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What are the visa and financial requirements for relocating my family to Thailand?
ThailandVisa RequirementsDTV VisaFamily RelocationHomeschooling in ThailandCost of Living in ThailandEmployment in ThailandTEFL CertificationRemote WorkFinancial GuidelinesHousing in ThailandHealth InsuranceEducation Options in Thailand
Jul 11, 2025
10 months ago
Chasity ***************
ORIGINAL POSTERHello, I am seeking expert advice on relocating my family to Thailand in June 2026. My children will be 17, 14, and 13 years old, and I am unsure about the specific visa requirements. Chat GPT suggested that the DTV would be the most suitable option for us. I plan to homeschool my children initially and later explore other educational options. As a remote federal employee, I anticipate continuing in my role abroad, but I am also exploring alternative employment opportunities. I am currently pursuing TEFL and Cybersecurity certifications. Although I do not have substantial savings, I expect to receive $100,000 to $150,000 from the sale of my house and additional funds from selling our belongings. However, I am concerned about meeting the income and asset requirements, particularly if the necessary funds are not available in my account at the time of application. I wont be able to sell my house till around March when it is closer to the time we leave. The price for a monthly rental here in PA will run us at least $5000 which is a lot so if i can stay here as long as possible I will. Can someone explain the financial guidelines to me? Will my current job count as income or my house as assets? Can anyone recommend a professional in Pennsylvania who can assist me with the visa application process? Hopefully I am making sense. Thanks in advance!
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user is inquiring about the visa and financial requirements for relocating her family to Thailand in June 2026. She's considering the DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) option while planning to homeschool her children, and is also exploring job opportunities as a remote federal employee and pursuing TEFL and Cybersecurity certifications. She has concerns about the income and asset requirements, specifically regarding the availability of funds from the sale of her house. The community offers advice on required bank balances for DTV, potential costs of living in Thailand, the requirement for a work permit for non-DTV visa holders, and suggestions for hiring a visa agent.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Zoe ******
You need health insurance for your whole family unless you are one of the delusional people who think you will never get sick or into an accident, or if you don’t mind bagging for money from strangers online(gofundme) when you do get injured. There’s no “treat first and pay later” option in Thailand like in the US. My husband and I are healthy 40 year olds and we pay $2000 US dollars per yr for health insurance. DTV visa is only for 5 years if the Thai government doesn’t change the rules. I have no idea what kind visas your kids can get. Remember when you live in Thailand as a foreigner, you will always be a foreigner. That means you have to be willing to pivot when different visa rule changes, which happens all the time. I know someone who brought their kids here from Europe, they are teenagers and they hate it here, they can’t make friends because they don’t speak Thai nor wanting to learn Thai…have your children been here before? It might be a huge cultural shock for them.
Dwayne ********
Consider the long term living aspect for a big family, the south is very expensive. I looked condos many years ago & they started around $400,000 US for a tiny 1 bedroom. You need scout the many provinces much north of Bangkok. You’ll need a house which for a multi-family would be around $300,000 US (unfurnished & not including clean up, most Thais sell their homes filthy) but mid to northern Thailand.
Chasity ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dwayne *******
I appreciate your information! I am only looking to rent because Thailand is just our first stop not our forever place to live. Thank you for the advice anyway!.Dwayne ********
@Chasity **************
in that case be careful in your initial questions. You definitely want all government utility bills mailed to you. If it goes through the property management, they will charge whatever they want which can be up to & beyond 10 times more.E.G…. I rented an apartment in Chiangmai 15 years ago, if I received the electric bill, would of been around 200 baht as I spent over 3 weeks in the south that month due to the “burning season”, the electric bill I received from the front desk was nearly 10,000 baht and before flying out I turned off the electric breakers. So ask many questions, because property management is encouraged to lie to foreigners.
Reply to
Dwayne ********
Reply
John *******
Thailand can be a good place for people with no marketable skills to subsist if they are young, single, and have few material needs but the calculus changes when there's a family to support.
Donald ******
Are your kids prepared? Or are you selfishly dragging their butts out here because you feel wronged? Please Thailand is wonderful! Slow down! Take your kids and plan a trip to organize your future! A travel visit. CALM DOWN. Talk less and verify your true plan! You can verify your families monthly costs and finances required. Asking this page is hilarious. Visit first!
