Thailand Marriage Visa: Extension Based on Thai Spouse

Overview of Marriage Visa Extension

If you are legally married to a Thai citizen, you may be eligible for a 1-year extension of stay based on your marriage. This is commonly called the "marriage visa" or "spouse visa," though technically it is an extension of a Non-Immigrant O visa.

This visa pathway allows foreign spouses of Thai nationals to live in Thailand long-term without needing employment or meeting the higher financial requirements of retirement visas.

Critical Myth Debunked: Marriage to a Thai citizen does NOT grant you property rights, business ownership privileges, or any exemption from the Foreign Business Act. You remain a foreigner under Thai law with all associated restrictions. See our Marriage Property Myth Guide for details.

Key Features

Duration: 1-year extension of stay, renewable annually
Basis: Legal marriage to Thai national (registered in Thailand)
Financial requirement: 400,000 THB bank deposit OR 40,000 THB monthly income
Work permit: Eligible to apply for work permit separately
Initial visa: Requires Non-Immigrant O visa first

Marriage Registration Requirements

Before you can apply for a marriage visa extension, your marriage must be legally registered in Thailand. Here is what is required:

Documents from Your Home Country

Affirmation of Freedom to Marry: Sworn statement from your embassy confirming you are legally free to marry (single, divorced, or widowed)
Passport: Valid passport with current visa
Divorce decree: If previously married (certified and translated)
Death certificate of former spouse: If widowed (certified and translated)

Thai Translation and Legalization

All foreign documents must be:

Translated into Thai by a certified translator
Notarized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in Bangkok

Registration Process

Obtain Affirmation of Freedom to Marry from your embassy in Bangkok
Have documents translated into Thai
Get translation certified at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Both parties visit the District Office (Amphur) together
Register the marriage and receive marriage certificate

                Same-Sex Marriage: As of January 22, 2025, Thailand recognizes same-sex marriage under the Marriage Equality Act. Same-sex couples can now register marriages and the foreign spouse can apply for the same marriage visa extension as opposite-sex couples.
            

Financial Requirements

The marriage visa extension has lower financial requirements compared to retirement visas. You must meet one of these criteria:

Option 1: Thai Bank Deposit

400,000 THB

Approximately $11,000-$12,000 USD deposited in a Thai bank account in your name.

Option 2: Monthly Income

40,000 THB/month

Approximately $1,100-$1,200 USD per month in verifiable income.

Option 3: Combination

400,000 THB Total

Bank deposit plus annual income (12x monthly income) must equal at least 400,000 THB combined.

Bank Deposit Requirements

Money must be in your name only (not joint account)
Funds must be "seasoned" for 2-3 months before application
Must maintain balance throughout visa validity
Updated bankbook required at each extension
Bank letter confirming balance often required

Income Verification

Income letter from your embassy (income affidavit)
Some immigration offices require bank transfer proof showing income deposited monthly
Employment letters if working in Thailand
Requirements vary by immigration office

Embassy Letter Changes: Several embassies (including US Embassy) no longer issue income verification letters. Many immigration offices now require you to show 12 months of actual bank transfers as proof of income. Check with your local immigration office for current requirements.

Required Documents for Extension

When applying for your marriage visa extension at Thai Immigration, prepare the following documents:

Your Documents (Foreign Spouse)

Passport with current Non-Immigrant O visa or previous extension
TM.7 extension application form
Passport photographs (4x6 cm)
Copies of passport pages (data page, visa page, all stamps, departure card)
Bank book and bank letter showing 400,000 THB (or income documentation)
TM.30 receipt (proof of address notification)
Map to your residence

Thai Spouse's Documents

Thai ID card (original and copies)
House registration (Tabien Baan) - original and copies
Marriage certificate (Kor Ror 3) - original and copies
Photographs of the couple together
Spouse may need to be present for interview

Additional Documents (Often Required)

Photographs of your home (exterior and interior)
Photographs of you and spouse together at home
Employment documents if working
Proof of relationship history (photos, travel records)

                Documentation Varies: Different immigration offices have different documentation requirements. Some are more thorough than others. Always call ahead or check online for your specific office's current document checklist.
            

Process at Immigration

Here is the typical process for obtaining your marriage visa extension:

1

Obtain Non-Immigrant O Visa

If you do not already have one, apply for a Non-Immigrant O visa at a Thai embassy abroad based on marriage. Alternatively, convert from another Non-O category within Thailand if eligible.

2

Gather Documents

Prepare all required documents for both you and your Thai spouse. Make copies as specified. Ensure bank funds have been seasoned for the required period.

3

Submit Application

Visit your local Immigration office with your spouse. Submit TM.7 form and all documents. Pay the 1,900 THB extension fee. Your spouse may need to be present.

4

Interview (If Required)

Some offices conduct interviews to verify the authenticity of the marriage. Questions may cover your relationship history, daily life, and living arrangements.

5

Home Visit (Sometimes)

Immigration officers may conduct an unannounced home visit to verify you live together at the registered address. This is more common for first-time applicants.

