ask
Search
Ask
Answered9 years ago

What are the best visa options and requirements for a British expat planning to marry a Thai citizen?

Paul ******
asked Jan 9, 2018
4.1k
views
31
replies
5
likes
hello all thanks for the add. i am british and trying to gather info on visas and cost from people who actually did it . my gf is thai and daughter of mayor in lopburi . what visas can i get what length are they and cost if i first fly in as visitor then we marry then ill either start business with her or work somewhere . im currently in philippines and here if marry can get perm res visa after one year probation. then can work anywhere doing anything no other visa needed. whats best route in thailand?😄
Answer summary
A British expat is seeking information on the best visa options and processes for marrying a Thai citizen and potentially starting a business in Thailand. Various comments suggest entering Thailand on a Single Entry Tourist Visa or a Multi-Entry Tourist Visa (METV) to maximize stay duration while organizing marriage and paperwork. After marrying, one could apply for a Non-Immigrant O visa based on marriage, which requires proof of financial stability. Others advise against relying on local officials for visa information and discuss the financial requirements, such as having a minimum of 400,000 THB in a Thai bank account for the marriage visa.
31 repliesnewest first
10

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

Ümit ********
Ümit ********
you are lucky. Just before come make hotel booking and 2 way air ticket for 1 month. they will ask it at airport. so they will stamp 1 month visa. Later go to your embassy for marriage. They will inform you. Or you can get best info from freelance translator at ja wattana government office. dont lost money to lawer
Ümit ********
Ümit ********
@David *******
Their behavior is different according to country. This is why you are lucky
Ümit ********
Ümit ********
@Robert ******
do you know what are these questions?
Robert *******
Robert *******
Questions are not stupid, answers can be stupid.
Ümit ********
Ümit ********
@Paul *****
If you say that you will stay in gf home then they can ask many stupid question
David ********
David ********
I must be lucky because I’ve never been asked for hotel booking, onward travel or 20k when I’ve arrived at airport
Paul ******
Paul ******
OP
no hotel will stay her house ? will i need email or letter stating that?
David ************
David ************
That must be some kind of mayor not to have these answers.
Yvonne *********
Yvonne *********
My thoughts exactly Tod,
David ************
David ************
@Tod ********
actually you are right Tod. My wife ran for Mayor a few years ago and doesn’t really know any of this stuff. I guess I should have my coffee before commenting so early. Lol
Tod *********
Tod *********
Not surprisingly, most thaiz (I don't care how influential they might or might not be) don't have the slightest clue about visas/extensions for foreigners here.
Yvonne *********
Yvonne *********
One last thing, I would like to mention, after great advice from Tod. The mayor will know nothing at all about Thai Visas, and its better to rely on your own info about that side of things.
Tod *********
Tod *********
I would say seeing as you have no idea what you're really wanting to do once you get here that a 6 month METV <- multi-entry tourist visa is the best option.

If you work that visa correctly you can get almost 9 months of stay out of it. That is certainly long enough for you to get your ducks in a row and quacking in time.

The last thing you need is a gun to your head visa wise where you're going to make a poor decision just to futher your stay here (no matter if your g/f is the daughter of the mayor of lopburi or not ;) )
Robert *******
Robert *******
You can come in on a Single Entry Tourist Visa, which will give you 60 days. If you marry and have 15 days left on the Admitted to Stay date, you can apply for a Non Immigrant O visa based on marriage, cost 2.000 Thb for 90 days. Than you can extend for 1 year if you meet the financial requirement of minimum 400.000 Thb on Thai bank account or minimum 40.000 Thb a month income. To work you still need a work permit next to your Non Immigrant O visa based on marriage. I do not think it is a big pro that she is a daughter of the mayor in Lopburi. But he can as he wants help out with the paper works needed.
Paul ******
Paul ******
OP
@Jamie *****
yes 10k usa dollars less if retirred military or older with a certain pension incomming
Jamie ******
Jamie ******
Paul Cobb how much do you need in the Philippine bank for retirement

Think the last time I looked it was
*****
pounds based on age or that might have been dollars
Jamie ******
Jamie ******
@Paul *****
sent you a pm
Jamie ******
Jamie ******
800.000
Paul ******
Paul ******
OP
@Jamie *****
any chance you lnow retierment visa reqs? im only 52 so no pension yet but if similar to ph just need certain amount in bank acct to be eligible ?
Jamie ******
Jamie ******
Paul Cobb all the best Paul , I’m sure you will enjoy Thailand Different buzz to Philippines for sure ,,,the visas are a pain in the neck and many married couples go for the retirement visa ,,,,that should tell you all you need to know about the marriage visa ,,,haha ,,I’m sure with your family connections you will be less stressed out than others , enough said.

I’ve actually had enough of visas here and am trying to get boots on the ground information about the living costs in the Philippines

I know it’s all apples and carts with regards cost of living

But the widely spoken English is another factor

Try to learn Thai writing as quick as you can along with speaking of course
Paul ******
Paul ******
OP
@Jamie *****
will be staying in lop buri not sure if has immigration office but is decent size city so would think it does.
Jamie ******
Jamie ******
@Robert ******
I’m sure I wrote 6
*****
0s haha yes 2 months the first year ,then 3 months the following years .