Chris ******
Seems like you are looking for teaching job or IT auditing in the future… the 5000 usd for renting is crazy in US, 2500 usd in prime areas in Bangkok built after 2010 can give you luxury space.
The job in Thai only give you the opportunity of visa for staying.
I can tell your the intl’ school teacher with experience of teaching IB/GCSG can earn around 5000 usd and the IT like accredited CISA , only around 2000 usd.
Thai gov only need your money come from overseas, like you buy elite visa , retirement or 800k baht over 50 years old
By the way you don’t need any visa if your child student in school which help parent to issue parent dependent visa of child education
The job in Thai only give you the opportunity of visa for staying.
I can tell your the intl’ school teacher with experience of teaching IB/GCSG can earn around 5000 usd and the IT like accredited CISA , only around 2000 usd.
Thai gov only need your money come from overseas, like you buy elite visa , retirement or 800k baht over 50 years old
By the way you don’t need any visa if your child student in school which help parent to issue parent dependent visa of child education
Chasity ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Chris *****
I appreciate you sharing this information. 🤗Reply to
Chasity ***************
Reply
Jane ***********
Check this out they can do it for you
*****************
Steve ***********
Wait till most of the children are done with education. Think of them first.
They will not have proper education $$$$
Will have to leave to get decent job.
They will not have proper education $$$$
Will have to leave to get decent job.
J **************
@Steve **********
let’s hope she is not a recent widow and the husband can get custodyReply to
J **************
Reply
Ernesto ********
She will sell the house, fail miserably in Thailand, and drag her kids down with her. She will then be broke with nothing to show for it. Love this plan.
David *******
Something to consider is what will your children do once they are no longer attending school? I ask because I have heard first hand of non-Thai families that have faced the reality that once their children were no longer dependent on them the child could not get a visa to continue to live in Thailand
J **************
@David ******
in escaping her trauma …she is putting her kids into itReply to
J **************
Reply
Jim *******
The OP has blocked anyone who could tell her she is an idiot, in one way or another. Teaching us lessons without even knowing where Thailands is.
Jim *******
Hire an agent as the first step. Very likely, they may tell you are dreaming and to drop the whole idea.
J **************
Sounds like you need to stay home until
The kids are out
The kids are out
Ernesto ********
@J *************
insaneChasity ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER@J *************
Sounds like you should only comment on a post with actually answers to the questions that were asked!!Reply to
Chasity ***************
Reply
Caroline *******
And don't forget to check out Thai taxation. If you are resident in Thailand for more than 180 days then you are considered a Thai Tax Resident. Every person's situation is different but do your Due Diligence on this to be sure.
Chasity ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Caroline ******
Thank you very much and yes I am aware that I will have to pay taxes there and still in the US. The only thing I am uncertain about is the Visa's. Everything else was checked off my list.Reply to
Chasity ***************
Reply
Joy ********
Hire a visa agent when you arrive. They know all the latest rules and can be sure all your documents are in order,
Jim *******
@Joy *******
Noooo...do not arrive, get an agent before all the cost and travel.Chasity ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Joy *******
Thank you for this advice! For clarity you think it would possible be easier if we come over on our tourist Visa first and then find an agent to assist us??Reply to
Chasity ***************
Reply
Chuck **********
Crazy!
Adam ******
Am I missing something here? If monthly rental costs are $5000 per month where you presently are, why would you sell your own place for 20-30 months rent. Surely renting your present place out will go a long way to subsidising your time in Thailand. Worth considering that Thailand isn't for everybody and if you still had your property back home then it's no big deal to return.
Donald ******
@Adam *****
yup. She is a temp lost goose!Chasity ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Adam *****
You are definitely missing something here because you came to a post that asked about Visas and didnt answer any of the questions asked. What I do with my assets is my prerogative. Now you have any advice on Visa's?Adam ******
@Chasity **************
I am suggesting that if you come here with three kids to support, $100k and only a TEFL teacher's pay to go on then you are in for a fright if you think you will live well.Reply to
Adam ******
Reply
Jeremy ********
@Adam *****
I’m guessing she’s either upside down on her mortgage or only has that much in equity in the domicile that will be her anticipated profit from the sale after taxe etcChasity ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeremy *******
I'm guessing you shouldn't assume! People generally advise against making assumptions as It's also often said that "assuming makes an a** out of you.Jeremy ********
@Chasity **************
triggered you so in the ballparkReply to
Jeremy ********
Reply
Mitchell *******
A few questions.
