Thailand Marriage Visa Guide: Requirements, Application & Tips

Table of Contents

The Thailand Marriage Visa is a long-term visa extension designed for foreigners married to a Thai citizen. This visa allows the holder to legally reside in Thailand on a yearly renewable basis, making it an attractive option for those who wish to stay in the country with their Thai spouse.

Key points about the Thailand Marriage Visa:

Grants a one-year stay, renewable annually as long as eligibility requirements are met.
Allows employment in Thailand, provided the holder obtains a valid work permit.
Does not provide a direct path to Thai citizenship or permanent residency.

📌 This visa extension provides stability for married couples but comes with specific requirements and obligations that must be met consistently.

Before You Apply: Quick Checklist

Make sure you have all of the following in place before starting the Marriage Visa process:

✅ Registered Thai Marriage Certificate
Must be officially recorded at a district office (Amphur) in Thailand.

✅ Non-Immigrant O Visa (Marriage-Based)
Either single-entry or multi-entry issued from a Thai embassy/consulate.

✅ Financial Proof
Either 400,000 THB in a Thai bank account (from overseas) held for 2+ months or 40,000 THB monthly income with 12 months of proof.

✅ Spouse’s Documents
Thai ID card and House Registration (Tabian Baan) of your spouse.

✅ Photos & Map of Your Shared Residence
Required for the 1-year extension—take pictures inside and outside your home.

✅ Your Passport with Valid Visa & TM.6
Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months with current visa stamps and entry records.

Confused which option fits best? This table breaks it down:

Visa Option	Duration	Re-Entry Needed?	Financial Requirement	Work Eligibility
Non-Immigrant O (Single Entry)	90 days	Yes (before extension)	Varies by embassy/consulate	No
Non-Immigrant O (Multi-Entry)	1 year (90-day stays)	Yes (every 90 days)	Varies by embassy/consulate	No
1-Year Marriage Extension	1 year (renewable)	No (if re-entry permit obtained)	400k THB in bank or 40k/month income	Yes (with work permit)

Visa Process

The Thailand Marriage Visa process consists of two main steps:

✅ Obtain a Non-Immigrant O Visa (Marriage-Based) from a Thai embassy or consulate
✅ Apply for a 1-Year Marriage Extension within Thailand

Step 1: Obtaining the Non-Immigrant O Visa

To begin, you must apply for a Non-Immigrant O Visa at a Thai embassy or consulate in your home country or a neighboring country. There are two types of this visa:

Single-entry: Valid for 90 days. Before this period expires, you must apply for the 1-year marriage extension in Thailand.

Multiple-entry: Valid for 1 year, allowing 90-day stays at a time. This can be extended once for an additional 60 days per entry.

Step 2: Applying for the 1-Year Marriage Extension

Once in Thailand, you can convert your Non-Immigrant O Visa into a 1-year visa extension at a local immigration office. Key points about this extension:

Requires proof of marriage to a Thai citizen.
Must meet financial requirements (see next section).
Requires 90-day reporting at an immigration office instead of leaving the country every 90 days.

Required Documents

For Non-Immigrant O Visa Application

When applying for the Non-Immigrant O Visa (Marriage-Based), you will need the following documents:

Marriage Certificate (officially registered in Thailand)
Spouse’s Thai passport or ID card
Bank statements (financial proof varies by country; e.g., UK applicants must show an income of at least £1,500 per month)

For 1-Year Marriage Extension in Thailand

To convert your Non-Immigrant O Visa into a 1-year Marriage Extension, you will need:

Copy of your passport & visa
Marriage Certificate (Thai original and certified copy)
Spouse’s Thai ID card & House Registration (Tabian Baan)
Map to your residence & photos of you with your spouse (taken inside and outside your home)

Financial Proof (Choose One):

400,000 THB in a Thai bank account, transferred from an overseas source and held for at least 2 months before applying.

📌 Need to send funds from abroad? Check out my Wise Review for Expats in Thailand to see how it can help you transfer money efficiently and meet visa requirements without excessive fees.

