The Ultimate Moving to Thailand Checklist for Families

Your essential moving to Thailand checklist covering long-term stay options and costs. Learn how Thailand Privilege Card makes family relocation simple.

Every year, thousands of families swap their high-stress routines for a life filled with tropical beaches, affordable healthcare, and world-class international schools. But the difference between a smooth transition and a logistical nightmare often comes down to one thing. Preparation. If you have been building your moving abroad checklist and researching the ins and outs of moving to Thailand, Thailand Privilege Card offers one of the simplest paths to long-term living in the Kingdom.

This government-endorsed membership program grants long-term stay privileges for up to 20 years without the complex income requirements of traditional visas. From choosing the right pathway to settling into your new neighborhood, this family-focused moving to Thailand checklist will help you relocate with confidence.

Option 1: Relocating family enjoying the beach after completing a moving to Thailand checklist

Thailand's Two Main Long-Term Stay Pathways Compared

When relocating as a family, your legal foundation matters. Thailand offers two standout options for long-term stays.

LTR Visa via BOI

The Long-Term Resident Visa is administered by Thailand's Board of Investment. It targets four categories of applicants, including Wealthy Global Citizens, Wealthy Pensioners, Work-from-Thailand Professionals, and Highly-Skilled Professionals. This visa requires meeting specific income or asset thresholds, such as USD 80,000 in annual income or USD 1 million in global assets with a USD 500,000 investment in Thailand.

Thailand Privilege Card

Thailand Privilege Card is a government-endorsed membership program that provides long-term stay privileges without income or age requirements. Applicants need only to pass a background check. Thailand Privilege Card offers membership tiers ranging from 5 to 20 years, with packages starting from THB 650,000 for the Bronze tier. This Thailand residency program is designed for ease, efficiency, and convenience, making it ideal for families who want a straightforward path to long-term living in Thailand.

Quick Comparison

  • Application basis: LTR Visa requires income and asset qualifications. Thailand Privilege Card requires a paid membership with a background check only
  • Processing time: LTR Visa takes 1 to 3 months. Thailand Privilege Card is generally faster and simpler
  • Family coverage: LTR Visa covers spouses and children under 20. Thailand Privilege Card offers family packages from the Platinum tier
  • Documentation: LTR Visa requires extensive verification. Thailand Privilege Card requires minimal documentation
  • Stay duration: LTR Visa grants 10 years. Thailand Privilege Card offers 5 to 20 years, depending on the membership tier

Step 1. Secure Your Long-Term Stay 6 to 9 Months Before

Getting your legal status sorted is the first and most important task on your moving to Thailand checklist. Start this process at least six months before your planned move date.

Choosing Your Pathway

The LTR Visa suits professionals and high-net-worth individuals who meet the income and investment criteria. Thailand Privilege Card works best for families seeking a hassle-free option with no income thresholds, offering long-term stay privileges of up to 20 years.

Family Coverage Considerations

LTR Visa holders can bring their spouse and children under 20 as dependents. Thailand Privilege Card offers family packages starting from the Platinum tier at THB 1,500,000 for 10 years, allowing multiple family members to enjoy membership benefits.

Document Preparation

Regardless of which pathway you choose, prepare these documents in advance.

  • Marriage certificate and long-form birth certificates for children
  • Degree certificates for the primary applicant
  • Legalization at a Thai Embassy, if required by your home country

Thailand Privilege Card process is designed to be easy and efficient, with a streamlined application and minimal paperwork compared to traditional visa routes.

Family Essentials 3 to 6 Months Before Your Move

With residency underway, focus on the practical elements that will shape your family's daily life.

International Schools

Thailand offers excellent British, IB, and American curriculum schools. Popular choices in Bangkok include NIST International School, Bangkok Patana, and Shrewsbury International. In Phuket, British International School and UWC Thailand are highly regarded.

Start your research and applications early. Top schools often have waiting lists, especially for mid-year enrollments.

Health Insurance

Both residency pathways require health coverage. The minimum coverage requirement is USD 50,000 for medical expenses. Consider international insurers like Cigna, AXA, or Allianz, who specialize in expatriate coverage in Thailand.

Pet Relocation

If you are bringing furry family members, begin preparations at least four months ahead.

  • Ensure your pet has a microchip meeting ISO standards
  • Complete rabies titer testing through an approved laboratory
  • Obtain an import permit from Thailand's Department of Livestock Development

Step 3. Housing and Financial Setup 1 to 3 Months Before

As your move date approaches, finalize your living arrangements and financial tools.

