UK Fiancee Visa for a Thai national

A UK fiancee visa is a 6 month visa given by the British Embassy in Bangkok and clearly means that your intentions are to marry your Thai partner in the UK within the 6 month period of the visa.

Once you have completed your marriage in the UK to your Thai girlfriend, you will be given a further extension without leaving the UK which we call an FLR, (further leave to remain) and this extension is awarded by the UK border agency. The FLR is currently valid for 2 years and 9 months and allows your wife to then work legallly.

We take care of all online and paper application forms and associated letters and are completely hands-on from start to finish whilst constantly communicating to update local and overseas customers on the application progress so you can relax and leave it to us

An English owned and managed company with bilingual English / Thai staff who will help your Thai partner through the entire process with no hassle and full support from the beginning of the process right up until you receive your visa

We are a well respected company and affiliated with the Pattaya Expats club. Our team go above and beyond to offer simply the best visa service in Thailand with additional benefits not offered by any other company such as an airport concierge for solo travellers.

Like the UK settlement visa, the benefit of this visa is that your Thai wife, after the extension is given, can then work legally in the UK and get a UK National Insurance number from the Department of Works and Pensions and also open bank accounts etc. They can do everything you would expect your settled wife to be able to do. The only thing that is not permitted is requesting government benefits. Tax child credit is allowed if you have a child together that is a British Citizen, as this is a permitted benefit.

When to apply for a fiancee visa

Most of the time we would advise a client to apply for this visa after they have first been to the UK on holiday. This is because mainly it is felt that your Thai girlfriend, fiancée or wife has to experience the UK before deciding to settle and the unwritten sentiment of the embassy is the same; why really should your Thai partner be given the full benefit of living in the UK if they have not experienced the UK previously? We will always deal with a clients request as not everybody’s circumstances are the same, but do consider a holiday in the UK before a long stay visa.

As with the UK Settlement visa, included in the UK fiancee visa application are three major hurdles you need to overcome. These include the UK Key A1 English test, which was introduced into the curriculum in November 2009, and the mandatory tuberculosis test. These are not to be feared as 99% of our clients pass the tuberculosis x ray the first time, due to our experience and training of the Thai applicant.

The main fear many of our clients have is the financial criteria for which we have a separate educational section on this website but, in short, the main aspect is the embassy officials wish to see that you have earnings of 18,600 pounds per year before tax if working, or a lump sum of 62,500 pounds in the bank that has been there for 6 months and at the disposal of the sponsor or pensions adding up to the sum of 18,600 pounds before tax which you must get correct. If you do not, the application will be refused immediately so if you do not meet this financial requirement as set out on the FM-SE you should not attempt to apply.

We first start by advising the sponsor and the Thai applicant of the documents required on the telephone or by e-mail or fax making sure that both parties fully understand all the requirements.

Darren McGarry is the English speaking staff to deal with the sponsor and we have Thai staff to deal with the partner, which is important to make sure that document supplied to us are correct and complete.

When the documents are received we collate and do the translations that are needed for the visa application.

We book your Thai fiancee’s tuberculosis x-ray appointment and then take her for the x-ray.

We accurately prepare the online application and organize the visa application fee.

We set up the NHS portal account for your Thai partner so the new NHS surcharge can be paid.

We write all associated letters for you and your Thai partner to ensure the necessary wording.

We book the appointment to submit the visa application with your Thai partner in Bangkok and make sure your Thai wife is word perfect.

We make sure that your Thai partner says the correct information to the officers, which is important when submitting the visa application, as they submit a report.

We then get an application tracking number and check the status of the application every day until the decision has been made.

When the decision has been made we collect the application, passport and UK visa on behalf of your Thai fiancee from the UK visa application center in Bangkok (VFS Global).

We advise you when the visa has been issued and the start date so you can prepare flights for your wife which, for a settlement visa, can be a one way flight to the UK.

