Answered10 months ago
Can I apply for a Digital Nomad Visa while in Thailand if my family is relocating there?
Hi there,
I just discovered this group and I feel a little lost regarding all the information I found.
My wife, my daughter and I will move in Thailand in February, she will have her own Visa (non Immigrant B) and we will be related as "Non Immigrant O".
I quit my job and I was thinking to open a 'micro entreprise' (don't know how to translate it from french) so I can build websites and SaaS to french customers, from Thailand. I will create the company in few days, after Christmas break. I was working with disabled people in France. I know it's complicated to work in the same field in Thailand, so my company will not be related. I never had nether a diploma or training in coding, but I'm strong enough to build good products as a freelance (did it few years ago).
From what I understand, working in Thailand with my visa (non immigrant O) is not allowed, even if I'm not working with Thai people : I just can't work in Thailand.
... I will be crazy in few months, doing nothing but swimming pool in our new brand condo 🤷🏻♂️🥲
I just heard about DTV : is it possible to apply from Thailand (can't quit my family) explaining that I am creating my society ? I have proof of money (more than 20000€ are not moving in my bank account) and my family will already be in Thailand.
Any help appreciated... :)
I just discovered this group and I feel a little lost regarding all the information I found.
My wife, my daughter and I will move in Thailand in February, she will have her own Visa (non Immigrant B) and we will be related as "Non Immigrant O".
I quit my job and I was thinking to open a 'micro entreprise' (don't know how to translate it from french) so I can build websites and SaaS to french customers, from Thailand. I will create the company in few days, after Christmas break. I was working with disabled people in France. I know it's complicated to work in the same field in Thailand, so my company will not be related. I never had nether a diploma or training in coding, but I'm strong enough to build good products as a freelance (did it few years ago).
From what I understand, working in Thailand with my visa (non immigrant O) is not allowed, even if I'm not working with Thai people : I just can't work in Thailand.
... I will be crazy in few months, doing nothing but swimming pool in our new brand condo 🤷🏻♂️🥲
I just heard about DTV : is it possible to apply from Thailand (can't quit my family) explaining that I am creating my society ? I have proof of money (more than 20000€ are not moving in my bank account) and my family will already be in Thailand.
Any help appreciated... :)
Answer summary
A user seeks guidance on working in Thailand with a Non Immigrant O visa while planning to start a business. They are uncertain about their options, especially regarding the Digital Nomad Visa (DTV). Comments clarify that the DTV can only be applied for from outside Thailand and that working remotely for a foreign company on a Non-O visa is not permitted. Therefore, they are advised to consider applying for the DTV before arriving in Thailand.
24 repliesnewest first
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Anonymous *************
OP@Chris ********
thanks a lot for your precious help.Mike *******
All the information you require is on the thai embassy website, Facebook is NOT the place to gather this information, you will only end up confused by everyone's interpretation of what is required, do yourself a favor and go to the website 👍
Anonymous *************
OP@Mike ******
it's not written on their website that I must apply from outside Thailand, as an example. Nothing about society CREATION also... I must gather information, the website isn't clear at all.Mike *******
Anonymous participant sorry I don't even know what 'society creation' is 🤣 not sure where your looking but it seems to be common knowledge that you have to apply outside of Thailand just like the non O so it must be there somewhere. My advice would be to start an application so you know exactly what you need, you can save and exit at any point and you don't have to pay until you submit at the end. I have done many visas this way for both myself and my Thai wife 👍
John **********
You can't work on a Non-O dependant visa either inside Thailand or remotely from Thailand. You need a DTV based on workation for remote work. As you won't move to Thailand until February why not apply for the DTV before you come?
Anonymous *************
OP@John *********
because I just got enough money on my bank account... I must wait 3 months as I read itJohn **********
Anonymous participant depends where you apply, different consulates have different seasoning criteria
John **********
Anonymous participant people with startup companies have been approved. You just need to explain that, how you will have customers and show your expected income. Although its obviously easier with existing income
Anonymous *************
OP@John *********
oh, I wanted to say "company", my English isn't clear at all sorryAnonymous *************
OP@John *********
i don't have the society yet because I just quit my job. I need to create one in France...John **********
Anonymous participant I've no idea what a society creation is? Can you explain
Anonymous *************
OP@John *********
do you know if it can work with a society CREATION ?Greg ********
As the other person said. You need to apply outside Thailand. Why not move to Thailand on the "O". See how things go with the new business then move to DTV in 6 months or so. Although technically illegal to be working on the French company in practical reality it is not likely anything would happen.
Anonymous *************
OP@Greg *******
(I forgot to thanks you for your answer)Anonymous *************
OP@Greg *******
that was one of my question... I can't really see how the thai authorities can know that I have incomes in France, but I really want to be "legaly ok" regarding my family's situation. I just don't want to stay in Bangkok doing nothing for my whole life...Greg ********
Anonymous participant Those that get caught are overwhelmingly "Informed" on. By business rivals, ex-partners or so called friends. If you want to be strictly legal then go for the DTV from the start. Some Embassies are fine with a new company while others want to see some history. You could go for Soft Power through something like Thai Cooking. Would also help with the boredom and you can cook for the family :-) :-) Anyway, you have a decision to make. Good luck and hope all goes well.
Greg ********
Anonymous participant Good idea. Get settled in. Bangkok is a great city and so much to do there with families. I look at my ex-colleagues there and they are busy constantly.
Anonymous *************
OP@Greg *******
thanks again for your kindness. I will have my immigrant-o and will study hard online in many domains (including English that I'm not speaking well). I will take care of my family first, discover the city, then I'll apply for DTV :)
DTV_****
No you cannot apply while still in Thailand.
DTV can only be applied from outside of Thailand, and you must also remain in the same country where you applied from until it is approved (otherwise risk of it being denied/cancelled).
DTV can only be applied from outside of Thailand, and you must also remain in the same country where you applied from until it is approved (otherwise risk of it being denied/cancelled).
Anonymous *************
OPOk. Thanks a lot for your answer. If I understand well, I will have to wait for holidays (I won't leave my family) then leave the country with my immigrant O, wait few weeks then go back to Thailand when approved (or not). Is there any risk to see my first visa cancelled ? Do you think it can work for a society creation... ? Sorry, but I have a lot of questions.
DTV_****
Anonymous participant as others above mention - you cannot hold 2 visas as same time, so best to speak to your wife company HR person or company visa agent/person to first cancel your non-immigrant O , then go apply in a country outside Thailand and then once approved fly back into Thailand on DTV visa.
From a lot of the previous questions and chats from people asking similar it doesn’t seem DTV-workcation Visa is best for you since the society isn’t set up yet, doesn’t have clients yet etc. BUT some have been approved with new freelance businesses so, it’ depends a bit on luck it seems as wel as how well you explain in a cover letter.
From a lot of the previous questions and chats from people asking similar it doesn’t seem DTV-workcation Visa is best for you since the society isn’t set up yet, doesn’t have clients yet etc. BUT some have been approved with new freelance businesses so, it’ depends a bit on luck it seems as wel as how well you explain in a cover letter.
Phil ******
Anonymous participant yes you cannot hold 2 visas. Also the DTV doesn't allow for work inside Thailand
Greg ********
Anonymous participant You will probably need the "O" cancelled before you apply for the DTV outside the country. Immigration will issue the O so you will need them to cancel it. If your wife's work is involved you "May" need their HR etc input too.
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