What are the financial requirements for a retirement visa in Thailand versus a marriage-based visa?

September 21, 2022
2 years ago
Todd **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi, I recently read if I retire in Thailand, and can prove at least 65,000 baht a month income you then don’t have to have 400,000 baht in a bank account if married to a THai woman? And we are going to build a house and she currently has one and property if that makes a difference? Does anyone know about this or can direct me to a site that’s updated? Thank you
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The poster seeks clarification on financial requirements for retiring in Thailand while married to a Thai woman, misunderstanding the nuances between a retirement visa and a marriage-based visa. Comments clarify that to qualify for a Non-O visa based on marriage, one must have either 400,000 baht in a Thai bank account or prove a consistent income of 40,000 baht/month for 12 months through bank transfers. The 65,000 baht/month figure mentioned pertains to retirement visa requirements, not marriage visas. Additionally, for American citizens, the US embassy does not verify income, implying the need for direct bank transfer evidence.
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.
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Robert *******
The best part of the Non Immigrant O visa or the Extension of Stay based on married with a Thai National is that you are married with a Thai National, as long as she is your fiance you can not use this type of visa as a fiance meens not your wedded partner in Thailand. No idea if this is different in your country.
Todd **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
I know that and it would mean the same here
Robert *******
@Todd *********
Okay, happy wedding next year than.
Todd **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Brandon ************
It looks like you're American. You should know that the US embassy does not verify income so the only way for you to use the monthly income method is to transfer 40,000 baht every single month into your Thai account for a year and then when you go for a marriage extension you would show proof of those transfers from the bank as evidence of your income. Then you would have to keep doing that forever as long as you want to stay in Thailand.

The embassies of some other countries will verify their income so they don't have to do this, but the US embassy stopped a while ago.

So if you hear people mention getting your income verified, know that it doesn't apply in your case.
Cole ***********
@Brandon ***********
Make sure it is each month, not just 12 deposits. They are very picky about the money.
Cole ***********
Good, keep the direct deposit day towards the middle of the month to avoid screw-ups for holidays and the like. Thai and American holidays can cause interruptions. 👍
Todd **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Cole **********
Thanks will do, it will always go there
Todd **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
Thanks and yes I will have it direct deposited
Tod *********
you got your wires crossed a bit..

That you're going to build a house or that your thai wife has property doesn't cut any ice.

The financial requirements for a Non-O visa/extension based on marriage to a thai are you either bank 400K baht in a thai bank account in your name only for 2 months before you apply for your year extension, OR you transfer IN to the country a minimum of 40K baht a month each month every month for the previous 12 months <- meaning you can't use this method for the FIRST yearly extension (because you won't have 12 months of transfers)

The 65K baht a month you're talking about is for a retirement visa/extension NOT one based on marriage to a thai
Todd **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
Thanks Tod
Tod *********
If your profile is to be believed and you are indeed 'merican 😉 you can't "prove income in your country because the US embassy here no longer issues the affidavit of income from abroad letter, <- meaning IF you're wanting to use monthly income for any extension you might get (marriage/retirement) you would have to transfer IN to the country from abroad to a thai bank account in your name only the minimum requirement (either 40K or 65K depending on marriage or retirement) every month
Todd **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
I was just at SS today and they will direct deposit into a THai bank and there is well more than enough in these min. I’m still confused, I’m not there yet, I just got back after 6 weeks visiting my fiancé we will get married next yr. I’m trying to plan ahead. Thank you
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