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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?

Aug 24, 2025
a day ago
Chris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Dear 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.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Christian, a German expat relocating to Bangkok with his family, inquired about visa options, tax management, and schooling for his children. Key responses included the Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa, potential for a guardian visa linked to children studying at an international school, and strategies for minimizing Thai income tax. Recommendations for consulting with local immigration offices and tax advisors were also offered.
LONG TERM RESIDENT (LTR) VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
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)
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
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.
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.

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