Are you considering a move to Thailand with your family? Maybe you have found a job or you are just looking for a lifestyle change, and then securing the right family visa is crucial. The wide array of visa choices and their specific criteria can seem challenging or even intimidating.

To ease this, we’ve put together a detailed guide outlining the various family visa types in Thailand. This guide includes the benefits of each visa, eligibility criteria, and a summary of the necessary requirements to successfully obtain your family visa.

The Different Types of Family Visas

If you’re thinking about moving to Thailand with your family, you should definitely check out these six family visa options that Thailand has. They’re really useful, especially some of them which are made just to make it easier for families to stick together when they move to Thailand. Here’s a list of the visas that could be just what you need:

Selecting the correct visa is crucial. Options include tourist visas, business visas, retirement visas, and education visas. Each has specific requirements and durations. Consulting with a legal expert can simplify this process.

Student / Education Visa (Non-Immigrant ED)

The Thai student visa is a great option for foreign kids who want to go to school in Thailand. It’s for students at all levels, from primary school to university, as long as the school is recognized by the Thai government.

This visa lets a child live in Thailand for as long as they’re in school. If they need more time to finish their studies, the visa can be extended.

To get this visa, you’ll need a few things: proof that the child is enrolled in a Thai school, a letter from the school saying they’re accepted, a valid passport, and proof that the student has enough money to live on while they’re studying in Thailand.

Guardian Visa (Non-Immigrant O)

The Thai guardian visa, often called the Thailand Dependent Visa for Parents, is made for parents or legal guardians of either a Thai child or a foreign child enrolled in a Thai school.

This visa is great for parents or guardians who want to stay in Thailand to look after their child. It’s good for up to one year and can be renewed every year.

To get this visa, you need a few things: a valid passport, proof that you have enough money to support yourself, evidence that you’re related to the child, and a police clearance certificate.

Dependent Visa (Non-Immigrant O)

If you’re a family member of someone working in Thailand or married to a Thai national, and you want to stay in Thailand for more than 30 days, the Dependent Visa, also called the Non-Immigrant O (Dependent) Visa, is a great choice.

This visa is perfect if you’re planning to live in Thailand rather than just visit. For short visits to family, a tourist visa or a 30-day stamp is enough.

This visa is mainly for the spouses and kids (including step-kids) of foreign workers in Thailand. But, if your kids are over 20 or if you want to bring your parents, they can only get this visa for medical reasons and if they really depend on you.

The visa is good for up to 90 days if you get it outside Thailand, like in your home country or a neighboring country. You can ask to extend it for another week if you need to.

But if you apply for it while you’re already in Thailand, maybe switching from a tourist visa, it can last for a whole year. Normally, these visas are for one trip only, but with the one-year visa, you can get a special permit that lets you travel in and out of Thailand on the same visa.

Marriage Visa (Non-Immigrant O)

A marriage visa in Thailand, known as the non-immigrant O visa, is for foreigners married to Thai nationals. It lets them live in Thailand with their spouse. This visa lasts for one year and can be extended up to three years.

To get this visa, you need to show that you’re married to a Thai citizen, have a clean criminal record, and can financially support yourself. You should meet a certain income level and have a Thai bank account.

With a marriage visa, you can work or do business in Thailand, join educational courses, and use healthcare services. But remember, you need to check in with immigration every 90 days and renew your visa before it runs out.

Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant O)

The Thai Retirement Visa, also known as the O-A Visa, is designed for foreigners who are 50 years old or more and want to retire in Thailand. This visa is good for one year and you can renew it every year.

With this visa, you can stay in Thailand for up to a year without needing to leave the country or get a new visa. To get this visa, you need to show that you have enough money. This means having at least 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account or getting a pension of 65,000 THB or more every month.

You’ll also need to have a medical check-up and get a police clearance certificate.

Requirements

As you prepare for your exciting journey to Phuket, don’t forget the crucial step of sorting out your visas. That’s where we, at Closer CSS Law, come in. Our dedicated team offers a comprehensive range of visa services tailored to meet your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for a retirement visa, a work visa, a student visa for your children, or a guardian visa, we have the expertise to guide you through the process smoothly.

We understand that dealing with visa applications can be overwhelming, which is why we’re committed to providing you with hassle-free and efficient service. Our team stays up-to-date with the latest immigration laws and regulations to ensure that your application is compliant and processed quickly.

With Closer CSS Law, you can be confident that your visa needs are in expert hands, allowing you to focus on the excitement of starting a new chapter in Phuket. For more information about our visa services and how we can assist you, please feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to help make your transition to life in Phuket as seamless as possible.