LTR Visa Thailand for spouses and dependents: family documents, insurance, and linked status
The Long-Term Resident Visa lets qualified foreigners live in Thailand for up to 10 years with work, tax, and immigration advantages. Spouses and children do not apply separately under the primary income tests, they enter as dependents linked to the main LTR holder.
At Thai Visa Centre we coordinate LTR family applications from Bangkok. This guide explains who counts as a dependent, what you must prove, how dependent status compares to Elite family add-ons or marriage visas, and the compliance habits that keep the whole family case clean. See our LTR Visa Thailand guide for the main programme overview.
Legal spouse and children under 20; confirm expanded 2025 rules on BOI portal.
Inpatient coverage valid in Thailand per current BOI policy for each dependent.
Dependent LTR depends on the main holder; cancellation affects the whole family case.
Per person at LTR affixation in Thailand; embassy fees abroad may differ.
Who qualifies as an LTR dependent?
Dependents are typically a legal spouse and legal children under 20 years old. Parents and other relatives generally do not qualify under standard LTR dependent rules unless policy explicitly expands, confirm on the BOI LTR portal before planning.
Each dependent receives LTR status tied to the primary holder. If the main visa is cancelled, dependents lose their basis. January 2025 updates may allow expanded dependent categories, verify current rules before filing.
Timing warning: Do not submit dependent applications before the primary BOI endorsement is ready. Unlinked or premature dependent files are a common cause of family case delays.
Requirements for spouses and dependents
Dependents need relationship proof, health insurance, clean background, and a link to the primary applicant. Same integrity standards apply, no serious criminal history, immigration blacklist, or undisclosed overstays.
| Dependent | Documents |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Marriage certificate (legalised/apostilled per BOI guidance), passport, health insurance certificate. |
| Child | Birth certificate or adoption papers, passport, proof of custody if applicable, health insurance certificate. |
| Parents (2025 expansion) | Relationship proof, passport, insurance: confirm current BOI treatment before planning. |
| All dependents | Non-English certificates need certified translation. Police clearance if BOI or embassy requests it. |
Dependents must hold health insurance valid in Thailand with coverage of at least USD 25,000 for inpatient care, or equivalent per current BOI policy. Family policies covering all members are acceptable if they meet the threshold.
Application process for dependents
Processing times follow the primary case: allow several weeks to months for full family clearance. Work through these steps in order.
Primary applicant qualifies
The main LTR holder must receive BOI endorsement via ltr.boi.go.th before or simultaneously with dependent applications. Do not submit dependents before the primary case is ready.
Gather dependent documents
Collect relationship proof, passports, health insurance meeting USD 25,000+ inpatient threshold, and legalised translations where required. Family policies covering all members are acceptable if they meet the threshold.
Submit via BOI workflow
Link each dependent to the primary case number in the BOI system. Separate insurance and fees apply per person even when documents are submitted together.
Consular LTR visa affixation
Dependents usually obtain the LTR visa stamp at a Royal Thai embassy or consulate, or via e-Visa where available on thaievisa.go.th.
Enter Thailand and complete TDAC
Each dependent with their own passport completes TDAC at tdac.immigration.go.th before every entry. Carry printed visa approval and relationship documents.
Ongoing compliance
File 90-day reports if in Thailand 90 consecutive days, maintain valid health insurance, and ensure TM30 is filed when you move residence. Children turning 20 may need a new visa category, plan transitions early.
Benefits for LTR dependents
Dependents share many primary-holder advantages but do not automatically gain Thai tax exemptions on foreign income: that follows primary holder rules and individual tax advice.
10-year visa validity
Dependents share the long-stay permission tied to the primary holder, subject to programme rules and renewal at year 5.
Multiple re-entry
Travel without a separate re-entry permit, matching primary holder immigration privileges.
Airport fast track
Expedited immigration services at major Thai international airports per the current LTR benefits package.
Work authorisation
Spouses do not automatically gain Thai work rights. Employment requires own eligibility, a different LTR stream, work permit, or business visa route.
Health insurance for dependents
Each dependent must hold health insurance valid in Thailand. Insurance is checked at application and again at renewal: a lapsed policy for one family member can delay the whole household case.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum inpatient cover | USD 25,000 or equivalent per current BOI policy for each dependent. |
| Family policies | Acceptable if all members meet the threshold and policy is valid in Thailand. |
| Renewal checks | Lapsed or below-threshold insurance at extension time is a common family case failure. |
| Alternative proof | Confirm whether BOI accepts deposit alternatives for dependents on the live portal before filing. |
Compliance for dependent LTR holders
Each dependent with their own passport has individual immigration obligations even when linked to the primary LTR holder. Primary holders on annual reporting may still have dependents subject to 90-day reporting if they remain in Thailand 90+ consecutive days.
