I'm a 47 years old man from Italy. Not married but have a Thai son who is three years old. Looking to move to Thailand. Can I get a Thai visa to live in Thailand and support my son?

In order to qualify for a visa (supporting of a Thai child), you must have poof of either monthly income of at least 40,000 Baht per month or savings showing at least 400,000 Baht in your Thai bank account

Also your parenthood status must be recognized by the Thai government. As you did not register your marriage, please note that the custody and jurisdiction of this child lies solely with their mother. Initially, you may consider applying for a visa (VISITING a Thai child) [based on humanity] which would be valid for 2 months.

If your child can read, write and understand Thai. Then you do not have to experience the hastle at proving it to the Thai court. Yiou then just need to go to the District Office along with the child and his/her mother and the birth certificate. If the mother is not available, a letter of consent from the mother would be required.

If your child cannot read and speak Thai, during these 2 months validity of your visiting visa, you are recommended to proceed with the court order (through the Family Court). Once you have been recognized as the guardian/co-guardian, you would be eligible to apply for the visa (support of a Thai child).

Should the court process takes longer than your 2 months validity visa ( most cases, it will be three months.... depending on the availability of the Judge, Court Room, both parties (mother and father) including their attorneys. Especially If there were no objection from the mother ), you can always extend your visa based on the court trial. While this best applies to your case, it may be a lengthy and an arduous process. You might qualify for other types of visas as an alternative. Please contact our Legal Advisors for more information on the subject.

Inside Thailand, at Thai Immigration they will give you 60 days however if you apply at a Embassy or Consulate they will in most cases, give you a 90 days on a non immigrant visa.

Inside Thailand, Immigration will allow you to change to this visa from a 30 day tourist visa exemption stamp as long as 21 days remains on the validity. You then get 60 days at the Immigration Department.

www.sunbeltasiagroup.com