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

What is the current process for applying for a Non-O visa in Thailand as the spouse of a work permit holder?

Jun 29, 2025
15 days ago
Thanapon *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi everyone! Hope you’re doing well. I’d really appreciate any help or recent info on this.

My wife currently has a valid Non-B visa and a work permit in Thailand. I’m her husband, and I’m currently in Thailand on a tourist stamp.

Has anyone recently applied for a Non-O visa (as the spouse of a work permit holder) if both partners are foreigners?

From what I know, applications used to go through thaivisavientiane.com, but the site is no longer working.

I’ve tried to understand how the process works now, and here’s what I found:

1. You travel to Laos (for example, via Udon Thani and the Friendship Bridge).

2. You apply for the visa online at thaievisa.go.th, uploading all required documents.

3. Then you go to the embassy and pay the visa fee — 2,000 baht.

4. After a few days, you receive the visa by email and can re-enter Thailand.

Is this process still accurate, or have things changed? Can you still go to the embassy in person, or is everything only handled online now?

Also, how long does it take? Some sources say 1–2 days, others mention up to 10–14 days.

Thank you very much in advance for any advice or recent experience! 🙏
608
views
1
likes
22
all likes
12
replies
0
images
3
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking recent information on the process for applying for a Non-O visa as the spouse of a work permit holder in Thailand, specifically when both partners are foreigners. They outline a perceived process involving travel to Laos, online application, and a visit to the embassy. Comments suggest applying at a local immigration office in Thailand instead, and share varying information on processing times.
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.
David ********
Have you tried to change your visa at an Immigration office in Thailand? Not necessarily in Bangkok, a regional office such as in Chiang Mai or Phuket?
Jan ******************
You can also apply for a Non O visa visiting non Thai citizens at your immigration in Thailand on your current stay. You’ll need at least 15-21 days left on your current stamp.

Official processing time in Vientiane is up to two weeks, but according to feedbacks it’s quite fast and within some days.
Thanapon *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jan *****************
The stamp expires soon — on July 8. And I’ve heard that getting a visa in Laos is easier and faster.

To obtain a Non-O visa within Thailand, need a strong reason, and the processing time is very long.
Nongnuch ********
@Thanapon ********
You can get a 90-days Non-Imm-O Visa based on being the spouse of a foreigner working in Thailand, on your Immigration office inside Thailand. The process is called "change of visa type". You "change" from the touristic entry to the initial Non-Imm-O visa, and from there you can apply for the 1-year extension. However, you need 15 workdays left on your current stay permit, in order to apply for the "change". You need to exit Thailand and re-enter, to get a new 60-days stay permit stamp. . . . . . Check out the number 4 and 5 on this Immigration website, to see the requirements needed for the application
*******************************************
John **********
@Thanapon ********
you need the supporting documents from the employer wherever you apply as well as proof of relationship but you don't have long enough on your current stamp to apply inside Thailand so you would have to leave anyway
Thanapon *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
Yes, thank you, I know that. All the documents are ready
Jan ******************
@Thanapon ********
Ok, it should be possible to get a Non O visa as a trailing spouse if your wife lives and work in Thailand.

Anyway getting visas in Laos has always been quite popular and as mentioned the actual processing time is quite fast. You’ll need to apply through the e-visa portal first and pay the fee in cash at the embassy/consulate before they’ll start processing your visa.
Thanapon *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jan *****************
So first I fly to Laos, submit the application online, then go to the embassy to pay and just wait, right?

Can I submit the application only after I arrive in Laos, or can I do it while I’m still in Thailand?

Also, is the payment always made in cash at the embassy? I can’t pay online in advance with a Thai card, correct?
Wannikea *********
@Thanapon ********
pay at the consulate in THB cash. BTW, do not go to the embassy go to the consulate on Rue Bourichane
John **********
@Thanapon ********
you can prepare the application in Thailand but you can't submit it until you are in Laos as you need the entry stamp to show your location, but you always have to be in the location you apply from in any case. Once submitted you go to the consulate and pay
Jan ******************
@Thanapon ********
You have to wait until you’re in Laos to do the application as they will probably ask you to upload your latest stamp in your passport to confirm that you fulfill the requirements of being present in the area you apply.

When you’ve done the application you’ll get a reference number for your visa and you go to the embassy and pay the fee in cash before they’ll start processing your visa. Good luck 🤞

(Online payment it’s currently not available in Laos).
Thanapon *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jan *****************
@John *********
@Nongnuch *******
Thank you guys, you really really helped me a lot 🙏
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