This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

What are the costs and requirements for obtaining a work visa in Pattaya if I'm married to a Thai national?

Aug 10, 2025
2 days ago
Lianne *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Looking for advice on the cost of a work visa in pattaya and the best agent to use. I am married to a thai national.
305
views
0
likes
9
all likes
9
replies
0
images
3
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking information on the cost of obtaining a work visa in Pattaya and recommendations for reliable agents, specifically for someone married to a Thai national. There are discussions about the Non-O visa based on marriage, with points raised about eligibility and associated work permit restrictions. It's noted that while the user can manage a bar/restaurant, they will not be able to perform certain jobs like serving drinks directly.
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.
Lianne *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you very much for the info plenty to think about to decide which way to proceed.
John **********
Some immigration offices require you have been married for two months before you can apply for a Non-O visa based on marriage but this is the best visa for you. As a female married to a Thai male there are no financial considerations to meet and you can hold a work permit on it. Waiting tables, serving drinks etc will have to be done by Thais but you could be a manager.
Lianne *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks for reply it is a bar/restaurant we are opening and i was hoping to take orders and take out meals and clean tables so am I right in thinking that wouldn't be allowed
John **********
@Lianne ******
correct. That would be a reserved occupation so you wouldn't be able to do it. You need Thai staff for that
Max *************
Are you on a Non-O based on marriage?
Lianne *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Max ************
currently on 60 day visa i got married last week and we are opening a restaurant employing 3 Thai people and want to work there myself so looming for best way to obtain the correct visa and ruff cost any advice is much appreciated.
Max *************
@Lianne ******
The easiest way imo is to apply for a 90 days Non-O based on marriage in Thailand,then apply for a 1 year extension. But you need 400k baht in a Thai bank account or 40k/month in monthly deposits. You can then work,you just need a work permit.But, you as a foreigner is not officially allowed to work in a Thai restaurant, if that's what you're going for. As a manager/owner maybe,but you can still not do anything in the restaurant, just basically give orders.
John **********
@Max ************
as a female married to a Thai male there are no financial requirements for her to get a Non-O visa
Max *************
@John *********
I know, my bad, I was just a bit to fast, and forgot to edit my comment due to making coffee. ๐Ÿ˜
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members ยท 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else