Marriage Visa

[sua yai]

I've posted on this before and have received some helpful advice - thanks.

I'm still confused about the financial requirements. I understand that I will need 400,000 Baht in a Thai bank account, or an income of 40,000 pmth.

As my capital is tied up in property in the UK, finding 400,000 would take some time and saving. However, my gross income from rent, or even "net" income after letting agent fees, UK taxes and committments in the UK are far higher than the 40,000 necessary.

Previously, I've been told that the 40,000 needs to be earned in Thailand. Immigration will not consider "pie in the sky" income if it's in the UK.

Excuse me if I'm being daft, but if I am applying for a marriage visa based on earnings of over 40,000 made in Thailand, I'll already have a Non B visa and work permit and so won't need the marriage visa. This being the case, why do immigration even ask for a Thai salary condition?

I know TIT, but it seems strange to me. Can anyone shed some light on this? Thanks.

[lopburi3]

The money must be certified by your Embassy - it does not have to be made in Thailand. What your Embassy requires is the key factor here.

[sua yai]

OK. So, if I'm able to satisfy the British Embassy that I have this income and they issue me with paperwork to that effect, this might satisfy the Thai authorities?

If so, would this money have to be transferred to a Thai bank account on a monthly basis, or could I leave it in the UK and just withdraw 40,000+ a month and have bank statements and ATM receipts to back this up?

[lopburi3]

They are still going to want to see something in an account here but it will probably be up to you how much. And yes, the letter from your Embassy will satisfy immigration that you have the means to support your wife.

There is no requirement to transfer any amount at any time - just keep some activity and top up as needed (due to cost of wire transfer most of us probably only do it a couple of times each year).

Will add that atm is not a good idea as immigration does not have the time to track that down. Best to use wire transfer where there is a record that is easy to verify. Using this outside of Thailand income you are required to show the money indeed came from outside of Thailand. If not you would need a work permit.

Edited June 1, 2005 by lopburi3

[sua yai]

Thanks for your input, Lopburi3.

It would seem as though the best move would be to wire transfer say 45,000 a month to a Thai bank account and speak to imigration first.

I was talking to some friends last night. Three of them went to Penang last month and got multi-entry Non Os on the basis of marriage. They just showed their marriage certificate, copy of wife's ID etc and were not asked for any proof of funds.

OK, they must exit every 90 days, but that's a better alternative than these infernal 30 day runs.

[lopburi3]

Thanks for your input, Lopburi3.

It would seem as though the best move would be to wire transfer say 45,000 a month to a Thai bank account and speak to imigration first.

I was talking to some friends last night. Three of them went to Penang last month and got multi-entry Non Os on the basis of marriage. They just showed their marriage certificate, copy of wife's ID etc and were not asked for any proof of funds.

OK, they must exit every 90 days, but that's a better alternative than these infernal 30 day runs.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Much better than 30 day runs but if you have the money the extension of stay is better still.

There is no need to do transfer every month but if you do not mind the high fee involved it should work. The bank records will show foreign wire transfer source for the funds so there is no need to involve immigration until you do the yearly extension (unless I misread and you want to ask immigration the best method of doing this - in that case do so).

[sua yai]

Yes, that makes sense as well.

A transfer from the UK to Thailand costs 20 pounds and can be easily set up electronically.

A word with immigration might not go amiss if I'm in BKK.

[Crossy]

I may be missing the point here but...

To apply for the VISA (at Hull or wherever) you do not need to demonstrate any form of income, in Thailand or elsewhere, you just need to demonstrate that you are married to a Thai national. Showing funds will probably oil the wheels but I'm not aware of anyone being turned down.

Once in Thailand if you wish to extend your stay (at the end of your first year assuming you got a multi-entry 'O'), then you need to show either 400k (about 5.5 grand UK) in a Thai bank (it's supposed to come from outside Thailand) or a suitable local income.

BTW, if you can get an 'O' it is far more flexible than a 'B', you can get a work permit against it and it won't get killed off if you lose / leave your job. If you are married to a Thai it is also advantageous to potential employers as the requirements for investment and Thai employees is reduced.

Just my 2p worth