In order to proceed with any marriage visa, the marriage registration must be completed first. Whether to register the marriage first in Korea and then in Thailand, or first in Thailand and then in Korea, can be determined according to each individual's situation.
There are four methods for marriage registration for Thai
1. Registering the marriage in Thailand first This is the most common method, and the Korean party must travel to Thailand. Of course, except for the fourth method, the Korean party should visit Thailand in practice. First, prepare the documents in Korea, schedule 2-4 weeks in Thailand, and process the registration locally. This method is necessary when the Thai party is an illegal resident or pregnant, among other reasons. 2. Registering the marriage in Korea first (government office) When registering the marriage in Korea first, the Thai party's residency status is the most important part. This method is only possible if the Thai party has a valid visa (E-7, E-9, F-1, F-2, etc.) in Korea. Short-term residents or illegal residents can register their marriage, but they cannot change to an F-6 visa. In addition, direct family members in Thailand are required to assist with document preparation when registering the marriage in Korea first. 3. Registering the marriage in Korea first (embassy) Registering the marriage at the Thai embassy is possible when both parties are in Korea. This method involves submitting documents at the Thai embassy located in Itaewon and registering the marriage. Although the procedure is similar to Korean marriage registration, it is essentially registering the marriage in Thailand first. 4. Registering the marriage separately in both countries This method is possible when both parties are separated and unable to meet the requirements. Both local and Korean documents require perfect translation and notarization, and unexpected situations may arise during the process. ※ As seen above, there are four different methods for marriage registration. Each method has different processes and required documents, so choose the one that suits you best. Additionally, a certificate of single status issued in Thailand is required to register a marriage in Korea. If both parties are residing in Korea, they can obtain a certificate of single status from the Thai embassy located in Itaewon. The Thai party can write a power of attorney for the issuance of the certificate, send it to Thailand, and a family member or relative in Thailand can visit the relevant authority to obtain the certificate on their behalf. After translation and notarization, the document should be sent back to Korea with consular verification.
Required Documents for Issuing a Thai Certificate of Single Status
1.Korean Marriage Relationship Certificate
(A 'detailed' version issued within the past 3 months, with the full resident registration number disclosed)
※ Certificates with 'general' information or undisclosed resident registration numbers are not acceptable.
※ Marriage relationship certificates can be obtained from domestic resident centers in Korea or online if you have a personal authentication certificate.
※ Issuance through the embassy is possible, but it takes about 2-3 days.
2.English-written Affidavit of Single Status
(1) Download the attached file, fill it out in English, print, and submit.
(2) Complete the form in English without leaving any blanks.
(3) Write the same English name as shown on your passport and sign in front of the officer.
(4) Refer to the second tab (English-written sample) in the attached Excel file.
※ Note: After obtaining the marriage relationship certificate, check the address of registration (former place of origin), and write it in English in the "Permanent Address in Korea" field.
3. Notarization Request Form (available at the embassy or downloadable from the attached file)
4.Original and copy of Korean's valid passport
∎ Fee: 132 baht
Now that the marriage registration is complete, you can apply for a marriage visa (F-6). Let's learn about the application process and required documents for a Thai marriage visa
Marriage Visa Application for Thai
◆ The most important factors in obtaining a marriage visa are the financial capability of the inviting party (Korean), communication ability with the foreign spouse, and proving the genuineness of the marriage.
1. Financial requirements: Approximately KRW 19,560,000 annual income for a two-person household
2. Communication requirements: TOPIK Level 1. If there is no TOPIK score, a certificate of completion of at least 6 months at Sejong Institute or a level 2 completion certificate of the Social Integration Program is also valid.
3. Genuineness of marriage:
Invitation letter for foreign spouse, statement of dating history, marriage background statement, wedding invitation, various photos, SNS content exchanged between the couple, etc.
4. Housing requirements: Temporary accommodations are not allowed.
◆ In the case of marriage with citizens from one of the 7 countries, including China, the Korean must complete the International Marriage Guidance Program, and an international marriage health checkup and criminal background check are also required.
- 7 countries: China, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Philippines, Uzbekistan, Mongolia
Documents Required Marriage Visa Application for Thai
※ All application forms must be completed in Korean or English
-For Thai nationals-
1. Documents proving communication ability between the couple
2. Visa application form (designated format), with 1 photo attached (3.5cm x 4.5cm, white background)
3. Foreign spouse's marriage background statement (designated format)
Passport and passport photocopy
4. Passport and passport photocopy
5. Record of Passport: issued by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs
6. Criminal record inquiry: issued by the Royal Thai Police, Special Branch
7. Health examination certificate
※ Issued in English by an embassy-designated hospital (detailed view). Must include HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, personality disorders, drug addiction, and mental health issues, as well as tuberculosis. Valid for 6 months from the date of issuance.
8. Divorce certificate, name change certificate (if applicable)
※ Original Thai documents must be notarized by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Thai photocopies must be translated into English and notarized by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
9. Explanation letter for past criminal activities (designated format, if applicable)
-For Korean nationals-
1. Passport photocopy
2. Basic certificate (detailed), family relationship certificate (detailed), marriage relationship certificate (detailed)
3. Invitation letter (designated format)
4. Identity guarantee statement (designated format)
5. International Marriage Guidance Program completion certificate
6. Health examination certificate
※ Issued by a hospital-level medical institution under Article 3, Paragraph 2, Subparagraph 3 of the "Medical Law," a health center under Article 10 of the "Regional Health Law," or a physical examination institution under Article 3 of the "Public Officials Employment Physical Examination Regulations." The examination content must include acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), sexually transmitted diseases, personality disorders, drug addiction, and other mental health issues (not related to the Ministry of Justice-designated medical institutions). If issued by a Thai hospital, it must be in English and issued by an embassy-designated hospital (detailed view). Valid for 6 months from the date of issuance.
7. Introducer's ID photocopy with contact information, international marriage brokerage business registration certificate, representative's ID, guarantee insurance certificate, contract photocopy (if applicable)
※ Submitting false information (e.g., hiding the fact that the couple met through a marriage brokerage) can result in visa denial. Submit factual information.
8. Resident registration certificate
9. Real estate registration or lease agreement: Must match the address on the resident registration.
<10. Income and financial proof documents↓>
Required for both | Proof of income or 'proof of no income' (issued by the National Tax Service) , Credit report (issued by Korea Credit Information Services) |
When using employment income | Employment income withholding tax receipt (issued by the employer) Certificate of employment (if currently employed) or work experience certificate (if previously employed) Copy of the business registration certificate of the employing company Salary statement (for the most recent 1 year) or income bank deposit history (for the most recent 1 year) |
When using business income | Copy of the business registration certificate Value-added tax (VAT) taxable standard certificate Other income proof documents |
Other income | income proof documents such as business ledgers, real estate rental income, pension receipts, and property |
Health insurance local subscribers | Health insurance eligibility certificate Health insurance payment history (for the most recent 1 year) |
11. Family income statement of the foreign spouse's inviting party (designated format, if using direct family income) Submit additional income and financial documents for the relevant family member if using direct family income.