40k Wife Visa

[torrenova]

There have been a lot of threads about this 40k marriage visa and I know I am very grateful to some posters who have contributed but I have one further set of questions.

What is the total cost ?

Exactly what documents do you have to provide ?

Do you have to do 90 day reporting or go out every 90 days ?

Thanks.

[lopburi3]

First it is not a visa but a one year extension of stay from Immigration - you have to have a non immigrant visa to apply and proof of 40k monthly family income. The cost of TM.7 application is 1,900 baht and any travel out of Thailand would require a re-entry permit at 1,000 baht prior to travel. In addition to proof of money you require wife, photos together at home, marriage certificate, wife ID card, wife home register, bank account and bank letter of account balance, your passport and entry card and copies of everything. You have to make 90 day address reports when in Thailand for more than 90 days.

[DavidOxon]

Just for my own additional clarification!

The Thai police headquaters thing 609/2549

allows for a bank deposit of 400.000 bht for 3 months

if the income can't be shown.

Is this still current legislation?

David

[lopburi3]

That is only available to those already in the system - not for new applicants.

[DavidOxon]

so what would happen if I couldn't prove the income when I come to

extend for the first time?

D

[Lite Beer]

so what would happen if I couldn't prove the income when I come to

extend for the first time?

D

You would not get the extension

[stevemiddie]

so what would happen if I couldn't prove the income when I come to

extend for the first time?

D

You would not get the extension

Period. ( unfortunately )

[DavidOxon]

Fortunately I can, but was just wondering about the advantages of other options . . . of which there seem to be none!

I know visa runs are unfashionable these days, but how long (providing nothing ELSE changes) would I be able

to stay by leaving the country every 90 days? is it indefinite, or 15 months, or neither of these?

D

[Lite Beer]

Fortunately I can, but was just wondering about the advantages of other options . . . of which there seem to be none!

I know visa runs are unfashionable these days, but how long (providing nothing ELSE changes) would I be able

to stay by leaving the country every 90 days? is it indefinite, or 15 months, or neither of these?

D

Depends on what visa you have.

[ctira]

If you're talking about the non-o marriage visa:

If you are able to get an extension, you will only need to go report at immigraiton office every 90 days (basically go pay money). No need to do border run.

Only speaking from my experience, the first year when my husband renewed his, he got a piece of white paper stapled to his passport saying he needed to report every 90 days. The way they word it was something very threatening like you would get into this huge trouble if you do not go report every 90 days.

So he went in, got a stamp. Immigration never gave him another piece of that white paper with the next renewal date.

We had no idea what to do, so we basically took that piece of white paper off, and off it went into a trash can (I do not recommend anyone doing this though!). another 9 month passed we went to renew his visa 2nd year. We did not get into any trouble. I honestly do not think we were just lucky to get through, but more like they are so unorganized and have no idea what they are doing.

And this second year around, no more 90 days report. A full year extension.

//Edit: Correct information: the report of one's current address at immigration every 90 days is free of charge.

Correct information: when on an annual extension, the 90-day address report to immigration must be made every 90 days. When the passport holder leaves the country, the 90-clock is reset and the next report has to be made after 90 days from entry into Thailand.

Edited October 29, 2007 by Maestro
Corrected misleading information

[abdulrahman]

If you're talking about the non-o marriage visa:

If you are able to get an extension, you will only need to go report at immigraiton office every 90 days (basically go pay money). No need to do border run.

Only speaking from my experience, the first year when my husband renewed his, he got a piece of white paper stapled to his passport saying he needed to report every 90 days. The way they word it was something very threatening like you would get into this huge trouble if you do not go report every 90 days.

So he went in, got a stamp. Immigration never gave him another piece of that white paper with the next renewal date.

We had no idea what to do, so we basically took that piece of white paper off, and off it went into a trash can (I do not recommend anyone doing this though!). another 9 month passed we went to renew his visa 2nd year. We did not get into any trouble. I honestly do not think we were just lucky to get through, but more like they are so unorganized and have no idea what they are doing.

And this second year around, no more 90 days report. A full year extension.

I think this is incorrect information.For every extension of stay the 90 day report is required(unless,of course, you leave the country with a re-entry permit,that starts the clock again)but I'll think the experts will clarify this.

[Maestro]

Abdulrahman, you are right. I have now added a note to the post with the wrong information as it could get somebody into trouble (fine of 2000 Baht, I believe) if he acted on that wrong information.

--

Maestro

[astral]

No matter what visa type, if you stay in Thailand for more that 90days

you are required to report to Immigration every 90 days.

If you leave and return, then the 90 day clock starts again when you arrive back.

[torrenova]

So what would the husband have to produce document wise if his wife was unable to show 480k income in the previous 12 months ?

[lopburi3]

Proof of monthly income to make the 40k per month requirement, in the form of a letter from there Embassy and likely additional proof such as tax records or pay vouchers.

[jubby]

When costing up your VISA extension at 1900 baht, Don't forget the cost of the 'proof of income' letter from your Embassy/Consulate.