Fantastic honest very speedy firm would very much recommend them I had passport renewal in 9 days and didn’t have to do anything top man Darren and totally honest,great communication from him and very very prompt and definitely would recommend to others
5 / 5 stars
Jonathan Watts

Excellent service, professional every step of the way. Just outstanding how good these guys are!!!!!
5 / 5 stars
Paul Sandilands

No hassle service, very professional, polite and hardworking staff. If you are looking for a visa of any kind i can certainly recommend Key Visa, thanks Darren and your staff.
5 / 5 stars
Andy Watts

What can your Thai wife legally do in the UK?
A UK fiancée- settlement visa allows your Thai wife to work legally, obtain a National Insurance number, be eligible for National health care, sign on with your local doctor and do pretty much all the same things as an English wife would be able to achieve. Your Thai wife cannot claim Government benefits including job seekers allowance which is actually stated on the visa as, “no recourse to any public funds.” So as the UK sponsor, your job is to financially take care of your Thai wife for the duration of your lives together in the UK. Settlement visas do cement your relationship and allow you to build your lives together in the UK without the fear of looking over your shoulder for the immigration police.
Things that must be done before a UK fiancee visa can be processed
A1 Test For UK Fiancee Visa Applications
All applicants must pass the A1 English test called the Key English Test (KET) before considering applying for the visa without the test past you cannot apply for a UK fiancée visa please click for details. This English proficiency test is mainly about reading, speaking, listening and writing to a basic level and there are numerous you tube mock test available on the Internet. All applicants aged 18 years and over must pass this exam.
Tuberculosis x-ray
This x-ray must be completed by all applicants including children under the age of 12 years old but there is no need to worry as part of our service the trained Key Visa staff will book the appointment and prepare the associated documents and take your Thai partner to Bangkok to undergo the x-ray and if the applicant passes which is normal then a certificate will be issued on the same day by the IOM.
Financial criteria set out of the FM Appendix
To obtain a UK fiancée visa there is a financial criteria which we have detailed on another section. These rules were introduced in July 2012 and are designed to prove to the British government that you can provide for your wife or her children financially. This includes being employed, or self employed, or living on pensions or savings – but it mainly comes down to being able to prove that you are earning 18,600 UK pounds before taxes, which is the income threshold set by the British Government. The income threshold is the biggest burden most people face with relation to this particular visa which is why professional help from Key Visa Company is paramount.

To obtain a UK Settlement visa it is very difficult and we always advise getting professional help and at Key Visa we are specialists with the documentation and the presentation of the visa application. The application is done in two stages; the first being the online visa application and then the financial application which we call the separate financial appendix. One mistake and you lose the application and your money so why take the risk? Let Key Visa Visa consultants use their experience to get the application correct first time.

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18 years of visa experience, honesty and integrity for both our Thai national and expat clients.

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Nationwide service across Thailand, no matter where you live in the country we can solve your visa problems

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No visa, no professional fee. If you don’t get the visa we don’t get paid – No hassle, no heartbreak.

