What is the best visa option for freelancer parents and their teens enrolled in an international school in Phuket for 6 months?

Dec 28, 2024
11 days ago
Can someone please explain what is better, faster and easier for two freelancer parents and 2 teens, who are already enrolled to international school in Phuket and plan to stay for 6 months before moving to another destination: dtv or student visa? We are still outside of Thailand, but coming in February and already have school and rented house. Both self employed. In July move to Australia, so don't really need visa for 5 years
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A parent inquires about the best visa option for their family—two freelancer parents and their two teens—who will be in Thailand for six months while attending an international school in Phuket. They are considering whether to apply for a DTV or a student visa, given that they will be moving to Australia in July. Community responses suggest that since the teens are enrolled in an international school, they may be eligible for a student visa, while concerns were raised that a DTV might not allow school attendance, prompting a recommendation for the student visa instead.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Emma *****************
When I got my DTV the person at the office stated that DTzv follow kids can’t go to school…so I’d recommend student visa with you parents as followers
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Emma *****************
Anonymous participant you get the paperwork from the school…you should apply by email to school Secretary saying you want the visa process and they send you all you need and give you guidance to which more documents you will need.

If you’re registered to a formal school they have to have this service
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Emma ****************
they do, but surprisingly they themselves told me about dtv visa, which is better... so I am totally lost 🤦‍♀️
Emma *****************
Anonymous participant it was just two days ago…I brought my son with me to apply follow after I got mine…the person on the desk asked if I’m planning to send him to school I said yes and she said “No DTV for kids going to school” and so we didn’t do his…
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Emma ****************
so student plus follower is better? How do you do this one?
Adam *********
@Emma ****************
where did you get your DTV we are going to Hanoi 2nd to get ours married couple with x1 14 year old kid
Emma *****************
Adam *********
@Emma ****************
pretty straight forward? I have all my documents plus more if requested I have to apply online E visa portal they said but annoying only let’s u load one PDF per document ie employment agreement only when I want to add employment agreement & payslips for example
Emma *****************
@Adam ********
I’m just saying…if your not planning on long term in Thailand applying as your kids guardian for school visa is much easier
Σειληνός **********
Visa run after 3 months?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Σειληνός *********
what does it mean?
Anna *********
Anonymous participant Arrive on 60 days visa exempt, extend 30 days, leave Thailand and return on 60 days, extend 30 days - 6 months approx. Extensions and visa runs cost but cheaper than DTV's
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Anna ********
is it possible to get 60 plus 30 twice???
Steven *******
If your kids are enrolled at an international school, you can get a visa based on that.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steven ******
i know, the question is which one is better?
Helen ********
Anonymous participant the only person who can answer which is better is you since it's based entirely on your personal circumstances.

How much is the guardian visa compared to the DTV? What's the paperwork requirement? DTV for freelancers can require a lot of paperwork and proof of portfolio, etc. If you want the DTV you need to leave Thailand and apply in a nearby country, if following the actual requirements. Depending where you go and how complete your application is will determine the length of time but could take 7 business days... longer if they ask for additional info. Not sure if you have to leave to get the guardian visa, but the school can answer that for you. If you are only planning on staying 6 months paying for a 5 year visa doesn't make sense unless you are planning on coming back and forth before it expires.