Can I apply for a NON-O visa in Thailand while working part-time for a US employer?

NON-O visa Thailand immigration work permit expat visa visa requirements Thailand income requirements financial documentation

Jun 21, 2023

a year ago

Michael ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I’m coming from the US to Thailand on a tourist visa. I’m moving to Thailand permanently other than a couple trips a year to visit family back in the US. I want to apply for a O visa after arriving in Thailand. I’m 63 years old but not collecting social security yet. My current employer wants me to work for them for at least the end of this year, maybe longer as part time while in Thailand. Can I still get an O visa? My salary will still cover the required 65,000 baht per month requirement. I know it says you can’t work but is that based on you can’t have a work permit to work in Thailand?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The O visa in Thailand, particularly for the NON-O category, is generally meant for retirees or those who wish to live in Thailand without working. While you can still receive a salary from your US employer, it typically requires evidence of sufficient funds either through bank transfers or banked assets. Since you are over 60 and considering applying for an O visa, you'll need to meet either the income requirement set forth by the Thai authorities or have sufficient funds (800,000 baht in your Thai bank account) seasoned for two months. It's important to note that engaging in work, even if it's for a foreign employer, may lead to complications regarding immigration status and tax obligations.

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.
Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement 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.

Bob **********

You’ll need 800k in the bank for 2 months before you’re extension some offices want it 2 months before you apply for the non -o your monthly won’t Nader until your 2nd extension

a year ago

Cole ***********

You do not want to show any current income. Not only would it require a work permit but it would be taxable. Online work in the US would have to be paid and taxed in the US. Do not give up your American bank account.

a year ago

Michael ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Cole **********

it would be deposited in a US bank and be sent into my Thai bank account via Wise transfer.

a year ago

Reply to

Michael ********

John **********

The O visa is work prohibited. If you work it will be illegally. If you want to work legally look at the LTR visa.

a year ago

Dwight ********

I'm sure Tod Daniels will respond in more detail, but you need 800,000 baht the first year seasoned two months. Then you can use

*****

baht method.

a year ago

Dwight ********

Ah, I was late with my comment as noted...Tod has a much more complete response.

a year ago

Reply to

Dwight ********

Tod *********

you will not be able to use the monthly income method by international transfer for proof of funds to get an in country Non-O OR the year extension.

As you are from the US (a country that no longer issues the "affidavit of income from abroad" notary at the embassy here) you have to transfer in a minimum of 65K baht a month, each month, every month for the previous 12 months BEFORE you can apply.

That's the rule using monthly income method for countries who can't get the affidavit from their embassy.

You would have to transfer 800K baht into a thai bank account in your name only and use the banked money method to get the initial 90 day Non-O and the year extension after that. You could also begin transferring in 65K baht a month and use that NEXT year for the second yearly extension after you have 12 months of incoming transfers.

a year ago

Michael ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

I have a Thai wife but we were married in the US. Is a marriage visa possible or do we need to marry in Thailand? If so can I work for a US company along with the 65,000 monthly income and get the marriage visa. Or maybe just go with the LTR visa?

a year ago

Ellie *******

@Michael *******

, You can apply for Non-O based on marriage if your US marriage certificate is legalized in Thailand.

You can have work permit on Non-O based on marriage to a Thai if your company can sponsor Thai work permit. Visa itself would never let you work in Thailand.

But please make a new post about different type of visa or extension once you at least check basic information about what you want.

a year ago

Michael ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ellie ******

thank you. Yes I’m looking at other types of visas. They sure don’t make it easy lol.

a year ago

Reply to

Michael ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

can I enter Thailand on a tourist visa (30 days) and get extensions or do border runs for the first year along with the 65,000 going into my bank account monthly for the first year and then apply for the O visa at the beginning of the second year? I know you may have already answered the second part of my reply. I just wanted to put it all together as a question. I’ve looked at the Thai immigration website and it’s not really clear or I’m just that stupid lol. Your first reply was better then anything I’ve found on the Thai immigration websites.

a year ago

Ellie *******

@Michael *******

, unfortunately, no, it doesn't work. You need to have 800k thb in a Thai bank account for an initial in-country Non-O based on retirement application. And we don't think immigration offices accept monthly transfer record for 12 months for the very first 1-year extension based on retirement either. We have never heard anyone successfully get 1-year extension based on retirement using monthly international transfer method.

a year ago

Reply to

Ellie *******

David ********

@Tod ********

Do people setup a separate bank account or do they just deposit the 65k baht every month into the 800k baht account?

a year ago

Ellie *******

@David *******

, either would work. That’s totally up to personal preferences.

a year ago

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