Answered8 years ago

Can I own and run a business on a retirement visa in Thailand?

retirement visa O-A visa O visa owning a business in Thailand employment regulations visa rules

Daniel *********

asked Jun 14, 2018

1.5k

views

replies

likes

Here's another, no doubt often answered, question.

Can an individual own and run a business on the so called retirement visa?  

 I am thinking that I will get the O A visa, or O visa.  Still need to study up on all the various visa options.

Thanks in advance..

Answer summary

Individuals on a retirement visa (O-A or O visa) can own a business in Thailand, but they cannot actively run or work in that business. The O-A visa explicitly states that employment is prohibited, meaning that while ownership is allowed, they cannot participate in the daily operations or receive a salary.

10 repliesnewest first

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Richard *********

With a retirement visa. !!

8 years ago

Richard *********

.Cheers Todd. Better keep the chef on then. I was going to learn to cook Thai. .. I'll put that on hold .

All the best mate. 🎎

8 years ago

Tod *********

@Ric****

, you would need a visa/extension based on marriage to get a Ministry of Labour office to issue a work permit, you would need to make xxx baht a month in salary the company would have the have the correct number of LEGAL thai employees that they're paying thai social security on and deducting withholding taxes.

I'll leave it to you to imagine the sh*t-storm that could happen if you were caught out working on the wrong visa and without a work permit..

8 years ago

Sarah ****************

@Richard ********

massive fines, deportation...same as working on a tourist visa. No work permit no working.

8 years ago

Richard *********

Consequences. ?

8 years ago

Tod *********

nope

8 years ago

Richard *********

Tod. Can they work. !! As in say cook. In their wife's resteraunt. She a Thai national. ?

8 years ago

Tod *********

own yes, RUN <- as in work the business NO.

The O-A visa has employment prohibited stamped right on the visa itself.

8 years ago

Mary ********

@Daniel ********

owning is seen as investment. Working in virtually any capacity is seen as taking a job from a Thai. 1st is ok, 2nd only with a work permit.

8 years ago

Daniel *********

Thanks Tod... As always, spot on.

I asked this question as I know that the visa doesn't allow work, yet I know of a few falang that own a business, mostly in a Thai's name.

So, 'owning" a business is not seen as 'work?"

Try telling that to a business owner.... 555

Then again, I did once work for an owner that didn't do a damn thing... 55

8 years ago