Thailand Marriage Visa Guide
Understanding the Thailand Marriage Visa
The Thailand Marriage Visa is designed for individuals married to a Thai citizen who meet specific requirements set by the Immigration Bureau. This visa allows for continuous one-year residence in Thailand without needing to leave the country and offers annual renewal flexibility within Thailand. Additionally, holders can work, provided they have a valid work permit.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Thailand Marriage Visa, you must
Be Married to a Thai National: Provide a Marriage Certificate and Marriage Registration. If married outside of Thailand, notify the Amphur (district office) and obtain the Kor Ror 22 family status registration form.
Meet Financial Requirements: Note: The requirement for an Affirmation of Freedom to Marry may vary by immigration office and can be obtained from your country’s embassy in Thailand. If obtaining an income affidavit is challenging, you can submit a 12-month bank statement from your Thai bank account. All documents must be in English or Thai. If in another language, they must be translated by an authorized translator and legalized by the embassy or consulate before submission.
Have a security deposit of 400,000 THB in a Thai bank account from an overseas source for at least 2 months before the visa application, or
Have a monthly income of at least 40,000 THB, verified by a letter from the embassy.
Application Process
1.Obtain a Non-Immigrant O Visa
Acquire a 90-day Non-Immigrant O Visa from the Thai Embassy or consulate in your home country or from neighboring countries of Thailand.
2.Activate the Visa
Travel to Thailand to activate the Non-Immigrant O Visa.
3.Prepare Required Documents
Gather all necessary documents to convert your Non-Immigrant O Visa into the Thailand Marriage Visa. The extension process occurs during the final 30 days of the 90-day permit to stay in Thailand.
4.Submit Your Application
Present your visa extension request and all documents to the immigration office. The processing time is approximately one month before issuing the one-year Thailand Marriage Visa.
Thailand Marriage Visa: Requirements and Procedures
90-Day Reporting Obligation
All holders of Thailand Marriage Visas are required to report their current address to the immigration office every 90 days. This can be done in person at the immigration office, by mail, or through an authorized agent. If you leave Thailand before the 90-day reporting period ends, the reporting cycle will restart upon your return.
Re-entry Permit
If you have a single-entry visa and plan to leave and re-enter Thailand within the visa's validity, you must obtain a multiple-entry permit to prevent visa cancellation. However, if you plan to stay continuously in Thailand for the visa's duration, a multiple-entry permit is not necessary.
For urgent departures, a re-entry permit can be secured from the nearest immigration office or at an international airport before leaving Thailand.
Thailand Marriage Visa Renewal
The Thailand Marriage Visa is initially valid for one year and can be extended by submitting the same documents as the initial application. It's important to note that the funds in your bank account must be at least 3 months old before renewing the visa.
In the event of divorce, the validity of your marriage visa will be revoked, requiring immediate departure from Thailand. However, under certain circumstances, you may be allowed to remain until the expiration of your existing Marriage Visa.
Conclusion
Obtaining and maintaining a Thailand Marriage Visa involves fulfilling specific eligibility criteria, including being married to a Thai national, meeting financial requirements, and completing the application process. Once acquired, the visa allows for continuous one-year residence in Thailand, with the option for annual renewal within the country. It also permits holders to work provided they have a valid work permit.
For more detailed information and assistance with Thailand Marriage Visa procedures, please contact us.
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