Falling in love with Thailand often means falling in love in Thailand. For thousands of foreigners, a holiday romance blossoms into a lifelong partnership with a Thai national. But while love may be simple, Thai immigration law is not.
A common misconception is that marrying a Thai citizen automatically grants you the right to live in the Kingdom forever. It does not. It grants you the eligibility to apply for a specific visa category, provided you can prove you have the finances to support your family.
This guide explores the Non-Immigrant O Visa (Based on Marriage), often called the "Married Visa." We will break down the financial hurdles, the documentation nightmare of "Kor Ror 2 vs. Kor Ror 3," and the distinct advantages this visa holds over the Retirement Visa in 2025.
Why You Can Trust Us
At Thai Investment Visa, we facilitate residency for global citizens, but we also handle the personal side of expat life. We work daily with the Immigration Bureau at Chaeng Wattana and provincial offices. We have guided countless couples through the anxiety of the "home visit" interview and the complexity of proving income without an embassy affidavit. The advice below is verified against the latest Police Orders for 2025 to ensure you don't waste time or money.
What is the "Married Visa"?
There is technically no "Married Visa" printed on your passport. The official stamp is a Non-Immigrant Visa Type O.
- Purpose: For foreigners visiting or staying with family (spouse/children) in Thailand.
- Duration: Initially valid for 90 days.
- Goal: To convert this 90-day entry into a 1-Year Extension of Stay Based on Marriage.
Note: This is different from the "O-A" (Retirement) visa. The Married Visa allows you to work (with a permit), whereas the Retirement Visa strictly prohibits it.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, you must meet three core conditions:
- Legally Married: You must have a registered marriage recognized by Thai law. A village ceremony (Sin Sod) without legal registration does not count.
- Cohabitation: You must actually live together as husband and wife.
- Financial Proof: You must meet strict income or asset thresholds (detailed below).
The Financial Requirements (The Hard Part)
This is where most applicants face rejection. In 2025, you must prove you can support your Thai spouse. You have two options:
Option 1: The "400,000 THB" Method
You must have 400,000 Thai Baht in a Thai bank account in your name.
- Seasoning Period: The money must be in the account for at least 2 months before you apply for the 1-year extension.
- Source: The funds should ideally be transferred from abroad.
Option 2: The "40,000 THB Income" Method
You must prove a monthly income of at least 40,000 THB.
- If working in Thailand: You need your Work Permit and tax records (PND 1/91).
- If working abroad/Pension: You need 12 months of bank statements showing the transfer entering your Thai account monthly.
- Note: Most Embassies (US, UK, AUS) no longer issue "Income Affidavits." Thai Immigration now strictly requires Thai bank statements or Thai tax records.
Step 1: Getting the Initial 90-Day Visa
You cannot apply for a 1-year extension immediately. You need the initial Non-O.
From Outside Thailand
Apply at a Thai Embassy (e.g., in Vientiane, Penang, or your home country).
- Documents: Marriage Certificate, Spouse's ID, Copy of Spouse's House Book (Tabien Baan), and proof of 400k THB or income.
- Result: You get a single-entry Non-O valid for 90 days.
From Inside Thailand (Conversion)
If you entered on a "Visa Exemption" (Tourist stamp), you can convert to Non-O at the Immigration Bureau in Bangkok.
- Requirement: You must have at least 15 days remaining on your current stamp.
- Process: File TM.87 (for exemption) or TM.86 (for tourist visa) to change status.
Step 2: The One-Year Extension (Inside Thailand)
Once you have your Non-O and are inside Thailand, wait until you have 30-45 days left on your stamp. Then, visit your local Immigration Office to apply for the "Extension of Stay Based on Marriage."
- Form: TM.7
- Fee: 1,900 THB.
- Processing Time: This extension is not instant. You will be given a "Under Consideration" stamp (usually 30 days) while they review your file.
Required Documents Checklist
The "stack" of paperwork for a marriage visa is famously thick.
The "Kor Ror" Confusion
You need both types of marriage documents:
- Kor Ror 3 (Marriage Certificate): The fancy certificate with the flower border you got when you married.
- Kor Ror 2 (Marriage Registry): A detailed printout from the District Office (Amphur) showing your details. Crucial: You must get a fresh update of this document from the Amphur (dated within 30 days) to prove you are still married.
Other Documents
- Passport (and copies of every page).
- Spouse’s Thai ID Card.
- Spouse’s House Registration (Tabien Baan).
- Map to your house: Hand-drawn is fine.
- Photos: You must provide photos of you and your spouse together:
- Standing in front of the house (showing house number).
- Sitting in the living room.
- In the bedroom (yes, really).