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    gavin C.
    gavin C.
    15:51 23 Sep 24
    Andrew M.
    Andrew M.
    09:53 03 Sep 24
    Received my new UK passport today. Great service from Key Visa who I thoroughly recommend. I had other quotes as much as 9000 bhts more than I paid for Key Visa… Thanks to all the staff that helped. Five Gold stars to all 😆
    bahrc2c
    bahrc2c
    06:44 20 Jun 24
    Good service and fast
    Steve G.
    Steve G.
    09:49 01 Jun 24
    Have been getting info regarding child's 1st UK passport and also UK visa from Thailand.Very helpful,and as soon as I need to will be using them.Totally trustworthy.
    bri P.
    bri P.
    06:00 25 May 24
    I would once again like to thank Ann and the staff at keyvisa for a great service. I have been using them since 2016 both for passport renewal and also for my annual visa. They are a very professional company and always willing to help. Many thanks and keep up the great work.
    Geoffrey E.
    Geoffrey E.
    10:17 11 Apr 24
    Keyvisacompany wow ! After badly let down and costly by other company totally ripped off keyvisacompany had help me to get married and new visa for my wife who now stay with me in UK , keyvisacompany office in Pattaya are nice people speak good English with less hassle and patient they even take you by their car to Bangkok embassy and their lady waiting for you to access your need and return without having to worry what to do so thank you again for truthfully service as said on your web site Thank you 🙏
    GB
    GB
    04:16 09 Mar 24
    Dolby D
    Dolby D
    10:51 04 Mar 24
    The best place for anything visa related , dealt with them for a good few years now and cannot fault the service !! Truly exceptional company xx malc
    K C
    K C
    09:54 03 Mar 24
    I've used this agent for the last 3 years. They can help you navigate the system.
    Thomas J.
    Thomas J.
    05:46 13 Feb 24
    Absolut perfekt. Professionelle Beratung, Sachkundiges und sehr freundliches Personal. Schnelle und preiswerte Bearbeitung. Kann ich uneingeschränkt weiterempfehlen.
    Duane T.
    Duane T.
    05:51 06 Feb 24
    Darren was so easy to work with and made everything simple to do for us this is the second time …
    Ian M.
    Ian M.
    11:26 18 Jan 24
    Dan Keeling (Farang D.
    Dan Keeling (Farang D.
    05:19 14 Jan 24
    Neil S.
    Neil S.
    16:36 01 Jan 24
    Christopher B.
    Christopher B.
    07:21 19 Dec 23
    Ray Z.
    Ray Z.
    09:08 18 Dec 23
    Key Visa is the best. I couldn't ask for better service in regard to renewing my U.S. Passport. Imagine an Embassy where they don't want their citizens appearing in person? Key Visa helped to alleviate a lot of stress and anxiety regarding this matter. I paid the fee, gave them the photos and some information....and they did the rest. My renewed passport was back in less than 6 weeks and now, all the stress is gone. I cannot thank Key Visa service enough. Nice staff as well. Ray Zimmerman U.S.A.
    N L.
    N L.
    13:47 08 Dec 23
    I have used this service for obtaining a second UK passport. Excellent service where I obtained my passport hassle free. Just doing the same again. Highly recommend you use. Darren sadly passed away and his wife continues the business. I was able to get my second British passport renewed with excellent service a few days ago.
    Ray N.
    Ray N.
    04:06 01 Dec 23
    If you are considering to get married to your thai partnerThen I recommend key visaIt was a stress free procedure thanks to kook who was very professional, and arranged everything for us in a very short time periodMany thanks Ray and kai
    Chris S.
    Chris S.
    04:03 23 Nov 23
    Good visa agent. Ann is Thai but succeeded the business from her falang husband who recently passed to the best of my knowledge. She is efficient and knowledgeable and my visa process was less expensive than my experience in Phuket as well. I would recommend Key Visa to future Visa seekers.
    Jeffrey W.
    Jeffrey W.
    02:55 16 Nov 23
    Super easy process. I got everything I needed done. It was taken care of quickly after the first session which included getting a Thai bank account and my O retirement visa. Very professional service
    Anthony P.
    Anthony P.
    04:45 11 Nov 23
    This has been my "go to" visa/passport agency for the last 10 years. They have always been friendly and professional..........have never let me down. Recommended by me 100%.
    garry B.
    garry B.
    08:28 07 Nov 23
