Answereda year ago
Which is better: Marriage Visa or Retirement Visa (Non-OA) in Thailand?
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.
Answer summary
The discussion centers around whether a marriage (multiple entry) visa or a retirement (Non-OA, multiple entry) visa is better for the user's husband, who qualifies for both. Comments suggest that the retirement visa is preferable due to less dependency on marriage ties, the simplicity of the extension process, and specific requirements unique to the Non-OA visa, such as mandatory health insurance. Factors like the cessation of multi-entry Non-O visas and the financial requirements for maintaining a retirement visa are also highlighted.
17 repliesnewest first
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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
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.
Alex **********
Hey Marty, it sounds like you’re a good person to ask. I’m going to enter Thailand on an OA in a few months. I was wondering what the extension process is at the one year interval? What I’ve learned is that the Thai consulate here in the US only has information about getting into the country, but they are less fluid on what the requirements are at the one year. They just advised me to go to the nearest immigration office in the city where I’ll live.
Once I’m in the country, do I need to get a criminal check again or is that only for the first application? I understand the health insurance requirement and I am on CIGNA global which they said is acceptable. Is there anything else to be aware of? Thanks in advance.
Once I’m in the country, do I need to get a criminal check again or is that only for the first application? I understand the health insurance requirement and I am on CIGNA global which they said is acceptable. Is there anything else to be aware of? Thanks in advance.
Marty *********
@Alex *********
For the one year extension there is no criminal background check. Yes, visit your immigration office for the list of requirements. Careful about your insurance. The insurance that qualifies you for the visa may not qualify you for the 1 year extension. These companies will qualify
*************************************
Getting your non Thai Cigna insurance to qualify may be a problem.
I generally recommend that people get an O visa these days. Then you can keep your Cigna insurance for sure.
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
Cris ******
Unless you plan to work. There’s no reason for the marriage visa.
Mark *********
NonOA requires health insurance bought from a restricted list of companies.
Graham ******
@Mark ********
and the extension also has the same financial requirements as the Non-O so a double whammy
Pete *******
Why is your husband not on the less onerous standard Non-O based on retirement?
Ian **********
@Pete ******
I suspect he is on a non-oMarty *********
@Ian *********
I had an OA. Sounds like he is on an OA. No reason to assume otherwise.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.
Matthew *********
@Bill ********
well said. Too many bipolar thai woman. She get mad and cancel his visa at anytime 555. Its a scary thoughtBill *********
@Matthew ********
So glad someone else sees it important to look out for yourself!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.Ora *******
OP@Bill ********
for non OA can be renewed yearly and pay the same fee every yearOra *******
OP@Bill ********
thank youActivity
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