NZer requesting advice on approach to Non-O visa with wife under 50

[KiwiFire]

Hi everyone, first timer to this forum, thanks for having me.

 

I'm 51 and my wife is 44, both residing in New Zealand and NZ citizens. We're planning to relocate to Thailand to retire in a few months. Given my wife is under 50, I'm seeking guidance on the optimal approach to long stay visas for us both. I've been researching on FB forums, Reddit communities, and talking with visa agents and not getting a coherent picture of how to tackle things. Hoping you can please help.

 

From what I understand, we should both apply for Non-O visas from NZ. The cost is NZD 800 (THB 15,640) each which is pricey but ensures that we arrive in Thailand on a non-immigrant visa which should hopefully enable us to open a bank account. I have the THB 800,000 deposit that is required and understand this needs to be in the Thai bank account for two months prior to applying for the one year extension to the Non-O visa.

 

In terms of applying for the Non-O visas in NZ, the sequence is that I would apply first for the purpose of Retirement. Once approved, my wife would then apply for the purpose of Spouse with reference to my visa.

 

• Can you please advise if this is the correct approach in our situation? 
• Is my wife required to have a separate bank account with a second THB 800,000 deposit (so THB 800,000 each)?
• Will we be able to open a bank account with a Non-O visa?
• If we use an agent in Bangkok for the 1 year extension and bank account opening, what should we expect in terms of fees per person?

 

Greatly appreciate your assistance!

[Liquorice]

Hi @KiwiFire and welcome to the forum.

 

First and foremost regarding the Non Imm O visa.

1 hour ago, KiwiFire said:

In terms of applying for the Non-O visas in NZ, the sequence is that I would apply first for the purpose of Retirement. Once approved, my wife would then apply for the purpose of Spouse with reference to my visa.

This could be lengthy!

 

According to the Thai Embassy website in Wellington and confirmed by the e-visa application site, for your wife to apply for the Non Imm O to join non-Thai family in Thailand, you would already have to be residing in Thailand.

You would apply based on retirement.
Your wife would apply based on joining a Non-Thai family member already residing in Thailand.

The financial requirement for the Non Imm O retirement is the equivalent of 800,000 BHT in any bank account.

The financial requirement for the Non Imm O based on joining a non Thai family member is the equivalent of 30,000 THB in any bank account.

 

https://wellington.thaiembassy.org/th/publicservice/81086-non-immigrant-visa-o-other

This type of visa is issued to applicants who wish to enter the Kingdom for the following purposes:
  - Non-immigrant O (Spouse/Family) - To stay with a family member who is residing in Thailand
  - Non-immigrant O (Volunteer) - To do volunteer work with state enterprises or social welfare organizations in Thailand
  - Non-immigrant O (Retirement) - Retirement / pension earners  

 

E-visa website;

https://www.thaievisa.go.th/visa/non-immigrant-o

Staying with Family Visas

To stay with non-Thai family residing in Thailand (more than 60 days)

 

Required Document

( Please check relevant embassy/
consulate-general website for specific
required documents)

1. Biodata page of Passport or Travel Document
2. Photograph taken within the last six months
3. Document indicating current location
4. Financial evidence: an amount of no less than 30,000 THB (e.g., bank statements for the last three months, sponsor letter)
5. Personal details of a family in Thailand (e.g., ID card, passport and the visa page or stay permit in Thailand)
6. Proof of relationship to a family in Thailand (e.g., a copy of marriage certificate/birth certificate/certificate of adoption)

 

Number of entry single

Validity of Visa 3 months.

Single

3 Months

 

On entry to Thailand, you will be granted temporary permission of stay for 90 days.
Open a (Savings) account in your sole name and transfer the required 800K for Immigration purposes.
Once the 800K has been deposited for 2 months, but before the 90 days expire, you can apply to extend your permission of stay for a further 12 months based on retirement. The criteria to apply for the retirement extension, is subject to clause 2.22 of Immigration Order 327/2557.

Your wife would 'piggyback' your extension under clause 2.20 of the same order.

You can download order 327/2557 from this link https://aseannow.com/topic/981135-laws-regulations-police-orders-etc/ No.12 in the list.

Only you require the 800K, not your wife.

 

There are other points to cover, but let's walk before we run.

 

Have you been to Thailand before, and where would you intend to reside, as that will dictate which Immigration office you would use?

 

 

[Liquorice]

As an aside, if I recall, the extortionate costs of a Thai visa from New Zealand was discussed some time ago.

New Zealand increased it visa prices to Thai nationals wishing to visit, so Thailand reciprocated by increasing their prices for Thai visas.

Typically, a Non Imm O visa from London is £60 (135 NZD or 2,650 BHT).

[zz4096]

15 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

As an aside, if I recall, the extortionate costs of a Thai visa from New Zealand was discussed some time ago.

New Zealand increased it visa prices to Thai nationals wishing to visit, so Thailand reciprocated by increasing their prices for Thai visas.

