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What visa options are available for relocating to Thailand as an unmarried partner with children?

Thailand visas Business visa Work permit Education visa International schools DTV visa Family visas Expat life in Thailand

Mar 29, 2025

a month ago

Courtney *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi all,

I'm looking into relocating from Australia with my partner and 3 children. 

My partner has a business and can work from anywhere. 2 of my children would go to an international school, my littlest is 1 yo. 

We're not married but have been together for 17 years. 

My partner is thinking, eventually, he would like to hire employees so I'm assuming that a business visa and work permit would be more suitable. Everything I've researched, our children would be able to apply for visas under his business visa but I would not unless we get married, which is fine, it's a piece of paper. 

We're not in a hurry and want to ensure everything is done properly. I would love some advice on experiences or contacts for some solid info/assistance. 

Appreciate any help. 😊

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A user is planning to relocate from Australia to Thailand with their partner and three children, seeking advice on visa options. They are considering their partner's ability to secure a business visa and work permit as they plan to start a business. They mention that their children may apply for education visas while needing a guardian visa for the user, unless they marry. Comments suggest that they explore international education costs, the necessity of multiple entry tourist visas, and the importance of visiting Thailand before relocating. Understanding visa processes and costs associated with international schooling are critical.

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Joe ********

Hi Courtney, I am moving back to Bangkok from Perth in 2 weeks (originally from the Uk 🇬🇧). Been living in Thailand on and off for the past 6 years.

I am now on a DTV visa and will be staying there more permanent moving forward.

Anything you would like to know you can DM me. I would be happy to help if I can.

👍

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Ange ********

Hi Joe, on the DTV is leaving the country necessary every 6 months? Thx

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Joe ********

I believe it is possible to extend without leaving the country. (Not 100%)

I personally haven't looked into this because I leave the country before the 180 day limit.

Whenever you leave and re enter you reset your time for a further 180 days.

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Joe ********

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Courtney *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you!

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Courtney *******

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Robert *********

Get a multiple entry tourist visa ,gives you 9 months .

Come and live ,it's not the same at all as holidaying .

Come and live .

Then decide

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Deborah *******

Fantastic that you can afford an international school for multiple children💃🏽

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Terri ********

I am from new zealand. Moved to Thailand last year just my partner and I. We are not married. If you are wanting to go under your partners visa you need to be married.

For us to marry we have to make an appointment in Bangkok at the embassy to apply to marry. It is alot of effort and money to travel up there a d stay just to get the licence as we live south Thailand. So my suggestion if it's just paperwork do it on Australia before you come. One more headache you don't have to worry about when you get here.

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Courtney *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Great advice thank you! ❤️Are you loving Thailand? We're looking at Hua Hin area.

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Terri ********

@Courtney ******

yes love it. We are located in krabi. Its alot quieter here less tourists here. Have a look at krabi beautiful part of Thailand. Heaps of construction and growth going on to.

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Courtney *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I've heard so many nice things about Krabi, def will check it out.

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Courtney *******

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David *******

Good on you for starting your research sensibly. Have you visited Thailand? If not do that soon to get a feel of the country. Some living costs are a lot cheaper than Aus but as mentioned education will be expensive.

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Courtney *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks for response. I haven't been yet but have booked a trip and have family over there at the moment. I'll be going to Hua Hin and Chiang Mai.

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Courtney *******

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Kool *******

Understand that your biggest expense living here will be your children's schooling. International school is expensive, from bt40,000 a month per child to over bt100,000 a month per child, depending on the quality of schooling. They can't go to public schools as they are not fluent in reading, speaking, and writing thai. If you want them to have a good education you're looking at US$4000+ a month just for their tuition fees for a good school, not counting all the other expenses associated with school. By not being married you need your own visa.

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Courtney *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you for your response. Yes, I have done some research on schooling and have reached out to some for pricing. I'm currently homeschooling now, so that is also an option that I believe I can continue aswell.Thanks again.

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Courtney *******

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Stuart *********

If your children will be going to an international school then get paperwork from that school and apply for education visas for them. You can then apply for a “guardian” visa. There is a financial requirement of 500k each year for the extension.

There is no financial requirement for your children (other than the school cost).

Your partner could apply for a DTV visa which allows them to work remotely. If they want to hire staff and set up a local company then they’d need to do a bit more research on the set up requirements.

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Peter *******

@Stuart ********

you can't get a work permit on a DTV visa. Hiring staff & setting up a local company would need a Business Visa.

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Stuart *********

hence the comment about doing more research.

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Courtney *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you.

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Courtney *******

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Courtney *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

Thank you 😊

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Courtney *******

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