What types of visas are available for spending extended periods in Thailand as a 59-year-old expat with a Thai common law partner?

Thailand visas Non-Immigrant Type O-A Visa MET Visa Marriage Visa Thai Elite Visa Expat living in Thailand Visa requirements for retirees Common law marriage in Thailand

May 11, 2020

4 years ago

Kurt *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi just putting this out there. I am hoping to spend about 6 months a year in Thailand. I am 59 years old and rapidly approaching retirement. My common law wife is a dual citizen of both Canada and Thailand. We currently live in Canada but would like to escape the Canadian winters on a yearly basis. My c.l. wife has property and family in Thailand. Comments appreciated.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

An expat looking to spend six months a year in Thailand must navigate visa options based on their status and circumstances. Since the individual is in a common law relationship, they cannot apply for a marriage visa. Suggested alternatives include the Non-Immigrant Type O-A visa, which requires financial proof and health insurance, or the MET (Multiple Entry Tourist) Visa, although the latter requires leaving every 60 to 90 days. Additionally, the Thai Elite Visa offers flexibility for long-term stays without frequent renewals. Community members advise exploring Thailand's regions before settling down and recommend being aware of visa regulations to avoid complications.

Ken ******

anyway to change from OA to O visa? it probably help to save money for health insurance which can be quite expensive and premium increase with age

4 years ago

Bobby ********

@Ken *****

. Is that better than being uninsured?

4 years ago

Reply to

Bobby ********

Nick ****************

Minor point but common law means nothing here. You wont be treated differently to any other tourist I am afraid.

4 years ago

Edward *******

Easy solution: Get (officially) married so you have a marriage certificate. Then you can get marriage visa extension to stay longer each time you visit Thailand.

Easier solution: Get Thai Elite Visa: You can fly in/out whenever you want and stay as long as you need.

4 years ago

Henry *****

I visit every year for 6-9 months with a 6 month METV, only down side is you gotta leave every 60 days or extend and leave every 90 days. Can extend up to 9 months if planned correctly.

They’re also cracking down on this if they believe you’re trying to live here on a tourist visa. If you have money you can get the Elite Visa

4 years ago

Gregor *******

Plenty of canucks do the same. Metv is the way to go and easily done at the Thai embassy in a city near you. You will make plenty of expat friends in similar circumstances. Recommend you do a tour of Thailand the first time and then figure out if and where you want to stay yearly. Look for activities for you and the Misses to do. Lots of Facebook groups for that. Just do it and don't look back. Don't overplan. It's all easier than you think or read

4 years ago

Tod *********

okay IF you never actually got married to your thai "wife" then you have no option to get a visa based on marriage to a thai, so that's out.

You COULD get a year-long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type O-A (Long Stay) visa from the thai consulate in your country before you wing your way here.

That visa requires a police background check, a medical certificate, proof you have at least 800K baht or the equivalent in the bank or an income of 65K baht or the equivalent a month AND proof you meet the mandatory health insurance requirements of 40K/400K baht as far as in/out patient coverage.

You can get it from the thai consulates in Ottawa or Vancouver ONCE they re-open

4 years ago

Kurt *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

4 years ago

Tod *********

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4 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********