Hi all,

As half of a western couple, but not married, I was wondering about this: is it possible for one of us to get a work permit (this is not a question about how we get that, that is no a problem) and keep the other one in the country as common-law spouse (ala Australia). I would assume the cl spouse would not be able to work, that is fine.

Or do we have to be married?

Many thanks

Neph.

No such thing as common law marriage here, but I can't see why she can't live here with you as your gf.

Hi all,

As half of a western couple, but not married, I was wondering about this: is it possible for one of us to get a work permit (this is not a question about how we get that, that is no a problem) and keep the other one in the country as common-law spouse (ala Australia). I would assume the cl spouse would not be able to work, that is fine.

Or do we have to be married?

Many thanks

Neph.

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What is the present visa status you both have in Thailand

Hi all,

As half of a western couple, but not married, I was wondering about this: is it possible for one of us to get a work permit (this is not a question about how we get that, that is no a problem) and keep the other one in the country as common-law spouse (ala Australia). I would assume the cl spouse would not be able to work, that is fine.

Or do we have to be married?

Many thanks

Neph.

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What is the present visa status you both have in Thailand

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we are currently both on tourist visa (multientry) so I would guess we have to leave the country and apply for imm. b visa to re-enter, then start the wp application?

You should be able to change your visa at Bkk immigration as part of the WP process.

Common law marriages are a myth in most countries. Although there are still a few states in the U.S. where they have any legal status. In Australia I believe that you have to register for you to have a common law status. This is mainly for gay partners, as you may as well get married if you are heterosexual.

Common law marriages are a myth in most countries. Although there are still a few states in the U.S. where they have any legal status. In Australia I believe that you have to register for you to have a common law status. This is mainly for gay partners, as you may as well get married if you are heterosexual.

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CRAP

Thailand doesn’t recognise common law partnerships, so the non-working partner is going to have to do the 3 monthly visa run unfortunately. The only way for the partner to stay is if you are married.

Like Dr PP says, places like Australia and UK recognise common-law defacto relationships for immigration purposes if the couple have been living in a relationship akin to marriage for between 12-24 months respectively. Many (probably the majority) are heterosexual couples that take advantage of this law.

Thailand doesn’t recognise common law partnerships, so the non-working partner is going to have to do the 3 monthly visa run unfortunately. The only way for the partner to stay is if you are married.

Like Dr PP says, places like Australia and UK recognise common-law defacto relationships for immigration purposes if the couple have been living in a relationship akin to marriage for between 12-24 months respectively. Many (probably the majority) are heterosexual couples that take advantage of this law.

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Samran (and others) thanks for your help. I had hoped that Thailand had got to the same point as other countries - whereby you don't have to be married but do have to proove that you have been living together, something we could easily have done.

I loved "as you may as well get married if you are heterosexual.". And thats the easy solution, huh?

cheers all

neph