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Can I apply for a non-B visa or digital nomad visa if I start a business in Thailand with my Thai girlfriend?

Non-B Visa Digital Nomad Visa Business Visa Thailand Working in Thailand Expats in Thailand Visa Requirements Immigration Advice Amity Treaty

Jun 27, 2024

6 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Does anyone here know: IF I start a business with my Thai gf and base it here in Thailand, even before it starts to make money, is that a valid basis to apply for either a non-B visa or the upcoming digital nomad visa or some other visa that allows me to live and work in Thailand for long periods of time?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Starting a business with your Thai girlfriend may not be a straightforward path to applying for a non-B visa or the digital nomad visa. To qualify for a non-B visa, you typically need a majority Thai ownership (51% owned by a Thai national) and staff on payroll. Additionally, work permits are contingent on the nature of the work being non-replicable by a Thai person. The upcoming digital nomad visa is also targeted more toward remote work rather than business establishment. For detailed guidance, consulting a local lawyer experienced in Thai business immigration law is recommended.

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Jim ********

Keep in mind the proposed digital nomad visa is for a digital nomad, not someone living full time in the country setting up a business. The proposal is 180 days per year for five years. Even if you own a business in Thailand, you can't work in it if the job you are doing can be done by a Thai person. If you get married and you obtain the "married to a Thai" visa, this does allow you to obtain a work permit, but again, only for a job which cannot be done by a Thai person. You would better advised to speak with a lawyer in Thailand who is conversant with setting up a business

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Paul **********

If you from the USA you can use the Amity Treaty.

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Trevor ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Paul *********

not from USA

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Trevor ******

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Will ************

You’ll own the business, well 49% of it.

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Henrik *****

You owning a business, does not mean you can work there.

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Eddie ******

You need 4 thai staffs on payroll, contributing social security. Your girlfriend will probably be the 51% (juristic person) for the company. Lots hurdles for you to apply Non-B and work permit for the start up.

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Stuart ***********

I don't know the answer for certain, but if you think about it, if it was that simple there would be a lot of people applying for visas on this basis.

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Tin **********

51% gf owned

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Trevor ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

thanks

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Tin **********

@Michael *******

49

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Michael ********

What about if he is American they have a treaty

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Michael ********

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Franklin ***********

First off -lol

2nd - you need 3 more thai nationals

3rd - you have to wait 90 days

Godspeed my boy i look forward to seeing your future posts

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Stephen ********

@Franklin **********

that for a work permit, not a business visa as far as I am aware.

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Franklin ***********

@Stephen *******

look it up, he needs 3 + his gf.

Sounds like her buffalo will be feeling much better soon.

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Stephen ********

@Franklin **********

why "lol" ? Why need 3 or more thai nationals?

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Stephen ********

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