Map each family member separately
List nationality, relationship, age, intended stay, study, employment and health needs for every person. Confirm whether the principal visa permits dependants and what documents prove the relationship.
A dependant status may permit residence without employment. A spouse who intends to work, freelance or act as a Thai company director should obtain advice on their own permission rather than relying solely on the principal applicant.
Family ties and UK residence
Under the sufficient-ties part of the UK Statutory Residence Test, family circumstances can affect the permitted number of UK days. The detailed definition and exceptions must be applied rather than assuming that a spouse abroad always removes a UK family tie.
Record where spouses and minor children live, dates spent together and any UK education pattern. These facts can influence residence even where the business owner’s own travel is unchanged.
Work and business roles
Paying a spouse from a UK or Thai company requires real duties, commercial remuneration, records and the correct work permission. Share ownership, directorship, employment and immigration status are separate.
Do not appoint family members merely to manufacture company residence or Thai ownership. Governance and shareholder arrangements must reflect genuine authority, capital and responsibility.
Children, education and healthcare
Confirm school admission, education visa requirements and guardianship documents before committing to a location. Fees, transport and term dates can affect both cash flow and the family’s travel pattern.
Arrange health insurance suitable for each family member and disclose medical history accurately. UK National Insurance contributions do not provide Thai healthcare cover.
Documents to prepare
- Passports with sufficient validity
- Marriage and birth certificates
- Certified translations or legalisation where required
- Evidence of funds and accommodation
- School documentation
- Insurance evidence
- Consent or custody documents
- Separate work authorisation for any dependant who will work
Frequently asked questions
Can my spouse work in Thailand as my dependant?
Do not assume dependant status includes work permission. Check the conditions of the specific visa and obtain the appropriate work authorisation for the proposed activity.
Does moving my family to Thailand make me non-UK resident?
It may change relevant ties, but residence still depends on the complete Statutory Residence Test. Homes, workdays, UK days and prior residence remain important.
Can I pay my spouse from the company?
Only for genuine duties on commercially supportable terms, with proper company, payroll, tax and immigration treatment. Marriage alone does not justify a deduction or permission to work.