Spouse Visa

Bring your family to Thailand with the 90 Day "O" Spouse Visa for retirees.

Who it is for:

This visa is intended for the wife or spouse of the main applicant who holds a Retirement Visa in Thailand. It allows the spouse to accompany the retiree and live in Thailand during the retirement period.

Who can get it:

  • The spouse who is legally married to a Thai Retirement Visa holder
  • Who apply from their country

Where to get it

  • Local Thai embassy
  • Online visa website (only some countries)
  • Thai Kru service (See below)

Required Documents to Apply:

  • Passport
  • Passport Size photo (or digital photo from your phone)
  • Flight booking
  • A copy of retiree’s passport, including visa, visa stamps 
  • Financial proof for retiree's stability
  • Evidence of the relationship - marriage certificate
  • Hotel booking or a property (rented or owned) or letter from retiree confirming their residence in Thailand
  • Residence proof in a country in which visa application is submitted (utility bill, drivers license, bank statement with address)
  • A letter from a retiree confirming that you both are still married and acknowledging a spouse visit.

Period of Stay   :   

  • 90 days

What it Costs:   :   

  • Visa Fee: $80

How long to apply

  • 15-21 days

Our Service Cost:

We offer professional assistance in the Non-O Visa for spouse application process. Our service cost for helping you with the Non-O Visa application is $300. 

This fee includes the following services:

  • Guiding you through the entire application process.
  • Document verification and assistance in completing the required forms.
  • Submission of your visa application to the Thai Immigration Office.
  • Regular updates on the status of your application.

Learn more about Spouse Visa

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a spouse visa ?

A spouse visa of a Retirement Visa holder in Thailand is intended for the spouse of the main applicant who holds a Retirement Visa. It allows the spouse to accompany the retiree and live in Thailand during the retirement period.

Who is eligible for a Thailand spouse visa ?

The spouse who is legally married to a Thai Retirement Visa holder can apply for this visa from their country.

What's the maximum age limit for a spouse visa applicant?

No maximum age limit for this visa.

Can a spouse of a retirement visa holder apply for a dependent visa?

Yes, the spouse will get Non-O Visa following the retree in Thailand. The spouse can apply this visa from their own country and it will grant them a 90-day stay. This stay can be extended at a Thai Immigration office while they are in Thailand.

What are the financial requirements for a spouse visa?

Financial proof for the retiree’s stability, evidence of the relationship (marriage certificate) is the financial requirement for applying a Spouse Visa.

How long is the spouse visa typically granted for?

If the spouse apply from their home country, the period of stay on this visa is 90 days. When they are in Thailand, they can visit Thai Immigration office nearby to request for extension. However, it depends on immigration office to consider your extended stay.

Can the spouse of a retirement visa holder work in Thailand?

Certainly not. The spouse visa is specifically intended for the purpose of enabling family members to reside together or visit family in Thailand exclusively. If they intends to engage in employment in Thailand, they will need to apply for a different type of visa, such as a Business visa or another long-term visa.

Can a dependent child be included in a spouse visa application?

While it is not part of the same visa application, children can independently apply for their own visas. Children under the age of 20 are eligible to apply for a dependent visa following the main applicant or the retirement visa holder, allowing them to stay in Thailand just like the spouse visa.

Are there any language proficiency requirements for the spouse visa?

No, the spouse visa is intended for temporary stays, so there is no requirement for Thai language proficiency.

What is the processing time for a spouse visa application when apply from your home country?

The processing time is around 15-21 days (business day)

Can a foreign spouse of a Thai national apply for this visa?

Yes, in fact, it’s the same visa, known as the Non-O immigrant visa. Spouses of Thai citizens can also apply for this visa type by providing proof of their relationship. Additionally, they have the option to apply online or at a Thai consulate.

What is the process for renewing this visa after the initial 90-day period?

You can apply for an extension at the immigration office in Thailand by visiting in person and paying THB1,900 in cash. If your application is approved, you may be granted a one-year extension based on the reasons you provide to the immigration officers.

What happens if the financial requirements for the visa are not met?

If your visa application is not in compliance with the embassy’s requirements, it may be denied without a refund. To avoid this, please ensure that your supporting documents are accurate and meet the embassy’s criteria. Alternatively, you can use the Thai Kru service, as we carefully review and verify all your documents before submission to ensure a smooth process.

Is health insurance a requirement for a spouse visa ?

No, health insurance is not required for spouse visa but it’s advisable to have health insurance when you are travelling to another country.

What's the difference between a dependent visa and a spouse visa?

In fact, these visas are identical and are collectively known as the Non-immigrant O visa. This particular visa is tailored for individuals who are not Thai citizens and wish to stay in Thailand for a brief duration. It is open to spouses, children, family members, individuals on short business trips, and even those seeking medical treatment, all of whom can apply under the Non-O visa category.

Can a spouse visa holder study in Thailand?

No, if a spouse is interested in studying in Thailand, they have the option to apply for an Education visa, which allows them to stay for up to 1 year. With an Education visa, they can engage in various learning activities, such as studying the Thai language, participating in Muay Thai, taking cooking classes, or even pursuing a university degree

Is a criminal background check necessary for a spouse visa application?

No, it is not neccessary.

Can the spouse work remotely for a foreign employer while on this visa?

Yes, the spouse can work remotely while visiting a retiree or family in Thailand as long as their work primarily involves using a computer and the internet.

