thailand
Ask question

What visa options are available for a British national moving to Thailand with a Chinese spouse?

Thailand visa optionsLong-term visasED visaElite visaLTR visaNon-B visaWorking in ThailandFreelancing in ThailandChinese teachers in ThailandRetirement visaExpat living in Thailand
Nov 6, 2023
a year ago
Max ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
What's up, everyone?

I'm looking for some advice about my particularly rare situation.

I am a British national, currently living in China with my Chinese wife.

We'd love to relocate to Thailand, but we want the security of having long-term visas, with no risk of future problems.

We know that ED visas are an option, but after speaking with friends who currently live in Thailand on ED visas, it doesn't sound as convenient as many make out.

I am a freelance strategic marketer and my wife is a Chinese language teacher.

Does anyone know exactly what visa options we have?

Is an ED visa really our best bet?

Advice would be much appreciated! Thanks.
2,790
views
3
likes
64
all likes
31
replies
0
images
16
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
A British national living in China is seeking advice about long-term visa options for relocating to Thailand with their Chinese wife. They are considering the Education (ED) visa but have heard mixed reviews about its convenience. Suggestions from the community include the Thai Elite visa as a more secure if expensive option, as well as exploring the possibilities of the LTR visa and Non-B visa if they secure jobs. Participants also noted that an education visa could be limited due to attendance requirements and may not be the best long-term solution. They also discussed age-based options, with retirement visas available for individuals over 50.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement 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.
Karel *********
I'd say ED visas are just fine, all you have to do is report at immigration every 90 days ( the way of reporting differs, however, in Phuket you drive up to the window on you scooter, give them the docs they want, they check them out you are fine to go). Seamless process.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Max ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
My friends who are in Phuket now on ED visas are having a few issues with abrupt renewal fees at random times (earlier than the stated 90 days)... Is this usually dependant on the legitimacy of the school, or is this just Thailand being Thailand?
a year ago
Like
Reply
Karel *********
@Max *****
 would be the school I assume. this
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Karel *********
Reply
Max ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Elite visa for 5 years is around £20,000, right? A bit too much for me, considering I'm only looking at one year for now.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Maximilian *******
I got elite visa for my Chinese wife
a year ago
Like
Reply
David **********
Not a rare situation at all
a year ago
Like
Reply
Cole *********
Elite visa bro it's expensive but worth it. Do a 5 year you can upgrade it later when you have more money.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Sei *****
I'm a Japanese teacher but in Thailand so many schools are looking for a Chinese teacher and payed about 40 to 60 k. ajarn.com is the side
a year ago
Like
Reply
Christine *******
Your wife should look for a job teaching Chinese in an international school. Then you could get a dependent visa, riding on her non-B visa.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Jack ****************
Max if you only want a year or two education is very easy because it's all super corrupt. But because of THAT it can be difficult to switch to something else if you decide to stay forever.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Robert ***********
If you get a Thai Language ED visa you better be ready to talk thai to the immigration guy when you leave or return to the country. I know of one guy who was "warned" that he better have a better grasp of the language next time. 🙂
a year ago
Like
Reply
Max ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert **********
 What happens if you're just a "slow learner"? 😂
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Max ******
Reply
Steve *******
Random advice: look into the Philippines, where you can live legally, practically forever, on a tourist visa.

As you were planning to work online on an ED visa in Thailand, which is illegal but with minimal risk of consequences, go do the same in the Philippines instead, where the visas will never be an issue.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Martin **********
You not mention age. From 50 years old, retirement is best. Even if your wife is not 50, she can get a following spouse visa. If your wife want a job as teacher, then as said go for that. Indeed avoid ED visa. Gives problems often if you travel back into the country.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Duncan *******
If your wife gets a job here, you can get a visa based on her employment.

*********************************************
a year ago
Like
Reply
Max ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
That would be ideal. Finding employment for a Chinese national could be difficult though!
a year ago
Like
Reply
Max ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Superstar. Thank you.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Duncan *******
@Max *****
 there is demand for Chinese teachers so she might be able to find something.

