Best Dependent Visa Lawyers in Bangkok Noi

About Dependent Visa Law in Bangkok Noi, Thailand

A dependent visa in Thailand allows the legally recognized family members of a principal visa holder or a Thai national to live in Thailand. In practice, most dependents enter and stay under the Non-Immigrant O category based on family reasons. Typical dependents include a legally married spouse and unmarried children under a defined age limit. Extensions of stay for dependents are usually granted to match the principal sponsor’s permitted stay when the sponsor holds a qualifying long stay or work based permission. People living in Bangkok Noi handle applications with the Immigration Bureau that has jurisdiction over Bangkok, commonly at the Government Complex on Chaeng Watthana Road.

Dependent status does not grant the right to work. A dependent who wants to work must secure the correct work authorized visa and a work permit in their own name. Thai immigration rules are national, but local practice and document checks in Bangkok can be detailed, so preparation and clear evidence of the family relationship are important.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Many families handle straightforward dependent applications on their own, but legal help can be valuable in several situations. If your family relationship documents were issued outside Thailand, you will need certified translations and legalization by the correct authorities, and a lawyer can manage that process. If you have a complex family situation such as adoption, stepchildren, name changes, prior marriages, or custody issues, a lawyer can help structure evidence to meet Thai standards.

You may also benefit from counsel if there has been an overstay, an earlier visa refusal, or a criminal record that requires explanation. Timing issues often arise when a sponsor is changing job, changing visa category, or renewing a work permit. A lawyer can coordinate the sponsor’s extension and the dependent’s extension so they align. If you need to change visa status inside Thailand, respond to an objection from immigration, or appeal a refusal, professional guidance reduces risk and delay.

Local Laws Overview

Eligibility and who counts as a dependent. Thai immigration typically recognizes a legally married spouse and unmarried minor children as dependents. The exact age cutoff and conditions can vary by visa category. In most cases, children must be under a defined age and financially dependent. Proof of a valid marriage registered with the proper authority is required for spouses. Foreign documents must be legalized and translated into Thai by a certified translator and authenticated by the Department of Consular Affairs.

Visa types and duration. Many dependents enter with a Non-Immigrant O visa and then apply for a one year extension of stay inside Thailand based on their relationship to the sponsor. The dependent extension usually cannot exceed the sponsor’s permission to stay. If the sponsor’s permission ends or is cancelled, the dependent’s permission normally ends as well.

Document standards. Common documents include passports with sufficient validity, marriage certificates, birth certificates, proof of cohabitation or family life, sponsor’s visa and work permit copies if applicable, bank or income evidence if required by the category, residence notification receipts, and photographs. Originals plus copies are needed. Foreign documents must be legalized by the issuing country and authenticated in Thailand.

Financial requirements. Financial criteria depend on the legal basis for the stay. For example, where a foreign spouse extends stay based on marriage to a Thai national, specific income or bank balance thresholds may apply. Where a dependent extends based on a sponsor’s Non-Immigrant B work based stay, the sponsor’s valid extension and work permit are central, and officers may also check family support and accommodation. Requirements can vary by case, so check current instructions before filing.

Reporting rules. Thailand requires 90 day address reporting for foreigners staying long term. Landlords or householders must report a foreigner’s arrival at a residence using the TM30 notification. If you travel outside Thailand, you must hold a re-entry permit before departure or your permission to stay will be cancelled on exit. Re-entry permits can be single or multiple.

Restrictions and compliance. A dependent visa does not authorize employment. To work, the dependent must obtain the proper visa and a work permit in their own name. School age children can attend school while holding dependent status. Overstay penalties and re-entry bans apply if you remain past your permitted date, so track your permission end date carefully.

Where to apply in Bangkok. Bangkok residents generally use Immigration Division 1 at the Government Complex on Chaeng Watthana Road. Certain sponsored categories, such as some Board of Investment cases, may be processed at the One Stop Service Center in Bangkok. Always bring complete documentation because Bangkok officers review evidence closely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies as a dependent for Thai immigration purposes

Typically a legally married spouse and unmarried minor children who are financially dependent qualify. The precise definition and age limit can depend on the sponsor’s visa category. Evidence of a valid marriage and birth or custody documents is required, and foreign documents must be legalized and translated.

Can a dependent work in Thailand

No. Dependent status does not permit employment. If a dependent wants to work, they must change to a work authorized visa category and obtain a work permit in their own name before starting any work.