- Complete TDAC on every entry at tdac.immigration.go.th, each dependent with their own passport submits separately.
- File 90-day reports if physically in Thailand 90 consecutive days via 90day.in.th or in person at immigration.
- Maintain valid health insurance meeting BOI minimums through renewal checkpoints.
- Ensure TM30 is filed when you move residence: landlords and condo juristic persons register your address.
- Plan visa transitions for children approaching age 20 before their dependent status expires.
For 90-day reporting help, see 90day.in.th or ask TVC about our reporting service.
LTR dependents vs other family routes
LTR suits families where the primary earner or retiree qualifies on income or assets and wants tax-efficient long stays. Elite suits families prioritising fee-based certainty without BOI income tests.
| Route | Spouse pathway | Typical duration | Upfront barrier |
|---|---|---|---|
| LTR dependent | Linked to qualified primary | 10 years | Primary must meet BOI stream |
| Thailand Privilege family add-on | Fee-based on Platinum+ | 10–20 years | 1M+ THB per dependent |
| Marriage visa (O) | Thai national spouse | 1 year renewable | Thai spouse + financial proof |
| DTV dependent | Listed on DTV application | 5 years | Primary DTV financial proof |
Planning LTR for retiring couples
Couples where one spouse qualifies as primary and the other joins as dependent should plan insurance, relationship documents, and financial proof together. If only one spouse meets BOI thresholds, the other may still qualify as a dependent without meeting the primary income or asset test.
See our couples retiring under LTR guide for primary and dependent planning when both partners are relocating for retirement.
Same-sex marriage and dependent linking
Same-sex marriages recognised under Thai law since 2025 can be used for LTR dependent linking where BOI accepts the marriage certificate. Legalisation and certified translation requirements apply as for any foreign marriage document.
If your spouse is a Thai national, LTR dependent status typically does not apply, compare the Thailand marriage visa route instead.
Common dependent mistakes
- Applying dependent before primary BOI endorsement is issued.
- Insurance below USD 25,000 or lapsed policy at extension time.
- Marriage certificate not legalised or apostilled for your embassy country.
- Assuming spouse can work in Thailand without own work authorisation.
- Ignoring 90-day reporting for non-working spouse in Thailand 90+ consecutive days.
Background and conduct standards
Dependents face the same integrity standards as primary LTR applicants. Serious criminal history, immigration blacklist status, or undisclosed overstays can block dependent approval even when the primary case is strong.
If BOI or the embassy requests police clearance for a dependent, prepare certificates from the country of nationality or residence before submission deadlines.
Frequently asked questions
Q:Can my Thai spouse be my LTR dependent?
A:LTR targets foreign nationals. Thai nationals use different immigration status, typically not as LTR dependents. If your spouse is Thai, compare the marriage visa route instead.
Q:Can dependents later become primary LTR holders?
A:If they independently meet a stream, for example as a remote work professional or highly skilled employee: they may apply separately. Dependent status does not convert automatically.
Q:Do dependents need police clearance?
A:If BOI or the embassy requests it, prepare certificates from your country of nationality or residence. Not always required at first submission, but have them ready to avoid delays.
Q:Is permanent residence available for dependents?
A:Permanent residence is a separate pathway. LTR does not auto-convert to PR for dependents or primary holders.
Q:How many dependents can I include?
A:Standard rules allow up to four dependents per main holder. January 2025 updates expanded categories, confirm current limits on ltr.boi.go.th before planning a large family case.
Q:Do dependents pay the same LTR visa fee?
A:Yes, each person receiving an LTR visa stamp typically pays 50,000 THB at affixation in Thailand. Embassy fees abroad may differ. Each dependent also needs insurance and relationship documentation.
Q:What happens if the primary LTR holder loses status?
A:Dependent status is tied to the primary holder. If the main visa is cancelled or not renewed, dependents lose their basis. Plan family transitions before the primary permission lapses.
Q:LTR dependents vs Thailand Privilege family add-ons?
A:LTR suits families where the primary earner or retiree qualifies on BOI income or assets. Elite suits families prioritising fee-based certainty without BOI income tests. Compare total cost including per-dependent fees.