Typically, a Non Imm O visa from London is £60 (135 NZD or 2,650 BHT).

 

NZD 800 is an insane amount for a single-entry Non-O. This page of the Wellington Embassy also seems to imply that insurance is still required (scroll to the end).

 

https://wellington.thaiembassy.org/th/publicservice/81086-non-immigrant-visa-o-other

 

It only costs 2,000 Thai baht for the same visa in Vientiane. Perhaps the OP is better off having a little holiday in Laos and applying there instead of in NZ? Or am I missing something here?

 

[Peter Crow]

7 minutes ago, zz4096 said:

NZD 800 is an insane amount for a single-entry Non-O. This page of the Wellington Embassy also seems to imply that insurance is still required (scroll to the end).

 

Exorbitant indeed, but is this price for everyone or only for Stickman? 

[zz4096]

3 minutes ago, Peter Crow said:

Exorbitant indeed, but is this price for everyone or only for Stickman? 

 

Qué?

[KiwiFire]

48 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

Hi @KiwiFire and welcome to the forum.

 

First and foremost regarding the Non Imm O visa.

This could be lengthy!

 

According to the Thai Embassy website in Wellington and confirmed by the e-visa application site, for your wife to apply for the Non Imm O to join non-Thai family in Thailand, you would already have to be residing in Thailand.

You would apply based on retirement.
Your wife would apply based on joining a Non-Thai family member already residing in Thailand.

The financial requirement for the Non Imm O retirement is the equivalent of 800,000 BHT in any bank account.

The financial requirement for the Non Imm O based on joining a non Thai family member is the equivalent of 30,000 THB in any bank account.

 

https://wellington.thaiembassy.org/th/publicservice/81086-non-immigrant-visa-o-other

This type of visa is issued to applicants who wish to enter the Kingdom for the following purposes:
  - Non-immigrant O (Spouse/Family) - To stay with a family member who is residing in Thailand
  - Non-immigrant O (Volunteer) - To do volunteer work with state enterprises or social welfare organizations in Thailand
  - Non-immigrant O (Retirement) - Retirement / pension earners  

 

E-visa website;

https://www.thaievisa.go.th/visa/non-immigrant-o

Staying with Family Visas

To stay with non-Thai family residing in Thailand (more than 60 days)

 

Required Document

( Please check relevant embassy/
consulate-general website for specific
required documents)

1. Biodata page of Passport or Travel Document
2. Photograph taken within the last six months
3. Document indicating current location
4. Financial evidence: an amount of no less than 30,000 THB (e.g., bank statements for the last three months, sponsor letter)
5. Personal details of a family in Thailand (e.g., ID card, passport and the visa page or stay permit in Thailand)
6. Proof of relationship to a family in Thailand (e.g., a copy of marriage certificate/birth certificate/certificate of adoption)

 

Number of entry single

Validity of Visa 3 months.

Single

3 Months

 

On entry to Thailand, you will be granted temporary permission of stay for 90 days.
Open a (Savings) account in your sole name and transfer the required 800K for Immigration purposes.
Once the 800K has been deposited for 2 months, but before the 90 days expire, you can apply to extend your permission of stay for a further 12 months based on retirement. The criteria to apply for the retirement extension, is subject to clause 2.22 of Immigration Order 327/2557.

Your wife would 'piggyback' your extension under clause 2.20 of the same order.

You can download order 327/2557 from this link https://aseannow.com/topic/981135-laws-regulations-police-orders-etc/ No.12 in the list.

Only you require the 800K, not your wife.

 

There are other points to cover, but let's walk before we run.

 

Have you been to Thailand before, and where would you intend to reside, as that will dictate which Immigration office you would use?

 

 

Hi @Liquorice thank you for your detailed reply. Yes we have both visited Thailand previously and our plan is to live in Bangkok for the first year.

 

So I'm clear on my path to a Non-O visa for Retirement in Thailand.

 

However I'm not clear on the correct approach for my wife. Having her apply for the Non-O (Spouse/Family) in NZ will seemingly not work because I will not yet be residing in Thailand (to your point).

 

I've been advised by a visa agency that my wife cannot arrive in Thailand on a visa exemption and then apply for a Non-O (Spouse/Family) visa that is dependent on my Non-O (Retirement) visa. They suggested that she first apply for an ED visa which is issued for 3 months, then needs to be extended for 1 year, after which she could apply for a Non-O (Spouse/Family) visa that is dependent on my visa. I'm not sure if this is a ploy to earn additional fees from the ED visa.

 

I had a separate visa agency advise for both myself and my wife to apply for the Non-O in NZ. So I'm confused!

[Liquorice]

19 minutes ago, KiwiFire said:

However I'm not clear on the correct approach for my wife. Having her apply for the Non-O (Spouse/Family) in NZ will seemingly not work because I will not yet be residing in Thailand (to your point).

