thailand
Ask question

What is the best path for a US citizen married to a Thai national to obtain Thai permanent residency or citizenship?

Thai Permanent ResidencyThai CitizenshipVisa Options ThailandRetirement Visa ThailandMarriage Registration ThailandNon-O VisaVolunteering in ThailandDual CitizenshipExpat in Thailand
Jun 13, 2024
6 months ago
Anonymous ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
My wife and I are planning to spend 3-4 months every year in Thailand when we retire next year. My wife is a dual citizen (US and Thailand). I am a US citizen. We were married in the US but never registered it in Thailand. We are both over 60. We are financially secure. We have a house in Thailand under my wife’s name. While in Thailand, I may volunteer my time at non-profit organizations. I’d would like to eventually get a Thai permanent residency (or citizenship) so I don’t have to deal with visas and in later years we may decide to live in Thailand full time. What’s the best path for me to get to Thai PR or citizenship?
1,238
views
5
likes
28
all likes
15
replies
0
images
12
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
A US citizen planning to retire in Thailand and seeking permanent residency or citizenship faces several options. His wife is a dual citizen, making their situation unique but challenging. Some suggested paths include obtaining a retirement visa or registering their marriage in Thailand to facilitate visa options. Options for staying in Thailand longer include a multiple-entry tourist visa or various extensions, with some commentary indicating that citizenship may be very difficult to obtain without significant ties like employment or tax contributions.
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.
Marty *********
Join the Thai Citizenship Facebook group.

There is a list of requirements and a point system but it is also my understanding that you have to have worked and paid taxes.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Herve *********
This ain't the US, just living in Thailand, even for decades, will not get you one inch closer to thai citizenship. I think a farang monk got it last year after many years of residence/monkhood, and probably sponsored by the religious authorities.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Troy ******
I don't understand how people with Thai wifes can't figure this out.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Henrik *****
No Volunteering without a workpermit.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Robert *********
Or

Get a multiple entry tourist visa ,which you can get 9 months a year from .
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Shane ******
I'd say for the time being, register your marriage in thailand, by that time the entry may be 60 days, and you can just apply for visit family 60 day. That give your your 4 months. Is it's only 30 days on arrival you can still do a visit family 60 day, that will give you 3 months.

Until you figure out if this is going to be a permanent spot. Then just do your married to thai non o.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Graham ******
@Shane *****
 30 day Visa Exempt plus 30 day Tourism Extension followed by a 60 day Visit Thai Family Extension gets 4 months (many Immigration Offices insist on taking the Tourism Extension before getting the Visit Thai Family Extension). The OP is asking about how to get PR more than how to stay 4 months however.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Shane ******
@Graham *****
 yes, understand

But as many have stated... thats not going to happen. 👍
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Shane ******
Reply
Linhof *********
I am similar situation. Retirement visa sounds about the best option
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Nongnuch ********
@Linhof ********
 he can't volunteer or work on a "retirement visa"
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Linhof *********
@Nongnuch *******
 nope. He probably gets that now 👍
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Linhof *********
Reply
Steve *******
Either buy an elite or get a retirement visa. Citizenship is about as likely as it snowing in Bangkok.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Nongnuch ********
@Steve ******
 he can't volunteer or work on an Elite visa or a "retirement visa"
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
@Nongnuch *******
 correct. He cannot work. There is one foundation in Bangkok that does accept volunteers.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Steve *******
Reply
Steve ******
You have no idea, champ. Not happening.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Steve ******
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 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
What visa options do I have for staying in Thailand with my fiancée and for her to visit the USA for my daughter's wedding?
45 comments
3 months ago
What are the best ways for a retired U.S. citizen to stay in Thailand for 6 months before applying for a marriage visa?
6 comments
4 months ago
How difficult is it for a US citizen married to a Thai resident to live in Thailand?
64 comments
9 months ago
What visa options are available for moving to Thailand as the spouse of a Thai citizen?
14 comments
10 months ago
What is the best visa option for a US citizen married to a Thai citizen looking to stay in Thailand for 180 days each winter?
5 comments
10 months ago
What visa should I apply for after marrying a Thai citizen while my retirement visa is expiring?
43 comments
a year ago
What visa options should I consider for moving back to Thailand with my Thai spouse and children?
34 comments
a year ago
What is the best visa strategy for a US citizen married to a Thai national while waiting to register their marriage in Thailand?
15 comments
a year ago
What are the best visa options for an American expat in Thailand who plans to marry and start a family?
18 comments
a year ago
What are the best visa options for a German married to a Thai national looking to retire in Thailand?
16 comments
a year ago
What are the best visa options for a 60-year-old Aussie moving to Thailand with a Thai wife?
6 comments
a year ago
What are my long-term visa options for moving to Thailand after getting married to a Thai citizen?
17 comments
2 years ago
What is the best long-term visa option for a US expat married to a Thai national?
7 comments
2 years ago
What is the best long-term visa option for a 63-year-old US citizen married to a Thai citizen?
47 comments
2 years ago
What visa should my English husband apply for before obtaining Thai citizenship after we move to Thailand?
52 comments
2 years ago
What is the best and most affordable way for an American citizen married to a Thai national to extend their stay in Thailand to 90-120 days?
27 comments
2 years ago
What are the best options for securing long-term residency in Thailand for a couple with an age difference and approaching retirement age?
13 comments
3 years ago
What are the best visa options for a US citizen planning to move to Thailand with a Thai girlfriend and son?
16 comments
3 years ago
What is the best visa option for a retired couple wanting to spend 3-4 months in Thailand?
14 comments
3 years ago
What visa options are available for a US citizen with Thai children wishing to live in Thailand?
23 comments
3 years ago
What is the best visa option for retiring in Thailand with a Thai spouse, and does citizenship make a difference?
13 comments
5 years ago
What are the best visa options for a US citizen planning to marry a Thai girlfriend and stay in Thailand?
21 comments
5 years ago
What is the best visa option for an American married to a Thai citizen and living in Thailand?
22 comments
5 years ago
What visa option is best for an Australian citizen married to a Thai national: Marriage or Retirement visa?
17 comments
6 years ago
What are my visa options for retiring in Thailand without being married?
5 comments
7 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.