I was only saying about visas ,work permits ,residency etc etc are much much easier in the Philippines and cheaper by a long way over the long run .

Yes it is possible to get residency in Thailand on a UK passport but I would suggest it would take him at least 7-8 years before he was even considered and then there is no guarantee of getting it as each country passport there is only a certain number from each country that can get it and the brits and the yanks have the highest number of people applying ,,,,

Till that process is sorted it is yearly visas ,so you would want to set up near an immigration office that handles visas when deciding where to stay
Robert *******
Robert *******
I would go to Thailand but every one his opinion. It is not 4.000.000 as
@Jamie *****
writes but only 400.000 Thb for 2 months in a bank account. With help of your father in law to be it would be no problem to open a bank account. Some branches makes it difficult others will say no problem.
Paul ******
Paul ******
OP
thanks thats the info was looking for no rush to marry and money should be np in bank acct . speaking of which how hard to get bank acct here in ph its almost impossible on tourist visa unless a jiont acct. ?
Jamie ******
Jamie ******
And you need to have the
*****
00 in a bank for 2 or is it 3 months before applying for the marriage visa .

Work visa is another kettle of fish even if you start a business with your wife I’m sure someone will tell you about that later ,,,,I would stay in the Philippines and visit Thailand
Jamie ******
Jamie ******
It’s easier to get a resident visa For the Philippines ,,,,you won’t be able to even apply for residency for quite a number of years after you marry and the criteria is a lot tougher than Philippines

For Thailand get a double entry tourist visa ,that can be extended up to 6 months that will give you enough time to get all the paper work you need to get married in Thailand .

It doesn’t really matter that she is the daughter of the mayor

Or maybe it does

Ask him about visas
Tod *********
Tod *********
@Jamie *****
they stopped double and triple entry tourist visas back on the 13th of November 2015. :/ That's when they went to either a single entry or a 6 month METV.
Ciaran **********
Ciaran **********
@Jamie *****
Approximately 2 years, give or take.
Jamie ******
Jamie ******
@Ciaran *********
they must have changed it recently then as there was a single ,double and triple entry
Marie *******
Marie *******
As far as I know multiple entry can only be obtain in your country of residence
Ciaran **********
Ciaran **********
There's no such thing as a double entry tourist visa. Only single - 60 days, or multi - 6 months.

Activity

10 joined
Paul ******
Paul ******
Paul ******
Paul ******
Paul ******
Paul ******
10
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 is the most cost-effective way for a UK couple to obtain retirement visas in Thailand?
3.6k29444mo
What are the qualification requirements and pricing for Thai visas?
204114mo
Can I stay in Thailand for almost 9 months with a Multi-Entry Tourist Visa (METV) considering my travel plans?
6.6k381204mo
What are the pros and cons of applying for the Thai marriage visa extension compared to the retirement visa?
2.7k844mo
What are the best visa agents in Australia for obtaining a retirement visa for Thailand?
7k221726mo
How can I apply for a DTV in Thailand with limited bank account history?
1.4k1431y
What are the best visa options for staying in Thailand for 6 months?
2.7k24161y
What is the best plan for opening a Thai bank account and transitioning to a retirement visa upon my return to Thailand?
4k33352y
Is it worth opening a local bank account in Thailand for a long-term stay?
1.3k872y
What are the visa options for expats in Thailand, especially concerning gay marriage and tourism?
2.9k22232y
What are the requirements for opening a bank account for a guardian visa in Thailand?
2.6k8183y
What are the steps and requirements for a UK national to retire to Hua Hin, Thailand, including visa options and pet travel?
2.4k17213y
What are the best steps to take when applying for a retirement visa in Thailand as a USA citizen?
5.3k45483y
What is the best long-term visa option for a US expat married to a Thai national?
1.5k7184y
Can I open a bank account in Thailand on a tourist visa without a work permit?
7.6k80314y
What are the requirements for extending a Visa OA for a retiree in Thailand?
1.1k844y
What should my return air ticket show if I have a two-month visa for Thailand and am married to a Thai citizen?
1.3k9114y
Can I convert a tourist visa to a retirement visa based on marriage without a bank deposit in Thailand?
3.4k30204y
What is the best long-term visa option for a 38-year-old expat planning to holiday in Thailand?
3k14485y
What are the best visa options for UK retirees planning to stay in Thailand for 6-9 months?
2.4k16287y
What are the best visa options for moving to Thailand if I am married to a Thai citizen?
2.3k17207y
What are the requirements and steps to apply for a Thai marriage visa without depositing 400,000 THB?
3.7k37178y
What visa options are available for a foreigner married to a Thai citizen living abroad who frequently visits Thailand?
3.2k31158y
What are the steps to get a Thai Non-O visa based on marriage for a British citizen?
2.3k18179y
What are the visa options and requirements for expats in Chiang Mai, especially regarding Guardian and Student Visas?
779529y

Resources

Need help with your Thai visa?