The point is the Non Imm O visa for your spouse is based on joining a family member already residing in Thailand, not accompanying a spouse to Thailand.

You could approach the Thai Embassy in NZ and pose the question.

 

Regarding agents, 

You can't switch from a Non ED visa to a Non O without applying separately at a local Thai Embassy, and I very much doubt they would process a Non O to join a non Thai family member already resident in Thailand. I stand to be proved wrong, but I'm fairly confident you have to be a national or resident of where you apply for that type of visa.

 

19 minutes ago, KiwiFire said:

I had a separate visa agency advise for both myself and my wife to apply for the Non-O in NZ. So I'm confused!

That is correct advice in my opinion.

Some agents will advise what you want to hear for your money.

 

Another issue is that Thai Immigration do not accept foreign marriage certificates without first 'legalising' the foreign marriage certificate.

[DrJack54]

OP this perhaps not clear however have a read of this thread. 

Also the link I posted in first reply to another thread. 

This suggestion may seem "long way round" However you could consider wife initially enter visa exempt. 

You enter with a Non O retirement and at some point wife obtains a Non O dependant eVisa in nearby country. 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1348696-question-on-under-50-wife-getting-a-non-o-visa/

 

[Red Phoenix]

2 hours ago, zz4096 said:

NZD 800 is an insane amount for a single-entry Non-O. This page of the Wellington Embassy also seems to imply that insurance is still required (scroll to the end).

https://wellington.thaiembassy.org/th/publicservice/81086-non-immigrant-visa-o-other

It only costs 2,000 Thai baht for the same visa in Vientiane. Perhaps the OP is better off having a little holiday in Laos and applying there instead of in NZ? Or am I missing something here?

 

With the eVisa system, which has now been rolled out to all Thai embassies/consulates worldwide, you cannot apply anymore for a Non Imm O Visa in another country than your home-country.  But you can still apply - besides from your home-country - at a Thai Immigration office in the province where you are and plan to stay.  So you could enter Thailand VisaExempt or on a Tourist Visa and then apply for the  90-day Non Imm O Visa at a local Thai Imm Office.  Unfortunately, if you would be using the Funds in Bank method (800K when opting to apply for reason of  Retirement), it would be difficult - but not entirely impossible - to meet the financial requirement as the funds need to be on a personal Thai bank account at the moment of application.  But for a foreigner opening a Bank-account, the Bank requires that you are already on a long-term stay Visa.  So that's a Catch-22.  But as this is Thailand, you could make use of a Visa Agent that uses his connections to open a Bank-Account in your personal name.  And once you have the Bank-account you can transfer the required funds from your foreign Bank-account to that Thai bank-account.  Note that when applying for the 90-day Non Imm O Visa that the funds only need to be on your personal Thai bank-account at the moment of application.  And it is when applying for the 1-year extension of that Non Imm O Visa, that you need to show that the funds have been seasoned for 2 months on that Thai bank-account.       

[Liquorice]

20 minutes ago, Red Phoenix said:

With the eVisa system, which has now been rolled out to all Thai embassies/consulates worldwide, you cannot apply anymore for a Non Imm O Visa in another country than your home-country.

That's not true!

 

21 minutes ago, Red Phoenix said:

So you could enter Thailand VisaExempt or on a Tourist Visa and then apply for the  90-day Non Imm O Visa at a local Thai Imm Office.  Unfortunately, if you would be using the Funds in Bank method (800K when opting to apply for reason of  Retirement), it would be difficult - but not entirely impossible - to meet the financial requirement as the funds need to be on a personal Thai bank account at the moment of application.  But for a foreigner opening a Bank-account, the Bank requires that you are already on a long-term stay Visa.  So that's a Catch-22.  But as this is Thailand, you could make use of a Visa Agent that uses his connections to open a Bank-Account in your personal name.  And once you have the Bank-account you can transfer the required funds from your foreign Bank-account to that Thai bank-account.  Note that when applying for the 90-day Non Imm O Visa that the funds only need to be on your personal Thai bank-account at the moment of application.  And it is when applying for the 1-year extension of that Non Imm O Visa, that you need to show that the funds have been seasoned for 2 months on that Thai bank-account. 

And what do you suggest his wife does?

[Liquorice]

@KiwiFire

There are always solutions to these problems, it just depends on how far you're willing to go with the inconvenience.

[DrJack54]

28 minutes ago, Red Phoenix said:

With the eVisa system, which has now been rolled out to all Thai embassies/consulates worldwide, you cannot apply anymore for a Non Imm O Visa in another country than your home-country.

No. 

28 minutes ago, Red Phoenix said:

But you can still apply - besides from your home-country - at a Thai Immigration office in the province where you are and plan to stay

That would have him enter Thailand visa exempt and opening a Thai Bank account (that he does not have) unlikely in current times. 

 

The rest of the post is rambling. Skip it.