What visa options and procedures should a couple over 65 consider when moving to Thailand?

Question

Hello! I have some questions regarding timing of applying and waiting for visas and would like some advice.
We are a couple, residing in Canada.  He has a British passport and I have a US passport.  We are both over 65.  We would like to apply for a non immigrant O visa.  We have booked tickets from mid Jan to mid March.  Plan to apply for the 60 day tourist visa and spend 2 months looking at different areas in which to move.  Ideally, we would apply for the 30 day extension and change our return plane ticket.  The plan is to then return to Canada, pack things up and make the move. Here is what I would like to know.  Once we arrive, should we try to open the bank account right away? Then apply for the 90 day visa? Or can we wait until after we have looked at different areas before we open the bank account and apply for the visa? Also, if we apply and don't have an answer can we still leave and return once it's approved? Do we need to go into immigration once it's approved?  I'm sorry for my confusing questions.  I guess what I'd like to know, is it possible to get this done in 2 to 3 months then return to Canada to close things up.  Also, we plan to marry while we visit Thailand.  Is that to our advantage as far as Visas are concerned? Thank you!

Ask Thailand · Answer

A couple from Canada, holding a British and US passport and both over 65, plans to visit Thailand for two months starting in mid-January and is seeking advice on visa options, bank account opening, and their intent to marry while in Thailand. Key recommendations from the community include applying for a tourist visa initially, possibly extending it, and emphasizing the importance of having a bank account, especially when applying for a Non-O visa. Marrying in Thailand was advised against due to bureaucratic challenges, with suggestions to marry in Canada instead. Individuals were encouraged to research and prepare for their move while considering various visa applications that can help streamline their transition.

Graham ****** · Answer

The steps for getting married in Thailand are listed in this article. It can be done easily over a period of a couple of weeks with a visit of a few days to Bangkok (Embassies, translations & MFA ministry) then getting married locally at your Amphur office (there can be a long waiting list in Bangkok and other tourist areas). [url redacted]

Andy ********** · Answer

If you marry in Thailand, its expensive. Both of you will likely need to book time at your respective embassies to get an affirmation. The UK charges citizens for this service. Then that paperwork needs to be translated and notarised. Then the paperwork needs to go to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be check, accepted and approved (takes 3 working days. Be mindful the UK embassy only does its affirmation service on tuesdays and thursdays, and you need to book well in advance). You can DIY, but most use an agent to do all the running round (MFA shuts at 3pm M-F, closed public holidays and weekends). Cost me £500 to marry a Thai national, so you will be twice that, porobably, if using an agent.

Stuart *********** · Answer

You can book a cheap flight to a neighbouring country for very little money to meet the requirements.  It's your airline that might insist on this not immigration.

I agree with others about getting married in Canada instead, it's not that easy in Thailand, but if you decide to do it I would recommend using an agent for that.

The most difficult part of the visa process is definitely getting a bank account opened, so do that as soon as possible. Bangkok Bank was the only one that would open for me and they used to insist on buying an insurance policy at the same time. The rest of the visa process is straightforward,  just a case of filling out a couple of forms and going to the office at the right times. I wouldn't rush into buying a property, there are lots available, so rent first and check you are happy in the area. Good luck and enjoy.

Debbie *********** · Answer

Thank you for all the information. It's been very helpful.  We have our tickets booked to return in 2 months but is it okay if we change them now to return in 3 months even though we are entering on a 2 month tourist visa?

Todd ********* · Answer

I’m Canadian and this is such a dramatic improvement in life in every way, I would just pack up and move now. Upgrade your life. If you qualify for LTR, that is by far the best visa option. If not, to keep things simple and easy, consider using an agent to handle your visa at least for first year while you sort things out. [mention redacted]

Chris ******* · Answer

Okay you have a layered question.

*1st get MARRIED before arrival for retirement. This way one of you can be a dependant on the other, requiring only 800k for the primary applicant.*

2 foreigners getting married in Thailand is not the easiest thing, I suggest do it in Canada.

Here's my suggestion:

Come on a 60 day tourist visa and extend once at immigration for 30 days. Giving 90 days in country.

You could also do a border bounce for another 30 days and extend once for 30 days. Essentially getting 5 months to get situated.

When you are ready, go back to Canada and prepare.

Apply for a 90 day Non-o visa based on retirement.

The other apply for a 90 day non -o based on staying with family on longstay. Also known as "dependant".

Enter Thailand with the visa so you can easily get a bank account, because you already have a Visa.

Get the money transferred, 60 days later apply for 1yr extension.

This would be your easiest path and most economical .

**If you apply in country for the 90day non-o, you both apply separately and deposit 800k each, a dependant spouse cannot apply in country.

Henrik **** · Answer

Getting a bank account might not be as easy as you think without a long-stay visa. Therefore, the one-year Non-OA visa might be the best option as a start. This will make it more easy to open a bank account.

John ********** · Answer

You can come on tourist visas without a bank account but if you are planning on applying for the Non-O visa in Thailand you will each need your own bank account with 800k baht in it before you can apply.

Situation changes if you are married, but currently you are not.

Situation changes if you are married, but currently you are not.

What visa options and procedures should a couple over 65 consider when moving to Thailand?

Activity

Related

Resources