Can I Start a Business in Thailand on a DTV Visa?

Question

Opening a Business on DTV, possible? 
Hi everyone,

I’m planning to launch my own clothing brand, selling mainly to Europe and the US. The problem is that taxes in my home country are extremely high (even 60% of your money goes to the State and there’s no facilities for start ups…), so I’m considering doing this from Thailand. I usually come to Thailand on holiday every year and I absolutely would love to open something from here and stay here longer.

I’ve been looking into the DTV Visa, which allows me to stay in Thailand for 180 days, and I know it’s possible to pay for an extension to stay longer. My main question is: if I do this extension, can I actually pay taxes in Thailand instead of my home country? From what I understand, I risk paying double taxation if I don't first change my registered residence from my home country to Thailand. Does anyone here have experience about it?

I’ve also heard that there’s a rule where if you keep your business money in a foreign bank account (like Wise or PayPal) and don’t transfer it to a Thai account within the same year, it won’t be taxed. Is this correct?

Finally, would it make sense to open a remote LLC from Thailand for countries like Estonia or Hong Kong to manage my brand more efficiently, or is it better to handle everything locally?

I’d really appreciate any advice or experiences from people who have done something similar on DTV

Thanks a lot!

Ask Thailand · Answer

The post seeks advice on starting a clothing business in Thailand while on a DTV Visa and concerns about taxes and legal implications. Community responses highlight that the DTV Visa does not permit working or starting a business in Thailand legally. Instead, it's advised to register a business externally and manage it from Thailand without violating visa rules. Many emphasize that proper business registration in Thailand requires a different visa type, such as Non-Immigrant B, along with a Thai partner and compliance with local laws.

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

Focus on actually making a business first, if your not making any revunue you aint got a business, once your making serious turnover then can get the setup in place, then look into a u.s llc or dubai

Hamad ******** · Answer

You can open a company with a thai partner and be a share holder/ board member. But being under dtv means you can not legally pay yourself a salary. It might be a better option to consider applying for a wp/non-b visa based on the company.

Andrew ********* · Answer

No. No. No. No.

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

You can be a shareholder of a Thai company under a DTV, and that’s all you can do. You cannot be a director or work for your Thai company in any capacity. The only valid visa for that is a Non-B visa with a work permit and you will need to make sure your company is a legit one (certainly the most difficult, 4 staffs per foreigner, minimum capital, etc.)

Regarding taxes, you’ll need to pay the standard Thai company taxes. Also, remember that you cannot deal with any Thai entity, so in your case, it would have to be purely dropshipping with foreign companies or individuals. Using any shipping service or receiving products under your name in Thailand is considered operating a business in Thailand and thus working under the wrong visa. Supposing you are the shareholder of a legit thai company, the staff and office will need to deal with it.

Please make sure to get the proper visa to operate without risk and be fully flexible. The DTV was not designed for that purpose, and authorities are very strict on illegal work. I wouldn't personally operate under a Thai company without a solid budget, genuine company and the proper visa.

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

From experience. I wouldn’t worry about taxes until you’ve actually made money. You haven’t sold a single item of clothing yet. Taxes arnt your worry right now.

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

The DTV visa would give you a good base for being away from your original country so you could be a non tax resident.

Aslong as there was no actual manufacturing or staff hiring or actual no part of your business in Thailand.

You could then do print on demand or source abroad printers and organise the business remotely.

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

You need to set the company and run it for a while before requesting the DTV visa and actually go to Thailand.

the rule says that you are able to get the DTV owning your own online company but... The company must exist and be running for a while before you use this company in specific to apply for the DTV.

Haven't heard of anyone who opened the company and immediately applied for the DTV successfully 🤷🏼‍♂️

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

You need to google about being a perpetual traveler. Living fully remote on tourist visas, each country you visit doesn’t have the right to claim taxes from you. And you need to be a non resident of your original country and make sure you fit the criteria for being allowed to ‘leave’ as such.

Qi ******** · Answer

Wrong visa. Not on DTV visa. You will need to set up a company registration in Thailand with a majority Thai partner (51%) , local staff and a work permit. It’s going to require substantial capital outlay.

A. ************ · Answer

You are not allowed to work in Thailand or work for Thai clients while on a DTV, and starting a business in Thailand would be considered working there, and a different visa type would be required (I think it would be the Non-immigrant B visa). It would be permissible for you to start the business elsewhere and then move to Thailand on a DTV. Look into registering your company in a business-friendly country, and once you get it going you can apply to move to Thailand on a DTV.

Can I Start a Business in Thailand on a DTV Visa?

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