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

What is the best visa option to apply for in Australia for opening a Thai bank account and considering a marriage or retirement visa?

May 18, 2025
a day ago
David *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi looking for advice

I’m married to a Thai lady

Returning to Australia today and need to return to Thailand on a simple visa to get a Thai bank account and eventually a marriage or retirement visa

I have enough money to cover both

Which is the simplest visa to apply for when I am in Australia please

Cheers Dave
1,066
views
1
likes
29
all likes
14
replies
2
images
9
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking advice on the simplest visa to apply for while in Australia to facilitate the opening of a Thai bank account, and is considering options for a marriage or retirement visa. The responses indicate that the NON-O visa is recommended for both purposes, particularly for opening a bank account. There is also a discussion about the retirement visa being easier than a marriage visa, and eligibility for permanent residency requires job and tax contributions after three years on a marriage visa.
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.
Nigel *******
The none O is the one you want for both retirement, or marriage. Also makes opening a bank account a lot easier. I am married to. Thai lady, but I am doing the retirement visa, as a lot less paperwork.
Michael **********
@Nigel ******
Hi Nigel

Being on a retirement visa as you say it’s easier but what about PR . As I have read after three years being on a marriage visa you are eligible for permanent residence.

Correct me if I’m wrong.
Nigel *******
@Michael *********
I have not heard of that, but not really looked into that side of it.
Robert **********
you would need to be working to apply for PR

This site has useful information on the process

**************************************************************
Michael ********
@Michael *********
you need to be working and paying tax to be eligible for PR
Michael **********
Michael ********
@Michael *********
Yes AI is not quite right here, if you are interested to learn more join the Thai Citizenship group.I Wish it was as easy as holding a non O visa 3 years in a row
Michael **********
@Michael *******
I am not going to insist but that’s what I have heard (read)
Frank **********
Retirement visa is easier then a marriage visa.
Bobb *********
Phirom *********
You need a non o immigrant visa to open a Thai bank account.
Jeremy ********
@Phirom ********
or a long term visa
Paul *******
To open a Thai bank account, you need to be on a long term visa.
Chris *********************
@Paul ******
not long term mate I see a lot of people open a bank account on a 90 days visa
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