Marriage visa - newbie question?

[Markos22]

I just started to gather infos about marriage visa,but i would like to ask a question that is a bit weird and probably funny but i can't find any answer.I also apologize,my english is bad thus can't be understand properly.

So, do i have to be married to thai before i go into visa agency and give all required documents?

So basically what i'm asking is if i decided to get marry to my thai girlfriend(we've been together for 5 years) can we just go into visa agency and give all required documents(with a proof of 400.000baht bank balance)?

Basically we just want to get marry for "paper" first (as i don't have much money) so i can live with her in Thailand.(thus not doing tourists/ed visa all the time)

(her family doesn't need sinsod etc.).

Like i said it sounds like a weird question but hopefully someone can give me some infos

[wayned]

You have to do everything that is required to get "officially" married at the Amphur office. They will issue you a marriage certificate, Kor Ror 3 and and a Kor Ror 2. These documents are required to apply for the marriage extension. You can only extend a Non-O visa. If you are on a tourist or visa exempt entry it can be converted to a Non-O at immigration in Bangkok. The cost of the conversion is 2000 baht and the extension 1900 baht. The official marriage cost is usually "up to you".

In order to get officially married you will need an "affirmation to marry" from your Embassy which has been certified by the MFA at Laksi.

To answer the question that I think that you are asking, No you do not have to have the big family wedding, only the paperwork!

[Lite Beer]

Getting married can cost as little as a few thousand Baht depending on how much your Embassy charges for the Affirmation to Marry document.

Once married you apply at your local immigration office and your Wife will have to go with you.

A Rough Guide.

(6) In case of marriage with a Thai lady, the husband who is an alien must have an average annual income of not less than 40,000 baht per month or a money deposit in a local Thai bank of not less than 400,000 baht for the past 2 months for expenses within a year.

Letter from your Thai Bank showing balance and up to date bank book.

OR.

If income from outside Thailand: Letter from your Embassy showing income. Now may also need proof of income as back up.

If Income from Thailand: Statements showing Income Tax receipts.

Marriage Certificate. (Kor Ror 3)

Marriage Registry entry. (Kor Ror 2)

Wife's Tabbien Baan and ID Card.

Your Passport.

Copies of everything.

Photos of you and your Wife in and around the house.

A map showing the way to your house.

Passport size photos and 1,900 Baht fee.

Take your Wife to be interviewed.

One or two witnesses may be required.

You will be given a 30 day under consideration stamp.

Go back in a month and get the remainder.