- Wearing clothes in the closet (to prove you live there).
The "Home Visit" & Interview
Unlike retirement visas, marriage visas often trigger a home inspection.
- The Interview: An immigration officer may visit your house unannounced or by appointment.
- The Neighbors: They might ask your neighbors if they see you living there together.
- The Goal: To ensure it is not a "Sham Marriage" just for the visa.
Can I Work on a Married Visa?
Yes. This is the biggest advantage over the Retirement Visa.
- Process: Once you have your Non-O visa (or extension), a Thai employer can apply for a Work Permit for you.
- Benefit: You do not need to cancel your marriage visa to take a job. You simply hold the Marriage Visa + Work Permit.
90-Day Reporting & Re-Entry Permits
Even with a 1-year visa, you are not free from bureaucracy.
- 90-Day Report: You must report your address to immigration every 90 days (online or in person).
- Re-Entry Permit: If you leave Thailand, your visa is cancelled unless you buy a Re-Entry Permit (1,000 THB Single / 3,800 THB Multiple) at the airport or immigration office before you fly.
What Happens if We Divorce?
If your marriage ends, your visa ends.
- The Rule: Your permission to stay is based on the relationship. If the relationship is dissolved (divorce registered at Amphur), the visa is void.
- Grace Period: Technically, you should leave immediately. However, you can typically apply for a 7-day extension to pack your bags.
- Solution: If you want to stay, you must quickly switch to a different visa type (e.g., Business or Elite) before the divorce is finalized if possible.
Married Visa vs. Retirement Visa
Which one is better for you?
FeatureMarried Visa (Non-O)Retirement Visa (Non-O-A/Extension)Age LimitNoneMust be 50+Financials400,000 THB800,000 THBWork RightYes (with Permit)Strictly NoPaperworkVery High (Photos, Maps, Spouse)Low (Just money)ScrutinyHigh (Home visits possible)Low
Export to Sheets
Top Agencies for Visa Assistance
The paperwork for a marriage visa can be overwhelming. These agencies specialize in handling the "Thai side" of the bureaucracy.
Company NameSpecialtyLocationContactThai Visa ExpertMarriage & Family VisasBangkokwww.thaivisaexpert.comBaan Thai ImmigrationSpouse Visa, US/UK ClientsBangkokbtisolutions.coStar Visa ServiceNorthern Thailand SpecialistsChiang Maiwww.starvisaservice.comSiam Legal InternationalFull Service Law FirmBangkok / Phuketwww.siam-legal.comMahanakorn PartnersVisa + Work Permit ComboBangkok (Sathorn)www.mahanakornpartners.com
Export to Sheets
Contact Info for Agencies
- Thai Visa Expert
- Phone: +66 64 269 1922
- Address: Trendy Building, Sukhumvit Soi 13, Bangkok.
- Why them: Known for handling complex cases where financial proof is tricky.
- Baan Thai Immigration Solutions
- Phone: +66 93 498 5955
- Address: Bangkok (Services nationwide via remote support).
- Why them: Excellent English-speaking team that provides a "hand-holding" service for anxious couples.
- Star Visa Service
- Phone: +66 95 646 4792
- Address: 419/3 Wichayanon Rd, Chiang Mai.
- Why them: The go-to agency for expats living in the North (Chiang Mai/Chiang Rai).
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I apply for a Married Visa if my wife is a "Ladyboy" (Transgender)? No. Currently, Thai law does not recognize same-sex marriage. You must be married to a person who is legally female on their ID card. (Note: Marriage Equality laws are in progress in 2025, so monitor this space closely).
- Can I use my wife's money for the 400,000 THB requirement? Technically, the money must be in your name (the applicant). Joint accounts are often rejected or require double the amount (800k). It is safest to have the account solely in the foreign husband's name.
- What if I don't have 400k or 40k income? You cannot get the 1-year extension. You may be forced to rely on the 60-Day "Visit Thai Spouse" extension (which is a short-term fix) or do repeated border runs, which is risky.
- Can women apply for a Married Visa with a Thai husband? Yes. In fact, the financial requirements are notoriously more lenient for foreign women married to Thai men. Often, the foreign wife does not need to show the 400k THB, as the Thai husband is assumed to be the provider (an outdated but current rule).
- Do I need health insurance for a Married Visa? Generally, No. Unlike the O-A Retirement Visa, the Non-O Marriage extension currently does not mandate health insurance, making it cheaper to maintain.
References
- Immigration Bureau of Thailand - Extension of Stay Rules
- Thai Embassy Washington D.C. - Non-Immigrant O Requirements
- Siam Legal - Marriage Visa Guide 2025
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Visa General Information
- Department of Employment - Work Permit Rules
