Families moving to Thailand often ask how parents or guardians can legally stay in the country while their child studies or lives here. The answer is usually the Guardian Visa, officially a Non-Immigrant “O” visa, issued to the parent or legal guardian of a child in Thailand.

This visa allows a long-term stay, either to accompany a child studying in Thailand or to care for a Thai child. However, the rules differ depending on your relationship to the child.

1. Guardian of a Child Studying in Thailand (ED Visa)

If a child is studying in a recognized school in Thailand, such as an international school, and holds a Non-Immigrant “ED” (Education) visa, one adult can apply for a Guardian Visa to stay in Thailand as their caregiver.

Key points:

  • The guardian does not need to be a parent — it can be a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or another relative.
  • The Guardian Visa’s validity is tied to the child’s ED visa and must be renewed at the same time. If the child’s visa or school enrollment ends, the Guardian Visa also ends.
  • Only one guardian per child is approved.
  • A bank deposit of 500,000 THB in a Thai bank account is required as proof of financial stability.
  • The guardian cannot legally work in Thailand under this visa.
  • No work permit. Holders of a Guardian Visa for a child with an ED visa are not eligible for a work permit. To work, you would need to switch to a Non-Immigrant “B” (Business) or other eligible visa type. Click to our Non-Immigrant “B” visa page here.

This visa is ideal for parents or relatives who want to stay in Thailand while a child attends school but have no plans to work.

2. Parent of a Thai Child (Legitimized or Biological)

If you are the parent of a Thai citizen child, you may apply for a Non-Immigrant “O” visa based on Thai family relationship, often referred to as a Parent of Thai Child visa.

Key points:

You must show either:

  • 400,000 THB in a Thai bank account, or
  • 40,000 THB monthly income.
  • The visa can be renewed annually as long as the child remains under 20.
  • Work permit allowed. This type of Non-Immigrant “O” visa does allow a work permit, provided you have a valid job and meet labor ministry requirements.

This option is often used by foreign fathers or mothers of Thai children who wish to both live and work legally in Thailand.

FAQs About Guardian Visas in Thailand

Q: Can both parents apply for a Guardian Visa for the same child?
A: No. Only one guardian per child is permitted.

Q: Can a grandparent apply for a Guardian Visa?
A: Yes. Under the ED visa scenario, a relative such as a grandparent, aunt, or uncle may apply if they can prove guardianship or family relationship.

Q: What is the maximum age of the child for a Guardian Visa?
A: For a Thai citizen child, the child must be under 20 years old. For a child on an ED visa, the guardian visa remains valid as long as the child remains enrolled in school.

Q: Can I work while holding a Guardian Visa?
A: If your visa is based on a child with an ED visa, you cannot work or obtain a work permit.

If your visa is based on being the parent of a Thai child, you can apply for a work permit once you have legal employment.

Q: Can I travel outside Thailand while holding a Guardian Visa?
A: Yes, but you must apply for a re-entry permit before leaving. Without it, your visa will be canceled when you exit Thailand.

Q: What happens when my child finishes school or turns 20?
A: When the reason for your stay ends, such as your child completing school or reaching adulthood, your Guardian Visa also ends. You would need to switch to another visa category (tourist, retirement, marriage, etc.) to remain in Thailand.

Q: How long is the Guardian Visa valid?
A: The initial visa is typically issued for 90 days, after which you can apply for an extension of stay, usually one year at a time, based on the child’s visa or status.

Final Thoughts

The Guardian Visa offers a practical way for families to stay together in Thailand. Our Guardian Visa page offers more detailed information here.

For children studying here, it allows a parent or close family member, such as a grandparent, to remain legally in the country as a caregiver.

For Thai children, it gives their foreign parent the ability to live and work (once a work permit is obtained) in Thailand.

If you’re unsure which type applies to your case or how to prepare the required documents, VisaThai can help. Our team assists with both Guardian and ED visas, ensuring your stay in Thailand is legal, stable, and stress-free.

For assistance with your Guardian Visa, please contact us:
Phone: +66 2 651 5449
Whatsapp: +66 89 929 6355
LINE: @visathai
Email: [email protected]

Updated 2026-01-12