What are the best visa options and monthly income expectations for a family moving to Thailand in 2026?

Jan 28, 2025
3 days ago
Lexi ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Planing on moving jan 2026. Family of 4. Also 2 cats 2 dogs. Any advice?

I pan on doing dtv visa for me and my husband is going to do education visa.

Also what do you think is a good monthly income for a family of 4 in bangkok or phuket? Or other cities i should look into?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A family of four is planning to move to Thailand in January 2026, looking for advice on visa options, cost of living, and suitable cities. They intend to apply for a DTV visa for the wife and an education visa for the husband, but seek clarification on whether a dependent DTV visa would be easier. Community members suggest that a monthly income of around 200,000 baht is advisable for living in Bangkok, especially considering factors like school choices for children, food preferences, and housing costs associated with pets. Several insights highlight the need for careful financial planning, particularly regarding rent and potential medical expenses.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Lexi ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Bob **********
Just off the top of my head I would say 200,000baht minimum in Bangkok,and do t forget your future you need to put something away for rainy days and retirement
Randy ******
@Bob *********
$6000 a month, or $72,000 a year? That’s more expensive than 35 states in America. I thought retirement in Thailand was driven due to modest costs. Com’on , dude!
Bob **********
@Randy *****
how long have you been in Thailand??
Randy ******
Bob D'AndreaI haven’t relocated yet. Your number seems too high. Granted, I am single. I live on $3000 a month in the US ( not those fancy elite states )
Lexi ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Randy *****
i agree. Based on my research that seems on the higher end. In the states I don't spend that much and that's with car, insurance, and daycare.
Randy ******
Liberals fleeing the MAGA TSUNAMI. Good luck and Godspeed
Brenda *********
@Randy *****
not all, I’m looking in to it cause I have family living there.
John **********
Cost of living is kind of up to you but this will give you a basic idea

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Tori ********
We are also a family of 4 moving to BKK this summer. Homeschool and eating local as well. With rent and transportation we estimate about 3k us a month but we will essentially have twice that. I have an internship for my degree so I will have to commute daily. It really does depend on your family and if you have bills coming over with you. Medical is also something to consider.
Michael ********
With pets you probably going to need a house thats not cheap in Bangkok. Look at one of groups for rentals with pets to get some sort of idea of rental costs
Chuck **********
@Michael *******
Most in Bangkok do not allow pets
Michael ********
@Chuck *********
Yes i know thats why i told them should go to one of groups for pet friendly rentals in Bangkok
Lexi ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael *******
i was thinking condo or a house. They aren't very active
Bunny *****
@Lexi *******
most Condos do not allow pets. Not the owner but the condo management itself. To get a condo that allows pets it is expensive. They go by the headcount of the pets and the size of the pets. Do check with the agent some pet friendly Condos only allow cats.
Lexi ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bunny ****
ah okay. Thank you!
Michael ********
@Lexi *******
Doesnt matter active or not, its amount and size of dogs. Friend has Labrador in Condo but its high end and expensive. Best check groups see costs
Frank **********
Good income? It depends are your children of school age? Will they be home schooled or be in an International School, which is very expensive? Will you be eating a lot of western style food or eating at restaurants often? Lot of things to consider.
Lexi ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Frank *********
definitely homeschooled. And we plan on eating local
Frank **********
Brandon ************
Any reason you're doing ED visa for your husband instead of just getting a dependent DTV visa based on yours? It'll probably be easier to just get him a DTV rather than have to get extensions with this ED.
Lexi ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
oh I thought only my kids good be dependents. I will definitely do that instead if I can!
Brandon ************
@Lexi *******
spouse and children can all get a dependant visa (look at 5c below)
Lexi ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
thank you! Definitely doing that!
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