Thai Family Visa Non Immigrant O (Dependent) Visa

This type of visa is obtained by family members of a foreigner working in Thailand. Family can accompany either with Tourist Visa or 30 days Exempt stamp and get Non Immigrant O Visa at Bangkok Immigration. Children exceeding 20 years of age are not eligible to get dependent visa.

The required documents are as below:

Dependent Visa

The Dependent Visa, also known as the Non-Immigrant O (Dependent) Visa, is specifically designed for family members of foreigners working in Thailand. For anyone searching for a family visa in Thailand, this is the ideal solution if they wish to remain in the Kingdom for more than 30 days. For those looking to visit relatives, a tourist visa or a 30-day exempt stamp would be sufficient. The Non-Immigrant O Visa is available from the Thai Immigration Office in Bangkok.

Who is eligible for a Family Visa for Thailand?

The Non-Immigrant O Visa is available to family members of a person working in Thailand or a spouse of a Thai National. In most cases, for a working expatriate, this would include their wife (if not a Thai national) and children, including step-children. Children over the age of 20 and parents cannot apply for a family visa for Thailand unless there is a medical reason for doing so and are legally deemed dependent.

How long is the visa valid for?

If the visa is applied for outside of the Kingdom, for example, in your home country or one of Thailand’s neighbours, the visa will be valid for up to 90 days. The visa can be extended for an additional seven days at the discretion of the Thai Immigration Department. If the visa is applied for in Thailand, such as converting a tourist visa or existing Non-Immigrant visa, it will be valid for up to one year. The visas are single-entry in both cases. However, for the one-year visa, it is possible to get a re-entry permit allowing you to leave and re-enter Thailand on the same visa.

What documents are required?

To apply for a family visa for Thailand, regardless of where you apply, you will need the following documents:

• A valid passport with at least six months remaining and two spare pages
• A copy of the working partner’s passport, including visa, visa stamps and departure card (TM.6)
• A copy of the working partner’s work permit
• Copies of the employer’s company paperwork
• One photograph 4x6cm
• Evidence of the relationship of the dependent/spouse to the working partner

For subsequent extensions of the visa, the applicant must be physically in Thailand at the time of the application. The process for renewal should not commence more than 30 days before the existing expires.

The process for the application

The application process can be quite complex; although the forms are relatively easy to complete, ensuring that you have all the correct documentation can be more challenging. Almost all company documents are solely in the Thai language, so knowing which are required can be quite challenging if you can’t read Thai. Typically, applications for the first 90-day visa (outside Thailand) can be submitted online or in-person with payments made in your local currency. In most cases, cash, cheque and credit or debit cards are accepted, but this can vary according to individual embassy policy. The process usually takes between 5 and 10 days.

Applications in your “home” country are more straightforward, but if you require a one year visa, you will need to visit the Thai Immigration office at Chaeng Wattana in Bangkok. You will need to take a complete set of paperwork will be required, and you will need to answer any questions posed by the immigration official. Most speak a reasonable standard of English, but it is common for additional documentation to be required.

Why use a professional visa company?

Applying for a visa in any country can be stressful, and with a family visa in Thailand, there is the potential for families to become separated if things don’t go to plan. A professional visa company will ensure that you have all the correct paperwork and can liaise with immigration officials on your behalf. At Thai Visa Expert, we have an established relationship with Thai Immigration and know what is currently required, thus increasing your chances of your visa being accepted the first time.