    It took about 3 weeks for the UK to process my daughter's passport. We had to send better quality pictures and documents, which caused a slight delay beforhand, but overall, their service was excellent. I'm grateful to the Key Visa staff for their help in renewing my daughter's passport, and I would definitely use their services again.
    Oi Y.
    Oi Y.
    06:39 06 Nov 23
    This is the 2nd time I have used Key Visa and the service they provide is fantastic the 1st was with Darren was just so good he told me every step of the process and what I needed to do and bring in with me he made sure I understood how and what would be the process of applying for my Visa to stay in Thailand. And with the passing of Darren his wife Ann has kept the business running which I am so grateful for as they in my opinion are the best service you can get. We have now engaged them to do a visa for my Thai partner for a visit to Australia to see and spend time with my Aussie family and see some of Australia as she so wants to see snow. Once again I thank you Ann and all her staff for their help and support
    t4toph
    t4toph
    11:39 16 Oct 23
    Today was my worst nightmare .. dealing with a problem ... I can't commend enough how GREAT k Aun & the staff of Key Visa went above & beyond to help me .. I have used their service for several years & wouldn't hesitate to to use professional agents .. that guarantee their work ... I am eternally grateful.. best wishes ... toph ...
    Alan J.
    Alan J.
    01:24 13 Oct 23
    Non imm "O" extension quick efficient no hassles service.
    Birol O.
    Birol O.
    00:30 15 Sep 23
    Very knowledgeable and excellent customer service. Best visa agent ever.
    Pou K.
    Pou K.
    14:08 05 Sep 23
    Great Visa Company Located in Pattaya Thailand which offers reasonable prices and noteworthy services
    Clive B.
    Clive B.
    06:23 25 Aug 23
    UK passport renewed in just over 3 weeks, very professional staff, can’t thank them enough, highly recommended
    Strawman C.
    Strawman C.
    10:13 21 Aug 23
    Excellent.
    D S.
    D S.
    14:09 18 Aug 23
    Good and reliable service
    David G.
    David G.
    06:52 01 Aug 23
    Steve T.
    Steve T.
    04:30 30 Jul 23
    Always excellent service for this retired American.
    Stephen L.
    Stephen L.
    04:22 27 Jul 23
    Excellent service. I got my retirement visa here it was quick and painless.
    J T.
    J T.
    13:29 21 Jul 23
    So far so good. If you want to make some money in Thailand, don't open a bar, get into opening a visa consultant agency.However this agency has been good so far on a small matter l used them for.I definitely recommend them.
    Michael M.
    Michael M.
    08:53 15 Jul 23
    We have been trying for a long time to get an Australian tourist visa for our Thai friend. We applied in the past using an Australian immigration lawyer based in Australia and the application (which was expensive and time consuming) was rejected for lack of evidence (intention to return to Thailand etc). Second time round we used Gemma from Key Visa and were successful. Unlike our first agent/lawyer, Gemma examined our evidence in detail and gave suggestions as to where it could be improved. It's clearly beneficial to use an agent who is familiar with this specific visa stream (ie someone in Thailand familiar with getting Thai people into Australia) and the "no win, no professional fee" clearly incentivizes them to help as much as possible. As always in Thailand the service is not perfect and there are some communication gaps etc, but we are very happy with the outcome and would recommend these guys 100%.
    gary K.
    gary K.
    14:41 14 Jul 23
    Andy W.
    Andy W.
    11:20 12 Jul 23
    Once again i would like to thank the staff at keyvisa for there service .
    The P.
    The P.
    06:10 06 Jul 23
    Excellent, professional, trustable Agency. The best Visa Agency services I've been use in many years here in Thailand. A little issue... They told that my passport will back in 30 days. Actually 33 days..
    Tim M.
    Tim M.
    14:53 27 Jun 23
    Got my first retirement visa with these. Great service. Everything sorted by them.
    Charles Robert H.
    Charles Robert H.
    00:53 16 Jun 23
    Very helpful. The place to go if you want solutions to your visa problems.
    Robert P.
    Robert P.
    00:40 05 Jun 23
    Very fast, simple smooth, efficient service.
    Lewi L.
    Lewi L.
    03:04 21 May 23
    If you need assistance with any visa related this is the place in Pattaya.
    Stephen A.
    Stephen A.
    07:41 05 Mar 23
