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What visa options are available for relocating to Thailand with children enrolled in international school, and how can we manage taxes?
Visa optionsLTR visaNon-Imm-ED visaGuardian visaThai income taxTax consulting firmsInternational schools in Bangkok
Aug 24, 2025
8 months ago
Chris ******
ORIGINAL POSTERDear all,
My name is Christian and I’m a married father of 2 kids (10 and 6 years old).
We might intent to relocate to BKK next year from the UAE where we live and work today. My wife and I are 41 years old and have a German passport, UAE residency and UAE tax residency not paying income tax at all.
Once moved to Thailand, we will live off passive income
My questions:
- What kind of visa could we use?
- Is DTV an option?
- can we apply for a guardian visa for my kids who will study at an international English speaking private school in BKK?
- how to minimise or avoid Thai income tax legally ?
- can you recommend a good visa law / tax consulting firm?
Thanks for your help.
My name is Christian and I’m a married father of 2 kids (10 and 6 years old).
We might intent to relocate to BKK next year from the UAE where we live and work today. My wife and I are 41 years old and have a German passport, UAE residency and UAE tax residency not paying income tax at all.
Once moved to Thailand, we will live off passive income
My questions:
- What kind of visa could we use?
- Is DTV an option?
- can we apply for a guardian visa for my kids who will study at an international English speaking private school in BKK?
- how to minimise or avoid Thai income tax legally ?
- can you recommend a good visa law / tax consulting firm?
Thanks for your help.
TLDR : Answer Summary
Christian, a German expat planning to relocate to Bangkok with his family, inquires about visa options suitable for him and his children, potential tax implications, and recommendations for legal assistance. The discussion highlights multiple visa possibilities, including the LTR visa, education visas for children, and options related to parental support during their studies. Participants also suggest consulting regarding potential tax exemptions and law changes impacting expats.
LONG TERM RESIDENT (LTR) VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic LTR Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Long Term Resident (LTR) Visa.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Long Term Resident (LTR) 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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Elisa **********
LTR or elite or DTV for you
ED for children (one parent can also get a custodian visa on the child with the DTV)
ED for children (one parent can also get a custodian visa on the child with the DTV)
Robert *********
Cheap ,and maybe better to hire a private teacher .
Cost of good private school is so high .
Public school is out as they don't speak Thai
Cost of good private school is so high .
Public school is out as they don't speak Thai
Wannikea *********
There may be tax law changes in effect next year, stay tuned.
Nippanut ***************
LTR Visa
Steve ***********
I'd worry more about school costs than taxes
Wayne **********
You can get an education visa for the kids and you be added on to that. My neighbours do that.
Not sure on tax.
Not sure on tax.
Nongnuch ********
there is an option where parents of children who are attending school in Thailand, can "piggyback" as "supporting family" on the Non-Imm-ED visa and the yearly extensions of the stay permit of their children until they are 18 years old. This is an option you must discuss with both the embassy in Berlin, and the Immigration office in Bangkok
Brandon ************
See if you qualify for the LTR visa. Three of the categories are tax exempt for income earned outside of Thailand.
**********************
Chris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
hi guys,Thanks for the reply.
LTR isn’t an option for me because I’m not willing to put such an huge investment down.
I guess I go for the ED visa plus guardian visa .
Robert ********
@Brandon ***********
Came here to say the same. 👍🏽Reply to
Robert ********
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