 baht ( pension) going into my UK bank and use that as proof for my regular monthly income ? Thanks in advanceIan **********
@John *******
That will need to be your Thai bank accountReply to
Ian **********
Reply
John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ian *********
many thanksReply to
John ********
Reply
Herbert *********
Some hundred changes will be until 2028.....🤣
J **************
You do not have enough money if you are asking this question
Peter *********
You need
*****
0 baht deposited in bank for 1st year visa or *****
0 baht for retirement visa which is a lot easier to doBrandon ************
You do what you are supposed to do. You get the visa from the Thai embassy in London before you go to Thailand. That's how visas work.
Then when you arrive in Thailand you will have the non-O visa and can open a bank account.
The problem you are going to have is that you cannot use your monthly income for your extensions. The first 1-year extension based on marriage can only be obtained using 2 financial proofs.
1) Embassy certified income. The UK embassy has not offered this for many years.
2) Proof of 400,000 baht in your Thai bank account that has been there for 2 full months at the time of your extension application.
Because 1 is not available to you, only #2 is available to you. There are no other options for you.
Then when you arrive in Thailand you will have the non-O visa and can open a bank account.
The problem you are going to have is that you cannot use your monthly income for your extensions. The first 1-year extension based on marriage can only be obtained using 2 financial proofs.
1) Embassy certified income. The UK embassy has not offered this for many years.
2) Proof of 400,000 baht in your Thai bank account that has been there for 2 full months at the time of your extension application.
Because 1 is not available to you, only #2 is available to you. There are no other options for you.
Stephen *********
@Brandon ***********
can this guy the following year use his 40,ooo uk pension as proof as if he forwarded it to the thai bank on opening on arrival as this would go in monthly then apply the pension option for the 2nd year or would he have to continue with the 400,ooo baht option i am asking not just for him but myself aswell for when i come to live there.Brandon ************
@Stephen ********
He cannot use the pension for anything, because the embassy will not certify it. But during the entire first year he can transfer at least 40,000 baht (65,000 baht for retirement extension) to his Thai bank account from overseas. Then for next extension if he can show 12 monthly transfers, the immigration office may accept that.He would need to check with them before starting down this process, as some immigration offices will not accept international transfers for marriage extensions. The only monthly income some accept is embassy certified income, or proof of income from a work permitted job inside of Thailand.
Stephen *********
@Brandon ***********
ok i have funds for the 400,ooo so i will go that way then & if can process the pension @ a later date i will let it build up to over 12 months of paid in money & change if & when possible,it dont effect me just leaves it with less chew to my wife going forward,thanks for the info brandon .Brandon ************
@Stephen ********
As I said, you need to ask your immigration office before you start planning on using monthly transfers, because some don't let you use that for marriage extensions.Stephen *********
@Brandon ***********
Yes @ the moment just gathering info on it so no panic sets in when i come to live there,things may change so can update if for some reason the situation changes.Reply to
Stephen *********
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