Best Dependent Visa Lawyers in Bang Khun Thian

About Dependent Visa Law in Bang Khun Thian, Thailand

A dependent visa in Thailand is generally issued under the Non-Immigrant O category for eligible family members of a foreign national who has lawful long-stay permission to remain in Thailand, such as a Non-Immigrant B work visa holder or a foreigner married to a Thai national. In practice, spouses and children under 20 years old are the primary dependents recognized. The visa can be applied for at a Thai embassy or consulate abroad, and longer stays are typically obtained by applying for an extension of stay at the Immigration Bureau in Thailand.

Bang Khun Thian is a district within Bangkok. While routine civil registrations can be handled locally at the Bang Khun Thian District Office, immigration extensions and related services for Bangkok residents are handled by Immigration Division 1 at the Government Complex on Chaeng Watthana Road. A dependent visa does not automatically grant the right to work. If a dependent wants to work, a change of visa type and a work permit are usually required.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Dependent visa rules seem straightforward but are highly document-driven and can vary depending on the sponsor’s visa type, employment status, and family circumstances. A lawyer or licensed visa professional can help in these common scenarios:

- You need to confirm eligibility for a spouse or child, including adopted children or children from a previous relationship, and you must show legal custody or consent.

- Your marriage or birth certificates are issued outside Thailand and must be translated and legalized for use with Thai authorities.

- You wish to change visa status in-country, for example from a tourist visa to a Non-Immigrant O dependent, and need to meet timing and documentation rules.

- Your sponsor’s permission to stay is changing, such as job change or company switch, which can affect the dependent’s status and timing of applications.

- You need to extend a dependent stay to align with the sponsor’s new permission, or you must apply for a re-entry permit before travel.

- You have a complex case, such as a child turning 20, a separation or divorce, or a dependent who wants to work or study.

- You received a refusal, overstay, or compliance issue involving 90-day reporting or TM30 residential address notification.

Local Laws Overview

- Legal framework: Thailand’s Immigration Act B.E. 2522 governs permission to enter, stay, and report. The Royal Thai Police Immigration Bureau enforces these rules. Civil status matters like marriage and child legitimacy follow the Civil and Commercial Code.

- Who qualifies as a dependent: Spouse and unmarried children under 20 are typical. Evidence of the relationship is mandatory. Where documents are issued overseas, certified translation into Thai and legalization by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs may be required.

- Where to apply in Bangkok: Initial visas are issued by Thai embassies or consulates abroad. For Bangkok residents, extensions of stay and related services are at Immigration Division 1 on Chaeng Watthana Road. Bang Khun Thian District Office handles local civil registrations such as marriage registration in Thailand and certified copies of records.

- Duration and alignment: A dependent’s permission to stay is usually aligned with the sponsor’s permitted stay. If the sponsor’s stay is shortened or canceled, the dependent’s stay is affected.

- Work prohibition: A dependent visa does not authorize employment. To work lawfully, the dependent typically needs a qualifying visa such as Non-Immigrant B and a work permit from the Department of Employment.

- Reporting and address rules: Foreigners staying over 90 days must report their current address to Immigration every 90 days. Landlords or hosts must notify Immigration of a foreigner’s residence after arrival. Failure to comply can lead to fines.

- Re-entry permits: If you have an extension of stay and plan to leave Thailand, obtain a re-entry permit before departure or your extension may be canceled upon re-entry.

- Overstay penalties: Overstaying can result in fines and potential bans. Keep all permissions current and track reporting deadlines.

- Financial requirements: For a spouse of a Thai national seeking a one-year extension, Immigration typically requires either funds deposited in a Thai bank account or documented monthly income. For dependents of Non-Immigrant B or other categories, proof of support and sponsor’s valid status are crucial. Specific thresholds and document formats can change, so verify current requirements before applying.

- Evolving recognition of relationships: Recognition of certain family relationships can evolve. Always check current Immigration Bureau guidance about who qualifies as a dependent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can qualify as a dependent in Thailand?

