How Do I Go About Getting A Visa When I Move To Thailand

[TheDon]

Im moving to Thailand in Jan 09. how do I go about getting a visa which limits the amount of boarder hops? And should I apply for it when im in Thailand or before I go?

[Crossy]

You apply for a visa at your local Thai embassy or consulate before leaving.

Exactly what type of visa you can get depends upon some variables:-

1. your age
   
2. are you married to a Thai
   
3. do you intend working in Thailand
   

[geoffphuket]

Im moving to Thailand in Jan 09. how do I go about getting a visa which limits the amount of boarder hops? And should I apply for it when im in Thailand or before I go?

Well, here's your first step: http://thaisydney.idx.com.au/

[TheDon]

im 28

married to a Thai lady

Intending on doing my own business (not a bar)

[Lite Beer]

im 28

married to a Thai lady

Intending on doing my own business (not a bar)

If you or your Wife or both together can prove a monthly income of 40,000 Baht you can get a yearly stay without the need for border runs.

[TheDon]

Yeah i can prove that as I will just say I work for the father inlaw.

But should I appy for the visa before I leave here or is it easier to do when i'm there.

My plan was just to go there on a tourist visa (30 days) and then just get the visa changed while im there. But im not sure if doing it that way might be a pain in the ass or not.

[Lite Beer]

Yeah i can prove that as I will just say I work for the father inlaw.

You have to prove it by a letter from your Embassy if income is from outside Thailand or Receipts of income tax payments if inside Thailand. You will also need a work permit to work.

Also a Tourist Visa is for 60 days.

[Mario2008]

Since you probaly will arive on a one-way ticket better get a non-O immigrant visa based on your marriage from an embassy or consulate.

[lopburi3]

There is no way you can obtain an extension of stay on the basis of saying you work for FIL. There is a record of tax payments and work permits involved. It also must be done with 21 days or more remaining on your entry stamp. Visa exempt entry may not even get you aboard the aircraft.

With marriage certificate/copy and wife id card (or passport)/copy you should be able to obtain a non immigrant O visa. That is going to be required for any extension of stay so best to start off with it.

[TheDon]

Ok thanks for that.

So I wont be able to prove that I make 40,000 probably for the first few months. So I should apply for the spouse visa then get the other visa later.

So for a spouse visa how long can I stay without border hoping? It doesnt say how long on the immigration website (unless im blind)

1. i will apply for the Spouse visa.

2. Then what visa would suit me best, I intend on working for myself

[Lite Beer]

There is no such thing as a spouse visa.

You need a Non Imm O Visa (multi entry if possible) as Lopburi said.

Each entry will give you a 90 day stay.

[TheDon]

http://thaisydney.idx.com.au/Consular_serv...isa/Spouse.html

They call this a spouse visa.

How much border hops is that? every 90 days

[Lite Beer]

http://thaisydney.idx.com.au/Consular_serv...isa/Spouse.html

They call this a spouse visa.

How much border hops is that? every 90 days

They may call it that but it is not.

Yes every 90 days if you get the multy entry version.

A single entry will get you 90 days only.

[lopburi3]

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)

NON-IMMIGRANT VISA

other activities (Category "O") as follows:

to stay with the family, to perfrom duties for the state enterprise or social welfare organizations, to stay after retirement for the elderly, to receive medical treatment, to be a sport coach as required by Thai Government, to be a contestant or witness for the judicial process.

MFA trumps Sydney.

A non immigrant O visa allows a stay of 90 days. A multi entry would be valid for one year from date of issue for stays of up to 90 days.