*************************************************************************************


******************************************************
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Duncan *******
Reply
Zoe ******
ED visa is definitely not a good long term visa solution. Retirement visa if one of you is over 50. Or LTR if you meet the requirements. Elite is the easiest option but the most $$$.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Daniel *****
Thai Elite visa if within your budget = least amount of problems
a year ago
Like
Reply
Max ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I wish it were!
a year ago
Like
Reply
Matthieu **********
@Max *****
 3 months ago it was only 1M baht for 20 years
a year ago
Like
Reply
Daniel *****
@Max *****
 Me too. :)
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Daniel *****
Reply
John **********
If you're under 50 then the most secure option for you is the elite visa but you can't work on it. The best option for you if you want to work is the LTR visa but it has pretty stiff requirements. If you want to set up a company in Thailand then I'd suggest looking at the smart visa
a year ago
Like
Reply
Max ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Is the smart visa something that would need to be applied for after successfully setting up a Thai company? And is setting up a Thai company overly difficult or expensive? Thank you!
a year ago
Like
Reply
John **********
@Max *****
 there's a variety of different smart visas and differing requirements. Suggest you have a browse on the smart visa web site

********************************************************
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
John **********
Reply
John **********
ED visas are quite restrictive. You have to attend classes as required by the school, usually a minimum of two or three days a week. Extending them requires the school to report your attendance to immigration. You first need to pick the school you want to attend then get them to provide the paperwork to obtain the visa
a year ago
Like
Reply
Chris ******
From your situation the elite visa is next but expensive…if you plan to work then with job offers you can get non b and work permits …. Otherwise I’m presuming you are under 50 , then could always set up

Your own company and have Thai staff on the books and get work permits for you both that way . Education visas are ok …. Can be issues if leaving and returning , also depends on how long you plan to live here for .
a year ago
Like
Reply
Max ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chris *******
 I think the elite visa would be too expensive for us. I don't necessarily plan to work, as all of my work is online and remote. We are both in our 30's. The option that you mentioned about setting up my own company and having Thai staff on the books, how does that work? We would plan to relocate to Thailand for at least 1 year, without any particular desire to leave/return. Thank you for your help!
a year ago
Like
Reply
Max ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Useful info, thank you!
a year ago
Like
Reply
John *******
@Max *****
 I have run several businesses in Thailand and it is not inexpensive, expect a setup cost between 20k and 50k THB and something like 125k to 150k THB per year to maintain it so that it can support a B visa. This visa type is a lot more paperwork than you might expect and there are still hurdles to jump through each year. I found this visa type to be fairly stressful at renewal time. The price for Elite recently jumped a lot, before that I'd tell people Elite is cheaper than a B visa on a per-year basis.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
John *******
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
What are the best visa options for a British expat moving to Thailand with an American spouse and child?
3 comments
3 months ago
What are the best long-term visa options for UK expats moving to Thailand with a family?
48 comments
3 months ago
What are the visa options for expats looking to marry and apply for retirement and spouse visas in Thailand?
22 comments
5 months ago
What are the best visa options for moving to Thailand if I'm under 50 and not looking to retire?
10 comments
9 months ago
What long-term visa options are available for my husband in Thailand?
21 comments
a year ago
What are the best visa options for a UK family moving to Thailand, considering work and schooling requirements?
40 comments
a year ago
What is the best visa option for UK citizens planning to stay in Thailand for 6 months?
31 comments
a year ago
What is the best long-term visa option for a 29-year-old UK national looking to live in Thailand?
29 comments
a year ago
What are some long-term visa options for staying in Thailand after a rejected Elite Visa application?
41 comments
a year ago
What are the best visa options for a UK family moving to Samui, Thailand, while running a UK-based business?
53 comments
a year ago
What are the best visa options for expats in Thailand after an ED visa?
30 comments
a year ago
What visa options are available for Australians moving to Thailand who don't qualify for a digital nomad visa?
82 comments
2 years ago
What is the best way for a UK citizen residing in China to obtain a retirement visa in Thailand and have their spouse join them?
12 comments
2 years ago
What are the best visa options for spending long periods in Thailand without immigration issues?
12 comments
2 years ago
What are the best visa options for expats looking to stay in Thailand long-term and buy property?
5 comments
2 years ago
What are the best options for securing long-term residency in Thailand for a couple with an age difference and approaching retirement age?
13 comments
3 years ago
What are the best visa options for digital nomads moving to Chiang Mai, Thailand?
31 comments
3 years ago
What visas are suitable for a family moving to Thailand for education purposes?
44 comments
3 years ago
What are the best visa options for a UK national wanting to live in Thailand with a Thai spouse?
23 comments
4 years ago
What visa options do I have to move to Thailand if I don’t qualify for a retirement visa or a work visa?
38 comments
4 years ago
What are the best visa options for UK retirees planning to stay in Thailand for 6-9 months?
16 comments
5 years ago
What are the visa options for longer-term stays in Thailand for someone under 50?
0 comments
6 years ago
What long-term visa options are available for expats in Thailand who want to stay with their partner?
18 comments
6 years ago
What long-term visa options are available for foreigners wishing to live in Thailand for over 3 months without starting a business, studying, or marrying a Thai citizen?
47 comments
6 years ago
What are the best visa options for a UK passport holder planning to stay in Thailand from October to May?
4 comments
6 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.