Choosing Your Home

Select housing within 5 kilometers of your child's school to minimize daily commute stress. Your two main options include the following.

  • Condominiums offer urban convenience with access to BTS and MRT transit lines. They are ideal for families who want a low-maintenance lifestyle in central Bangkok
  • Gated communities called moobans provide more space, gardens, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Popular areas include Nichada Thani, Fantasia Villa, and Setthasiri

Financial Preparation

Understanding the cost of moving to thailand helps you budget effectively. Other than your residency fees, factor in rental deposits typically two months plus one month rent, school registration fees, and initial furnishing costs.

Set up a Wise or Revolut account before arrival to transfer funds and manage Thai Baht efficiently. These platforms offer competitive exchange rates and lower fees than traditional banks.

Step 4. Your First Week After Arrival

Once you land in Thailand, several important tasks await.

Immigration and Airport Experience

Both LTR Visa holders and Thailand Privilege Card members enjoy fast-track immigration services at major airports, including Suvarnabhumi and Phuket International. Thailand Privilege Card includes personalized airport greetings and expedited immigration procedures, making arrival stress-free for families with children.

Essential First-Week Tasks

  • Get local SIM cards from AIS or True for reliable mobile connectivity
  • Have your landlord complete the TM30 notification, which reports your residence to immigration
  • Visit the One-Stop Service Center if required to activate your long-term stay status

The cost of moving to thailand becomes manageable when you plan ahead. Between visa fees, initial housing costs, school deposits, and daily essentials, families should budget approximately THB 300,000 to THB 500,000 for their first month beyond their membership or visa costs.

Start Your Thailand Journey with Confidence

Moving to Thailand does not have to feel overwhelming. With the right long-term stay pathway and careful planning, your family's relocation can be smooth, predictable, and stress-free.

For families seeking the fastest and most convenient route to long-term living in Thailand, Thailand Privilege Card offers an unmatched combination of benefits. Members enjoy access to the Elite Personal Assistant (EPA) for airport services including meet-and-greet and fast-track immigration, Elite Personal Liaison (EPL) for assistance with government-related processes such as driver's license applications and marriage registration, and the multilingual Member Contact Center (MCC) for round-the-clock support. Unlike traditional visas, Thailand Privilege Card provides long-term stay privileges for up to 20 years through a simple membership structure.

Ready to begin your journey in Thailand? Explore Thailand Privilege Card membership options and start your application today at thailandprivilege.co.th.

Please note that all Thailand Privilege Card membership fees, benefits, and offers mentioned in this article are subject to change. For the most current information on pricing and terms, please visit the official Thailand Privilege Card website or contact our Member Contact Center (MCC) directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between the LTR Visa and Thailand Privilege Card?

The LTR Visa requires applicants to meet specific income and asset qualifications, such as USD 80,000 annual income, while Thailand Privilege Card is a paid membership program with no income or age requirements. Thailand Privilege Card is a long-term stay visa rather than a residency visa, offering stays of up to 20 years with generally faster approval and simpler documentation.

How much does Thailand Privilege Card cost for families?

Individual membership starts at THB 650,000 for 5 years with the Bronze package. Family packages are available from the Platinum tier at THB 1,500,000 for 10 years, with supplementary family memberships available at THB 500,000 per person.

Can my children attend local or international schools with these visas?

Yes, both the LTR Visa and Thailand Privilege Card allow children to enroll in international schools throughout Thailand. International schools offer British, IB, and American curricula with English-language instruction.

What health insurance coverage do I need for long-term stays in Thailand?

Both pathways require health insurance with a minimum coverage of USD 50,000 for medical expenses. International insurers with Thai hospital networks are recommended for comprehensive coverage.

How long does Thailand Privilege Card application process take?

Thailand Privilege Card application is generally faster and more streamlined than traditional visa routes. After document submission and background check completion, approval typically takes a few weeks.

Can I work in Thailand with Thailand Privilege Card?

Thailand Privilege Card grants long-term stay privileges but does not include a work permit. If you plan to work in Thailand, you would need to obtain appropriate work authorization separately. Remote workers employed by overseas companies may consider the LTR Visa for Work-from-Thailand Professionals, which includes work permit privileges.

Learn more about Thailand Privilege Card at thailandprivilege.co.th.

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