    Key visa was the best. Sadly the owner, Darren, past away December 22.
    danny W.
    danny W.
    03:43 13 Feb 23
    Absolutely fantastic service great staff totally stress free and professional services I highly recommend.
    Bob C.
    Bob C.
    11:33 09 Feb 23
    Dave C.
    Dave C.
    14:30 08 Feb 23
    been using this company for years, great service.
    Keith J.
    Keith J.
    04:01 26 Jan 23
    Tom A.
    Tom A.
    23:04 21 Jan 23
    kook A.
    kook A.
    10:17 18 Jan 23
    DAVID C.
    DAVID C.
    06:47 17 Jan 23
    Recently obtained a visa for myself and British passport for my partner..No hassle no immigration queueing. Great staff great service thank you Key Visa Thailand…..
    Frank J.
    Frank J.
    10:43 01 Jan 23
    Very helful and efficient.
    Francisco M.
    Francisco M.
    08:20 31 Dec 22
    I went to key visa company for a consultation about marriage visa. it turned out they don't do that type of visa but there was another option and the lady was professional and courteous. but since my visa is not finalized I can't honestly give a full report on visa company.
    tony L.
    tony L.
    01:17 30 Dec 22
    The service and support I received from Darren & his Team in relation to a recent Passport Application for my son was exemplary.The service & professional way in which they expedited the application & explained clearly each step of the process's involved, was faultless.All of which resulted in a speedy & positive result.Darren & TeamThank you very much & I wish you all,A Very Happy & Prosperous New Year 2023 ( post Covid)Tony
    Kristijan C.
    Kristijan C.
    16:48 22 Dec 22
    Great helpful staff
    Sean T.
    Sean T.
    11:39 21 Dec 22
    Job done, Thank you team and sorry to hear of the passing of Darren 🙏
    Thomas K.
    Thomas K.
    14:21 13 Dec 22
    Thank you for your reply, but there is no ringtone or pickup when ringing your office and none of my mails and messages have been answered.
    Michael S.
    Michael S.
    15:42 10 Dec 22
    I read today that Darren suddenly has passed away - far too early in his life.It's never too late to write a review and his services on his company - named Key Visa Co. - so I will use this review to say that I have always been satisfied helping me by his large knowledge about the visa system in Thailand.Every time I met him I was surpriced to noticed his honest and friendly commitment, and over the years I was always convinced that he was not only helpful but also indicated in his way of recognizing his customers. You could always count on him and I was never disappointed.It pains me that he has passed away at such an early age, but I believe that his customers will always remember him as a businessman who only wanted to give his customers the best possible experience and service.He will be missed!R.I.P. Darren.
    C B
    C B
    15:54 09 Dec 22
    Seems to know about visas in Thailand
    Peter W.
    Peter W.
    07:23 08 Dec 22
    The Key visa team led by Darren have 18 years of experience navigating the visa minefield.I am just one of Darren’s satisfied clients.
    Chris T
    Chris T
    13:24 03 Dec 22
    Fast and friendly
    Ross C.
    Ross C.
    16:28 30 Nov 22
    Fantastic company. Darren & his team couldn’t of been better! Polite, responsive, knowledgeable and most importantly they know what they’re doing & get the job done!! Very pleased with the entire process start to finish, me & my GF will be using the company for all of our visa needs moving forward! Thank you Darren & the team!!UK tourist visa application for Thai national.
    Leo T.
    Leo T.
    09:53 25 Nov 22
    Fantastic service
    Christopher W.
    Christopher W.
    08:01 25 Nov 22
    key Visa has a proven track record. They have got me a retirement visa for years and renewed my passport without me having to go to Bangkok. They also got my daughter, born in Thailand, an English passport.Use Key Visa to sort out your retirement visa problems and for getting passports renewed or being obtained for citizens of dual nationalityExceptionally efficient
    finlay S.
    finlay S.
    10:06 24 Nov 22
    Had to renew my uk passport and chose key visa to deal with my application as I am up country in Chaiyaphum province.Great service from Darren and staff always quick and friendly replies to emails.Passport back in 11 weeks time it takes for uk to process.Collected by Key visa and posted by ems to me with old passport and letter to transfer visa stamps to new passport.Great service.
    Michael H.
    Michael H.
