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What are the benefits of registering a marriage in Thailand for visa purposes?

Thai marriage visaVisa optionsExpats in ThailandMarriage registrationFinancial requirementsRetirement visaParenting rightsThai Elite visa
May 28, 2020
4 years ago
Kuan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Just need some advice: My brother is past 50 and financially able. Whilst advising him to get registered with his THAI partner whom he already have children with, he was telling me that there is no benefit in registering a marriage. His rationale is that a Thai marriage visa, based on marriage,has to be renewed annually - which is the same as all other visa - Eg. working visa, retirement visa, opening a company and being a director n shareholder visa.. even THAI elite visa ? etc.

I am beginning to understand his position.

So is there really any benefit in registering a marriage to a Thai other than the fact that you love the lady?

Thanks in advance for any advice or thoughts shared/given.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
While there are various visa options available for expats in Thailand, registering a marriage offers distinct advantages, particularly concerning financial requirements and the ability to apply for certain privileges, such as working and securing loans and credit cards. The marriage visa typically requires a lower bank balance compared to retirement visas. Additionally, marriage offers legal protections and rights, especially in relation to children and inheritance. However, the process for renewing a marriage visa can involve extensive documentation, which some expats find cumbersome. Ultimately, the decision hinges on personal circumstances, preferences, and the nature of the relationship.
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.
William ********
4 years ago
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Brooke ******
A big benefit from retirement or marriage visa is you don’t have to leave Thai ie visa-runs every 90 days. You can’t buy homes here and is hard to buy big items. If you trust this woman and love her...it is must more advantageous to have the marriage certificate. Hint...retirement visa is easier to get than marriage visa though.
4 years ago
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Ian ***********
Thai elite visas are for 5 years and each visit you get a one year stay.
4 years ago
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William ********
I believe the marriage visa linked to type O is good. You only have to show
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0 baht in Thai bank account, plus currently no health insurance is required. The type OA visa is considerably more demaanding
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0baht deposit in a Thai bank account plus an acceptable health insurance. The deposit in Thai bank account can be combined with an annual income to attain the requirement. The Thai marriage visa also allows the possibility for you to work .
4 years ago
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William *******
@William *******
Agree.

Show some pictures first time applying for a marriage visa and one visit to your home the first year !

A lot easier then setting up a legitimate business !!!
4 years ago
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William *******
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Terary **********
Its one of the cheaper easier ways to get a long term visa. True the options are similar but not all the same. In my case, not old enough to retire, can't financially justify the elite visa, not going to do the headache of a business, not going to get a job in Thailand, Not going to adopt a kid, Not going to study. Leaves marriage or Tourist visas.
4 years ago
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Stanislav **********
A marriage is not supposed to benefit.😁
4 years ago
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Taz **********
But just because you register the marriage does not mean you have to apply for a marriage visa, he can still apply for a retirement visa meeting the retirement requirements
4 years ago
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Taz **********
If he registers the marriage he can apply for a yellow house book, similar to the Thai blue house book, this can make things easier when purchasing vehicles in his name opening bank accounts in his name ect
4 years ago
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Joe ******
she may be able to claim his pension. But don't quote me on that.
4 years ago
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Stan *******
AFAIK, not a foreign pension in Thailand.
4 years ago
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Stan *******
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Allan ************
If you are married she is entitled to your estate tax free, if not tax man has massive chunk for doing nothing,
4 years ago
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Tim ***********
@Allan ***********
 Thailand has no inheritance tax unless > 100 million
4 years ago
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Tim ***********
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Mitchell *******
This is a good post. Within 5 years, I will be on one or the other. I have been weighing my options. Retirement seems less hassle, but it also seems to depend on where you are located.
4 years ago
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Marguyvin **********
Life is unpredictable. If things go south with your wife, and you are on a marriage visa...the already burdensome processes of living here legally as a foreigner can become even more burdensome. Be certain you don't mind having to go through lots of hassles if you have a wife with vindictive personality.

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4 years ago
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William ********
4 years ago
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William ********
For a Thai visa Type OA you have to show
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0baht in Thai bank account. The Thai visa type O /marriage visa only need to show
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0baht. and currently no need to have health insurance with type O visa.
4 years ago
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Alessandro **********
You don't need 400k/800k baht to get a non O Visa, some embassy will maybe ask you to provide a bank statement with a balance of the equivalent of 6000 Euro or more (not required in Ho Chi Minh Thai consulate for now). You need to have 400k or 800k in a Thai bank if you do an in country extension of an existing non O Visa tho
4 years ago
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Gary ***********
@William *******
 Also for a type O, u don't have to show any money...
4 years ago
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Gary ***********
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Steve *********
As was written above, marriage visa lowers the financial requirements associated with regular "retirement" visas.

Elite visas are much more costly as initial expense, but don't need annual renewal or large sums in THB salted away.

Your call on what suits you.
4 years ago
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David ****************
I registered marriage before our child was born because I was concerned about parental rights but I'm also under 50. As I understand it, being married isn't necessary but makes it easier. It seems it may not be relevant if the kids are not recently born.

See:

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4 years ago
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Kuan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David ***************
 hi David. Yes you are correct because the Thai court allow you to extract a Order if court allowing you parental rights without the marriage registration 👍.
4 years ago
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Kuan ******
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Roy ***********
Retirement visa needs Baht 800,000 in the bank. As a married man I need Baht 400,000 in the bank.

For me that is important, for others it may not be.
4 years ago
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Gary ***********
@Roy **********
 You don't even have to have money in the bank...
4 years ago
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Gary ***********
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Phill ******
go for the elite.
4 years ago
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Scott *********
Been on a marriage visa 7 years.

1st year was a bit difficult but the other years was really easy.
4 years ago
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Eddie *******
@Scott ********
 what province. Some are real nightmares
4 years ago
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Eddie *******
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Max ***********
Thanks guys. My Thai partner of seven years wants to get married and I'm weighing up the pros and cons of that.
4 years ago
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Jefrey *****
@Max **********
 I think she's too young 😜
4 years ago
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Jefrey *****
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Eddie *******
What marc above said.

But i read horror stories about people trying to renew marriage visas. Photos in all rooms (my friend had to go back and take “bedroom” photos.....just them standing in room). Photos of them all around. Infront of their house etc. every year more photos even if nothing has changed.

Copies. Thousands of the same copies year after year.

Basically a retirement (if you qualify) is just easier. A few of my friend switched from a marriage visa to a retirement just cause the BS.

Good luck
4 years ago
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Cedrik *********
@Eddie ******
 haha, oh, the “freedom” of Thailand.
4 years ago
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Stan *******
That's exactly why I didn't change from a B retirement to an O. Way too much hassle.
4 years ago
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Kuan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Eddie ******
 thanks Eddie 👍
4 years ago
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Kuan ******
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Marcus **********
Yes. You can work and earn an income on a marriage visa. Also you have many more options available such as credit cards, finance etc. Retirement visa you cannot do any of that.
4 years ago
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Shamus ********
Interesting question, just the ceremony without the legal can keep in good with society....While not inviting the governments into the relationship, win win
4 years ago
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Rob ******
@Marc *********
 I have retirement visa, Thai credit card and Thai car loan (in my name alone). So that is in correct.
4 years ago
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Kuan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Marc *********
 thanks Marc - but you can also have that as a director of your own THAI company ?
4 years ago
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Kuan ******
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