I'm hoping to get one in the next couple of days and have noticed that the Brits are having to pay a wopping 2600 baht for the letter.

maybe they've increased it to pay for the extra workload or have seen a money making oportunity, If we all have to get one each year its a nice little earner for what I would guess will be little work, but I could be wrong. Wish me Luck ;-)

[phutoie2]

No matter what visa type, if you stay in Thailand for more that 90days

you are required to report to Immigration every 90 days.

If you leave and return, then the 90 day clock starts again when you arrive back.

So what happens if you do not report???. I have recently met a mixed bunch of ex-pats (nationality wise) all who look easily over 65 years and seemingly have no intention of returning to home country, who laughed when we were discussing retirement visa's and 90 day reporting. Just how do you get caught out?? as yearly extension applications and 90 day reporting are not connected.

Please do not mention the immigration police as the chances of meeting one of those up here are about the same as me winning one of those 3 number lottery tickets.

ps: I forgot, the 2000 baht fine and the trip to BKK to pay it, another night out!

Edited October 30, 2007 by phutoie2

[ctira]

No matter what visa type, if you stay in Thailand for more that 90days

you are required to report to Immigration every 90 days.

If you leave and return, then the 90 day clock starts again when you arrive back.

So what happens if you do not report???. I have recently met a mixed bunch of ex-pats (nationality wise) all who look easily over 65 years and seemingly have no intention of returning to home country, who laughed when we were discussing retirement visa's and 90 day reporting. Just how do you get caught out?? as yearly extension applications and 90 day reporting are not connected.

Please do not mention the immigration police as the chances of meeting one of those up here are about the same as me winning one of those 3 number lottery tickets.

ps: I forgot, the 2000 baht fine and the trip to BKK to pay it, another night out!

That's what I was wondering too. I'm not saying the story I told was the correct procedure done by immigration. For sure though we certainly did not run into any trouble.

I remember several years back when obtaining non-o marriage visa, the immigration would stamp the date you had to go in for the 90 day report, even if you had a 1 year extension. They don't do that anymore, at least not for us.

Edited October 31, 2007 by ctira

[ctira]

Okay, found that piece of paper and this is what it looks like.

Apparently the fine is up to 5000 baht, not 2000.

[lopburi3]

To date the fine has been 2,000 baht and no daily charge if you report late. But it could be more; as pointed out.

[torrenova]

When costing up your VISA extension at 1900 baht, Don't forget the cost of the 'proof of income' letter from your Embassy/Consulate.

I'm hoping to get one in the next couple of days and have noticed that the Brits are having to pay a wopping 2600 baht for the letter.

maybe they've increased it to pay for the extra workload or have seen a money making oportunity, If we all have to get one each year its a nice little earner for what I would guess will be little work, but I could be wrong. Wish me Luck ;-)

Only valid if using your income but a valid point nevertheless.

On the back of that 2 questions:

If using your income, what would the UK Embassy need to verify it ? I know the USA just asks you to be honest !

If using your income, would they require you to pay tax on it to qualify for the extension ?

[Dave the Dude]

First it is not a visa but a one year extension of stay from Immigration - you have to have a non immigrant visa to apply and proof of 40k monthly family income. The cost of TM.7 application is 1,900 baht and any travel out of Thailand would require a re-entry permit at 1,000 baht prior to travel. In addition to proof of money you require wife, photos together at home, marriage certificate, wife ID card, wife home register, bank account and bank letter of account balance, your passport and entry card and copies of everything. You have to make 90 day address reports when in Thailand for more than 90 days.

Hi

Now I'm really confused (but that is easily done)

I am 49 and entered Thailand with a UK sourced 12 month 'O' multi-entry visa (as visiting a friend). Unlike a 'OA', I hav'nt needed a re-entry permit but have needed to do visa-runs every 90 days.

This week I married my long-term g/f . By the time my current visa expires, I will be 50 and in reciept of a pension.I intend extending it 'as married to a Thai' and I can meet the monthly income thing with my UK pension(embassy doc/visit required, I know)

Now the important bit, Lop. Is the above information correct if one has a 'OA' visa only or are you saying I need not continue with border runs after I have a one year extension of stay from Immigration, as 'married to a Thai'?

p.s. BTW I cannot afford the financial requirements for a retirement 'OA" visa" so its not an option.

Dave

[lopburi3]

A one year extension of stay is the same regardless of the original visa type - if for family or retirement it will require 90 day address reports - there is no requirement to leave Thailand and if you do leave Thailand you must have a re-entry permit first to keep your extension alive.

[Dave the Dude]

A one year extension of stay is the same regardless of the original visa type - if for family or retirement it will require 90 day address reports - there is no requirement to leave Thailand and if you do leave Thailand you must have a re-entry permit first to keep your extension alive.

Fantastic

Thank you, thats great news. It looks like my future 'immigration games' will be a bit easier than I though.

