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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.
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 allows the spouse and children of the main LTR visa holder to live legally in Thailand for the entire duration of the visa, i.e. ten years. It is not a stand-alone visa but a derivative visa, conditional on the prior obtaining of the main visa. This means that without the validation of the principal holder’s status, no family member can obtain a family visa in Thailand.
This regulation aims to secure the family environment by guaranteeing legal and administrative stability for families moving abroad. Thus, in the event of renewal, cancellation or revocation of the principal visa, the family visa in Thailand is directly affected.
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. It allows certain categories of foreigners to reside in Thailand for a renewable period of 10 years. The visa is intended for ‘Wealthy Global Citizens’, qualified retirees, highly skilled professionals and strategic investors.
To obtain a family visa in Thailand under this scheme, one member of the family must first hold an LTR visa. Without this direct link, the application has no legal basis.
Who is eligible for a family visa in Thailand under the LTR?
The family visa in Thailand is only available to the legally married spouse (wife) of the LTR holder, as well as biological or adopted children, provided they are under the age of 20 at the time of application. This age requirement is mandatory and cannot be circumvented by deferred procedures.
The Thai authorities limit the number of people who can obtain a family visa in Thailand per principal holder to a maximum of four. This means that an LTR holder can sponsor a spouse and up to three children. Each person must be the subject of 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, legalised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country of origin and, if necessary, by the Thai embassy.
For children, birth certificates, adoption court decisions or notarised documents must also be provided. All documents must be recent (less than six months old) and comply with Thai legalisation standards.
Is the family visa application procedure in Thailand separate from that of the main visa holder?
No, the procedures are carried out in parallel. A family visa for Thailand can only be applied for after the main applicant’s application has been approved. In practice, visa applications for family members are submitted to the Thai Board of Investment (BOI) via the LTR VISA APPLICATION online system. Once the main applicant’s application has been approved, family members can submit their applications.
The processing time for a family visa in Thailand varies depending on the country of origin and the completeness of the application. On average, it takes 6 to 8 weeks between submitting the application and obtaining the visa.
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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 entitles them to access the private healthcare system, subject to adequate insurance.
Right to work for spouses?
Spouses holding a family visa in Thailand are not automatically entitled to work. To engage in professional activities, they must obtain a separate work permit, issued subject to 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 be provided varies depending on the family situation, but generally includes the following:
- 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 that they are responsible for their 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 result in 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 has been issued, holders must submit an annual report of their address in Thailand (Annual Report). This formality can be completed online or at the local immigration office. Failure to submit this report may result in the visa being revoked.
In addition, any change in family status (divorce, death, child reaching the age of majority) must be reported to the authorities immediately. If a child reaches the age of 20 during the visa’s period of validity, they will have to regularise 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 the conditions of a family visa may result in immediate revocation. This includes exceeding the age limit, presenting forged documents or failing to submit the annual notification. In addition, in the event of divorce or death of the principal holder, the family visa in Thailand automatically loses its validity.
Administrative checks may occur at any time. It is therefore essential to keep a copy of all documents, ensure that they are up to date and consult a solicitor if there is any doubt.
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 anticipate the transition to adulthood of their children, changes in marital status (marriage, separation) and recurring administrative obligations.
This visa remains subject to 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.
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.