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What is the process for a single parent applying for a dependent visa for their child in Thailand?

May 15, 2025
a month ago
Hi, have any single parents applied for a dependent and could give some insight on the process ? I’ve read that I need a court order letter or a letter from the other parent stating they allow the dependent to travel without them.

Dad is on the birth certificate, but left when my kid was a few months old. No court order in place as he doesn’t want custody. For context I plan on applying in Vietnam.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The process of applying for a dependent visa for a child as a single parent can require some documentation, including a court order or a letter of consent from the non-custodial parent. While some parents report that they only needed to present the child's birth certificate and evidence of financial responsibility for the child, others emphasize the importance of legal documentation, especially if the other parent is not involved in the child's life. Individual circumstances, including custody arrangements and the necessity of permission from the other parent, can vary widely, highlighting the complexity of immigration procedures for single parents in Thailand.
Luna *******
Hello

Not sure if I can be of any help .

I have two kids from another person and before we moved here to Thailand I had to ask their dad for permission . He agreed at first . But then when I didn't agree to meet alone due to domestic violence in the past ( he went to prison for four years due to violence on me and the kids ) anyways . He then said no . I had to take him to court . He then didn't show up to any court date . It took five months for the judge to agree for us to move . And then she's the one who gave me the certified court paper to leave .

I had to have that paper to get passports as well .

My kids are 13 and 11 and I've had sole legal physical custody of them since 2014 .

He never paid child support didn't have a relationship with them either .

But by law you still have to ask permission . And you will have to show that proof to immigration .

I even had to show the documents at the airport because my husband's last name is different than the older two kids .

It's a lot of work . But I'd say contact the court house in your area they can help you
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Luna ******
thank you so much, this is the reason I don’t want to contact him it will not be an easy ride.

Technically I should have permission anytime I go abroad with her, but have been travelling Asia and Europe alone for years and haven’t encountered any problems but never applied for a long term visa.
Luna *******
Anonymous participant if there is no contact I'd assume you can just file through the courts . If he isn't a part of their life and doesn't want to be then it should be easy .
Wannikea *********
Birth certificate is all you need for relationship
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Wannikea ********
thank you x
Anonymous ******************
Just out of curiosity, why are you choosing to apply for the child if they can't be penalised for being on overstay? 🙏🏼
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Mainly so I don’t encounter any problems. Though children don’t get penalised, they still require a visa, people have just abused the system because they can x
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 156 I'm coming out later this year with my daughter and I am in two minds about applying for a dependent visa for her (she will be less than a year old)
Anonymous ******************
I applied in taipei last year for my child. I am married but my husband lives in a different country. My child lives with me in Thailand and we travel together all the time. The only documents I needed to provide was my child's birth certificate, a copy of my dtv and my bank statement in my name with a sponsor letter stating I am financially responsible for my child. Nobody ever asked about dad.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Anonymous participant 968 that’s brilliant thank you :)