Best Dependent Visa Lawyers in Bang Khen

About Dependent Visa Law in Bang Khen, Thailand

A dependent visa in Thailand allows eligible family members to join or accompany a main visa holder or a Thai national. In most cases this is processed under the Non-Immigrant O category. Typical dependents are a legally married spouse and unmarried children under 20 years old. The rules are set nationally under the Immigration Act, but Bangkok residents, including those in Bang Khen, usually submit applications and extensions at Immigration Division 1 located at the Government Complex on Chaeng Watthana Road, which serves the Bangkok area near Bang Khen.

There are two common stages. First, many applicants obtain a Non-Immigrant O visa from a Thai embassy or consulate abroad based on family reasons. Second, after arriving in Thailand, they apply for an extension of stay at Immigration Division 1 to match the sponsor’s permitted stay or to extend based on marriage to a Thai national. Each pathway has specific documentary requirements, financial evidence thresholds in some cases, and ongoing compliance duties such as 90-day reporting and re-entry permits.

A dependent visa allows residence but not employment. If a dependent wants to work in Thailand, they must obtain the appropriate visa status and a work permit through a separate process. Requirements and practices can vary by office and can change, so always check the latest instructions before applying.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Thai immigration procedures are detailed and paperwork heavy. A lawyer experienced in dependent visas can help you avoid delays and refusals by ensuring your application is complete, accurate, and tailored to local expectations at Immigration Division 1 near Bang Khen. Common situations where legal help is valuable include the following.

Document legalization and translation. Foreign marriage and birth certificates must be translated into Thai and legalized. A lawyer can coordinate certified translations and Ministry of Foreign Affairs legalization so Immigration will accept your documents.

Complex family circumstances. Stepchildren, adopted children, custody orders, name changes, and dual nationality cases often require extra evidence. A lawyer can identify the correct proof of legal relationship and guardianship.

Changing status inside Thailand. Converting a tourist or other non-immigrant entry to a dependent basis has strict timelines and form requirements. A lawyer can plan the correct sequence to avoid overstays or cancellations.

Previous immigration issues. Past overstays, visa cancellations, or missing TM30 address notifications can complicate a new application. Counsel can prepare mitigation letters and supporting evidence.

Financial eligibility questions. Extensions based on marriage to a Thai national may require proof of funds in a Thai bank or verified monthly income. A lawyer can advise on acceptable evidence and timing requirements for bank deposits.

Employment and work authorization. Dependents cannot work on a dependent visa. A lawyer can help with switching to a work eligible visa and obtaining a work permit if you receive a job offer.

Appeals and reapplications. If Immigration requests additional documents or issues a refusal, legal assistance can help you respond effectively and within deadlines.

Local Laws Overview

Core legislation. The Thai Immigration Act B.E. 2522 and its regulations govern entry, stay, extensions, and penalties. For Bangkok residents in Bang Khen, applications are generally handled by Immigration Division 1 at the Government Complex on Chaeng Watthana Road.

Visa category and eligibility. Dependents usually apply under Non-Immigrant O status. Eligible dependents typically include a legally married spouse and unmarried children under 20. Evidence of a genuine family relationship is required. If the sponsor is a foreigner with a valid long stay visa and, where relevant, a work permit, the dependent can usually extend to match the sponsor’s permitted stay. If the sponsor is a Thai national, extensions are based on marriage or parent-child relationship with specific financial criteria.

Financial requirements for marriage to a Thai national. An extension of stay for a foreign spouse of a Thai national commonly requires either a minimum monthly income or a minimum balance in a Thai bank account maintained for a set period before and after application. Thresholds and documentary details are set by Immigration and can change, so confirm current figures and timing before filing.

Work restrictions. A dependent visa does not grant the right to work. Working in Thailand generally requires appropriate visa status and authorization under the law regulating the work of foreigners, along with a valid work permit. Unauthorized work can result in fines, deportation, and bans.

Reporting duties. Long stay foreigners must comply with the 90-day address report requirement. Landlords or house masters must file TM30 to report a foreigner’s residence within 24 hours of arrival at a new address. Failure to comply can result in fines for the host and complications for the foreigner.

Re-entry permits. If you travel internationally during a period of permitted stay, obtain a re-entry permit before departure to preserve your visa status. Without it, your permission to stay may be canceled on exit.

Overstay penalties. Overstaying incurs daily fines up to a statutory maximum and can lead to detention, deportation, and entry bans depending on the length of overstay. Always file extensions before your permitted stay expires.

Local administration and civil status. Family status issues often involve the district office. Marriage registration, birth registration, and household registration documents issued by the Bang Khen District Office can be essential evidence for Immigration. Foreign documents must be translated and legalized according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dependent visa in Thailand

It is a Non-Immigrant O status that allows eligible family members, usually a spouse or minor child, to reside in Thailand based on the status of a Thai national or a foreign sponsor who holds a valid long stay visa. It allows residence but not employment.

