What is a Thai spousal visa?

This visa is available to individuals married to a Thai citizen who meet the immigration requirements. It allows for a one-year continuous stay in Thailand without the holder having to leave the country. Furthermore, it offers the possibility of annual renewal within Thailand, provided the holder continues to meet the requirements.

It also entitles its holders to work, provided they have a valid work permit.

Admission requirements

To obtain a Thailand spousal visa, you must meet the following requirements:

  • You must be married to a Thai citizen. This can be proven with a marriage certificate and marriage registration. If you married outside of Thailand, you or your spouse must inform the Amphur (district office) and apply for form Kor Ror 22 for marital status registration.
  • You must deposit a security of 400,000 THB into a Thai bank account held abroad for at least 2 months prior to applying for the visa, or provide proof of a monthly income of at least 40,000 THB, confirmed by the embassy.

    • Please note that the requirement for a copy of the Declaration of Freedom of Marriage may vary depending on the immigration authority and that you can obtain this from your country's embassy in Thailand.

    Should you have difficulty obtaining an income certificate, it is also possible to prove your monthly income using a 12-month bank statement from your Thai bank account.

    It is essential to emphasize that all documents must be written in English or Thai. If they are in another language, they must be translated by a certified translator before submission and subsequently authenticated by the embassy or consulate.

    Application process

  • You must first apply for a 90-day Category O (non-immigrant) visa at the Thai embassy or consulate in your home country or country of residence. Alternatively, this visa can also be applied for in a neighboring country of Thailand.
  • Travel to Thailand to activate the Non-Immigrant O Visa.
  • Gather all the necessary documents to convert your Non-Immigrant O visa into a Thailand Spouse Visa. The extension will take place within the last 30 days of your 90-day stay in Thailand.
  • Submit your visa extension application, along with all required documents, to the immigration office. The processing time for the issuance of the one-year Thailand spousal visa is approximately one month.

    • Regardless of whether you are in Thailand with a visa exemption stamp or a tourist visa, you can apply for a spousal visa within the country, provided you meet the requirements for both the Non-Immigrant O visa and the one-year spousal visa. This can all be done at the relevant immigration office in your province or place of residence.

    Thailand: Visa regulations and obligations for spouses

    90-day notification

    Holders of a Thai spousal visa are required to report their current residence or address to the immigration authorities every 90 days. This can be done in person at the immigration office, by mail, or with the help of an agent. If you leave Thailand before the 90-day period expires, the reporting period starts anew upon your return.

    Re-entry permit

    If you hold a single-entry visa and plan to enter and leave Thailand multiple times during the validity period of your Thai spousal visa, it is essential to apply for a multiple-entry permit to avoid visa cancellation. However, if you intend to remain in Thailand for the entire validity period of the visa, such a permit is not required.

    If you need to leave the country immediately, you can apply for a re-entry permit before your departure, either at the nearest immigration office or at an international airport.

    Thailand Spouse Visa Extension

    The Thai spousal visa is valid for one year and can be extended by submitting the same documents as the original application. Please note that the funds in your bank account must be at least three months old before the visa extension.

    In the event of a divorce, your spousal visa becomes invalid, requiring you to leave the country immediately. However, under certain circumstances, you may be permitted to remain in the country until your existing spousal visa expires.

    Contact us

    If you wish to apply for a spousal visa for Thailand or have any further questions, please contact us at Siam Legal. We are a full-service law firm with over 20 years of experience assisting foreigners with obtaining visas for Thailand and will be happy to provide you with comprehensive information on all the necessary details and guide you through the entire process.