A Thai Dependent Visa allows family members of long-term visa or work permit holders in Thailand to reside in the country for up to one year, with the option for annual renewals as long as the primary visa holder maintains their status.
This visa enables dependents to live in Thailand without needing a work permit or engaging in employment.
To apply, dependents must provide proof of their relationship to the main visa holder, financial documentation showing the primary visa holder’s ability to support them, and a passport valid for at least six months.
Here is a comprehensive overview of eligibility and requirements for a dependent visa.
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility for a dependent visa in Thailand depends on the relationship to the primary visa holder. The following people are typically eligible:
- Spouses: Legally married spouses of foreign nationals who hold a valid non-immigrant visa, such as a work or retirement visa.
- Children: Unmarried children under the age of 20 who are dependent on the primary visa holder.
- Parents: In some cases, parents of foreign nationals may be eligible, though this depends on specific visa regulations.
How Long is it Valid?
The validity of a dependent visa in Thailand often mirrors the length of the primary visa holder’s visa. Typically, it is issued for one year but can be extended annually, subject to the extension of the primary visa. However, like most long-term visas in Thailand, a dependent visa requires a 90-day report to immigration to confirm residence status.
Types of Dependent Visas
Thailand offers different types of visas for dependents based on the visa status of the primary foreign national. Common types include:
1. Non-Immigrant O Visa: This visa is typically issued to dependents (spouses, children, and in some cases, parents) of foreign nationals living in Thailand with a work visa or retirement visa. This is the most common dependent visa category.
2. Non-Immigrant O-A Visa: This is for dependents of retirees who hold an O-A (long-stay) visa. It allows spouses and children to live in Thailand but usually doesn’t allow them to work.
Please note: If the dependent is over 50 years old, the dependent will be asked to apply for a retirement visa instead of a dependent visa.
3. Thai Guardian Visa: Also referred to as a Thailand Dependent Visa for Parents, this visa is intended for parents or legal guardians of a Thai child or a foreign child enrolled in school in Thailand.
This visa enables parents or guardians to reside in Thailand to care for their child and support their well-being. It is valid for one year and can be renewed annually. To apply, applicants must provide a valid passport, evidence of financial stability, proof of their relationship to the child, and a police clearance certificate.
Requirements for Applying
Requirements will vary slightly based on the type of visa you are seeking to become a dependent of. The requirement below are for accompanying a foreign national working in Thailand.
If you are applying for a dependent visa as the spouse or child of a foreign national working in Thailand, you will need to meet certain requirements.
Key documents include:
- Application Form: Completed visa application form, which can be obtained from the Thai embassy or consulate.
- Passport: A passport with at least six months of validity.
- Photos: A recent passport-sized photograph.
- Proof of Relationship: A marriage certificate for spouses or a birth certificate for children.
- Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements or other financial documentation showing the primary visa holder’s ability to support dependents.
- Employment Contract: Proof that the foreign national is working/is going to be working in Thailand, such as a letter from the employer or a copy of their work permit.
- Primary Visa Holder’s Passport and Visa: Copies of the passport and visa of the foreign national whom the dependent is accompanying.
- Police Clearance Certificate: Applies to the Thai Guardian Visa.
- Visa Fee: Payment of the visa application fee (amounts may vary depending on the embassy or consulate).
It’s advisable to check with the specific Thai consulate where you are applying, as requirements can vary depending on the location.
Applying for a Dependent Visa While on a Tourist Visa
If the dependent (applicant) is already in Thailand on a Tourist Visa, they can apply for the dependent visa from within the country, as long as all the requirements are fulfilled and their current visa has at least 21 days of remaining validity.
90-Day Reporting
You must report your residential address to the nearest Thai immigration office every 90 days, either 7 days before or after the due date. Failure to report results in a THB 3,000 fine. However, reporting is not required if you are out of the country when the report is due.
More on 90-day reporting here.
Leaving the Country (Re-entry Permit)
If you plan to leave Thailand temporarily and want to keep your visa valid, you must obtain a re-entry permit before you depart. Without a re-entry permit, your visa will automatically be canceled when you leave the country, and you’ll have to reapply for a new visa to return.
A re-entry permit essentially “saves” your visa status, allowing you to leave and re-enter Thailand without losing it. There are two types of re-entry permits:
- Single Re-Entry Permit: Allows you to leave and re-enter Thailand once while maintaining your visa.
- Multiple Re-Entry Permit: Allows multiple entries and exits during the validity of your visa.
You can apply for a re-entry permit at:
- Immigration Offices: Submit your application before leaving Thailand.
- Airports: Permits can also be issued at international airports in Thailand before departure.
To apply, you will need:
- Completed application form (TM-8).
- Passport with a valid visa.
- Recent passport-sized photos.
- Application fee (THB 1,000 for a single re-entry, THB 3,800 for multiple re-entry).
Once you return to Thailand, simply present your re-entry permit at the border along with your passport, and your visa will remain intact for the duration of its validity.
Can You Work on a Dependent Visa?
Generally, dependents cannot work on a Thailand Dependent Visa. However, if a dependent wishes to work, they must apply for a separate work permit and switch to a visa that allows employment, such as a Non-Immigrant B Visa.
Working without the proper visa and work permit in Thailand is illegal and can result in fines, deportation, or other legal consequences. Dependents who want to pursue employment should consult with a local immigration office to explore the best options.