Answered3 days ago
What visa options are available for a foreign spouse under 50 of a retiree on a Non-O visa in Thailand?
If someone has a non-O visa for retirement (over 50 years old, 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account, etc.) but their foreign spouse is under 50 years old, what visa options are there for them as a couple to stay long term in Thailand together?
I’ve read that there is a “dependent” visa for a spouse of someone on the retirement extension non-O, and I’ve also read that there isn’t… so currently unsure which is correct.
If anyone has any firsthand experience or knowledge, please share.
Thanks 🙏🏼
I’ve read that there is a “dependent” visa for a spouse of someone on the retirement extension non-O, and I’ve also read that there isn’t… so currently unsure which is correct.
If anyone has any firsthand experience or knowledge, please share.
Thanks 🙏🏼
Answer summary
A non-O visa holder for retirement can encounter difficulties in securing a dependent visa for their spouse under 50 years of age. Many experts in the comments note that most embassies do not issue dependent visas associated with a Non-O visa; some might do so with a Non-OA visa. There are discussions about alternatives like applying for an Education (ED) visa or utilizing other visa options, although switching from a tourist visa to a dependent visa while in Thailand may not be feasible. It's advisable for the spouse to apply for a visa before traveling, and consulting a visa agent is recommended for complicated cases.
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Phil ******
@Aarif ********
non o retirement for both of you.฿800,000 for bothAarif *********
OPPhil Beer Thanks...so the two of us CAN apply for non-O even though she's under 50 with her as my dependent?
Phil ******
@Aarif ********
sorry missed that. I'm unsure. Maybe someone else can answer
John **********
She won't be able to get a Non-O visa as your dependant in Thailand or in the great majority of Thai consulates. It might be possible in some if you are on an extension of stay but most will only do it if you are on a Non-OA visa. A workaround might be for her to get a different visa such as an ED visa and when she applies for the 2nd extension of that she could request to change the reason for the extension to one as being your dependant. But she would have to attend school and study, and the 1st extension must always be for the reason the visa was issued
Aarif *********
OP@John *********
Thanks...I have heard that but then I also hear people saying it can be granted... its confusing.Stuart *********
I don’t believe there are any embassies that will issue a “dependant” visa off a Non O these days. Some will off a Non OA
If you tell us the embassy you’re trying from others may be able to advise.
If you tell us the embassy you’re trying from others may be able to advise.
Aarif *********
OP@Stuart ********
Thanks. I'm British, she is Japanese, and we both currently live in Goa, India. We have Lifetime Visas for here (it's called OCI), so it's like permanent residency.Thinking of - or planning to - move out to Thailand at some point, but the information about getting a visa for her as a dependent is conflicting.
Stuart *********
@Aarif ********
If you got an OA visa (from your home country) you could possibly stand a chance of getting a dependent visa. Very few embassies will do that these days but it could happen. I am not aware of any that will issue one of a Non O.
She would need her own visa until she turns 50 and can get her own. Perhaps look at an education visa or if money is no object the Privilege visa.
Aarif *********
OP@Stuart ********
thank you
Siggi *******
@Stuart ********
they have to do it, they can't decline. If a partner has a 1 year visa or extention they must give the partner or kids dependent visa, they can't decline.Stuart *********
@Siggi ******
Good luck thinking that. Kids they will. Spouse no.
Paddy *****
Check out Non OA requirements
Latrice ********************
Sone embassies issue dependent visas for Non O-A visas and some don't. There is no rhyme or reason to it. I was granted a dependent visa from the DC Embassy but both of our children were denied. No embassies issue them for Non O's anymore. Other than that, your spouse may need to get a DTV or Education visa. An agent is the best course if action if your application is complicated in the slightest bit
Aarif *********
OPLatrice DiFulvio Harrison Thanks... Such a wide range of answers in this post.
Seems like luck of the draw.
Are there any agents you recommend?
Seems like luck of the draw.
Are there any agents you recommend?
Latrice ********************
@Aarif ********
some have money back guarantees. You would do best finding one in the city you plan on living. That way you can use them to set up an account and get your driver's liscence, etc.. Those are the 2 things I would look forAarif *********
OPLatrice DiFulvio Harrison great ideas thank you
Robert ************
It’s really stupid yo give them
*****
0 for piece of paper .
Ken **********
Robert Twardowski do you not understand that the 800,000baht is still yours in your bank account.
Robert ************
Ken Williams well they put hold on it
Paul *******
Robert Twardowski why? What are you going to do with the money?
The visa is only 1900 Baht it's nothing.
The visa is only 1900 Baht it's nothing.
Seismic *******
Robert Twardowski you dont give them the money you cretin
Öğüten *******
First, you should apply for your Non-O retirement visa. Once it’s been issued, your wife can use your visa details to apply for a Non-O dependent visa through the Thai embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
I’d suggest she apply before travelling, since switching from tourist status to dependent status inside Thailand may not be possible in her circumstances. Once she enters Thailand on her Non-O visa, she’ll be granted an initial 90-day stay. Before that expires, she can apply at your local immigration office to extend her stay as your spouse, provided you’ve already been granted your retirement extension.
I’d suggest she apply before travelling, since switching from tourist status to dependent status inside Thailand may not be possible in her circumstances. Once she enters Thailand on her Non-O visa, she’ll be granted an initial 90-day stay. Before that expires, she can apply at your local immigration office to extend her stay as your spouse, provided you’ve already been granted your retirement extension.
Aarif *********
OPSo a wife can apply for a non-dependent visa at the Thai embassy? Is that what you're saying? Is this something you accomplished yourself or with anyone you know?
From my research and even from the replies here, the information seems contradictory and inconsistent, so if I could speak to someone who's definitely done it, I'd appreciate it.
From my research and even from the replies here, the information seems contradictory and inconsistent, so if I could speak to someone who's definitely done it, I'd appreciate it.
Öğüten *******
If your wife applies as your dependent, the 800,000 baht requirement doesn’t automatically double to 1.6 million. If you’re planning to use a joint account for your retirement extension, check with your local immigration office first to see whether they’ll accept it and how much they’ll count as your share.
Another option for your wife is Thailand Privilege. The Bronze membership costs 650,000 baht and includes a five-year visa. It’s pricey, but it might be the simplest option for her.
Another option for your wife is Thailand Privilege. The Bronze membership costs 650,000 baht and includes a five-year visa. It’s pricey, but it might be the simplest option for her.
Ray ********
Ask a visa agent about doing a dependent spouse visa
Aarif *********
OPRay Low-On Any you suggest?
Ray ********
@Aarif ********
I hears Smile Visa in Hua Hin does it
Humera **********
I was on my husband's retirement visa when he turned 50 and I was 47. (Both British). That was in 2009, we've been extending/renewing annually since then. This requires 2 x 800k in the bank. Subsequently when I passed 50 years old I applied separately. You will need to check current requirements, perhaps they've changed?
Aarif *********
OPHumera Ibadulla Thanks. If you happen to meet anyone who's done this recently with my stated circumstances, I would appreciate knowing more recent information. Appreciate you sharing your information.
Patrick **********
My 46 yo wife was declined a dependent visit after I was approved. No explanation given.
Sylvia ********
Patrick McCarthy yes years ago I did this, but dont think its now an option. They called it piggyback on to spouse, I paid a lawyer and was in limbo for 5 months whilst 'under consideration' with immigration. Pretty stressful at the time worrying if id be rejected
Ian ********
Patrick McCarthy did you have a non oa ? Can't do on a non o
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