Can I apply for a DTV in Thailand as a self-employed individual conducting market research for a future office?

DTV Visa Market Research Self-Employment Visa Application Non-B Visa Thailand Immigration Expat Visa Regional Office Setup

Nov 20, 2024

a month ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

I am self-employed in Europe. To apply for a DTV I anticipate to write a cover letter that I need to do ongoing market research in Thailand with the aim of establishing a regional office in Bangkok. I cannot submit any client contract at this stage. Would this work to get the DTV? All other required documents, such as bank statement etc, I have.

1,165

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The user queries whether their plan to conduct market research in Thailand for establishing a regional office would be sufficient to obtain a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV). Community feedback overwhelmingly suggests that this approach will likely lead to rejection, as the DTV is intended strictly for remote work with non-Thai companies. Suggestions indicate seeking a Non-B business visa for such activities instead.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

Kevin ********

You will be rejected. You cannot work that way on DTV in Thailand. I appreciate the thought behind it and why you would explain it that way, but it would be rejected if you put that.

a month ago

Wesley ********

This sounds exactly like what not to say.

a month ago

Lena *******

@Wesley *******

I was going to say that. @Anon you need to keep all work away from Thailand. Even suggestions of it.

a month ago

Reply to

Lena *******

John **********

You won't get a DTV based on that. Either go with working remotely for your own company or get a Non-B business visa that covers this type of activity

********************************************************************************

*****

a month ago

Brian *********

That would be effective at getting you rejected I suspect…

The intention is for real remote employees to work from Thailand on business that is not Thai related.

Second, if you haven’t done the market research, why would the goal be to set up a regional office in bkk?

I think they’d shoot this full of holes tbh

a month ago

Myles *******

a month ago

Paul *******

Do NOT submit anything that mentions you want to work in Thailand (meaning for a Thai company or company based in Thailand) or with Thai entities.

Once you're over here, you could do some research and look into establishing a regional office. Upon doing this, you'll need to change over from the DTV to an appropriate visa.

a month ago

Greg ********

You are stating there you are working in Thailand though are you not. Who will you be researching? Thai people or businesses? Foreign residents or visitors? I think this might fall into the "B" visitor category. If you really want the DTV I woukd try another option

a month ago

Andi ***********

@Greg *******

Agree on the B visitor category

a month ago

Greg ********

@Andi **********

We asked foir Multi-B in Singapore as we came up arond 10 times a year to the Thai office, spoke at conferences, trained the Thai's, visitied hospitals and clinics. Would not give us multi - said apply for singles. Bollox to that - our passports only lasted a couple of years anyway with other visas. We just did it in Visa Exempt.

a month ago

Andi ***********

@Greg *******

Yeah the B visa can be a nightmare to obtain. I know some Japanese firms had problems with that. Visa Exempt is an easy way round that.

a month ago

Greg ********

@Andi **********

We were a major Global Big Pharma. I worked for a global Japanese company after. BOI in Thailand so visas never an issue. They are celebrating 50 years in Thailland this year and I heard the budget is large to promote it.

a month ago

Reply to

Greg ********

Andi ***********

DTV is for online work with non-Thai companies.

a month ago

Reply to

Andi ***********

Can I obtain a DTV visa in Thailand with a remote job and no formal contract?

2 comments

a month ago

What should I consider when applying for a DTV visa in Thailand with a freelance business?