My GF is currently in the UK on a general visitors visa and we want to go for a settlement visa later on in the year. Our plan is that we'll register as married in Thailand and then apply for the visa. She says I have to get a document from the British Embassy to say I'm not already married, we then get that translated into Thai, take that to consular office to get it stamped, then go to the district office in Bangrak and register as married. When applying for the settlement visa I know that I have to show proof of earnings of at least £18'600, but not sure what documents I need for this. I'm a Cabby so self employed, it will be 1 year I've been back in employment in October but apparently I'm not due to pay tax until next year according to my Accountant. So what can I show as proof of earnings in October ? I'll ask my Accountant too but would like to know beforehand what I need specifically for the visa requirements.

You have to get a document signed called an Affirmation of freedom to marry at the Consular Section of the UK Embassy, you can download it from their website. As you say you need to get it translated into Thai and authenticated at the MFA, this document has to be given to the Amphur when you marry.

You don't actually register a marriage at the Embassy.

The financial requirements are here https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/300962/Appendix_FM_SE.pdf

Hi Pete I am in the middle of an application for settlement myself and also self employed .

I think you will be in a similar position as me in that my year end was JAN 31 but I had to wait until after 5th of April as they want to see your last years figures that have been submitted to the HMRC / It seems very unfair but I understand the reasons.