Best Dependent Visa Lawyers in Bangkok Noi

About Dependent Visa Law in Bangkok Noi, Thailand

A Thai dependent visa allows a qualifying family member to live in Thailand based on their relationship to a Thai national or to a foreigner who already has legal long-term status in Thailand. The most common pathway is the Non-Immigrant O category, which can be used by spouses and children. In Bangkok Noi, as in the rest of Thailand, immigration matters are governed by national law, and most in-person applications for Bangkok residents are handled at Immigration Division 1 in Bangkok. District-level considerations still matter because you will often need documents from your local district office, such as marriage or birth records and house registration information.

Typical eligible dependents include a legally married spouse and unmarried children under 20 years old. In some circumstances, a foreign parent of a Thai child may also qualify for a one-year extension of stay. For dependents of foreign employees, eligibility generally hinges on the main visa holder maintaining valid status, such as a Non-Immigrant B with a work permit.

Initial entry as a dependent is commonly obtained from a Thai embassy or consulate abroad, usually as a Non-Immigrant O visa. After entering Thailand, the holder typically receives a 90-day permission to stay and can then apply for a one-year extension if all criteria are met. Extensions are renewable if the underlying family relationship and other conditions continue to be satisfied.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

While many families complete dependent visa processes on their own, legal counsel can be helpful in several situations.

- Complex family status: Name changes, prior marriages, adoptions, sole custody, or documents from multiple countries can complicate eligibility and document verification.

- Marriage to a Thai national: One-year extensions based on marriage require specific financial evidence, home verification, and interviews. A lawyer can help structure financial proofs and prepare you for questions.

- Dependents of foreign employees: When the main visa holder has a work permit and an annual extension, aligning timelines for the dependent and ensuring continuous status can be tricky. Lawyers coordinate filings so no one falls out of status.

- Switching visa types in-country: Converting from a tourist or visa-exempt entry to a Non-Immigrant O dependent status inside Thailand is possible in some cases. Legal guidance reduces the risk of refusal or unnecessary travel.

- Urgent travel needs: If a dependent must travel but has a pending extension, a lawyer can plan re-entry permits and timing to avoid cancellation of the extension or overstay.

- Document legalization and translation: Foreign civil records typically need certified translations and legalization. Counsel can manage the legalization chain so records are accepted by Thai authorities.

- Post-divorce or status changes: If a marriage ends or the main visa holder loses eligibility, a lawyer can help identify alternative bases for stay or arrange a compliant departure plan to avoid overstay penalties and bans.

Local Laws Overview

Thailand’s Immigration Act B.E. 2522 and subsequent Immigration Bureau orders set the framework for dependent visas and extensions of stay. Key points relevant to Bangkok Noi residents include the following.

- Where to apply: Bangkok residents normally apply at Immigration Division 1 at the Government Complex in Bangkok. Certain sponsored categories may be eligible for services at the One Stop Service Center for Visa and Work Permit. You can inquire about booking a queue or using online filing for some services.

- Dependent categories: Non-Immigrant O visas support spouses and children of Thai nationals, and spouses and children of foreigners holding certain long-term visas and extensions, such as Non-Immigrant B. Unmarried children must typically be under 20 at the time of application for dependent status.

- Marriage-based extension to stay: A foreign spouse of a Thai citizen can apply for a one-year extension of stay. Common financial criteria include either a deposit of at least 400,000 THB maintained in a Thai bank account for at least 2 months before the application and 3 months after, or a monthly income of at least 40,000 THB, evidenced as required by the local office. The Thai spouse is usually required to attend the interview, and officers may request home photos, a residence map, and neighbor or witness confirmation.

- Dependents of foreign workers: Spouses and children of foreigners who hold a valid one-year extension based on employment and a work permit can generally apply for a matching dependent extension. Requirements focus on proof of the family relationship and the main holder’s valid status. Financial criteria can vary by category and office practice.

- Health insurance: For some long-stay categories like Non-Immigrant O-A and O-X, health insurance is mandatory. For Non-Immigrant O based on marriage or dependent of a Non-Immigrant B, health insurance is not universally required, but individual embassies and some situations may call for it.

- Right to work: A dependent visa does not, by itself, authorize employment. To work lawfully in Thailand, a person generally needs an appropriate visa classification that supports a work permit, typically Non-Immigrant B, and a valid work permit issued by the Department of Employment.

- Address and reporting duties: The residential address must be reported by the landlord or house master after move-in using TM.30. Foreigners must report their current address every 90 days of continuous stay using TM.47. If you change residence, you must report the new address promptly. Keep copies of your TM.30 receipt for future applications.

- Travel and re-entry: If you leave Thailand while holding an extension of stay, you must obtain a re-entry permit before departure so your extension is not canceled. Single re-entry and multiple re-entry permits are available for a fee. The 90-day reporting clock continues independently of re-entry permits.

- Fees and timelines: As reference, extension of stay applications commonly cost 1,900 THB per person. Re-entry permits have separate fees. Visa sticker fees at embassies vary by type. Processing times are usually same day to several weeks if a home visit or additional review is required. Fees and processing standards can change, so confirm current requirements before applying.

