How to Apply for a Marriage Visa

For foreigners married to a Thai national, obtaining a marriage visa is one of the most convenient ways to stay long-term in Thailand. Officially known as the Non-Immigrant O Visa (Marriage Visa), this visa allows you to live with your spouse in Thailand and is renewable on an annual basis.

This guide covers the application process, required documents, and key details to help you apply for a marriage visa.

What is a Marriage Visa?

A marriage visa (Non-Immigrant O Visa) is a visa specifically for foreigners who are married to a Thai citizen and want to stay long-term in Thailand. The visa is initially valid for 90 days, after which you can apply for a 1-year extension. Once approved, the visa is renewable annually, allowing you to live in Thailand with your spouse indefinitely as long as you meet the renewal requirements.

Who Can Apply for a Marriage Visa?

To apply for a marriage visa, you must:

Be legally married to a Thai national.
Meet the financial requirements set by the Thai government (details below).
Fulfill other basic eligibility criteria, such as maintaining lawful status in Thailand.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Marriage Visa

Step 1: Apply for a Non-Immigrant O Visa

Before you can apply for the 1-year marriage visa extension, you need to enter Thailand with a Non-Immigrant O Visa. You can apply for this visa at a Thai embassy or consulate in your home country.

Required Documents:

Marriage certificate: A copy of your official Thai marriage certificate (Kor Ror 2), along with the original.
Your spouse's ID card and a copy of their Thai household registration (Tabien Baan).
Your passport and copies of the relevant pages (photo page, visa page, and entry stamp).
Proof of income or savings: (see financial requirements below).
Passport-sized photos (4x6 cm).
Application form: Completed visa application form provided by the embassy or consulate.
Visa fee: Fee varies depending on the consulate.

Once you have the Non-Immigrant O Visa, you can stay in Thailand for 90 days and begin the process of applying for a 1-year extension.

Step 2: Financial Requirements for Marriage Visa

To extend your Non-Immigrant O Visa to a 1-year marriage visa, you must meet specific financial requirements. You need to prove one of the following:

Monthly income of at least 40,000 THB, verifiable through a letter from your embassy or proof of salary from a Thai company.
Bank savings of at least 400,000 THB deposited in a Thai bank account for at least 2 months prior to the visa application (3 months for subsequent renewals).

Step 3: Apply for the 1-Year Marriage Visa Extension

Once you have the Non-Immigrant O Visa and meet the financial requirements, you can apply for the 1-year visa extension at a local Thai Immigration Office.

Required Documents:

Application form (TM7): Completed form, available at the Immigration Office.
Your passport and a copy of all relevant pages.
Thai marriage certificate (Kor Ror 2) and Marriage Registration Certificate (Kor Ror 3), along with translations if required.
Your spouse’s ID card and Thai household registration (Tabien Baan).
Proof of income or savings: Bank books, bank statements, or a letter from your embassy confirming your income.
Photos of your family: Some immigration offices require photos of you and your spouse together at home, showing evidence of your marriage.
Visa extension fee: 1,900 THB.
Passport-sized photos (4x6 cm).

Step 4: Immigration Office Interview (Optional)

In some cases, immigration officers may request an interview with both you and your spouse. The interview is usually informal and involves questions about your relationship, living arrangements, and financial status. It’s just a way for the immigration office to confirm that your marriage is legitimate.

Step 5: 90-Day Reporting Requirement

Once your 1-year marriage visa is approved, you will be required to report your address to the immigration office every 90 days. This is a simple process where you confirm that you are still living in Thailand and update any changes to your residence.

Step 6: Annual Visa Renewal

The marriage visa is renewable annually as long as you continue to meet the financial requirements and maintain lawful status in Thailand. The process for renewal is similar to the initial application, and you will need to submit the same documents proving your marriage and financial status.

Special Considerations

Multiple Entry Permits: If you need to travel in and out of Thailand frequently, you can apply for a multiple-entry permit along with your 1-year extension. This allows you to leave and re-enter the country without having to reapply for a visa.
Work Permit: The marriage visa does not automatically allow you to work in Thailand. If you plan to work, you must apply for a separate work permit.
Divorce: If you divorce your Thai spouse while holding a marriage visa, you must notify the immigration office, and you will need to apply for a different type of visa if you wish to remain in Thailand.

Applying for a marriage visa in Thailand is a straightforward process, as long as you meet the financial requirements and provide the necessary documentation. Once approved, the 1-year visa allows you to live with your spouse in Thailand and can be renewed annually for as long as you remain married and meet the eligibility criteria.

Still have questions? Message us on WhatsApp at +66 66-146-8724 or on Line at @issacompass and ask our in-house legal team about your specific situation.

Note: Issa Compass is a software platform designed to streamline visa applications and connect you with immigration professionals. We're here to make the process faster and easier, but we're not a law firm or government agency. The final decision for visa approval rests with government officials and immigration policies.