What is the correct procedure for obtaining a Non O visa and a dependent visa for retirement in Thailand for a US couple?

Question

Hi, I am new to the page and have a few questions.  First, my situation.  My wife and I are retiring next month and plan on moving to Thailand a few months after that.  We are from the US.  I will be 50 but my wife will not be.  We plan on getting a retirement Non O visa, requiring a deposit into a Thai bank. our original plan was to get to Thailand on a tourist visa, extend it once, if needed, while we worked, in Thailand, on obtaining my Non O visa and getting my wife added as a dependent.  I have been told this is a viable option.  I have also been told that, since my wife does not qualify for her own Non O visa, and she would be a dependent, I would have to obtain the Non O visa from a Thai embassy in the US before arriving in Thailand.
Can anyone shed some light on which is the correct procedure? We would prefer to do everything in Thailand, if its possible, but we dont want to show up and learn that we needed the Non O visa before arriving.
Thanks!

Ask Thailand · Answer

The post discusses the process for a US couple planning to retire in Thailand. The individual seeks guidance on obtaining a Non O visa for themselves, as they meet the age requirement, and how to secure a dependent visa for their wife, who does not meet the age criteria. There are two suggested approaches: either obtaining both visas in the US prior to arriving in Thailand or coming on a tourist visa, obtaining the Non O visa in Thailand, and then having the wife apply for the dependent visa from a neighboring country.

Ellie ******* · Answer

Non-O dependent (your wife) to a foreigner who stays in Thailand legally (you) cannot get an initial Non-O dependent visa inside Thailand. She needs to apply for her visa at the embassy/consulate outside Thailand, doesn't have to be in the US.

Your choices would be:

1. both get initial visas in the US. You apply for single entry Non-O based on being over 50. Your wife apply for single entry Non-O based on dependent to you

2. come to Thailand on TR or visa-exempt. You apply for an in-country initial Non-O visa based on being over 50 for 90 days, then apply for a 1-year extension. Once you are on an extension for 1 year, your wife goes to a neighboring country and applies for single entry Non-O based on dependent on you. She needs to do a border bounce or another way to stay in Thailand as a tourist until you get 1-year extension though.

What is the correct procedure for obtaining a Non O visa and a dependent visa for retirement in Thailand for a US couple?

Activity

Related

Resources