- Overstay rules: Overstay is subject to a fine of 500 THB per day up to 20,000 THB, and longer overstays can trigger bans from re-entering Thailand. Always track your permission to stay and apply for extensions before expiry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for a Thai dependent visa in Bangkok Noi

Eligibility is set by national law. Common cases include a legally married spouse of a Thai citizen, an unmarried child under 20 of a Thai citizen, or a spouse or child of a foreigner who holds a valid long-term visa and extension such as Non-Immigrant B for employment. Proof of genuine relationship is required, and the main visa holder must maintain valid status.

Can same-sex spouses qualify as dependents

Thailand recognizes marriages regardless of gender. If your marriage is lawfully registered in Thailand or recognized under Thai law, you should be treated as a spouse for immigration purposes. Practical processing for foreign marriages and document recognition can vary, so plan for certified translations and legalization of foreign marriage records.

How long can a dependent stay in Thailand

Initial Non-Immigrant O entries are typically 90 days. If eligible, you can apply for a one-year extension of stay. One-year extensions are renewable if the underlying relationship and conditions remain valid.

Does a dependent visa allow me to work in Thailand

No. A dependent visa does not authorize employment. To work, you generally need to switch to a visa category that supports a work permit, usually Non-Immigrant B, and obtain a work permit from the Department of Employment.

What financial evidence is required for a marriage-based extension

For a foreign spouse of a Thai citizen, officers commonly require either a deposit of at least 400,000 THB in a Thai bank account maintained for the specified period or a monthly income of at least 40,000 THB. Evidence must be in the format accepted by the immigration office, such as bank letters and updated passbook entries. Requirements can vary, so confirm current standards before filing.

What documents are usually needed for a dependent extension

Expect to provide passports, visa and entry stamps, TM.6 if applicable, TM.30 receipt, marriage or birth certificates, certified translations and legalizations for foreign documents, Thai spouse’s ID and house registration if applicable, rental contract and landlord documents, photos together, a simple map to the home, and the main holder’s work permit and visa information if you are a dependent of a foreign employee.

Where do Bangkok Noi residents apply

Most immigration services for Bangkok residents, including those in Bangkok Noi, are handled by Immigration Division 1 at the Government Complex in Bangkok. Certain sponsored categories may be processed at the One Stop Service Center for Visa and Work Permit. Always verify the correct venue before you go.

Do I need a re-entry permit to travel while my extension is valid

Yes. If you leave Thailand without a re-entry permit, your extension of stay will be canceled when you depart. You can obtain a single or multiple re-entry permit before leaving, or at some airports prior to departure. Keep in mind that 90-day reporting continues independently of re-entry permits.

Can I convert from a tourist visa to a dependent Non-Immigrant O inside Thailand

In some cases, yes, especially if you meet all requirements and can present legalized and translated family documents. Conversions are discretionary and may require additional steps. If a conversion is not available, you may need to apply for the appropriate Non-Immigrant O visa at a Thai embassy or consulate abroad.

What happens if the relationship ends or the main visa holder loses status

Dependent status is tied to the qualifying relationship and the main holder’s status. If a marriage ends or the main holder’s status lapses, the dependent’s permission to stay may be curtailed. You must either apply for a new basis of stay or depart before your permission expires to avoid overstay penalties and potential entry bans.

Additional Resources

- Immigration Bureau and Immigration Division 1 in Bangkok for visa applications, extensions, 90-day reporting, and re-entry permits.

- One Stop Service Center for Visa and Work Permit for eligible sponsored companies and certain categories.

- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its Department of Consular Affairs for legalization of foreign civil documents and guidance on recognition of overseas marriages and birth certificates.

- Bangkok Noi District Office for Thai civil registration matters such as marriage registration, birth records, and house registration extracts relevant to local applicants.

- Department of Employment for work permits and employment compliance if a dependent plans to switch to a work-authorized status.

- Lawyers Council Under the Royal Patronage legal aid centers and local legal clinics for low-cost or pro bono guidance on documentation and immigration procedures.

- Your home country’s embassy or consulate in Thailand for notarization, passport renewal, and consular certifications often needed for legalization.

Next Steps

- Confirm eligibility: Identify the correct dependent category based on your relationship and the main holder’s status. Check whether you should apply abroad for a Non-Immigrant O entry or convert in-country.

- Gather core documents: Passports, visa pages, entry stamps, marriage or birth certificates, custody documents if relevant, translations into Thai or English as required, and legalization or authentication from the appropriate authorities.

- Prepare financial evidence: For marriage-based extensions to a Thai spouse, arrange either the qualifying bank deposit with proper seasoning or verified monthly income. Keep official bank letters and current passbook updates.

- Organize residence records: TM.30 address reporting, rental contract, landlord identification and house registration, photos at home, and a simple hand-drawn map to your residence, as these are routinely requested in Bangkok cases.

- Plan timing: Track your permission to stay end date and the 90-day reporting schedule. If you need to travel, obtain a re-entry permit before leaving to preserve your extension.

- Consider legal counsel: If you have complex documents, prior overstays, name or status inconsistencies, cross-border records, or urgent travel, consult a lawyer to reduce risk of refusals or delays.

- Attend the appointment: Bring originals and copies neatly organized. Expect interviews for marriage-based cases and the possibility of a home visit. Be prepared for your spouse to attend.

- Keep everything updated: After approval, store receipts and approval notices, note your next reporting and renewal dates, and update TM.30 promptly after any move within Bangkok Noi or elsewhere.

This guide provides general information only. Because immigration rules and practices can change, always verify current requirements directly with the relevant Thai authorities or a qualified immigration lawyer before you file.