40,000 THB monthly income, supported by:
- 12 months of bank statements showing deposits
- Official letter from a Thai bank confirming income deposits

Financial Requirements & Alternatives

To qualify for the 1-Year Marriage Extension, you must meet one of the following financial criteria:

400,000 THB deposited in a Thai bank account
- Must be in your personal name only (joint accounts not accepted)
- Funds must come from an overseas source and be held in the account for at least 2 full months before applying (3 months for renewals)
- You’ll need a bank letter and updated bank book to confirm source and balance

40,000 THB monthly income
- Proven with 12 months of Thai bank statements showing consistent deposits
- Must be backed by a letter from the bank confirming the income source

Recommended banks:
Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn Bank are the most foreigner-friendly options when opening an account for visa purposes.

✅ Read more: How to open a Thai bank account

What if you can’t meet the financial requirements?

If you don’t yet qualify for the 1-Year Marriage Extension, you still have options:

Multiple-Entry Non-Immigrant O Visa (Marriage-Based):

Valid for 1 year with multiple entries
Each stay allows 90 days, extendable once by 60 days at immigration
You must leave and re-enter Thailand every 90 days to activate the next entry

With proper planning, this approach can allow you to stay in Thailand for up to 15 months before needing a new visa.

📌 If your financial situation improves later, you can apply for the 1-Year Extension at any time during your valid visa period.

Obligations & Restrictions of the Marriage Visa

Living in Thailand on a Marriage Visa comes with a few important responsibilities. From 90-day check-ins to re-entry rules and work eligibility, here’s what you need to keep in mind to stay compliant.

90-Day Reporting

If you’re staying in Thailand on a 1-Year Marriage Extension, you must report your current address to immigration every 90 days. You can do this:

In person at your local immigration office
By mail (must be sent well in advance)
Through an authorized visa agent or legal service

If you leave the country before your 90 days are up, the clock resets upon re-entry.

📌 Read my full guide on 90-Day Reporting in Thailand

Re-Entry Permits

Planning a trip outside Thailand during your visa validity? You’ll need a Re-Entry Permit to avoid invalidating your visa.

Single Re-Entry Permit: 1,000 THB
Multiple Re-Entry Permit: 3,800 THB

Always apply before you leave the country—without it, your visa extension will be canceled upon departure.

📌 Check out my Thai Re-Entry Permit Guide

Processing Time

The 1-Year Marriage Extension typically takes 3 to 4 weeks to process after you submit all required documents at immigration. It’s best to apply at least 30 days before your current visa or permission-to-stay expires.

Work Eligibility

Holding a Marriage Visa (Non-Immigrant O with 1-Year Extension) does not automatically grant permission to work in Thailand. If you intend to work:

You must apply for a Thai work permit through the Ministry of Labour
Your employer must support the application and meet relevant business criteria

📌 Read the full roadmap: Thailand Work Permit Guide

Impact of Divorce

If you divorce your Thai spouse while holding a Marriage Visa:

Your visa becomes immediately invalid from the date the divorce is finalized
You must report the change to immigration as soon as possible
In some cases, you may be allowed to stay until the current visa expires, but renewal will not be possible

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have a few things on your mind? Here are some common questions about the Thailand Marriage Visa that aren’t always clearly explained.

Q: Can I switch from a tourist visa to a marriage visa inside Thailand?

Yes, it’s possible. If you’re already in Thailand on a tourist visa and you’ve registered your marriage with a Thai citizen, you can apply for a visa conversion at a local immigration office. Be prepared to meet the same financial and documentation requirements.

Q: How long must the 400,000 THB be in the bank before applying?

At least 2 full months before you submit your application. Immigration will check the transaction history and look for a stamped confirmation that the funds originated from overseas. For renewals, the funds must be in place for 3 months before applying.

Q: Can I use a joint account for proof of funds?

No. Thai immigration requires the funds to be in a personal bank account in your name only. Joint accounts are not accepted for the 400,000 THB bank deposit method.

Q: Do I need a marriage visa to apply for a work permit?

No, but having a 1-year marriage extension (based on a Non-Immigrant O Visa) makes it easier. You must still obtain a work permit through your employer. Holding a marriage visa doesn’t automatically grant work permission.

Q: What happens if we separate or divorce during the visa period?

Your visa becomes invalid. You must report the change in marital status to immigration. In some cases, they may allow you to remain in Thailand until the visa expiry date, but you will not be eligible for renewal under marriage grounds.

Thailand Marriage Visa: Complete Guide