A family move to Phuket is very manageable when the big decisions happen in the right order. Here is the timeline we use with our clients.
6 months out — decide the school
Shortlist two or three schools, book virtual or in-person tours and start the applications. Collect school reports and passports.
5 months out — choose your visa route
Options families commonly use include the Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa, the Thailand Privilege (Elite) visa, education visas with guardian visas for parents, or work-based permits. Rules change, so we introduce you to a licensed agent for current advice.
4 months out — set the villa brief
Bedrooms, budget, pool, pet policy, distance to school, furnished or unfurnished. We begin pre-screening properties and sending video walkthroughs.
3 months out — viewing trip
A three- to five-day visit to tour schools, see shortlisted villas and experience the neighbourhoods at school-run time. Most families sign a lease during this trip.
2 months out — logistics
Shipping or storage, pet import paperwork (microchip, rabies titre, import permit), international health insurance, and notice on your current home.
1 month out — set-up
We arrange utilities, internet, furniture packages or interior design, a car lease and your airport transfer so the house is ready on arrival.
The first 90 days
Bank account, Thai driving licence, 90-day reporting, local SIMs, clubs and activities for the children — and a single point of contact for whatever we did not foresee.