Bringing Your Family to Thailand: Dependant Visas for Spouses and Children

Family members of a foreigner with a qualifying status in Thailand, such as a work-permit holder on a Non-B extension or an LTR holder, can usually obtain a dependant Non-Immigrant O status or the dependant route of that visa. The core evidence is a legalised marriage or birth certificate showing the relationship, plus the main applicant's valid status.

Written by the Thai Legal & Immigration legal team · Last reviewed 2026-11-03 · Editorial policy

Who counts as a dependant?

Usually a legally married spouse and unmarried children under the age set for the visa type. Unmarried partners are generally not recognised as dependants for these routes.

Documents that decide the case

Marriage certificate for a spouse and birth certificates for children, issued abroad and legalised, with Thai translations.
The main applicant's passport, current extension and, for workers, work permit and employer documents.
Proof of address and TM.30 receipt for the family home.
For children, consent of the other parent where they are not travelling together.

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Legalisation and the apostille change

Until 28 February 2027, foreign certificates still need consular legalisation. From that date, the Apostille Convention, which Thailand acceded to on 30 June 2026, may replace consular legalisation for covered public certificates where it applies between Thailand and the issuing state. Translation into Thai is still commonly required.

Keeping family status aligned

A dependant extension follows the main applicant's permission. When the main applicant changes job, renews or leaves, the family's extensions are affected too, so plan renewals together.

How we help

We check the certificates before they are legalised abroad, prepare translations and a combined filing for the family, and align every family member's dates with the main applicant's renewal calendar.

Related services

Frequently asked

Can my spouse work on a dependant visa?

Not automatically. Working requires a work permit, which needs a Thai employer to apply.

Do children need their own 90-day reports?

Each foreigner staying more than 90 days continuously has the reporting duty, so children on long stays are included.

We married abroad. Do we need to register the marriage in Thailand?

Not usually for a dependant visa, but the foreign certificate must be legalised or apostilled as applicable and translated.

Sources & references

Thai Immigration Bureau — checked 2026-11-03
Department of Consular Affairs – MFA — checked 2026-11-03
Thai e-Visa official portal — checked 2026-11-03

General information only, not legal advice. Immigration decisions rest with the Thai authorities.