Can my spouse visit me on tourist visa?

Certainly, your spouse can visit you in Thailand on a tourist visa, which initially grants 60 days and can be extended for an additional 30 days while in Thailand. However, please note that after the total of 90 days, your spouse cannot stay any longer or request another extension.

Can a spouse visa holder travel in and out of Thailand freely?

No, the visa is a single-entry visa. If you plan to leave Thailand for another country while still within the initial 90-day period, you will need to apply for a re-entry permit at the airport before departing. This permit will allow you to return to Thailand using the same visa.

What are the penalties for working illegally on a spouse visa?

The consequences for working illegally under this visa are similar to those in other countries. You could face deportation, a ban from reentry, fines, and blacklisting. Therefore, if you genuinely intend to work in Thailand, it’s advisable to apply for a business visa instead.

Can a spouse visa be converted into a different type of visa later?

Certainly, if the spouse reaches 50 years of age while in Thailand, they have the option to apply for a retirement visa. Alternatively, if they decide to work in Thailand, they can later convert their visa to a Business visa. It’s also possible to switch to other types of visas if they meet the requirements.

Is a marriage certificate required for a spouse visa application?

Certainly, the marriage certificate is a mandatory requirement when applying for a spouse visa. It serves as proof that the spouse and retiree are legally married and have the intention to reside together in Thailand as a family.

How long does it typically take to process a spouse visa application online?

15-21 days depends on consulate

Can a foreign spouse apply for permanent residency in Thailand?

To apply for permanent residency in Thailand, you must have paid taxes to the Thai government for three years and have continuously stayed in Thailand for a period of five years. However, since the Thai retirement visa does not permit work, you might want to consider applying for a Long-Term Residency Visa instead. This visa allows you to stay in Thailand for a duration of ten years.

Are there any specific requirements for a marriage certificate?

There are no specific requirements for the marriage certificate, as long as it is a government-issued or locally approved certificate from the country where you are applying for the visa .

Can a spouse visa holder access healthcare services in Thailand?

Yes, Thailand offers excellent healthcare services that are accessible to individuals of any nationality when needed. The top hospitals in Thailand also employ English-speaking staff who can provide assistance and support for international patients.

Is there a waiting period for a spouse visa application?

There is no specific waiting period. You can apply for the visa as frequently as your requirements are met.

How do I write a relationship letter for a visa?

Simply write a letter confirming your ongoing marriage with your spouse, acknowledging their visits to Thailand, and expressing your willingness and financial ability to support them during their stay in Thailand. After writing the letter, print it out and sign your signature on the document.

Can a spouse visa holder sponsor other family members?

No, the individual who can sponsor others is the retirement visa holder because the retiree is the primary applicant. The spouse, who is also a dependent on the retiree’s visa, cannot sponsor other family members.

Do I need a Spouse Visa if I'm from a visa-exempt country?

You can enter Thailand with a visa exemption, which allows for a 30-day stay in the country and can be extended for an additional 30 days. This option is a good choice if you plan to spend a short period in Thailand or wish to visit your family briefly.

What happens if the marriage ends while holding a spouse visa?

If a marriage ends or in the case of divorce.The spouse, they will not be eligible to apply for a spouse visa in the future. However, their current visa status will remain unaffected since they obtained it prior to the divorce. They can stay for the remaining 90 days permitted by their current visa but will not be able to reapply for a spouse visa in the future.

Can the application for this visa be made online ?

Certainly, in specific countries, it is possible to submit a visa application online. To determine your eligibility for online visa application, kindly consult with Thai Kru.

What is the maximum duration this visa can be extended for, if at all?

There is no set maximum time for extending this type of visa. The duration of the extension depends on the immigration office’s discretion in Thailand, provided that you meet the necessary requirements and can provide a valid and reasonable reason for prolonging your stay.

What is a letter of support for a spouse?

Letters of support are statements written by the retiree, confirming their ability to financially support their spouse during their stay in Thailand. These letters also acknowledge the spouse’s intention to come to Thailand and stay with the retiree.

Does the spouse need to show proof of financial stability, or is it only required for the retiree?

For the purpose of proving financial support when a retiree’s spouse is visiting Thailand, it may be sufficient to provide proof of the retiree’s financial capability to support their spouse during their stay. This could include bank statements, a letter of support, or any other documentation that demonstrates the retiree’s financial capacity to cover their spouse’s expenses while in Thailand

Can a spouse apply for this type of visa in Thailand?

Yes, the spouse can initially visit Thailand with a tourist visa, and then, after preparing all the required supporting documents, both the retiree and spouse must be present in person at the immigration office to apply for this specific visa. The initial tourist visa should have at least 21 days left before applying in Thailand, it is essential to provide all the necessary supporting documents when you both visit the immigration office. These documents are crucial for the successful application of the visa.

Can I visit all regions of Thailand with a Spouse Visa?

Certainly, with a valid visa, you have the freedom to explore all of Thailand’s diverse regions. From the northern to the southern parts of the country, from the bustling capital city to remote rural areas, you can explore the beauty of Thailand. You can relax on its various stunning beaches or have an adventurous motorbike journeys through the picturesque mountains in the north. The key is to plan your trip carefully to make the most of your visit.

What rights and privileges does the spouse have on this visa in terms of education, healthcare, and employment?

The spouse can only access healthcare in Thailand when they are sick or need to see a doctor. However, the spouse visa cannot be used for studying or working in any business in Thailand.