Call us now:
Family visa in Thailand: How to secure legal residence for your loved ones under LTR status?
Moving to Thailand as an expatriate involves not only securing your own legal status, but also that of your family. In this context, the family visa in Thailand is a strategic solution for spouses and children of Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa holders. This scheme, introduced by the Thai authorities to attract foreign talent, investors and wealthy retirees, aims to facilitate long-term family settlement in accordance with the Kingdom’s regulatory requirements.
The family visa in Thailand is based on a solid legal framework governed by the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) and recent reforms led by the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI). It grants long-term residence, administrative stability and, in some cases, the possibility of working or attending school locally for family members.
At Benoit & Partners, we provide expert guidance to help you secure a Family Visa in Thailand for the spouses and children of Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa holders. Whether you are looking to reunite your family in Thailand or ensure compliance with immigration laws, our team is here to assist you through every step of the process. We specialize in explaining the legal framework, conditions, and procedures necessary to obtain this type of visa, making the process as smooth and straightforward as possible. With our support, you can navigate the complexities of family visa applications, ensuring that your loved ones can join you in Thailand while meeting all necessary legal requirements.
Get expert legal guidance.
Table of Contents
What are the requirements for obtaining a Family Visa for Thailand under the LTR programme?
Why is a family visa for Thailand essential for families?
The family visa in Thailand lets the spouse and children of the main LTR visa holder live legally in Thailand for ten years. It is a derivative visa, dependent on the main visa. Without the principal holder’s visa, no family member can obtain the family visa.
This regulation guarantees legal and administrative stability for families moving abroad. If the main visa is renewed, canceled, or revoked, it affects the family visa.
What is the LTR visa and who is eligible for it?
The LTR visa was introduced by the Thai Immigration Bureau, in conjunction with the BOI, as part of the Thailand Long-Term Resident Visa programme.
The visa allows certain foreigners to reside in Thailand for a renewable period of 10 years. It targets ‘Wealthy Global Citizens,’ qualified retirees, highly skilled professionals, and strategic investors.
To obtain a family visa in Thailand, one family member must first hold an LTR visa. Without this direct link, the application lacks a legal basis.
Who is eligible for a family visa in Thailand under the LTR?
The family visa in Thailand is available to the legally married spouse (wife) of the LTR holder and their biological or adopted children under 20. This age requirement is strict and cannot be bypassed.
Thai authorities limit family visas to four per LTR holder. An LTR holder can sponsor a spouse and up to three children. Each person must submit a separate application with their own supporting documents.
How can family ties be proven when applying for a family visa in Thailand?
The Thai administration requires complete and legally authenticated documentation. For spouses, the marriage certificate must be translated into English or Thai and legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the country of origin and, if needed, by the Thai embassy.
For children, birth certificates, adoption court decisions, or notarized documents must be provided. All documents must be recent (less than six months old) and meet Thai legalization standards.
Is the family visa application procedure in Thailand separate from that of the main visa holder?
No, the procedures run in parallel. A family visa for Thailand can only be applied for after the main applicant’s application is approved. Family members submit their applications to the Thai Board of Investment (BOI) via the LTR VISA APPLICATION online system once the main applicant is approved.
The processing time for a family visa depends on the country of origin and application completeness. On average, it takes 6 to 8 weeks from submission to receiving the visa.
Get expert legal guidance.
What rights does a family visa grant in Thailand?
The right to long-term residence
Holders of a Thai family visa are granted the same right of residence as the principal holder, i.e. a renewable 10-year visa. They also receive an identification card issued by the Immigration Bureau.
Right to education and medical care
Children can attend public and private schools in Thailand. The family visa also grants access to the private healthcare system, provided they have adequate insurance.
Right to work for spouses?
Spouses holding a family visa in Thailand do not automatically have the right to work. To engage in professional activities, they must obtain a separate work permit, issued based on eligibility criteria set by the BOI or the Thai employer.
What documents are required to obtain a family visa in Thailand?
The list of documents to provide varies depending on the family situation, but generally includes:
A copy of the applicant’s valid passport (spouse or child)
A recent passport photo (official format)
A copy of the main LTR visa holder’s passport
The marriage certificate or birth certificate, translated and legalized
Proof of kinship in the case of adoption
A letter of commitment from the principal holder certifying their responsibility for family members
Health insurance covering the duration of the stay
All documents must be uploaded to the BOI platform and comply with strict digital formats. Errors or incomplete documents may cause delays.
How much does a family visa for Thailand cost?
The application fee is 50,000 THB per person, non-refundable, payable at the time the visa is issued. This amount is the same as for the main LTR visa. There are no preferential rates for children or spouses.
Are there any obligations after obtaining a family visa in Thailand?
Yes. Once the family visa for Thailand is issued, holders must submit an annual address report (Annual Report). They can do this online or at the local immigration office. Failing to submit the report may lead to visa revocation.
Any change in family status (divorce, death, child reaching adulthood) must be reported immediately. If a child turns 20 during the visa’s validity, they must regularize their status or leave the country.
What are the risks of not complying with the conditions of the family visa in Thailand?
Failure to comply with family visa conditions may result in immediate revocation. This includes exceeding the age limit, presenting forged documents, or failing to submit the annual report. In case of divorce or death of the principal holder, the family visa automatically becomes invalid.
Administrative checks may occur at any time. It is crucial to keep all documents up to date and consult a solicitor if there are any doubts.
What prospects does the family visa offer for foreign families?
The family visa offers significant stability for families wishing to settle permanently in Thailand. Its ten-year validity period is a unique advantage in the region. However, families must plan for their children’s transition to adulthood, changes in marital status (marriage, separation), and recurring administrative obligations.
This visa requires strict compliance, making it unsuitable for irregular situations or complex family arrangements. For this reason, the assistance of a law firm is strongly recommended at every stage.
Conclusion
Although subject to specific rules, the family visa in Thailand is a valuable solution for families of LTR holders. It guarantees a legal, long-term and harmonious stay for the entire family unit. However, obtaining a family visa requires a thorough understanding of Thai law, the deadlines to be met and the documents to be provided.
By relying on the regulations issued by the BOI and the Immigration Bureau, law firms can ensure that applications are fully compliant, avoid errors and secure the family situation of their clients.
Finally, legal assistance allows for the anticipation of risky situations such as divorce, children reaching the age of majority, changes in status or changes in income. A family visa in Thailand should not be seen as a mere formality but as a process governed by strict laws that require constant vigilance.
Therefore, to ensure a smooth transition for your family when moving to Thailand, it is strongly recommended that you seek legal expertise specialising in LTR visas.
If you need further information, you may schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers.
FAQ
The family visa is reserved for legal spouses and children under the age of 20 of LTR visa holders. The visa is valid for the duration of the main visa, i.e. 10 years, and can be renewed.
The required documents include a copy of the passport, a recent passport photo, a translated and legalized marriage or birth certificate, and a letter of commitment from the primary LTR visa holder, among other legal documents.
The processing of family visas can take between 6 and 8 weeks after the documents have been submitted. The processing time also depends on the applicant’s country of origin.
Family members benefiting from the visa can reside in Thailand for 10 years with the possibility of renewal. Children can study in Thai educational institutions, and spouses can work under certain conditions after obtaining a work permit.