What are the requirements and options for obtaining a spousal visa in Thailand?

September 25, 2023
a year ago
Rj ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I know i will get the hang of this but for now my thai wife and I are moving back to Thailand. Im looking forca place to help me the spousal visa and stuff, any suggestions on who is reasonable in price. I know you all do it yourself but the move is big enough.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user plans to move to Thailand with their Thai wife and is seeking assistance regarding the spousal visa process. They express a preference for not handling the process alone given the complexities of their move. Suggestions from the community highlight the option to apply for a NON-O visa prior to arriving in Thailand, which would allow them 90 days to prepare for a one-year extension, requiring a substantial bank deposit. There's a debate on whether to enlist agency help or to complete the process independently to save costs. The need for a translation of their foreign marriage certificate into Thai is also addressed, emphasizing possible notarization requirements.
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.
Rj ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
So what will i need to bring with me and do i make an appointment first.
Rj ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Will my marriage certificate from America we got 13 years ago work
จอนห์ *******
@Rj *****
you'll need to get a translation of it into Thai language by a certified transaction office.

Question is, 'will it also needs to be notarized.
Jesse *****
Rj ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jesse ****
thank you
Rj ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
So does anyone know of a decent agency or business that can help me after i get there.
จอนห์ *******
@Rj *****
the administration of this FB group.

'Thai Visa Centre,' send a message of enquiry. Or via 'Thai Visa Centre' on the Line App, or their website, via email.
Paul *******
Do it yourself. It is not hard and you save lots of money unless you like to give your money away.
Rj ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ******
not like to give it away, but for the 1st time getting it it may be worth peace of mind if not to bad
Terry ********
@Rj *****
no, do not have an agency or lawyer do it ! You will get screwed when you try to renew your extension, you’ll have to go back to the same service you used and keep doing it every year.

It may feel and look daunting at first, but trust me, in the long run, (and short) you’ll be happy you did it yourself
จอนห์ *******
@Terry *******
why will he get screwed.

I used an agent once the year after I did it myself.
Terry ********
@จอนห์ ******
I used an agent / lawyer in Phetchaburi, did all my 90 day check ins for the year and so on. The following year I moved to Bangkok , went to Chaeng Wattanna to get extension and they had no record of me ever having my visa. I had to leave the country, go to the Thai Embassy and start all over from scratch.

Ask around, I’m sure you’ll find plenty of others who’ve had the same problem.
จอนห์ *******
@Terry *******
well there you go. Due diligence is a wise method.

Thai Visa Centre has ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reviews / feedback. Stop tarring all Visa agents with the same brush.
Terry ********
@จอนห์ ******
sure and I would have given my layer 5^ also. They got me 15 months here, until I tried to renew at a different IO
Rj ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Terry *******
thanks Terry if i know what i need then ill give it a go, if i get the non O visa before i go is that all i need to open bank account
Terry ********
@Rj *****
you can check around at some of the local banks. Some are a little more lax and flexible on requirements to open an account. Some are very strict with their policies. Actually, different branches of the same bank will often have different policies as well. Kinda like IO. 😂
Peter *********
@Rj *****
agree
Brandon ************
If you apply for a non-O visa before you leave for Thailand, you will have 90 days to get things settled before you have to go in and apply for your 1-year extension. The only thing you'll need worry about before that is getting your 400,000 into a Thai bank account in your name 2 full months before you plan to do your extension application.
Rj ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
we have more than enough funds in a bank but under her name, they said i needed the non 0 visa first i think. If not im sure pattaya will let me open an account i hope.

Im about 1 hour from los angeles that has a thai embassy, i can also apply on line i think to get the non O.
Richard *********
@Rj *****
has to be in your name, not ur wifes<or a dual account
Brandon ************
@Rj *****
You can ONLY apply online. Foreigners are not allowed inside the Thai embassies in the US, or any other country where they have switched to the new evisa system.

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