What are the steps and requirements for changing from a multiple entry Non-O visa to a 1 year extension of stay based on marriage in Thailand?

Jun 23, 2024
5 months ago
Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I'm currently in a 1 year multiple entry non-o visa for marriage & looking to change to the regular 1 year marriage visa which requires the 400k in the bank.

My visa expires on September 4th, but I will be leaving Thailand and returning on June 28th which I think will give me 90 more days from entry, taking me to September 26th (correct me if I'm wrong).

A couple of questions:

1. I'm not sure if I need the money in my bank 60 or 90 days before applying (I think it's 60 if this counts as my first time applying & not a renewal). Either way, how soon should I get that 400k in my bank to be sure to have the application completed in time. If I wanted more time, would it be possible to get an extension on my current visa?

2. My wife has changed her surname to my name since the marriage, so it doesn't match the marriage certificate. Is there anything extra we need to prepare because of this? (I think we need to provide the paperwork/certificate from when she changed her name, just want to double check).

Thanks!
684
views
1
likes
17
all likes
5
replies
1
images
2
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user currently holds a 1-year multiple entry Non-O visa for marriage and wants to switch to a yearly extension of stay based on marriage. They are uncertain about the timing for having 400,000 baht in their bank account (which is required for the extension application) and whether they need this amount in place 60 or 90 days before applying. They are also inquiring about documentation since their wife has changed her surname. Community advice clarifies that they are actually seeking a yearly extension of stay, not a new visa, and that the 400,000 baht needs to be in the bank for 2 months before applying, regardless of whether it is their first application or a renewal.
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.
Tod *********
First off there is no "regular 1 year marriage visa" ๐Ÿ˜ฎ What you're talking about is going from a year-long, multi-entry Non-O visa where you bounce out and back every 90 days to what's called a yearly "extension of stay" based on marriage (that you get from the immigration office by meeting the requirements) ๐Ÿ™‚

You said your Non-O expires on Sept 4th and you're bouncing out/back on June 28th which will give you 90 days.

Now just so you know IF you wanna max out the time on that visa you can bounce out/back one final time close to Sept 4th (the day the visa runs out) and get another 90 days ๐Ÿ˜ฎ and THEN worry about the year extension after that runs down

Remember you can apply for the year extension on ANY one of the 90 day entries you make off that Non-O visa when you have 30 days or less left on your current 90 day stamp AND when you have the 400K baht in a thai bank account in your name only for 2 months before you apply. (and it's always going to be needed to be in the bank for 2 months before you apply no matter if it's your first or your 15th yearly extension based on marriage, that time doesn't change)

Now as far as the documentation you'll need at your immigration office to apply for the yearly extension, I'd say a couple weeks before you want to apply for the extension (so about 2 months before your 90 day stamp runs out) GO to the immigration office with your thai wife, talk to them about you applying for the year extension based on marriage, get the hand out listing the requirements at that particular office (copies, photos, marriage documents, bank letter, bank book update, etc) so you know what to prepare when you do go to apply
Tod *********
This is a general list of the requirements you can be asked to provide at the immigration office for the yearly marriage extension

It is NOT office specific which is why I said well before you're going to apply you and your thai wife go to your office and get their hand out, talk to them to see what's what at that location
Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
Thanks Tod, super helpful as always!

Good idea going to the immigration with the wife to get a list of requirements before applying, I didn't think of that. In Chiang Mai I could do that either at the immigration near the airport or the one at Central Festival, right? It's been a while since I've visited either of those.

I may do a border bounce to give me some more time. I actually really enjoyed my previous one at Chiang Saen. It's good to know that's an option at least.

Cheers!
Tod *********
@Andrew *******
nope you can't get the requirements OR apply for the year extension based on marriage at the Central Festival Mall location. Only at the main office by the airport.
Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
Thanks, that's everything I need to know ๐Ÿ™
Thai Visa Advice
... members ยท 40% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice