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What visa should I get for moving to Thailand with my children and can I teach with only a TEFL certificate?

Thailand visaNon-Immigrant visaEducation visaWork visaTeaching in ThailandFamily visasInternational schools
Jan 27, 2025
3 days ago
Nie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi everyone! I need advice can someone help me answer this please. If I’m planning to move to Thailand in June with my 2 small children should I obtain a visa now or once I arrive? And what visa do my kids need?

I would like to teach English but I don’t have a bachelor degree only a TEFL Certificate. I’m not sure if I should go for a work visa or Educational visa. 🤷🏽‍♀️

And lastly, should I book a one way ticket if I plan to stay long term.✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

Thanks in advance!!!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is moving to Thailand in June with two small children and is uncertain about the visa process. They want to know if they should acquire a visa before arriving or upon arrival, as well as the necessary visas for their children. The user is also considering teaching English but lacks a bachelor's degree, only holding a TEFL certificate, and is unsure whether to pursue a work or educational visa. Advice suggests that a degree is typically required for a work visa, while an educational visa necessitates enrollment in a recognized institution. It is recommended to initially apply for a tourist visa for 60-90 days for themselves and that their children may not require a visa until age 14. The community also encourages research into visa options and considerations for living and working in Thailand.
Henrik *****
You have a lot of work in front of you, with figuring out how things work in Thailand and with visa’s to Thailand.

Do not expect to get a job, since unskilled work is reserved for Thai people only.

The post is very naive, have you even read the website of a Thai Embassy.
a day ago
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Nie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Henrik ****
 I appreciate your response I take everyone’s information into consideration. As I have stated I recently read the site information in full and now understand what visa will suit me best. But during the time I simply ask questions to gain opinions and advice from other foreigners who live in Thailand. I have received mixed answers, informative and helpful answers as well as judgmental responses.

As I have previously stated I have $50,000 saved my kids will be good because my friend is a digital nomad who will be going with me . She’s also a stay at home mom so babysitting is not the issue. If I was hired at a school. Understanding you need a degree. However, the way my life works I may run into a school who will hire me with my TEFL certification. I’m not looking to take jobs away from the Thai people instead I’m trying to add. However I can be a blessing to the country. I also run 2 businesses in Dominican Republic and run a a pop up life skills youth mentoring nonprofit in America. So even then the beautiful people can benefit from me. It’s all about working together. Money isn’t the issue and working is not the goal. I just wanted to know what visa would suit my children and I best and I only wanted to work because I love kids, teaching and learning languages. ✨

But I thank you for your response and I will save this picture. ✨
a day ago
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Nie *********
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Us *****
Wait, you need to backtrack and rethink what you are doing. First, how are you going to educate your 2 kids? International school is super expensive. If you can afford to send them to school, you can get a visa of stay. Also, Thailand is not cheap. I hope you have enough saved. Let's say if you can become a teacher here, who is going to watch your kids. They will work you to death here.
a day ago
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Nie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Us ****
 I have $50,000 saved my kids will be good because my friend is a digital nomad who will be going with me . She’s also a stay at home mom so babysitting is not the issue. I also run 2 businesses in Dominican Republic and run a nonprofit in America. Money won’t be the issue I just wanted to know what visa would suit my children and I best and I wanted to work because I love kids, teaching and learning languages. ✨
a day ago
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Us *****
@Nie ********
 okay International school should cost 10-20k usd a year and they will give you and your kid a visa for it.
21 hours ago
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Nie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Us ****
 now this is great information. Is this all International schools? And can this visa allow us to be permanent residents? And where should I look to obtain this information because this could potentially work?
21 hours ago
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Us *****
@Nie ********
 no visa will give you permanent residency
19 hours ago
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Nie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Us ****
 incorrect I just look this up .

Procedure for Applying for Thai Permanent Residency in 2024

Hold a non-immigrant visa for at least three consecutive years.

Maintain a valid visa at the time of application.

Meet financial requirements and have a clean criminal record.

Thanks for your response.
18 hours ago
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Nie *********
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Ravit ******************
Another way for you is to enroll kids into an international school. Then issue for one of them education visa based on the school's paperwork (school will help you with that), and then you can issue a visa for yourself as the child's guardian. We were on these type of visas for many years, since kindergarten to highschool. There's additional requirements for that (open a bank account and show min 500k thb 3 months

prior the application etc).

But for the moment, before you do that, I would suggest you to obtain a simple tourist visa from your home country for 60-90 days for yourself (the kids can be without a visa until the age of 14), and later while you are already in Thailand - find the right solution that will suit you best and change the visa to a longer term type (maybe first time with an agent, then learn your way to do it on your own in the following year).

As for a job: You might be able to find a job in international school in a position that does not require a degree, and in some you can get great discounts for your kids enrollment as an employee. But that's too early to think about. Do things step by step. The Thai embassy in your country would be able to provide you with clear info and advise.
3 days ago
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Nie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ravit *****************
 well said dear . Thanks very much ❤️
a day ago
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Nie *********
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Declan **********
This maybe your plan but the reality is that a degree is essential to teach in thailand. Without you can't legally work as a teacher.

There are ways around it but you're putting you and your families future in a foreign country at great risk with potentially life changing consequences.

You can however go the education route (find a school/university and apply to go). However unless your ED visa is from a well known accredited university its going to give hassle in the future.

If you are able to find work online (if you need work) you have 1 more option, Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). This will give you 5 years in Thailand 180 days per entry + 1 180 day extension. However you will need to meet the financial requirements and embassies are rapidly changing the requirements around the DTV and it is getting more difficult to obtain. If you don't need work you can still obtain the DTV through other means such as courses like Muay Thai or cooking.

The DTV visa must be obtain outside the country and cannot be obtained while in thailand, you will also be required to show the embassy you apply at your current location, so there is no cheating the system. However, regarding the ED-Visa most school and universities can convert from a exemption or TRV to an ED-Visa in country.
3 days ago
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Nie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Declan *********
@Nicoya ***********
3 days ago
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Nie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Declan *********
 thanks so much for this information
3 days ago
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Greg ***********
here the requirements for a "change of visa type" . . . . . .the position 2 is for "change" to teacher (B visa) and the position 3 is for "change" to Education (ED-visa)
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3 days ago
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Greg ***********
@Nie ********
*****************************************************
3 days ago
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Greg ***********
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Nie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks everyone you all have been super supportive!
3 days ago
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Nigel **************
Have you thought about how you will care for and pay for two small children on a teacher's salary here?
3 days ago
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Nie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nigel *************
 I only express my desire to teach because I love children , love learning, sharing and teaching. I run a youth nonprofit and teach/ tutor online to my students in America and in the Dominican Republic. I also live in Dominican Republic with a tour company and taxi company it will still operate even though I’m gone. I get paid with these 3 business monthly. I’m an author and a manager to my 6 year old who became an author at 4 she has over 29k followers. She does things where she gets paid too. I’m full time homeschool mom here in Dominican Republic assuming if I can’t teach in Thailand perhaps I can open up my private program and provide this service to the expat community just as I do here. I also have well over 50,000 saved it’s not much but as a single mom I think starting off I will be ok.
*****************************
So to answer your question yes I have thought out a plan well. My goal is really not to work hard but to enjoy this spiritual journey and serve where God needs me too ❤️
2 days ago
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Ernesto ********
@Nigel *************
 doesn’t look like she’s thinking about them at all.
3 days ago
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Nie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ernesto *******
 I’m not sure where this assumption stems from sounds pretty judgmental.

I only express my desire to teach because I love children , love learning, sharing and teaching. I run a youth nonprofit and teach/ tutor online to my students in America and in the Dominican Republic. I also live in Dominican Republic with a tour company and taxi company it will still operate even though I’m gone. I get paid with these 3 business monthly. I’m an author and a manager to my 6 year old who became an author at 4 she has over 29k followers. She does things where she gets paid too. I’m full time homeschool mom here in Dominican Republic assuming if I can’t teach in Thailand perhaps I can open up my private program and provide this service to the expat community just as I do here. I also have well over 50,000 saved it’s not much but as a single mom I think starting off I will be ok.
*****************************
So to answer your question yes I have thought out a plan well. My goal is really not to work hard but to enjoy this spiritual journey and serve where God needs me too ❤️
2 days ago
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Nie *********
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Cissi *********
You can't "go for" either work visa or educational visa.

To get a work visa (Non-Immigrant B) you need a job first and have the necassary paperwork from the employer (plus apply for a work permit once you have the visa).

For an educational visa (Non-Immigrant ED) you must be enrolled to a school/institute/university to study in Thailand and have all the requiered paperwork from the school.

I suggest that you do some more research about different Thai visas - the web page for the Thai embassy in your home country is a good place to start.
3 days ago
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Cissi *********
Also, as Andi wrote already - to be an english teacher in Thailand you must have a bachelor’s degree. That is a requierment to receive a work visa (Non-Immigrant B), which is needed to get a teaching license.
3 days ago
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Nie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Cissi ********
 thanks
3 days ago
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Declan **********
@Cissi ********
 it's a requirement across any visa that allows you to work in Thailand such as the Non-O (Marriage). You can't get the work permit without the letter from MoE you can't get the letter from MoE without showing your degree to the Kurusapa for the PTL (provisional teaching licence.)
3 days ago
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Declan **********
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Barbie ***********
1 way ticket is always the best i fly november 24, 2024 i go back home january 23 2025
3 days ago
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Nie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Barbie **********
 who did you fly with?
3 days ago
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Barbie ***********
@Nie ********
 emirates Bkk to Dxb
3 days ago
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Nie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Barbie **********
 thanks dear so much . They obviously never ask you for a return flight? What’s the likelihood of being ask and what could happen?
3 days ago
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Declan **********
@Nie ********
 yes, most airlines are hit and miss but in my experinece it's quite rare for Emirates not to ask for an onwards/return ticket when you don't have a proper visa.
3 days ago
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Greg ***********
@Nie ********
 the airline will refuse boarding the flight and you will be left standing at the airport
3 days ago
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Nie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Greg **********
 😬 thanks
3 days ago
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Nie *********
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Ralph *******
@Barbie **********
 No good if your airline asks to see your exit ticket from Thailand.
3 days ago
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Nie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ralph ******
 what is the likelihood of them asking because I get mixed answers here. What happens if they ask and I don’t have one?
3 days ago
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Ralph *******
@Nie ********
 It really depends on the airline. If you don’t have one then they have the right to refuse boarding. I have been asked on my last three trips, different airlines each time.
3 days ago
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Greg ***********
@Nie ********
 the airline will refuse boarding the flight and you will be left standing at the airport. And as you are three people, you will quickly need to buy either three so called" onwardtickets", or three "real" one-way tickets as onward travel proof out of Thailand within the 60 days you will get stamped in when you enter visa-exempt. You need to be quick, or you run into the risk to miss the flight
3 days ago
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Greg ***********
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Andi ***********
A degree is essential to get a work permit. It is a legal requirement for teachers. If you are able to get work online then you could get a DTV, gives you 5 years in Thailand. Can only work online teaching non Thai students though.
3 days ago
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Nie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Oh ok so I understand I get the DTV visa one time for 5 years and in that 5 year period every 6 months leave to like Bali for example then reenter. Once 5 years ends return to look for a new visa? Thanks dear so informative! Lastly, how long should I be gone before recentering ?
3 days ago
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Declan **********
@Nie ********
 with every entry you can apply for a 180 day extension. So theoretically you can spend 360 days in thailand before you need to do a border-bouce (leave and come back)
3 days ago
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Nie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Declan *********
 great 👍
3 days ago
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Greg ***********
@Nie ********
 keep in mind you have to show 500,000 THB in your bank account (equivalent to 14,830 US Dollar) for the application to the DTV. And most embassies want the money to be seasoned for 3 months, and some embassies actually ask for a 6-month seasoning. You cannot apply for the DTV inside Thailand, you must be outside of Thailand, you need to be physically inside the country which is using the e-visa online system for applications, and you need to prove your presence in this country
3 days ago
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Emma-Louise *********
@Greg **********
 coming from the UK didn't require the money to be in for any period, I moved it all from other accounts on the day. Showed the statement and it was fine. So it depends on the embassy
2 days ago
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Greg ***********
@Emma-Louise ********
 yes it depends on the processing embassy. Vientiane for example asks for a three month statement
2 days ago
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Greg ***********
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Graham ******
@Nie ********
 minutes, days, weeks, up to you
3 days ago
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Andi ***********
@Nie ********
 You can stay one full year on the DTV if you extend via an immigration office but requires paperwork to be shown and updated bank balance of 500k THB. Majority think it is easier to leave and reenter. Yes, leave to a nearby country for a couple of days then return,
3 days ago
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Nie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andi **********
 thanks
3 days ago
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Nie *********
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Nie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andi **********
 DTV visa and Education Visa are not the same correct? If I did the DTV visa could I eventually be a resident? Could I also still go to school to learn the Thai language ?
3 days ago
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Marcus **********
@Nie ********
 You can get a DTV to learn Thai or other soft power, but then you can't work even online. DTV must be applied for outside Thailand.
2 days ago
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Nie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
One more thing should I obtain my DTV visa once I arrive or should I do it prior too?
3 days ago
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Graham ******
@Nie ********
 you cannot get a DTV in Thailand as it is classed as a Tourist Visa
3 days ago
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Graham ******
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Andi ***********
@Nie ********
 They are different, DTV is for online work only while living in Thailand. You can be resident for 5 years only with multi entry. Yes, you can learn Thai in a school.
3 days ago
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Nie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andi **********
 this sounds more like the visa I need. After 5 years do I have to leave or I get to stay continuing to reenter ?
3 days ago
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Andi ***********
@Nie ********
 At the moment the DTV is just one time only so you would need to get a new visa. leaving and reentering most likely.
3 days ago
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Andi ***********
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Nie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andi **********
 ok so I can teach online in Chinese for example and the DTV would be doable? This is the visa I need to reenter every 6 months ?
3 days ago
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Andi ***********
@Nie ********
 yes that is right. I know someone on the DTV teaching kids online in China
3 days ago
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Andi ***********
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Mouad *************
If your children under 12 they don't need a visa
3 days ago
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Mouad *************
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