Answered5 years ago
What visa should I apply for to stay in Thailand for 6 months with my wife?
My wife and I are planning to come over to Thailand in July for 6 months. We want to apply for the right visa and am a little unsure which is the best way to go please. Can someone please advise which direction we need to go in. Thank You
Answer summary
The user and their wife are planning to visit Thailand for 6 months and are seeking advice on the appropriate visa options. Commenters suggest considering the Special Tourist Visa (STV) for longer stays with fewer requirements, while others recommend the NON-O visa, especially if they can access the necessary documentation and insurance. It's emphasized that checking local consulate information will provide the latest requirements.
25 repliesnewest first
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John **********
Google it
Jeffrey ************
Your local RTE website will have the latest information...
Stephen *******
Look at an non o-a in the Sydney consulate website. If you have a regular GP the medical certificate is easy. If you have no criminal history so is the police report. Then you need to show money in Australia only. I think your wife can get a trailing spouse non-o on the o-a. Then you are stamped in for a year. Yes you'll need insurance but can use Australian travel insurance now that you probably would have bought anyway.
Stephen *******
@Rob *********
It's a little more difficult to get this visa but you don't need to to Thai Immigration at all inside Thailand for immigration matters. For people starting out that's a blessing. You'll probably need to see them to get a certificate of residence letter to open a bank account or get a driver's licence though once you get more established. And an o-a makes bank account and drivers licence easier too
Rob **********
OP@Stephen ******
thanks Steve I will look into that. Much appreciated
Nick *******
Seams some don't like the sound of the STV visa.
I think it's fine and the requirements are not that difficult.
Book and pay for 3 months accommodation.
Just book on Agoda / or booking and make sure you can cancel. Use a credit card and the money is back before your cc bill.
Proof £5000 in my own UK bank .
Just a copy of bank statement.
3 month insurance.
You probably want that even if it's not required.
Flights in and out.
The questions on the form are a bit confusing but fill in whatever you think it means and they just ask for anything you missed or did wrong.
Pretty simple and upto 9 months (3+3+3)
I think it's fine and the requirements are not that difficult.
Book and pay for 3 months accommodation.
Just book on Agoda / or booking and make sure you can cancel. Use a credit card and the money is back before your cc bill.
Proof £5000 in my own UK bank .
Just a copy of bank statement.
3 month insurance.
You probably want that even if it's not required.
Flights in and out.
The questions on the form are a bit confusing but fill in whatever you think it means and they just ask for anything you missed or did wrong.
Pretty simple and upto 9 months (3+3+3)
Dan ********
@Nick ******
I agree, not sure why it's discredited on here. I'll be onto one soon ...Bobby ********
Are you coming to work, study or holiday?
Helen ********
@Rob *********
not sure what country you are from but check to see if your embassy does an income verification letter. That means you don't need to deposit the 800K THB. They also validate your wedding certificate so you can add your wife as a trailing spouse. I know Canada still does this but not sure what other countries do. Also if you want to go the trailing spouse route, so you both don't have to open a bank account, it's better if you both arrive on a Non O if possible.
Janin ******
@Rob *********
, You have to have 800.000 in the bank for at least 2 months before you apply for non immigrant O. and leave it till 3 months after. Or you have to prove you have an income not lesser than 65.000 baht a month from the previous year. In both cases you need bank letter to prove that. You also can, if you don’t have 65.000 a month, 400.000 and the rest from your income as long as you can prove 800.000 baht. If you are married and over 50, it doesn’t matter what age your spouse is, you can take her as dependant on your visa. And you have to prove the income as I stated. (800.000 together) not separately.Rob **********
OP@Bobby *******
yes but wife just underBobby ********
Rob Harrison. Are you over 50?
Rob **********
OP@Janin *****
I can cover both of those with no issues. Bobby’s comment about previous 12 months does that rule me out?Bobby ********
Janin Ackx. The 65k month has to be done over the previous twelve months which wouldn't be possible for the OP. Sure he can do the 800k into a Thai bank account, but that's a big commitment for what he has already said is a "fact-finding mission"!
Janin ******
@Rob *********
, O is for one year. No visa runs. But requires an income from 65.000 baht a month or bank account for 800.000 bahtJanin ******
@Lyndon ***********
Not really , can also with letter of approval from your home bank or saving and income together for the amount of 800.000, or monthly income 65.000 baht alone.
Zap **********
Rob Harrison are you or spouse age 50 plus?
Rob **********
OPThanks I hope to do it right myself plenty of time. Much appreciated
Bobby ********
Rob Harrison. Be wary of people pushing you towards agents. Always remember the thousands of baht you pay to an agent includes a certain amount for a bribe of an immigration officer. Once you start paying an agent, you're stuck with them.
Lyndon ************
@Janin *****
yes, if he's willing to put *****
0THB in a Thai bank for the 90 day non-o and then go home. Or perhaps use a dodgy visa agent...🤔Rob **********
OPThank you much appreciated. I will start looking into it now. I don't mind a border jump, but want to do the right thing.
Bobby ********
Rob Harrison. There's no 6-month tourist visa without leaving the country. A TR visa will get you 60 days which can be extended another 30 days before you need to leave. There is a Special Tourist Visa (STV) which is 3 X 90 days, but you don't need to leave the country. The conditions of this STV can be onerous. Go to your embassy website and read up on these visas so you have an idea what is required. There is a possibility by the time you get here that land borders will be open and so if you have a multi-entry TR you can do a border bounce which will give you another 60+30 days
Rob **********
OP@Janin *****
Thank You and that will last 6 months? Do we do any visa runs or just pay and enjoy?Janin ******
@Rob *********
, toerist visa and convert to O. easily doneRob **********
OPWe are coming to have a long term look to see of we want to retire there. Both love it but only done the tourist thing so thought a decent time would help us make a decision.
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