Thats another beer I owe you, Lop

Dave

[fauxie]

But you're all talking about the extension (i.e. reporting, not visa visa runs, every 90 days). It should be noted that just getting the multiple entry O visa means less requirements (photos, tax returns, letter etc. not necessary).

I'd love to get the extension but for now will be happy with border runs every 90 days for showing my marriage cert., copies of wife's ID card, house reg., passport etc. and showing a Thai bank account with more than 40k put in per month (by any means - just putting money in at the deposit point is fine and you can take it out and put it back in again later if you like to make it look better). Whenever I withdraw from my UK account at the ATM the wife puts it in her Thai account at the deposit point. We then take it out and use it for living costs and whatnot. Just deposits like this seem to be satisfactory at the consulate when they check out the bank book copies.

[tijnebijn]

But you're all talking about the extension (i.e. reporting, not visa visa runs, every 90 days). It should be noted that just getting the multiple entry O visa means less requirements (photos, tax returns, letter etc. not necessary).

I'd love to get the extension but for now will be happy with border runs every 90 days for showing my marriage cert., copies of wife's ID card, house reg., passport etc. and showing a Thai bank account with more than 40k put in per month (by any means - just putting money in at the deposit point is fine and you can take it out and put it back in again later if you like to make it look better). Whenever I withdraw from my UK account at the ATM the wife puts it in her Thai account at the deposit point. We then take it out and use it for living costs and whatnot. Just deposits like this seem to be satisfactory at the consulate when they check out the bank book copies.

For the multiple I never had to show any financial recuirements or deposits .

Are you referring to the marriage extension ?

[fauxie]

But you're all talking about the extension (i.e. reporting, not visa visa runs, every 90 days). It should be noted that just getting the multiple entry O visa means less requirements (photos, tax returns, letter etc. not necessary).

I'd love to get the extension but for now will be happy with border runs every 90 days for showing my marriage cert., copies of wife's ID card, house reg., passport etc. and showing a Thai bank account with more than 40k put in per month (by any means - just putting money in at the deposit point is fine and you can take it out and put it back in again later if you like to make it look better). Whenever I withdraw from my UK account at the ATM the wife puts it in her Thai account at the deposit point. We then take it out and use it for living costs and whatnot. Just deposits like this seem to be satisfactory at the consulate when they check out the bank book copies.

For the multiple I never had to show any financial recuirements or deposits .

Are you referring to the marriage extension ?

Not the extension, the initial 1 year multiple entry O visa based on supporting a spouse. I've been required to show bank book copies showing at least 40k going in my wife's Thai account per month. I've not tried to get the extension as I don't think I can meet the requirements.

[lopburi3]

There is no such class of visa as "supporting Thai spouse". There used to be such an extension of stay but it has changed to "family" and no longer requires support. What Consulate are you using that requires this? We do know that to obtain the multi entry type that Singapore was asking to see a bank account with 400k or more but that was the only Consulate we had reports of using such a system.

If you have the 40k going into wifes account from outside Thailand and can obtain a letter of such income from your Embassy you may be able to extend at Immigration.

[fauxie]

There is no such class of visa as "supporting Thai spouse". There used to be such an extension of stay but it has changed to "family" and no longer requires support. What Consulate are you using that requires this? We do know that to obtain the multi entry type that Singapore was asking to see a bank account with 400k or more but that was the only Consulate we had reports of using such a system.

If you have the 40k going into wifes account from outside Thailand and can obtain a letter of such income from your Embassy you may be able to extend at Immigration.

Ok, but you know which visa I'm talking about - category O multiple entry. In Penang I showed bank book copies from my wife's Thai account. The money I put into the account is simply withdrawn from my UK account at the ATM here in Thailand and deposited in her account. That's why I doubt I can get the 1 year extension. I'm happy enough just doing a same day border run every 90 days though. I'll just fly to Penang in the morning and return in the evening as before. Costs about 4500-5000 baht altogether, but it's a better situation than before I was married.

[torrenova]

When costing up your VISA extension at 1900 baht, Don't forget the cost of the 'proof of income' letter from your Embassy/Consulate.

I'm hoping to get one in the next couple of days and have noticed that the Brits are having to pay a wopping 2600 baht for the letter.

maybe they've increased it to pay for the extra workload or have seen a money making oportunity, If we all have to get one each year its a nice little earner for what I would guess will be little work, but I could be wrong. Wish me Luck ;-)

Only valid if using your income but a valid point nevertheless.

On the back of that 2 questions:

If using your income, what would the UK Embassy need to verify it ? I know the USA just asks you to be honest !

If using your income, would they require you to pay tax on it to qualify for the extension ?

Anyone know what Brits have to show to "prove" income which will be accepted by the Thais ?

Anyone know whether tax has to be paid on that for the marriage extension ?

a couple of posters just above have mentioned taking money out of their ATM and putting it into the wife's account. Can we clarify that this will NOT be acceptable to meet the 40k requirement as no tax would be paid on it ?

However, if she so wished and to get the husband the visa / extension, she could pay tax on the 40k ? Yes or no ?