Thread: Marriage versus Retirement

For the last 9-10 years I've been coming backward and forwards from Aus or the UK on Multi Non Imm "O' visas. All good.

The time has now come to be a bit more permanent so I guess I should be looking at Retirement or Marriage visas.

Which one though?

I'm 60 and have sufficient funds to cover either I think but friends seem to differ on which one is the best bet. As in the most user friendly, cheapest, secure etc.

I'm sure this has been covered in the past but things change and I wondered if any of you bright young things had any up to date comments or suggestions.

I'll be here in LOS pretty permanently post 2016 but will want the occasional trip out.

We are properly married, not just the village thing.

Thanks for any constructive thoughts you might be able to conjure up.

A Retirement Extension is best IMO. Less forms to fill out and granted immediately. Or so it should be. Different office different rules. Marriage Extension has a 30 day under review wait and you have to return to the office after the 30 days to get it. A bit of a shit thing if you live far away from the office.

Originally Posted by crackerjack101

wondered if any of you bright young things had any up to date comments or suggestions.

Not young and not very bright but retirement the way to go. Been doing it for years with no problems at either Bangkok or Amnat offices.

I would also go the Retirement route. Little advantages of a Marriage visa that I can see, other than the lesser financial requirement, and the ability to obtain a Work Permit should you wish.

Retirement. I jumped through more fookin' hoops than a clown with the marriage one!

Agree with above Retirement is less hassle, and the way to go for those happy to stay put.

Howver considering you risk 400k less in a currency that may drop.
The marriage visa suits some and you can, with a
WP of course LEGALLY WORK BE A VOLUNTEER etc

So what exactly are the financial obligations for retirement versus marriage visas nowadays?

So, for a Retirement visa its 800K in the bank or 400K and a monthly income of ?

Yeah it's still 800k Baht for a retirement visa, but the money can be in a fixed deposit account. Either way, it has to have been in there for 2 or 3 months (sorry, can't recall which one it was). This info was valid when I renewed mine at Jomtien immigration last week. Not sure about having 400k in the bank + 400k of income, it would make sense for that to be OK but remembering where we are...

800k for retirement visa
400k for marriage visa (you need less money since you are not whoring)

you can combine monthly income with bank savings in order to reach the stipulated amount.

For retirement visa the bank money must have been there 2 month when you do your 1st application, must have been there 3 months for any extension you make afterwards.

Originally Posted by lom

800k for retirement visa
400k for marriage visa (you need less money since you are not whoring)

you can combine monthly income with bank savings in order to reach the stipulated amount.

OK Cool.

So, 400K in the bank for 3 months and a Stat. Dec. from the embassy stating I have a monthly income of 50,000 a month should cover it.

He said hopefully........

Originally Posted by crackerjack101

400K in the bank for 3 months and a Stat. Dec. from the embassy

First extension I believe the money only has to be in the bank 2 months prior to applying. There is no need for a 'Stat. Dec' if you have the money in a Thai bank. Oh, and it has to be in your name only, not a joint account.

Originally Posted by Pragmatic

There is no need for a 'Stat. Dec' if you have the money in a Thai bank.

I thought you needed to prove a monthly income to top up the 400K.

Do you do yours at the Chiang Rai office Davidd44 ?

For a marriage visa, income of 40k per month verifiable by bank statement is sufficient. For retirement it is 65k per month. No need to have a chunk of cash in the bank.

Originally Posted by Humbert

For retirement it is 65k per month. No need to have a chunk of cash in the bank.

now i'm confused. not an unnatural state for me, it has to be said, but are you saying that if I can prove an income of 65k a month I don't need to have a lump sum in the bank?

^Yes. If you are over 50 for retirement.

Originally Posted by Humbert

^Yes. If you are over 50 for retirement.

Excellent. Thanks.
i'd much rather have a lump sum making a little bit of interest somewhere rather than withering away.

The marriage route would be like cutting your foot off cause you've got an itchy toe.

Well... that's always my initial knee jerk reaction to the M word anyway.

Originally Posted by crackerjack101

Originally Posted by Humbert

For retirement it is 65k per month. No need to have a chunk of cash in the bank.

now i'm confused. not an unnatural state for me, it has to be said, but are you saying that if I can prove an income of 65k a month I don't need to have a lump sum in the bank?

That's correct. Going the income route, regardless of whether going for Marriage or Retirement, requires a letter from your Embassy/Consul, confirming your monthly income. Most Embassys will require proof of income i.e. letter from your pension provider etc.

^Every country administrates this procedure differently. US citizens simply fill out an affidavit stating monthly income, no proof is required in evidence.

Originally Posted by Humbert

^Every country administrates this procedure differently. US citizens simply fill out an affidavit stating monthly income, no proof is required in evidence.

Hence my use of "most". The important thing is knowing that proof of income cannot be merely credits to a bank account.

AUS didn't need any income statement for marriage visa. (Sydney)
Savannahket doesn't require any income statement either.
Penang/ Kl and surrounds , BKK most definitely.
Locking up 800k for a retirement visa ain't my thing but then again I would go crazy if I didn't work so little choice.