What Is Marriage Visa
The Marriage visa is Thailand's long-stay visa category for foreigners legally married to Thai nationals. It's available regardless of age and provides a solid, renewable visa as long as the marriage remains valid.
The main requirement is proof of marriage to a Thai national, plus either savings or income. The financial threshold is lower than Retirement visa, making it accessible for many.
Who Qualifies
- Legal marriage: Must be legally married to a Thai national (marriage certificate required)
- Financial requirement: Either 400,000 THB in Thai bank OR 40,000 THB monthly income
- Background: No criminal issues or immigration violations
- Age: No age restriction (younger or older acceptable)
Quick Facts
| Detail | Marriage Visa |
|---|---|
| Requirement | Legally married to Thai national |
| Initial Duration | 1 year |
| Renewal Duration | 1 year each (indefinite renewals) |
| Savings Requirement | 400,000 THB in Thai bank |
| Income Requirement | 40,000 THB monthly |
| Visa Cost | Free (no visa fee) |
| Dependent Children Allowed | Yes (under 20 years) |
Financial Requirements Explained
Option 1: Savings (400,000 THB)
Place 400,000 THB (approximately USD 12,000 or AUD 20,000) in a Thai bank account. This is lower than Retirement visa. The amount stays in the account and you show the bank statement at renewal.
Option 2: Monthly Income (40,000 THB)
Prove 40,000 THB (approximately USD 1,200 or AUD 1,600) monthly income. This can be employment, pension, investment returns, or any regular income source. Provide bank statements showing consistent deposits.
Option 3: Combination
Use partial savings plus partial income. If you have 200,000 THB in the bank and 20,000 THB monthly income, you meet the requirement.
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost (THB) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Savings Requirement | 400,000 | One-time. Stays in account for renewals. |
| Monthly Income Requirement | 40,000/month | Your own income. Not a cost to Immigration. |
| Initial Application | 0 | Free. No visa fee. |
| Annual Renewal | 0 | Free. Just office visit. |
| TM.30 Notification | 0 | Free if done yourself. |
| Marriage Certificate Translation | 300-500 | One-time. Thai-certified translation. |
Application Process
Step 1: Verify Legal Marriage
You must be legally married to a Thai national. Marriage certificate must be registered at Thai district office. If married abroad, get your marriage certificate officially translated into Thai by a Thai certified translator.
Step 2: Meet Financial Requirement
Set up either 400,000 THB in Thai bank account or show 40,000+ THB monthly income with bank statements. Do this before applying.
Step 3: Gather Documents
- Passport (valid at least 6 months)
- Passport copies
- TM.6 application form
- 4x6cm passport photos (4 copies)
- Marriage certificate (original + copies, Thai translation if married abroad)
- Spouse's Thai ID copy
- Proof of accommodation (lease, property certificate)
- Bank statement showing 400,000 THB (if using savings) OR monthly bank statements (if using income)
Step 4: Submit at Thai Immigration
Visit Thai Immigration with your Thai spouse and complete documents. In Chiang Mai: 71 M.3 Airport Road. Processing: 3-5 days. Cost: Free.
Step 5: Receive One-Year Permission
You'll receive a TM.47 stamp granting 1 year of Marriage visa permission.
Renewal Process
Each year before expiration, return to Immigration with:
- Your expired permission (TM.47)
- TM.47 renewal form
- Updated bank statement (if using savings) OR monthly statements (if using income)
Your Thai spouse may need to accompany you or sign documents depending on your immigration office's specific requirements. Processing: 2-3 days. Cost: Free.
Dependent Children
Children under 20 years old (legitimate or adopted) can get dependent visas if at least one parent holds a valid Marriage visa. Apply at the same time as the main applicant or later.
Dependent children typically get 1-year permission and renew alongside the parent.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- No age requirement (works for any age)
- Lower financial threshold than Retirement visa (400K instead of 800K)
- No study or work requirements
- 1-year initial grant
- Renewable indefinitely
- Can bring dependent children on same visa
- Completely free (no visa fee, no renewal fee)
Cons
- Requires legal marriage to Thai national
- Marriage must remain valid for visa to continue
- Divorce cancels visa immediately
- Thai spouse must often accompany you to renewal appointments
- Marriage certificate translation required if married abroad
Marriage Visa vs. Other Options
- Retirement Visa: If you're over 50 with savings, Retirement might be simpler (no marriage required). If married and under 50, Marriage visa is your option.
- DTV Visa: If you're a digital nomad with income, DTV requires less documentation. Marriage visa is simpler if you're married.
- ED Visa: If you're under 50, not married, and willing to study, ED is a good alternative.
Key Takeaways
- Marriage visa: For those legally married to Thai nationals. 1-year initial grant, renewable annually.
- Financial requirement: 400,000 THB savings in Thai bank OR 40,000 THB monthly income (lower than Retirement visa).
- No age restriction. Works for any age if legally married.
- Dependent children under 20 can get visas on same basis.
- Completely free. No visa fee, no renewal fee.
- Marriage must remain valid. Divorce cancels visa immediately.
- Check CMLocals.com/marriage-visa for official requirements before applying.
Ready to apply? Full step-by-step guide, document checklist, and current processing times at CMLocals: Marriage Visa Guide.
Guru Tip
The marriage visa financial requirement (400,000 THB in a Thai bank account, or 40,000 THB monthly income from abroad) is checked at renewal. The bank seasoning requirement matters: the money must have been in a Thai bank account for at least 2 months prior to the renewal date. Many couples discover this requirement only when they are a few weeks out from renewal and cannot meet the seasoning window. Add a calendar reminder 3 months before your renewal date so you have time to transfer and season funds correctly.
What is the marriage visa in Thailand?
The Non-Immigrant O visa based on marriage allows a foreign national married to a Thai citizen to reside in Thailand long-term. It requires registration of the marriage at a Thai district office, a financial requirement of 400,000 THB in a Thai bank account (or 40,000 THB monthly income), and annual renewal at immigration.
How do I register a marriage in Thailand?
Both parties visit a district office (Amphur) with passports, identification, and a certificate of single status from your home country (often requiring embassy authentication). The marriage registration is the legal document that underpins the visa application. Without a registered Thai marriage, the marriage visa is not available regardless of how long you have been together.
Do I need to show 400,000 THB in a Thai bank for a marriage visa?
Yes, this is the most common financial method. The funds must be in a Thai bank account in your name and must have been present for at least 2 months before the renewal or extension date. Alternatively, you can show monthly income of 40,000 THB from abroad with bank transfer evidence. Some immigration offices accept a combination of savings and income.
Can I work in Thailand on a marriage visa?
The marriage visa itself does not include a work permit. To work legally you must apply for a work permit separately. The process is the same as for a Non-B visa holder: your employer applies on your behalf and must meet the Thai employee-to-permit ratio requirements. Being on a marriage visa does not simplify this process.
How often do I need to renew a marriage visa?
Annually. Each year you return to Chiang Mai immigration with your renewal documents including the bank seasoning letter, marriage registration, and spouse's ID card. The immigration office on Airport Road is the correct location for Chiang Mai renewals. Renewals can be done up to 30 days before expiry. Do not leave it to the final week.
