Answered2 years ago

Can a retired expat bring his wife and children to Thailand on a Retirement Visa?

Retirement Visa Visa Requirements Dependent Visas Non-O Visa LTR Visa Children's Visa

asked Apr 6, 2025

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If the Retirement visa got approved can he bring along his wife and children with that Visa. Are there additional requirements?

Answer summary

A Retirement visa holder in Thailand cannot bring their wife and children automatically. Each family member needs to apply for their own visa. Specifically, the spouse must qualify for a separate visa, and if they are under 50, it may be challenging. For children, they can generally be considered dependents under the age of 20, but the rules differ based on the specific type of retirement visa. The Wealthy Pensioner LTR visa allows children and spouse to come easily, while the Non-O visa does not typically permit dependents, so it's advisable to consult the embassy regarding visas like Non-OA for possible options.

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Nongnuch ********

The maximum age for dependent children in any case is under 20 years old. It applies if your child visits a school in Thailand, both of you, as mother and father of this child, could be on a “sponsor visa” following your child’s Non-Imm-ED visa and ED-extension

2 years ago

John **********

Depends on which retirement visa you are talking about. If you are talking about the Wealthy Pensioner LTR visa then wife and kids under the age of 20 can easily come as your dependants. If you're talking about the Non-O visa based on being over 50 then probably not but check with the embassy you will apply at, they may allow it if you apply for the Non-OA visa so ask about that too

2 years ago

Brandon ************

Everyone needs their own visa. There is no automatic allowance for anyone. Trailing spouse visas based on retirement aren't really a thing anymore, so the spouse would have to qualify for their own visa. If they are not yet 50, then it will be very difficult.

I'm not sure if Children are allowed to be dependent under a retirement visa or not. Maximum age for dependent children in any case is under 20 years old.

2 years ago

Michael *******

@Brandon ***********

what’s the difference between trailing spouse and dependent visa ? you seem to be indicating that dependent visas have stopped, clarification please

2 years ago

Nongnuch ********

@Michael ******

and most embassies have discontinued handing out Non-Imm-O "dependent visa". Only SOME Immigrations are willing to issue them, if the main caretaker is on a 1-year Non-Imm-O/A Longstay Visa

2 years ago

Brandon ************

@Michael ******

that's a blanket statement so there's no yes or no answer. Every immigration office is different. Every visa type is different. Some allow some dependant types but not others.

2 years ago

Michael *******

so nothing has changed as far as Thai immig offices are concerned , they still issue dependent visas if requirements are met ?

2 years ago

Nongnuch ********

@Michael ******

it's just another name for the same thing. "dependent visa" or "trailing spouse visa" or "piggyback visa"

2 years ago