Visa Options for Families Moving to Bangkok: A Step-by-Step Guide

Visa Options for Families Moving to Bangkok: A Step-by-Step Guide

By VERSO Communications Team / October 11, 2024 / Living in Bangkok

Families seeking a vibrant, cosmopolitan experience often discover that relocating to Bangkok provides a fascinating adventure. But you first have to know about the visa application process before you start your new life. At VERSO International School, we are aware that many of our families at first may feel overwhelmed when it comes to visa choices in Thailand. This detailed guide is therefore intended to help families have a smooth transition when moving to Bangkok.

Whether your move is for employment, starting a business, or simply finding a new place to live, knowing your visa options and how to apply for them is essential. Let's take a look at some of the most noteworthy family-friendly visa options for 2024 and how to apply for each.

Non-Immigrant "B" Visa For Working Parents

The most popular choice if you're moving to Bangkok for employment is the Non-Immigrant "B" Visa (Business Visa). This visa is designed for those who work in Thailand or if you are conducting business in the country. This visa serves as a basis for many families that relocate to Bangkok, allowing one parent to work while the other family members apply for dependent visas.

How to apply for a "B" visa (non-immigrant):

  • Find a job or business opportunity: In Thailand, your employer or business associate is required to provide official papers, including tax records, a letter of employment, and company registration.
  • Visit a Thai embassy or consulate to apply for the visa: Provide the required documentation, such as your passport, the filled-out application, and any supporting papers from your place of employment.
  • Acquire a work permit: Your employer will help you acquire a work permit, which is necessary in order to legally work in Thailand.

Normally, this visa is only valid for 90 days at first, but if you satisfy certain requirements and have a work permit, you may extend it to a year.

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Non-Immigrant "O" Visa For Dependent Family Members

The spouse and children may apply for a Non-Immigrant "O" Visa (Dependent Visa) if one parent is employed in Thailand. As dependents of a holder of a Non-Immigrant "B" Visa, family members are permitted to remain in Thailand under this visa.

How to apply for a "O" Non-Immigrant Visa:

  • Gather the related documentation: You will need verification of the working parent's visa, employment agreement, and certificates of marriage or birth for any dependents.
  • Submit your application: You may complete this procedure in a Thai embassy or consulate by bringing your passport, the application form, and any other necessary paperwork.
  • Extensions of visas: Together with the extension of the work visa holder, this visa may also be renewed for a period of one year once you are in Thailand.

The Non-Immigrant "O" Visa is a simple solution that many of the families of our students at VERSO use to make sure that everyone is able to live in Thailand legally together.

Education Visa For Children Enrolling in School

Families with children enrolled in schools in Thailand, like VERSO, may also choose to apply for an Education Visa (also known as a Non-Immigrant "ED" Visa). For older students enrolling in higher education institutions or for students relocating to Thailand without working parents, this visa is ideal.

How to apply for an Education Visa:

  • School enrollment: Prior to being enrolled, your child has to be accepted and enrolled in a recognized establishment, such as VERSO International School.
  • Submit the required documents: You will need to apply for a visa using official documents from the institution, which will include the enrollment confirmation and acceptance letter.
  • Visit a Thai embassy or consulate to apply for the visa: Submit the application, your child's passport, educational records, and any other relevant information.
  • Renewals every year: Normally granted for 90 days, this visa may be extended once a year if enrollment is maintained.

VERSO will help your family every step of the way, making sure you have all the necessary documentation and that you are aware of the criteria for renewal as your child progresses through the school system.

Retirement Visa For Older Family Members

An excellent option if grandparents or other senior family members are traveling with you to Thailand is the Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant "O-A" or "O-X"). This visa is intended for those who want to retire to Thailand over the age of 50. Even if this may not apply to all families, we are aware that some expats bring their extended family with them as support.

How to apply for a Retirement Visa:

  • Meet the age and financial conditions: The candidate must be at least 50 years old and fulfill certain financial requirements, including having a minimum bank balance of 800,000 THB or a monthly salary of 65,000 THB.
  • Submit the application: Present your passport, evidence of income, a medical certificate, and a criminal background check when applying at a Thai embassy or consulate.
  • Renewals on an annual basis: If the financial and health standards are still satisfied, this visa may be renewed on an annual basis.

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Privilege Visa For Long-Term Stay without Working

Formerly known as the Elite Visa, the Thailand Privilege Visa is another option for families seeking long-term without the need of employment requirements. For those looking for simplicity and ease, the Privilege Visa is ideal as it enables longer stays of 5, 10, or even 20 years depending on the package selected.

Steps for obtaining a Thailand Privilege Visa:

  • Select a package: The Thailand Privilege Visa comes in numerous tiers, with visas lasting anywhere from 5 to 20 years, and provides a variety of benefits including fast-track immigration, airport services, and VIP access.
  • Submit your application: The Thailand Privilege Visa organization manages the process directly, and the prerequisites are less complicated than for other visa categories.
  • Long-term benefits: Families that want to travel freely in and out of Thailand without having to renew their visas often might wish to consider this visa.

Even though the Privilege Visa is a more expensive alternative, it is nevertheless appealing to people who want to have a higher-end and seamless experience in Bangkok.

Example of a Thailand Privilege card

Source: Thailand Privilege Visa website

Tourist Visa For Short-Term Stays

A Tourist Visa is the simplest option if you're still in the planning phases or are visiting Bangkok for the first time before making the move. This visa is ideal for families that want to consider their alternatives before deciding to relocate permanently since it permits short-term visits of 30 to 90 days.

How to apply for a tourist visa:

  • Apply at the consulate or embassy of Thailand: Present your passport, your filled-out application, and documentation of your trip arrangements (such as airline or hotel reservations).
  • Extend if necessary: Tourist visas can often be extended by another 30 days from within Thailand, giving families more time to explore and make decisions about long-term visas.

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Preparing for the Move to Thailand

Moving to Bangkok represents the beginning of a new adventure, and getting the correct visa for your family is crucial along the process. At VERSO International School, we are here to help you at every stage. Our active international community welcomes families from all across the globe, and we are aware of the difficulties of settling into a foreign land. Your family will be able to settle into Bangkok and savor everything this vibrant city has to offer with the appropriate visa.

Our staff is available to help you with any inquiries about visa choices or the admissions process at VERSO.

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