What visa does my husband need to apply for the Non-O Retirement Visa in Thailand, and how can I apply for a trailing spouse visa?

Non-O Retirement Visa Visa Application Process Thailand Visa Rules Tourist Visa Trailing Spouse Visa Visa Exemption Immigration Office Procedures Health Insurance Requirements

Jun 12, 2024

5 months ago

Avigail *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

My husband (over 50) and I (under 50) are currently in Thailand on an extended exemption visa. My husband wants to apply for the 1 year non O Retirement Visa. He has the funds available.  

From what I understand,  my husband can apply for his visa from within Thailand (and in doing so, avoid insurance stipulatations).

What type of visa does he need before applying for the Retirement Visa? A 3 month tourist visa? If so... does he need to exit thailand to apply for this visa? 

When it is my turn to apply for a trailing spouse visa, it is my understanding that I first need to exit the country to apply for a 3 month visa at an embassy first. Are there only certain countries from where I can apply for this at the embassy? 

Thank you so much, I hope my questions are clear

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The husband can apply for the 1-year Non-O Retirement Visa from within Thailand using a valid visa (like a 30-day exemption, a 60-day tourist visa, or a 30-day extension) as long as he has 15 days left on his current visa stamp. If he lacks sufficient days, he must either apply for a tourist visa at a Thai consulate or exit and re-enter Thailand for a new entry stamp. The wife, seeking a trailing spouse visa, will face challenges, as obtaining a 90-day Non-O visa based on her husband's status may no longer be possible due to recent consulate policies.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
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Tod *********

He can apply at most immigration offices from a 30 day visa exempt entry/a 60 day tourist visa entry or a 30 day extension from one of those stamps as long as he has enough days left on his stamp to do the in country application at the immigration office

Most offices require a minimum of 15 days left on your current stamp to apply for the in country 90 day Non-O visa (no insurance required)

If he doesn't have enough time left on his current stamp he would either go to a thai consulate and buy a tourist visa or he would bounce out and back to get a free 30 day entry stamp

When you say this 𝗛𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 do you mean that he has a thai bank account in his name only with 800K baht in it?

Sadly when it is your turn, you're going to run into a brick wall trying to get a non-O based on being married to a foreigner here on a retirement visa, no consulate in the area will sell it. 🙁

The consulates all just stopped almost the same time issuing 90 day Non-O visas to "trailing spouse" of retirement visa holders.

So that one you're out of luck on 😕

5 months ago

Karen *******

@Tod ********

sorry to piggy back on this post. Does this mean a couple has to have their own nonO with 800k each in the bank?

5 months ago

Graham ******

Yes, for two in country Non-O Retirement Visas and/or 12 month Extensions of Stay two bank accounts with 800k in each is the usual requirement (some offices accept joint accounts with 2x 800k in)

5 months ago

Tod *********

@Karen ******

I was only pointing out that for a while now no consulate outside the country and no immigration office inside the country will sell 90 day Non-O visas to a spouse of a foreigner on a retirement visa/extension under the trailing spouse clause anymore.

5 months ago

Karen *******

@Tod ********

thanks.

5 months ago

Reply to

Karen *******

Avigail *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Karen ******

From what I've read only 1 spouse (over 50) needs 800k

5 months ago

Tod *********

@Avigail ******

that is correct but it's FINDING a way to get that trailing spouse Non-O visa so you can get the extension 😕

5 months ago

John **********

@Avigail ******

that's getting more and more difficult to obtain. If the primary visa holder gets a non-oa visa it's easier but you can only get them in your home country

5 months ago

Reply to

John **********

Avigail *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

Thanks so much

5 months ago

Reply to

Avigail *******

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