    07:31 20 Nov 22
    Michael “Mick” N.
    Michael “Mick” N.
    11:05 19 Nov 22
    Polsky E.
    Polsky E.
    01:56 11 Nov 22
    After attempting for 2 days to get a retirement visa myself with my Thai girlfriends help to no avail and being left totally frustrated I eventually gave up and contacted Darren. After consultation with Darren he calmly brought me back down to earth, reassuring me that the visa would be procured with little effort by myself. I left feeling very confident and reassured at what Darren had said. Yesterday I collected my passport with said visa for 15 months. Many thanks to Darren and team, Key Visa did a great job.
    Bryan P.
    Bryan P.
    02:53 06 Nov 22
    Very pleased with the service I received here. Darren was very knowledgeable. Now my retirement Visa has been issued. I am delighted with Key Visa. Fantastic service. I am very grateful.
    Tim M.
    Tim M.
    08:08 30 Oct 22
    No wasting time
    Martin William B.
    Martin William B.
    09:43 27 Oct 22
    Only go to the best !!!
    Joe on the Go !
    Joe on the Go !
    02:44 24 Oct 22
    Maurice P.
    Maurice P.
    10:51 21 Oct 22
    Having had a difficult time renewing my UK passport I have to thank Key Visa service for their excellent help in difficult times in successfully getting my updated passport. Covid has played a big part in delays from the passport office along with increased demand and the Ukraine conflict but for those non UK residents this has caused many delays. Darren and his staff have been most helpful in ensuring this was completed as quickly as possible and I thoroughly recommend their service to anyone who are looking for this type of service. Many thanks for a five star service.
    berny P.
    berny P.
    06:23 20 Oct 22
    Australian friend having problems with thai wife spouse visa, agency are being very helpful with a excellent customer service
    Christopher B.
    Christopher B.
    15:21 18 Oct 22
    As always absolutely top class advise and speedy response - these guys have been looking after us for around twenty years and in my opinion the very best.
    Jim T.
    Jim T.
    07:55 15 Sep 22
    Thanks to Darren and his team for renewing my retirement visa and re-entry permit! I got it back in ONE DAY! Awesome service. I highly recommend Key Visa and will definitely be using them again in the future!
    Brenda B.
    Brenda B.
    03:16 12 Sep 22
    Friendly and efficient service ...
    Nicholas D.
    Nicholas D.
    22:35 19 Aug 22
    In difficult times they got the job done. UK passport renewal in 2022. My only gripe is my emails and phone calls went unanswered during the process. I was rude to the lady in the office. Sorry about that. When we asked for my (old) passport to be sent back on short notice for the 90 day renewal they sent it back immediately. Thanks guys. Sorry for the trouble
    Steve H.
    Steve H.
    06:47 12 Aug 22
    Darren and his staff are friendly, helpful and most of all very knowledgeable. If you need real and accurate advice then look no further.
    Ian L.
    Ian L.
    04:53 08 Jul 22
    Darren and his team are truly excellent offering an exemplary service. Was updated regularly as visa was processed and everything went smoothly. Darren took time to explain the process and was always available to answer questions. Highly recommended. Thank you
    Wayne C
    Wayne C
    01:52 07 Jul 22
    Great service from Darren and his Team, highly recommended! They get the job done courteously and professionally every time.
    Chris H.
    Chris H.
    04:22 06 Jul 22
    Passport renewal
    Travelling O.
    Travelling O.
    01:43 05 Jul 22
    Good and quick service, reliable staff that can handle all visa issues within reason.
    Jason M.
    Jason M.
    15:16 02 Jul 22
    Great staff very helpful. Highly recommend Key Visa.
    William F.
    William F.
    12:03 01 Jul 22
    I received the answers I wanted. Quickly and easily
    Brian C.
    Brian C.
    03:58 15 Jun 22
    I have used Key Visa since moving to Thailand over 3 years ago. Darren quickly helped sort out my VISA, back then and arranged for me to open a Bank Account with Bangkok Bank which is invaluable and a must for any long term stay or ex pat. Also directed me to some one who helped me get Motorbike and Driving Licence. 3 years later and on this occasion I asked them to arrange a new 50 page UK passport along with renew VISA etc. Highly recommend Darren and his staff of front office ladies to get you sorted. Thanks
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