Thai Marry To Spanish Citizen, Living In London

[Londres]

Hi there :-)

First of all, let me recap my whole story, please bear with me for a second . Currently, I am on the U.K. student visa until next year when I will finish my course in London. We will go back to Thailand for a holiday and getting marriage while we are there in February. As I am a Thai and my boyfriend is a Spanish nationalilty, but we are both living in London at the moment.

I am not perfectly clear how to get the documents done step by step, moreover we will have only few weeks in Bangkok. So I wish we could get everything done in time. Actually, I've been reading Thaivisa forum for a while, however, I would like to confirm what I understand is correct. Otherwise, we will waste our time in Bangkok. Right, Could you please have a look the below marriage? Please feel free to suggest if I miss something in the process.

1. My boyfriend will get an Affirmation of freedom to marry from Spain shortly. We are required to have this document translated into English. Next get it certified by Spanish embassy in London before getting it translated into Thai and certified by Thai embassy in London. I heard that it is alright to have an Affirmation of freedom authenticated or certified by Thai embassy, because Thai embassy is a representative to Ministry of Foreign Affairs in overseas. I am wondering if any members here have ever got their documents certified by Thai embassy?

I am thinking it will be great to get this document stamped from here, so that we could save our time doing things in Thailand. We could go to get marry at District office (Amphur) straightaway.

2. I know that my boyfriend should bring his passport and affirmation of freedom which translated and certified along to District office (Amphur). For myself, I am required to bring my ID card and house registration certificated there. What else are we required to bring there?

3. Once we are married, we will get a 'marriage certificate' in Thai language. I need to get a 'marriage certificate' translated into English, so that I could bring this document to apply for EEA family permit at VFS in Bangkok.

- I have no idea where I could get a translated document certified. Should it be certified by FCO or British embassy which is a representative to Bangkok? Or where else? Am I required to make an appointment in advance? Or I could possibly just show up?

- Does anyone happen to know how long it takes to get our marriage certificate certified?

4. Then I am required to bring all documents to VFS to apply for EEA family permit. I've already had a look checklist on EEA family application. Is there any other suggestions? Or what else should I keep in mind when I apply for visa?

5. Once I get an EEA family permit, should it be alright not to change my last name on passport or any other documents? Or it is a must ! I am just afraid if it will be a hassel to deal with my bank accounts in London. Or it is easier to change to last name. Your recommendations are very welcomed !

Right ... it is such a long query ! I wish Thaivisa members would be able to shed the light on my questions. We would be very much appreciate :-)

Cheers,

[the scouser]

With regard to the family permit application, you need to establish only:-

1. You are married;

2. Your husband is a Spanish national;

3. Your husband is exercising a treat right in the UK or intends to do so. Generally speaking, this means working.

There is no requirement to have the translation of the marriage certificate certified by either the Thai MFA or the British embassy. Having it done by a reputable agency who will endorse the document as a true and accurate translation of the original will suffice.

Did you undergo the TB test for the purposes of getting your student visa for the UK? If so, I would suggest that you don't have to have it done again, but confirm this with the embassy.

Once in the UK, you may apply for a residence certificate from the Home Office. Again, this is free. Also, if you continue studying, you should pay lower fees as the dependant of an EU national.

Scouse.

[Londres]

With regard to the family permit application, you need to establish only:-

1. You are married;

2. Your husband is a Spanish national;

3. Your husband is exercising a treat right in the UK or intends to do so. Generally speaking, this means working.

There is no requirement to have the translation of the marriage certificate certified by either the Thai MFA or the British embassy. Having it done by a reputable agency who will endorse the document as a true and accurate translation of the original will suffice.

Did you undergo the TB test for the purposes of getting your student visa for the UK? If so, I would suggest that you don't have to have it done again, but confirm this with the embassy.

Once in the UK, you may apply for a residence certificate from the Home Office. Again, this is free. Also, if you continue studying, you should pay lower fees as the dependant of an EU national.

Scouse.

Thanks a lot for your further information, Scouse. Anyway, I'd like like to make sure that I do not miss anything in regard to getting marriage in Thailand. It will be great, if anyone could possibly confirm what I wrote step by step.

Again, many thanks and Merry Xmas :-)

[GU22]

I don't know if having the AFM stamped by the RTE in London instead of the MFA in Bangkok is ok, but otherwise the details you have outlined are correct.

There is no need for you to change the name in your passport until and unless you want to, simply apply for the visa in your maiden name; the marriage certificate will show the link to your husband. Also remember to ensure when buying airline tickets that the name on the ticket is the same as the name on your passport.

[Londres]

I don't know if having the AFM stamped by the RTE in London instead of the MFA in Bangkok is ok, but otherwise the details you have outlined are correct.

There is no need for you to change the name in your passport until and unless you want to, simply apply for the visa in your maiden name; the marriage certificate will show the link to your husband. Also remember to ensure when buying airline tickets that the name on the ticket is the same as the name on your passport.

Thanks a lot for every quick useful responses. I've got another question ! I've already booked a flight from London - Bangkok - London with my present name. However, if I would change my last name, should it be alright to attach a copy of my marriage certificate to passport. So that airline officer would know that it is same person. My passport will be expired end of next year, so I'd rather wait and change my last name until I get a new passport.

[GU22]

As your flight is already booked in your present name then don't change the name in your passport; wait until you renew it next year.