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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 VisaDigital Nomad VisaBusiness Visa ThailandWorking in ThailandExpats in ThailandVisa RequirementsImmigration AdviceAmity Treaty
Jun 27, 2024
2 years ago
Trevor ******
ORIGINAL POSTERDoes 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?
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
Paul **********
If you from the USA you can use the Amity Treaty.
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Trevor ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul *********
not from USAReply to
Trevor ******
Reply
Will ************
You’ll own the business, well 49% of it.
Henrik *****
You owning a business, does not mean you can work there.
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.
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.
Tin **********
51% gf owned
Trevor ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tin *********
thanksTin **********
Michael ********
@Tin *********
What about if he is American they have a treatyReply to
Michael ********
Reply
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
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
Stephen ********
@Franklin **********
that for a work permit, not a business visa as far as I am aware.Franklin ***********
@Stephen *******
look it up, he needs 3 + his gf. Sounds like her buffalo will be feeling much better soon.
Stephen ********
@Franklin **********
why "lol" ? Why need 3 or more thai nationals?Reply to
Stephen ********
Reply
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