As
Are you remote working for yourself? Or remote working for a company? The requirements are different for each. And if you plan to work as a teacher, that cannot be done on the DTV.
Will your oldest still be 17 when you come? I think they would be considered adult at 18 (Can someone confirm this??). The requirements might be different for them.
As
@David *********
asked, have you actually been to Thailand, and know where you plan to stay?Are you remote working for yourself? Or remote working for a company? The requirements are different for each. And if you plan to work as a teacher, that cannot be done on the DTV.
Will your oldest still be 17 when you come? I think they would be considered adult at 18 (Can someone confirm this??). The requirements might be different for them.
Kim **********
@Mitchell ******
20 seems to be the cutoff.Reply to
Kim **********
Reply
John **********
To apply for the DTV you need to have a minimum of 500k baht in an instant access bank account. Once you have your DTV then your kids can each apply for a DTV in their names and you can sponsor them using your funds, but if you decide to send them to school many won't accept them on a DTV and want them on an ED visa. You don't mention a partner but if you have one and you are married you can also sponsor her, if not married then they would need there own one
Chasity ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
Thank you for this information. As a follow-up, what did you mean by an "instant access bank account"? Are you saying the money will have to be in an account I would use overseas like Wise, Revolt, Charles S. or Chime??John **********
@Chasity **************
just like a normal bank account, not one where you have to wait to get access to the money. Wise is not a bank, Revolut is only a bank in some territories, Chime is not a bank, Charles Schwab will dependChasity ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
I think I follow now, I thought you meant accounts we can use in Thailand. I have direct deposit with Chime now so I use it as an account but I also have PFCU as well. Thank you for clarifying. 😊Reply to
Chasity ***************
Reply
Travis *********
Is your federal job guaranteed to not have you return to the office? Those kinds of arrangements are changing rapidly.
Chasity ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Travis ********
As I stated above if my job doesn't allow me I already prepared and started looking elsewhere for remote opportunities. My question was about the Visa requirements. Thanks!Jim *******
@Chasity **************
Talk to Siam Legal. They have their offices in America and cater for Americans too. Never engaged them (I met, personally the owner,an Amarican, in Bangkok) but those who did, expensive but efficient.No FaceBook characters would take you where you want to be, just like this, for free.
Reply to
Jim *******
Reply
David **********
Serious question - have you visited Thailand before? I ask this because so many people have this 'dream' and because everything looks so wonderful on YouTube and Instagram, but the reality isn't quite the same. We live here now and are quite happy, but it takes some SERIOUS adjustment to your western lifestyle.
That being said, the DTV doesn't have specific income requirements. The only financial requirement is 500,000 Thai baht (a little over $15k) in any bank (liquid like checking or savings) and the application fee.
That being said, the DTV doesn't have specific income requirements. The only financial requirement is 500,000 Thai baht (a little over $15k) in any bank (liquid like checking or savings) and the application fee.
Chasity ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER@David *********
To answer your question, yes I did visit. I have been to Phuket, Hua Hin and Bangkok. I wanted to make sure that this move would be okay for me and my children. I also want to know why do people assume when you ask a question they haven't visited yet or even want to visit yet before they move? Also everyone's US lifestyle is not the same. TBH mines was similar so it made me even more comfortable about this move. Thanks for the advice anyway!David **********
The reason for the assumption is in my original comment. So many people actually just think "wow, it's so cheap to live there and it looks wonderful so I'll just move there". If you're already comfortable with the Thailand lifestyle, you'll do just fine. Sadly, the question we got asked the most when we left the states (almost 4 years ago) was " What are you going to do with all your stuff?" The materialistic mentality of most westerners doesn't work in this culture.