Commonly a legally married spouse and unmarried children under 20 years old. Evidence of the relationship is required. Adopted children and stepchildren can be eligible with proper legal documents and custody or consent where applicable.

Where do I apply if I live in Bang Khun Thian?

You handle immigration extensions and permits at Immigration Division 1 on Chaeng Watthana Road. Civil registrations, copies, and some certifications can be done at the Bang Khun Thian District Office.

Can I convert a tourist visa to a dependent visa inside Thailand?

In certain cases, yes, if you meet eligibility, timing, and documentation requirements. In-country conversion is discretionary and requires a valid remaining stay and complete supporting documents. Many applicants still apply at a Thai embassy or consulate abroad.

How long is a dependent extension of stay valid?

Typically up to one year and aligned with the sponsor’s permitted stay. If the sponsor’s status changes or ends, the dependent’s permission may be shortened or canceled.

Can a dependent work in Thailand?

No, not on a dependent extension alone. To work, you generally need a qualifying visa such as Non-Immigrant B and a work permit, which usually requires employer sponsorship and a change of status.

What documents are usually required?

Passport, departure card if applicable, passport-sized photos, completed immigration forms, sponsor’s passport and visa, proof of the relationship such as marriage or birth certificate, financial support evidence, and house registration or lease plus address notification proof. Foreign documents must often be translated into Thai and legalized.

Do I need health insurance?

Health insurance requirements depend on the specific visa route and the issuing embassy or consulate. Retirement-based categories have defined insurance rules. Dependent extensions inside Thailand may not require insurance, but requirements can vary, so verify before applying.

What is 90-day reporting and does it apply to dependents?

Any foreigner staying in Thailand longer than 90 days must report their current address to Immigration every 90 days. This applies to dependents as well. Reporting can be in person, by authorized representative, or by approved methods as announced by Immigration.

What is a re-entry permit and do I need it?

If you have an extension of stay and plan to leave Thailand, you need a re-entry permit so your extension remains valid when you return. You can apply for a single or multiple re-entry permit before departure.

What happens when a child turns 20?

Eligibility as a dependent typically ends at 20. The individual must switch to another suitable visa before turning 20 or before the current permission expires, whichever comes first.

Additional Resources

- Immigration Bureau, Division 1 at the Government Complex on Chaeng Watthana Road for extensions, 90-day reports, and re-entry permits.

- Bang Khun Thian District Office for civil registrations, certified copies, and local administrative services.

- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of Consular Affairs, Legalization Division for legalization of foreign marriage and birth documents.

- Department of Employment for work permits if a dependent plans to work after changing to a qualifying visa.

- One Stop Service Center for Visas and Work Permits for eligible BOI and certain categories as applicable.

- Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates abroad for initial Non-Immigrant O dependent visas.

Next Steps

1 - Confirm eligibility: Identify the sponsor’s visa type and verify that the family relationship qualifies under current Immigration Bureau rules.

2 - Gather documents: Obtain passports, photos, marriage and birth certificates, custody or consent documents where relevant, sponsor’s work and visa documents, lease and address notifications, and proof of financial support. Arrange certified Thai translations and legalization for foreign documents.

3 - Choose the application path: Decide whether to apply at a Thai embassy or consulate abroad for an initial Non-Immigrant O dependent visa or to request an in-country conversion if eligible.

4 - Prepare for local procedures: If residing in Bang Khun Thian, use the District Office for civil records and go to Immigration Division 1 for immigration filings. Book appointments where available and allow extra time for queues.

5 - Protect your status: After approval, comply with 90-day reporting, TM30 address notification obligations by the landlord or host, and obtain re-entry permits before travel. Track expiry dates to avoid overstay.

6 - Consult a lawyer: If your case involves overseas documents, complex family circumstances, changes in the sponsor’s employment, or timing constraints, consult a qualified immigration lawyer or licensed visa professional in Bangkok. Rules and practices can change, and professional guidance helps prevent refusals and delays.

Note: This guide provides general information, not legal advice. Always verify the latest requirements with the Immigration Bureau or a qualified professional before applying.