Thailand Marriage Visa: THB 400,000 or THB 40,000 a Month

A foreign husband of a Thai wife needs income of THB 40,000 a month. THB 400,000 in a Thai bank for the past 2 months also qualifies, as does income plus deposit of THB 400,000. Each grant lasts no more than 1 year.

By Vincent Nguyen and team

The “marriage visa” is a one-year extension of stay for the family of a Thai national, under clause 2.18 of Order 12/2568. You must first hold a Non-Immigrant visa. The order applies from 23 January 2025 and repealed Order 242/2566. Older guides still cite Police Order 327/2557.

The two ways in: embassy Non-O or a change inside Thailand

The family of a Thai national gets permission to stay for no more than 1 year at a time. Clause 2.18 asks for a Non-Immigrant visa first, and a spouse must have the relationship in law and in fact.

Route 1: Non-O visa from a Thai embassy

The Non-Immigrant O8 visa is for staying with Thai family in Thailand for more than 60 days. It is a single-entry visa valid for 3 months. On arrival you get an initial stay of up to 90 days, then apply for the extension to 1 year.

The ministry slide lists proof of relationship such as a marriage certificate. It also lists financial evidence: monthly income of at least THB 40,000 or a balance of THB 400,000. Show bank statements for the last three months or a sponsor letter. The embassy may ask for an interview or more documents.

Embassies keep their own checklists. One asks for Thai bank statements for the last 6 months with a recommended balance of THB 400,000. The visa fee is set locally, for example RM 320 at that embassy.

Route 2: change category inside Thailand

Tourist and transit visa holders change category on form TM.86. Visa-exempt entrants use form TM.87. The 2021 Bangkok list allowed up to 90 days and needed at least 15 days of the stay left.

That list shows a fee of THB 2,000. It names the marriage register (Kor Ror 2) and the marriage certificate (Kor Ror 3).

For a marriage registered abroad it asks for the foreign register certified by the embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It also asks for a certificate that the foreigner is single. Check the current list at your office, since this one predates the current order.

The money test: THB 40,000 a month or THB 400,000

A foreign husband needs average yearly income of THB 40,000 a month. THB 400,000 in a Thai bank account for the past 2 months also qualifies. So does income plus deposit together of THB 400,000 for 1 year.

The deposit sits in a commercial bank in Thailand or a specialised financial institution. Income and deposit may be added together: not less than THB 400,000 to cover 1 year.

For the money routes, attach a bank certificate of the deposit plus a copy of the bank book. Alternatively attach income evidence such as a tax return with receipt, pension evidence or bank interest evidence.

Documents for the one-year extension

Clause 2.18 asks for these documents:

• The application form and a copy of your passport.
• A copy of the marriage record. Married in Thailand: the marriage register (Kor Ror 2). Married abroad: the family-status record (Kor Ror 22) plus the foreign marriage register.
• A copy of proof of the spouse’s Thai nationality, such as the ID card and the house registration.
• The bank certificate and bank book copy, or income documents.
• A sworn statement from the Thai spouse confirming the marriage; if the spouse cannot give it, officers record a credible person such as a family member.
• Photos of the family and the home taken within the last 6 months: 2 outside showing the house number, 2 inside, plus a map.
• Other documents set by the Immigration Bureau’s monitoring committee.

Show the originals and bring copies certified with your signature. The extension is filed at the immigration office covering where you live. The fee is THB 1,900 and it is not refunded.

At the counter: statements, waiting stamp and decision

In Bangkok in 2021, the applicant and the Thai husband, wife or child came in person to give statements. Counters run Monday to Friday, except official holidays.

While the office considers your application you may stay on appointment stamps, in total no more than 30 days from the day the permission ended. A refusal means you leave within 7 days of the day the permission ended.

Renewals, address reports and re-entry permits

Each grant lasts no more than 1 year, so you file again before it ends. The 90-day address notice continues: you notify immigration of your address every 90 days. You may report from 15 days before to 7 days after the due date. A late report is made in person with a THB 2,000 fine.

Leaving Thailand without a re-entry permit ends your permitted stay. A single permit costs THB 1,000 and a multiple permit THB 3,800. See the re-entry permit guide and the reporting guide.

A marriage extension gives no right to work, since aliens are not allowed to work unless they are granted a work permit.

Children, parents and short visits

Children get the family extension if unmarried, living as part of the household and no more than 20 full years old, unless ill or disabled and unable to support themselves. A parent needs income of THB 40,000 a month or a THB 400,000 Thai deposit, or both together.

Clause 2.24 gives a single grant of no more than 60 days to visit a spouse or child of Thai nationality. Bring copies of the house registration, the Thai ID card and the marriage register or birth certificate. A spouse must have the relationship in law and in fact.

What it costs

The immigration fees table lists every other fee. The visa types overview compares the other long-stay routes, and the retirement visa page covers the retirement route.

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Not confirmed: Clause 2.18 (6) sets its baht test for the foreign husband. For a foreign wife of a Thai husband, ask your office which proof it wants. A home visit is not in the clause; ask whether your office makes one. Some guides ask 3 months of savings on renewals; the clause gives 2 months.

General information checked against the sources listed above, not legal advice for your situation. Rules and office practice change; confirm with the immigration office or a licensed adviser before you act. See how guides are checked.

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