How long is a dependent stay granted for

Initial entry with a Non-Immigrant O visa is often valid for up to 90 days. Once in Thailand, dependents commonly apply for a one year extension of stay. The dependent’s permission usually matches, and cannot exceed, the sponsor’s permitted stay.

Can I apply in Thailand, or do I need to apply at a Thai embassy or consulate abroad

Both routes exist. Many applicants obtain a Non-Immigrant O visa from a Thai embassy or consulate abroad, then extend in Thailand. In some cases, a change of status inside Thailand is possible. Local practice and eligibility vary, so confirm the correct route before you begin.

What documents are required for a dependent application in Bangkok

Expect to provide passports, completed forms, photos, marriage and birth certificates, legalized translations of any foreign documents, proof of residence and TM30, sponsor’s visa and work permit copies if applicable, and evidence of family life such as photos or lease showing cohabitation. Officers may also request sponsor income or bank evidence depending on the category.

Do dependents need health insurance

It depends on the basis of stay. Some long stay categories carry insurance requirements. Many standard Non-Immigrant O dependent extensions based on a sponsor’s Non-Immigrant B do not require specific insurance, but proof of ability to support the family may be checked. Requirements can change, so verify before applying.

What happens if the sponsor’s visa is cancelled or the sponsor leaves Thailand

The dependent’s permission to stay is tied to the sponsor’s status. If the sponsor’s permission ends or is cancelled, the dependent’s permission usually ends as well. You may receive a short grace period to depart or apply for a new basis of stay if eligible.

Can stepchildren or adopted children be included

Yes, in many cases, if you can show legal parental authority or custody and meet age and dependency rules. Adoption or custody documents issued abroad must be legalized and translated. Stepchild cases often require proof of marriage and evidence the child is in your care.

How do I travel in and out of Thailand without losing my permission to stay

Obtain a re-entry permit before you leave. A single re-entry permit covers one trip, and a multiple re-entry permit covers multiple trips during the validity of your stay. Without a re-entry permit, your permission to stay will be cancelled when you depart.

What if my application is refused

You can usually reapply after correcting the issues or appeal where permitted. Common reasons for refusal include incomplete documents, insufficient legalization, or a mismatch between sponsor and dependent status. A lawyer can help analyze the reason and prepare a stronger filing.

Additional Resources

Immigration Bureau, Division 1 in Bangkok at the Government Complex on Chaeng Watthana Road. This is the main office handling most extensions and re-entry permits for Bangkok residents, including those in Bangkok Noi.

One Stop Service Center for Visa and Work Permits in Bangkok. Certain company sponsored and Board of Investment cases are handled here.

Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the Government Complex on Chaeng Watthana Road. This office authenticates translations and foreign civil status documents for use in Thailand.

Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates abroad. These offices issue Non-Immigrant O visas for dependents before travel to Thailand.

District Offices in Bangkok, known as Amphur offices. These offices handle Thai civil registrations such as marriage registration and can issue local certificates needed for immigration filings.

Royal Thai Police records service. Some applicants need Thai police clearance for certain categories or for future immigration steps. Check whether it is required in your case.

Next Steps

Confirm eligibility. Identify the sponsor’s visa category and verify that your relationship fits Thai immigration’s definition of a dependent for that category.

Collect civil status documents. Obtain marriage and birth certificates, custody or adoption orders if relevant, and ensure they are legalized and translated into Thai by certified translators and authenticated by the Department of Consular Affairs.

Prepare sponsor evidence. Gather the sponsor’s passport, visa, last entry stamp, work permit if applicable, and proof of current employment or other qualifying status.

Organize residence evidence. Prepare lease or house documents, TM30 residence notification, and photos as needed to show cohabitation in Bangkok Noi or greater Bangkok.

Choose where to file. Decide whether to obtain a Non-Immigrant O visa at a Thai embassy or consulate abroad first, or pursue a change of status and extension in Bangkok. Check current appointment requirements and processing times.

File on time and keep status valid. Track the sponsor’s extension date and the dependent’s permission end date. Submit extension applications in advance, obtain re-entry permits before travel, and complete 90 day reports.

Consider legal support. If your case involves foreign documents, complex family circumstances, or prior immigration issues, consult a Thai immigration lawyer in Bangkok. Professional guidance can prevent delays and refusals and can coordinate the sponsor and dependent timelines.

Keep complete records. Maintain copies of all filings, receipts, and approval stamps. Carry evidence of your permission to stay when you travel within Thailand and when you deal with schools, banks, or other institutions.