ask
Search
Ask
Answered6 years ago

What are the best options for getting a marriage or retirement visa in Thailand before my current visa expires?

Warren ******************
asked Jan 18, 2021
3k
views
15
replies
5
likes
A bit confused, please any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I arrived in Thailand Jan 15, 2021 on a Non-IMM Visa. I'm married to a Thai women who traveled with me and am curious what is my best way to go about getting either a marriage visa or retirement visa, as my Visa is only valid until March 13. I get out of quarantine Feb 1, 2021 so I don't have much time, as we want to retire in the Kingdom. Where would I find the official website to find this information? I'm 54 and financially covered on both Visas, back in my home country; but I don't have my name on a bank account here yet!? Just wondering which option is the easiest and quickest. Any advice: I would welcome. TIA
Answer summary
The user is seeking advice on the best way to obtain either a marriage or retirement visa in Thailand as their current Non-IMM visa is set to expire soon. Various community members provide insights into the requirements for each visa type, noting the importance of checking the specific immigration office's demands. Key points include maintaining certain balances in Thai bank accounts (400K THB for marriage, 800K THB for retirement), potential income qualifications, and tips for finding official information through local immigration offices and expat groups.
15 repliesnewest first
9

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Benjamin ******
Benjamin ******
1. Assuming, what
@Ellie ******
said, there is no writing on your Non-O visa, the best extension of stay to get depends on your unique needs. What your needs are, I don't know.

2. Each office has their own paperwork requirements. ASK your local immigration office what they need.

3. This is not a group to discuss the best ways to transfer money from your home country to Thailand. Talk to your bank, OR find a Facebook group to help you.
Ellie *******
Ellie *******
For very basic official information you can check here (No.18 for marriage to a Thai national, No.22 for retirement). Each office has additional requirement as proof of these criteria, so as
@Benj****
says, check your local immigration office for detail.

*****************************************
*****
Ellie *******
Ellie *******
@War***
, First of all, you NEED to check your used visa sticker if it has notes (typed or handwritten) which says something regarding marriage/Thai wife. If this thing's written, you would NOT be able to apply for extension based on any other reason than being marriage to Thai national. If nothing written, you could have some choice from reasons for Non-O.

You may confused the date of visa expiry and admitted to stay until date on entry stamp. check and be sure what you have now...
Karsten *************
Karsten *************
Third solution is an income letter from your embassy with confirmed income of at least 40.000 Baht! Some embassies are still confirming it!
Reiner *********
Reiner *********
@Karsten ************
well IF the embassy will give this letter as Most do not any more... For tge retirement. First DO the 800 k bank letter and you will have it the next day.... Then may be change to tge 12 month statements that most of the immigration offices ask for with 65.ooo monthly coming in from abroad to your account into Thailand..... If you ask me.... Don't touché the 800 on your account and live from your income..... Don't do the marriage visa it need more time and will need here every time.....
Dom **************
Dom **************
@Reiner ********
only embassies from 3 different countries stopped issuing these letters, not most embassies.
Patrick ******
Patrick ******
Retirement visa easier and faster
Guy ***********
Guy ***********
Way too much paperwork for me to even consider.
Guy ***********
Guy ***********
@Patrick *****
agreed. Done in 1 trip to the office with correct paperwork.
Patrick ******
Patrick ******
@Guy **********
👍

Spouse visa can be more complicated and take longer too
Guy ***********
Guy ***********
Bobby ********
Bobby ********
Where are you intending to live? Best strategy is find a Facebook group in that area (there will be one trust me), and ask all the questions there, as they will have the answers specific to that immigration office
Bobby ********
Bobby ********
Warren James. Try this one. I'm not out that way so I've no idea, but I'm sure they can give you the info you're looking for
Warren ******************
Warren ******************
OP
@Bobby *******
Ubon Rathathani
Benjamin ******
Benjamin ******
When you enter on a Non-O visa, you're stamped in for 89 days. You're in quarantine for 15 days, so you should have 74 days remaining on your stamp.

>Where would I find the official website to find this information?

Each immigration office will have their own requirements to get a one year extension of stay based on marriage OR a one year extension of stay based on retirement. You'd have to ask the immigration office.

>Just wondering which option is the easiest and quickest.

Both are equal in difficulty, I think. For the extension of stay based on marriage, you'll have to keep 400K THB in a Thai bank account, while for an extension of stay based on retirement, you'll have to keep 800K THB.

Activity

9 joined
Warren ******************
Warren ******************
Warren ******************
Warren ******************
Warren ******************
Warren ******************
9
people
Thai Visa Advice
Thai Visa Advice
...members40% approval
Member 1
Member 2
Member 3
Member 4
Member 5
Member 6
Member 7
Member 8

Related

25
What long-term visa options are available for someone under 50 years old in Thailand?
1.3k12134d
What are the best visa options for retired Canadians looking to stay in Thailand for 5.5 months without leaving?
5.1k48453mo
Can one spouse be the main applicant for a retirement visa while the other is a dependent in Thailand?
5.1k111317mo
What are my uncle's options for visa extension in Thailand if he can't provide an income affidavit and lives separately from his Thai wife?
2.6k24208mo
Do liquid stocks qualify for the $16k requirement when applying for a Thai DTV visa?
1.1k931y
Does having two Thai bank accounts with a total of 80k baht monthly qualify for the retirement visa requirement?
2.1k13281y
What are the current financial requirements for a retirement visa in Thailand?
1k811y
What are the budget-friendly options for establishing a home base in Thailand before committing to a Retirement Visa or Non-O visa?
1.2k7131y
What are the options for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand without the required funds?
10.4k891071y
What is the procedure for canceling a Non-Imm-O visa extension and managing retirement funds for expats in Thailand?
1.4k6182y
What is the process and timeline for switching from an O Marriage Visa to a Retirement Visa in Thailand?
4.2k40222y
What are the best options for extending my stay in Thailand after giving up my "O" visa?
9.3k85722y
What are my options for renewing my O-A visa in Thailand and dealing with health insurance?
7k65572y
What are the current financial requirements for expats on a Thai marriage visa or retirement visa?
10.2k811142y
What is the best visa option for semi-retirement in Thailand while working remotely?
7.6k61823y
What are the best visa options for a German married to a Thai national looking to retire in Thailand?
2k16133y
What are the best visa options for moving to Thailand with a dog while selling my home in the UK?
4.7k30653y
What are the best visa options and banking advice for expats staying in Thailand after a dependant visa?
1.6k10104y
What are the steps to apply for a retirement visa in Thailand for a UK expat married to a Thai citizen?
4.3k42205y
What could be the reason for my retirement visa extension denial despite meeting financial requirements, and should I consider switching to a marriage visa instead?
9.3k781027y
Will I need to restart the process for my visa if my pension drops below the retirement visa requirement?
1k767y
What are the income requirements for a marriage-based extension of stay in Thailand?
2k15108y
What are the best visa options for marrying and living in Thailand with limited income?
3.9k39178y
What are my options for extending my Non-O retirement visa while in Kuala Lumpur?
1.1k109y
What happens to a Thai marriage visa if my spouse passes away?
7.5k64729y

Resources

Need help with your retirement visa?