Chasity ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER@David *********
I get it but some people dont have the luxury to visit first. People move all the time for different reason like domestic violence, military, health ect. In those cases visiting is not an option. People have thier reasons and all we can do is try to be as helpful as possible. Every individual is different. I dont own a single name brand item and I definitely dont mind throwing away everything. We have done it before. It just gets frustrating at times because the groups are meant to be helpful instead it seems the negativity and nasty comments always outweigh the help. I appreciate your advice though. Thanks!David **********
@Chasity **************
I completely get it, but obviously you're not like most people. Let's face it, most people can't understand why anyone would do what you and I have done/are doing. As you stated, unfortunately a lot of people in these groups aren't very helpful. I offered help by stating the financial requirements (or lack thereof) for the DTV. There is a Facebook group that is more specific to the DTV where you can get better advice.
Reply to
David **********
Reply
Jeremy ********
If you want to work in Thailand you need to have a Work Permit not a DTV or other tourist visa (English teaching only averages around ฿45k a month unless you get a HISO international school or HISO university then the price per month goes up significantly)
DTV is the only Visa as of right now that allows you to remote work in Thailand all other touristy visas do not allow you to do this
$150k or ฿4.9 million baht for a family of 4 might last you 3 years if you manage it right
International school will cost you on average ฿375k per kid per year (฿1.2 million baht per year for your children)
…or higher…most school require the money upfront with no payment system
If you live outside the HISO high rise area you could find a 2-4 bedroom house for around ฿45k-฿60k a month
Food is on you…live like a Thai it will cost you around ฿25k a month…eat like a foreigner you’re looking at ฿40k-฿60k z month for you and your children
Transportation, entertainment, and international Travel will probably run you ฿100k-฿200k a year
And remember the FOREX rate changes daily so that means your budget will vary either up or down month to month
Good luck
DTV is the only Visa as of right now that allows you to remote work in Thailand all other touristy visas do not allow you to do this
$150k or ฿4.9 million baht for a family of 4 might last you 3 years if you manage it right
International school will cost you on average ฿375k per kid per year (฿1.2 million baht per year for your children)
…or higher…most school require the money upfront with no payment system
If you live outside the HISO high rise area you could find a 2-4 bedroom house for around ฿45k-฿60k a month
Food is on you…live like a Thai it will cost you around ฿25k a month…eat like a foreigner you’re looking at ฿40k-฿60k z month for you and your children
Transportation, entertainment, and international Travel will probably run you ฿100k-฿200k a year
And remember the FOREX rate changes daily so that means your budget will vary either up or down month to month
Good luck
Donald ******
@Jeremy *******
it appears to me that if she cannot find the information online for the correct visa, then the chances of remote work is NOT GOOD!Chasity ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeremy *******
Thank you for this information. I plan on already coming over with a remote job. That is a must for me because I didn't want to just rely on my savings. When I visited I seen just how different the prices were in certain areas and that I quickly overbought things because it was so cheap. So my goal is to have income still coming in while I really learn how to budget and adjust to the local lifestyles.Jeremy ********
@Chasity **************
learn to make and live off a budget Overseas there are zero safety nets on foreigners…you either sink or you swim no in-between
Reply to
Jeremy ********
Reply
John *******
@Jeremy *******
the LTR also has a remote employment option.Chasity ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER@John ******
I actually haven't heard of that Visa so I will do some research to see if this will work out as well. Thank you for mentioning it.Jeremy ********
@John ******
sounds good But very few people get into that visa due to the stringent monetary requirements
John *******
@Jeremy *******
also gave to work for a private company or a publicly traded one. If she is a federal employee, she wouldn’t meet that requirement. That is where my application got hung upJeremy ********
@John ******
most govt employees (GS grades) receive either the Red or Black passport to perform their duties overseasJohn *******
@Jeremy *******
- that is if that is your duty station. She said she is a remote worker.Jeremy ********
@John ******
she will have to get high level (GS15 or SES ) approval for an overseas remote worker Sounds like a lot of hurdles to go through
John *******
@Jeremy *******
I was a GS 13 when Ieft (2016) and GS15s were super high level. They were people who managed the entire branch or division.Jeremy ********
@John ******
and the SES was their bossReply to
Jeremy ********
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