A stay based on marriage to a Thai national starts with a Non-Immigrant O visa and is extended yearly at immigration. The commonly quoted financial test is 400,000 THB in a Thai bank account or 40,000 THB monthly income, plus marriage and address documents. Offices differ on details, so confirm before filing.
People call it the "marriage visa", but it is a Non-Immigrant O stay that is extended in yearly steps. The rules are written down, the practice at each office is not always the same.
Figures in this guide were checked at the time of writing and can change. Always confirm with the official source or in your free pre-check.
How a marriage-based stay works
The stay normally begins on a Non-Immigrant O visa, which can be issued abroad or, in some cases, arranged by a change of status inside Thailand. It is then extended once a year at an immigration office for as long as the marriage and the financial conditions still hold. See Non-Immigrant O visa.
The financial test
The test has two commonly quoted routes. Which one is realistic depends on where your money sits and how it can be proven.
| Route | Commonly quoted benchmark | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Bank deposit | 400,000 THB in a Thai bank account | The money has to be held for a period before you file. Two months is commonly quoted, and some offices ask for three |
| Monthly income | 40,000 THB per month | The income has to be documented. The accepted form of proof varies by office |
The figures and the holding period are published by the authorities and can change, so confirm them before you move any money. For a comparison of deposit and income proof on a retirement stay, see proving your finances.
How the money is tested, as reported
Visa advisers and forum posts agree on the main points, but no official 2026 source could be confirmed, and offices differ.
| Point | What is reported |
|---|---|
| Whose account | The deposit should be in your own name, not a joint account |
| Before the first application | The 400,000 THB sits in a Thai bank for about 2 months |
| Before renewals | About 3 months is the commonly reported period, though some offices enforce it less strictly |
| Combination | Deposit plus 12 times your monthly income reaching 400,000 THB |
| Income proof | Embassy income letters are reported to be unavailable from some embassies; some people use a 12-month Thai bank statement showing monthly deposits |
Ask the Phuket office what it accepts before you move money.
Documents
- Passport and current visa or stay stamp
- Marriage certificate and the marriage register entry (in Thailand these are the Kor Ror forms)
- Your spouse's Thai ID and house registration
- Proof of address in Thailand
- Proof of the financial test: bank letter and statements, or income evidence
- Photos and the completed forms
Foreign documents often need a translation or legalisation, so start early. The marriage must also be recorded with a Thai district office before you can rely on it.
Expect questions about the marriage
Officers can check that the marriage is genuine. At the first extension in particular, some offices visit the home or call your spouse. Have your address and your documents in order and do not treat this as a surprise.
Fee and paperwork for the extension
The government fee is 1,900 THB at the time of writing. Offices commonly ask for photos of you and your spouse at home and a map to the address. If anyone asks for an extra payment, ask for a receipt, because the official fee has a receipt.
The yearly routine
You extend every year, file the 90-day report while you stay in Thailand and use a re-entry permit when you travel. Miss one of these and the stay can end. See common visa mistakes and 90-day report.
What this route does not cover
An unmarried partner does not qualify. A Non-O stay does not allow you to work, so a job needs a work permit. For other categories, see Non-Immigrant visa types.
How we can help
Send us your passport copy and tell us where your money sits. We check the file, tell you which financial route is realistic and what the local office is likely to ask for.
We check your case first and handle the paperwork, so you avoid wasted trips and fees.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need for a Thai marriage visa extension?
The commonly quoted benchmarks are 400,000 THB in a Thai bank account or 40,000 THB of monthly income. Offices differ on the holding period, so confirm before filing.
Can foreign income count?
In many cases yes, if it is documented in the form the office accepts. Check the proof requirements first.
Do I report every 90 days on a marriage stay?
Yes, while you stay in Thailand you complete the 90-day report.
Can I work on a marriage-based stay?
No. Work needs a separate work permit.
Do officers visit the home?
Sometimes, especially at the first extension. They may check the address, the marriage and your documents.
Can I use a joint account for the deposit?
Reports say the account should be in your own name. Confirm with the office.
What is the government fee for the yearly extension?
1,900 THB at the time of writing. Ask for a receipt.
Official sources
Last reviewed on . Thai immigration rules and fees change. We confirm the current requirements for your case in your free pre-check.