1. Overview
If you are married to a Thai national, the Marriage Visa lets you make Thailand your long-term home. Officially, it is a one-year Extension of Stay based on marriage, issued to holders of a valid Non-Immigrant O visa. Provided you keep meeting the financial and legal conditions set by Immigration, the extension can be renewed every year.
2. Eligibility Requirements
- Legally Married: Must be married to a Thai national (marriage certificate required).
- Financial Stability: Proof of income or savings in Thailand.
- Genuine Relationship: Immigration may conduct interviews or home visits to verify the marriage.
- Residency Intention: Applicants must reside in Thailand with their spouse.
3. Financial Requirements
Applicants must prove sufficient financial means through one of the following:
- Savings: THB 400,000 deposited in a Thai bank account (kept at least 2 months before application, 3 months for renewal).
- Monthly Income: At least THB 40,000 per month (proof required, such as income certificate or tax statements).
- Combination: A mix of income and savings totaling the required annual amount.
4. Required Documents
- Passport (valid and with copies of all relevant pages).
- Thai marriage certificate (Kor Ror 3) and its official copy (Kor Ror 2).
- Thai spouse’s ID card and house registration (Tabien Baan).
- Bank letter and updated bank book showing required funds (if using savings method).
- Proof of income (if using income method).
- Photos of the couple together (sometimes required by Immigration).
- Map of residence (often requested).
- Proof of address.
5. Application & Renewal Process
- Ensure financial requirements are met (deposit funds in Thai bank or prepare proof of income).
- Gather all required documents and photocopies.
- Submit the application at your local Immigration Office in Thailand.
- Pay the application fee (approx. THB 1,900).
- Immigration officers may request an interview with both spouses or conduct a home visit.
- Upon approval, the visa extension is granted for 1 year.
Ongoing Obligations
- 90-Day Reporting: Must report residential address every 90 days to Immigration.
- Annual Renewal: Each year, proof of continued marriage and financial stability is required.
- Marriage Validity: Divorce or separation will result in the visa becoming invalid.
- No Automatic Work Rights: A Marriage Visa does not automatically include work permission; a work permit must be applied for separately if you intend to work.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Anyone staying in Thailand for longer than 90 consecutive days on a long-stay visa or extension must report their residential address to Immigration every 90 days using form TM.47. Reports can usually be made in person, by post, or online through the Immigration Bureau’s e-services, and OneStop Hua Hin can handle the reporting for you.
Yes, but you must obtain a re-entry permit before you leave. Departing Thailand without one cancels your extension of stay, which would force you to restart the visa process. A single or multiple re-entry permit (form TM.8) can be arranged at your local Immigration Office, or at the airport before departure.
Health insurance is not currently a standard requirement for the marriage-based extension of stay, unlike some retirement visas such as the O-A. It is still strongly recommended, since medical treatment in Thailand must otherwise be paid for out of pocket.