6

Receive Extension

If approved, your extension stamp is placed in your passport, valid for 1 year from your previous expiry date. Processing typically takes same day to a few days.

90-Day Reporting

Like all long-term visa holders in Thailand, you must complete 90-day reporting while on a marriage extension.

Requirements

Report your address every 90 days
Can report 15 days before or 7 days after due date
Leaving and re-entering Thailand resets the 90-day counter
Late reporting: 2,000 THB fine

How to Report

In Person: Visit Immigration with passport and TM.30
Online: Through Immigration Bureau website (when functional)
By Post: Mail documents to Immigration (allow extra time)
Via Agent: Visa service agents can handle this

Re-Entry Permits

Your marriage extension becomes void if you leave Thailand without a re-entry permit. Always obtain one before traveling internationally.

Permit Type	Cost	Details
Single Re-Entry	1,000 THB	One exit and return
Multiple Re-Entry	3,800 THB	Unlimited trips during visa validity

Re-entry permits are available at Immigration offices and at international airport immigration counters before departure.

Common Pitfalls and Rejections

Marriage visa extensions can be denied for various reasons. Here are the most common pitfalls:

Insufficient Financial Documentation

Money not seasoned long enough, balance dropped below threshold during year, or inadequate income proof. Ensure 400,000 THB has been in your account for 2-3 months before applying.

Incomplete Spouse Documentation

Missing Thai ID card, outdated house registration, or spouse not present when required. Always bring originals plus copies of all spouse documents.

Address Discrepancies

TM.30 address does not match house registration. Immigration may deny if you cannot prove you live at the registered address with your spouse.

Failed Home Inspection

Officers visit and find no evidence you live there, spouse is absent, or neighbors say they have not seen you. Maintain genuine residence at your registered address.

Suspicious Marriage Indicators

Immigration may investigate if they suspect a marriage of convenience. Signs include large age gaps, lack of shared photos/history, inability to answer basic questions about each other.

Previous Immigration Violations

History of overstays, previous visa rejections, or other immigration issues can result in denial or additional scrutiny.

Divorce or Separation During Validity

If you divorce during your extension, you lose the basis for your visa and must change to another category or leave Thailand.

Marriage Does NOT Grant Property Rights

One of the most persistent myths among foreigners in Thailand is that marriage to a Thai citizen grants property ownership rights. This is completely false.

The Myth: "If I marry a Thai, I can own land through my spouse" or "My Thai wife can buy land for me."

The Legal Reality

Foreigners cannot own land in Thailand regardless of marital status (Land Code Section 86)
Land purchased by your Thai spouse becomes their sole property
Your Thai spouse must sign a declaration stating the funds used are NOT from a foreigner
If you fund land purchase through your spouse, the land still belongs solely to them
In divorce, land titled in your spouse's name remains theirs unless proven otherwise

What You CAN Do

Own a condominium unit in your own name (within 49% foreign quota)
Register a long-term lease (up to 30 years) on land
Register a superficies right to own buildings on leased land
Structure usufruct rights over property

Financial Risk Warning: Many foreigners have lost substantial investments when relationships end because they funded land purchases in their Thai spouse's name. Without legal ownership documents in your name, you have no property rights regardless of how much money you contributed.

For detailed information on property ownership options and protections, see our Marriage Property Myth Guide and Property Ownership pillar.

Work Permit Eligibility

Unlike retirement visas, marriage visa extension holders can apply for Thai work permits.

Work Permit Process

Requires sponsorship from a Thai employer
Employer must meet foreign employee ratio requirements
Standard work permit documentation required
Work permit tied to your Non-Immigrant O extension

Restrictions

Cannot work in occupations reserved for Thais
Cannot be self-employed without proper business structure
Must maintain valid visa extension to keep work permit

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get married in Thailand on a tourist visa?

Yes, you can register a marriage in Thailand on a tourist visa. However, to obtain the marriage extension, you will need to first obtain a Non-Immigrant O visa (either from abroad or by converting in-country if eligible).

What if my Thai spouse dies?

You lose the basis for your marriage extension. You may be able to convert to another visa type (retirement if over 50, or based on work), or you may need to leave Thailand and apply for a different visa.

Can same-sex couples get marriage visa extensions?

Yes, as of January 22, 2025, Thailand recognizes same-sex marriages. Same-sex couples who register their marriage in Thailand can apply for marriage visa extensions on the same basis as opposite-sex couples.

Does my Thai child give me visa rights?

Having a Thai child can provide a basis for a different extension category (guardian of Thai child), separate from the marriage extension. The financial and documentation requirements differ.

What if we live apart sometimes?

Immigration expects married couples to live together. If you maintain separate residences or are frequently apart, this may raise red flags during home visits or interviews.

Can I change from retirement to marriage visa?

Yes, if you marry a Thai national while on a retirement extension, you can switch to a marriage extension at your next renewal. The lower financial threshold (400,000 THB vs. 800,000 THB) can be advantageous.