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Which is better: Marriage Visa or Retirement Visa (Non-OA) in Thailand?

Marriage Visa Retirement Visa Non-OA Visa Visa Types Thailand Immigration Expat Visa Issues

Nov 16, 2025

2 days ago

Ora *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Marriage visa (multiple entry) vs. retirement (Non-OA, multiple entry) visa: which one is better? My husband qualifies for both. He currently has a retirement (Non-OA) visa and needs to either extend it for another year or switch completely to a marriage visa.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion revolves around the advantages of opting for a Retirement Visa (Non-OA, multiple entry) over a Marriage Visa for expats living in Thailand. Commenters emphasize the independence benefits of the Retirement Visa, highlighting concerns related to the requirements and potential complications of marriage-based visas. Key points include the need for health insurance under the Non-OA Visa, the misconception about multi-entry visas, and the preference for easier extension processes tied to retirement statuses.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

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Bob **********

If he’s already been stamped in for his second year he’ll need the same as a non-o extension plus he’ll need insurance for a year

2 days ago

Marty *********

I had an OA for 6 years. I have Thai insurance. Even when I was married I chose to keep the OA as a retiree. The extension process is much easier. If you can afford to keep the 800,000฿ in the bank this is the easiest thing to do.

2 days ago

Graham ******

There is no longer a multi-entry Non-O visa, you need to buy a multi-re-entry permit for the 12 month extension to achieve that

2 days ago

Cris ******

Unless you plan to work. There’s no reason for the marriage visa.

2 days ago

Mark *********

NonOA requires health insurance bought from a restricted list of companies.

2 days ago

Graham ******

@Mark ********

and the extension also has the same financial requirements as the Non-O so a double whammy

2 days ago

Reply to

Graham ******

Pete *******

Why is your husband not on the less onerous standard Non-O based on retirement?

2 days ago

Ian **********

@Pete ******

I suspect he is on a non-o

2 days ago

Marty *********

@Ian *********

I had an OA. Sounds like he is on an OA. No reason to assume otherwise.

2 days ago

Reply to

Marty *********

Bill *********

Easy answer: retirement Visa. When it comes to Visa issues it is vastly more important for him to keep independent and away from any marriage Visa tied to wife's whims.

2 days ago

Matthew *********

@Bill ********

well said. Too many bipolar thai woman. She get mad and cancel his visa at anytime 555. Its a scary thought

2 days ago

Bill *********

@Matthew ********

So glad someone else sees it important to look out for yourself!

2 days ago

Matthew *********

@Bill ********

i know from first hand e perience. I had to change to retirement to take my wife power away. On more than one occasion in her rants she called immigration office. I have been with her for years and taking that power away was the greatest thing.

a day ago

Reply to

Matthew *********

Ora *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Bill ********

for non OA can be renewed yearly and pay the same fee every year

2 days ago

Ora *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Bill ********

thank you