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What visa options are available for me and my son as a self-employed individual in Thailand?
DTV VisaDependent VisaVisa RequirementsSelf-employed Visa ThailandImmigrationExpat HelpThai Visa TypesChild VisaLow Income Expat
Aug 17, 2025
8 months ago
Marie ************
ORIGINAL POSTERHi everyone, I wonder if you can help. I'm quite overwhelmed with trying to figure out which visa to apply for and how. I'm a low, well solo, income family with one teenager in tow. I think I'm looking at the DTV as a self-employed person, but I'm wondering what I have to do for my son. There doesn't seem to be a dependent's visa, or have I missed that? What would I need to apply for for him?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking clarity on the visa application process for Thailand, particularly as a self-employed individual interested in the DTV visa. They also inquired about the procedures for applying for a dependent visa for their teenage son. Comments provide guidance on obtaining the DTV visa, the dependent visa application process, and considerations regarding schooling and healthcare costs in Thailand.
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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Da***
I got the DTV dependent for my son. Get yours sorted first. Common sense doesn’t apply to immigration law unfortunately.
Marie ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Da***
Thank for replying! So, did you go in to Thailand on the DTV and then upgrade his visitors visa to a dependent's or were you able to do that beforehand as well?Da***
@Marie ***********
You might want to hire an agency to help you. I found the back and forth tedious with immigration so just hired someone. But I got mine first in my home country, son joined me 6 months later; he applied in Laos.Marie ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Da***
Did his application take 6 months, or was that just how you did it. My son travels with me so we need to be able to wait for both visas to come through before we enter Thailand.Reply to
Marie ************
Reply
Anna *********
@Marie ***********
get both your DTV visa before arriving in Thailand Yours then his then fly to Thailand 😀
Wannikea *********
@Marie ***********
all DTV applicants must be outside of Thailand to apply. You will need to be outside of Thailand to apply and then you're dependent will need to be outside of Thailand to apply once you get yours.Reply to
Wannikea *********
Reply
Peter *******
If you are a low income person have a serious think about your plans. As non Thai your son will not qualify for free education so you will have to pay for private international schools. Health care is not free in Thailand, while outpatient care is inexpensive, if you need hospitalization it can be cripplingly expensive.
Marie ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Peter ******
I'm aware of all of this and have it covered.Colin **********
@Marie ***********
outside of Bangkok private school will be cheaper, I pay 60kthb school fees a year. Its a Thai private school, but a young person should pick the language quickly.Marie ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Colin *********
Thank you but we are Worldschoolers so he already has his own schooling. I just don't have the savings for the elite visa or whatever it's called. For everything else we're sorted and have been travelling a long time.Bradford ******
@Marie ***********
You need 500,000 thb for the DTV VisaMarie ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bradford *****
Correct and it’s a lot less than the top level visa.Reply to
Marie ************
Reply
John **********
If you get your DTV then you apply for a DTV for your son, assuming they are under 20. He needs to provide proof of relationship, details of your DTV and a sponsorship letter from you should cover the financial requirements. Easy to do in your home country before travelling
John-Paul ******
See last comment. Or talk to an agent.
Anna *********
There is a dependent visa Get your and then apply for him
Marie ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Anna ********
Can I apply at the same time? It seems like the advice is to go in on regular tourist visa, set up things you need, and then go back out again and apply for the DTV.Anna *********
@Marie ***********
you apply for your visa first then once approved your son’s visa. I would apply from where you currently live ( saved a set of air fares)Nongnuch ********
@Anna ********
I would not apply for the DTV in New Zealand as the Thai embassy in NZ is charging CRAZY fees!! Marie Szamborski . . . Better apply abroad in like Vietnam or in the PhilippinesMarie ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nongnuch *******
No worries. Im not there now. It will most likely be somewhere like Laos.Reply to
Marie ************
Reply
Andi ***********
@Marie ***********
When you are approved for your DTV you can then apply for son's. You can visit Thailand and then go nearby to apply in Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia etc..Check the main DTV group on FB ******************************************************************
Marie ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andi **********
Thank you! I was unaware of that group and was sent here by another group😅Bob **********
@Marie ***********
I would get your DYV where your at then apply for your son you’ll have 5 years to figure things outMarie ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bob *********
I’m actually transferring money around for the 500,000 balance requirement now so I can’t apply for at least three months and my visa will be up where I am. My life is complicated 😂Bob **********
@Marie ***********
some embassies don’t require 3 monthsMarie ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bob *********
Any idea which, or does it come down to the officer on duty?Bob **********
@Marie ***********
you’d have to look at there website everything is e visa nowMarie ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bob *********
Oh, I didn’t realise they detailed that part. I will check. Thanks!Nongnuch ********
@Marie ***********
many Thai embassies websites haven't undergone any updates since years, so don't expect to find much information on exactly this part, the question of how many months the 500K have had to sit in your bank account for a DTV application. Good Luck!Nongnuch ********
@Marie ***********
I would not apply for the DTV in New Zealand as the Thai embassy in NZ is charging CRAZY fees!! Better apply abroad in like Vietnam or in the PhilippinesAndi ***********
@Marie ***********
That group is focused on DTV, you will find answers to your questions there. Many parents pose similar questions to you.Reply to
Andi ***********
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