Can an American transition from a retirement visa to a non-B visa and work permit in Thailand?

Retirement Visa Non-B Visa Work Permit Visa Transition Expats in Thailand Immigration Rules

Dec 15, 2021

3 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Any possibility an American can go from a retirement visa to a non b and work permit?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Yes, an American can transition from a retirement visa to a non-B visa and obtain a work permit as long as they secure a legal job or start a legal business in Thailand. It's advisable to outline the reasons for changing from a retirement visa in a letter to the immigration office. Additionally, it's mentioned that there are insurance requirements for non-immigrant visas that should be noted.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
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Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

Todd *********

i think you also need to write a letter to your immigration office outlining your reasons for retirement failure.

3 years ago

Bryn ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

They are discussing the Ayo visa. I don’t know if that applies to a business visa.

3 years ago

Kool *******

Yes, as long as you get a legal job, or start a legal business.

3 years ago

Bryn ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Kool ******

I am wondering if you are required to hire a number of Thai employees in order to get the visa. In other words, if I had a business that was solely run by myself with no employees, would I still qualify.

3 years ago

Bryn ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Also, if I am the owner of the business, am I allowed to do work in the business, like being the cook in the restaurant?

3 years ago

Kool *******

@Bryn *******

if you have the money there is another alternative, and that is an actual investment visa, but it takes at least bt10million invested in approved financial instruments, like government bonds, certain approved condo purchases, and a few other safe investments, and then an intense background investigation. If you have the initial investment you can actually make a profit with it, as it is not the cost of buying the visa like an elite visa, it is simply make at least bt10million in approved investments, and the government does not want to see foreigners go broke under this visa, and as such only approved investments qualify.

3 years ago

Kool *******

@Bryn *******

only under one condition, and that is being an American citizen and setting up the business under the Treaty of Amity, but, you would still be required to meet the financial requirement within one year of having at least bt2million in registered capital. There is a division of the US embassy that can help you, but it is pretty involved. Other than that you can not just start a business in Thailand by yourself, and you can not own more than 49% of the business. You still need at least bt2million, and at least 4 Thai employees you pay social security on, but let me backtrack a little. You can start a business without all that, you just can not get a type B visa extension, or the required work permit without the registered capital, and the employees. There are different requirements when starting a company through the BOI, Board of Investment, but, that requires having a business also in your home country, and still requires a financial investment in registered capital.

3 years ago

Bryn ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Kool ******

Thanks for the input.

3 years ago

Reply to

Bryn ********

Ken ******

better if you can:

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3 years ago