Who qualifies as a dependent

Typically a legally married spouse and unmarried children under 20. Evidence must show a genuine relationship, such as marriage certificates or birth certificates. Stepchildren or adopted children may qualify if legal custody or adoption is documented.

Can I work in Thailand on a dependent visa

No. A dependent visa does not authorize work. To work, you generally need to switch to a work eligible visa and obtain a work permit. Starting work without permission can result in penalties and loss of status.

Do I apply outside Thailand or can I change status inside the country

Both are possible. Many applicants obtain a Non-Immigrant O visa from a Thai embassy or consulate abroad. Some can change status inside Thailand subject to eligibility and timing rules. Confirm the correct forms and deadlines with Immigration Division 1 before your current permission to stay expires.

What documents are usually required

Expect to provide your passport, completed application forms, passport photos, evidence of relationship such as marriage or birth certificates, translations and Ministry of Foreign Affairs legalizations for foreign documents, sponsor’s passport and visa, sponsor’s work permit if applicable, proof of residence, and financial evidence if required. Immigration may request additional items such as photos together, household registration, or employer letters.

How long is a dependent stay valid and can it be extended

Initial entries are often 90 days. Extensions of stay in Bangkok are granted at Immigration Division 1 and typically align with the sponsor’s permission to stay or, for marriage to a Thai national, up to one year at a time if requirements are met. Always apply before your current permission expires.

What financial evidence is required for marriage based extensions

Immigration requires proof that the foreign spouse has sufficient means, commonly through monthly income or funds in a Thai bank maintained for a specified period. The exact threshold and timing rules are set by Immigration and can change, so verify the current standard before applying and keep bank books and letters up to date.

Do I need health insurance for a dependent visa

Health insurance is mandatory for certain visa categories such as some retirement visas. For dependents under Non-Immigrant O, insurance is not universally mandated but may be requested in specific cases. Insurance is strongly recommended to cover medical costs.

What happens if my sponsor changes employer or loses status

If your sponsor’s permission to stay is canceled or shortened, your dependent status is affected and may also be canceled or shortened. If the sponsor changes employer, you may need to update Immigration with new employer letters and work permit details. Seek advice promptly to maintain lawful status or switch to a different basis if needed.

Are same sex spouses recognized for dependent visas

Immigration recognizes marriages that are legally valid under Thai law and recognized for immigration purposes. As legal frameworks evolve, recognition can depend on current law and regulations. If you are in a same sex marriage, consult Immigration Division 1 or a lawyer to confirm the latest position and acceptable evidence before applying.

Additional Resources

Immigration Bureau. National authority for visas, extensions, 90-day reports, re-entry permits, and overstay matters. Bangkok residents, including Bang Khen, usually attend Immigration Division 1 at the Government Complex, Chaeng Watthana.

Immigration Division 1, Bangkok. Handles most in-person services for Bangkok based applicants including dependent extensions, 90-day reports, re-entry permits, and changes of status.

Bang Khen District Office. Issues civil status records such as marriage registration, birth registration, and household registration used as evidence in dependent applications.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of Consular Affairs. Legalizes foreign documents and certifications. Required when submitting foreign issued marriage and birth certificates to Immigration.

Royal Thai Police, Criminal Records Division. Provides police clearance if requested for certain applications or by some embassies for initial visas.

Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour. Oversees work permits and work authorization. Relevant if a dependent plans to switch to employment in Thailand.

Lawyers Council of Thailand and local legal aid clinics. Can assist with referrals to qualified immigration lawyers and provide initial guidance.

Thai embassies and consulates abroad. Issue initial Non-Immigrant O visas for dependents and provide entry requirements for those applying outside Thailand.

Next Steps

Confirm eligibility. Identify the qualifying family relationship and the sponsor’s current visa status. Ensure your relationship is properly documented and legally recognized.

Choose your path. Decide whether to apply for a Non-Immigrant O visa at a Thai embassy or consulate abroad or to change status inside Thailand, if eligible.

Prepare documents early. Collect marriage or birth certificates, translations into Thai, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs legalizations. Obtain sponsor documents such as passport, visa, work permit, and employer letters where relevant.

Plan financial evidence. If applying based on marriage to a Thai national, set up required bank deposits or income documentation in advance and maintain funds for the required period before filing.

Book your visit. For Bangkok based applicants in Bang Khen, plan to attend Immigration Division 1 at the Government Complex, Chaeng Watthana. Use the official queue system if required and allow time for submission and possible interview.

Stay compliant. After approval, track your permission to stay expiry, submit 90-day reports, maintain TM30 address reporting through your landlord, and obtain re-entry permits before travel.

Consult a lawyer when in doubt. If you face complex family issues, prior overstays, sponsor changes, or a possible refusal, contact an immigration lawyer who regularly handles dependent cases at Immigration Division 1. Legal guidance can save time, reduce risk, and improve outcomes.

Important note. Laws, fees, and practices can change. Always verify the latest requirements with Immigration Division 1 or a qualified lawyer before you apply.