Can I invest in a Thai business as a silent partner on a retirement visa?

O Visa Retirement Visa Business Investment Thailand Immigration Legal Advice

Jul 18, 2022

2 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello. Please help. O Visa Retirement with Investment.

All the web pages I've searched state that I cannot work on my visa but do not mention if I can make money in Thailand with investments.

My Thai friend asked me to invest in his business but I'm not sure if I am allowed to be a silent partner in a Thai business on my visa.

I won't be working in the business; just investing and taking profits. 🤞🤞🤞

I won't be using any of my 800k to invest, just extra money from my home account.

Tia. Cheers.

711

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The post inquires about the legality of being a silent partner in a Thai business while holding a retirement visa, specifically the O Visa. Responses highlight that although working in a business is prohibited on the visa, there is ambiguity regarding investments. It is advised that any profits made from investments in Thailand might require filing Thai income tax, which could violate visa terms. While profits from foreign investments are permissible, engaging in business activities within Thailand is not advisable.

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.

Kool *******

If you make any kind of profit from any kind of business, or investment, that is the result of business done in Thailand then you are required to file Thai income tax. As soon as you do that you violate the terms of your visa. You can make profit from investments outside of Thailand. That is fine, but you can not do business inside Thailand.

2 years ago

Chris *******

@Kool ******

ANY income gained inside Thailand other than interest /gains from your bank accounts (which is taxed right away) is illegal.

So you own a condo and rent it out, air bnb pays your off shore account, you don't register TM30 or Vat or any govt tax etc.

No one rats you out.....but piss off the wrong person.

There are grey areas in all things, what you do behind closed doors is your business.

Is it worth the risk is up to you.

Personally not a chance I'll mess with my retirement.

2 years ago

Dickie ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Kool ******

what about people buying condos in Thailand and get money from within Thailand? 🙏

2 years ago

Reply to

Dickie ********

Terary **********

Bunches of pentioners buy condos with the hopes that their investments will increase in value.

2 years ago

Todd *********

@Terary *********

everybody that bought homes and condos in the last 2 years made a killing 💴 already

2 years ago

Reply to

Todd *********

Colin **********

I think the logic is that if your retired you can't work for a company. There is no mention of investment and every retired person with a pension has an investment.

2 years ago

John *********

Let me put it this way. If you hadn't told me about it I wouldn't know would I?

2 years ago

Reply to

John *********

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Join the Group

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation