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Can I start a business on an ED visa in Thailand?

ED Visa Business in Thailand Visa Regulations Work Permits Chiang Mai Thai Language School

Apr 2, 2025

2 days ago

Freek **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi everybody,

I am coming to Chiang Mai soon and I will attend a Thai Lanuage School for an ED visa. I've read it's impossible to start a business whilst on said ED visa. Is that true, or can a visa agent perhaps help with some legal loopholes I am unaware of? Thanks in advance!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The ED visa primarily allows individuals to study in Thailand and does not permit them to legally work or start a business. While it may be technically possible to initiate a business, one would need a different visa and work permit to operate legally. Additionally, starting a business involves certain requirements, such as having registered capital and potentially hiring local employees.

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You don't need an ED visa to actually go to school. You can learn Thai on the type B visa you need to get the work permit to run your business. You can not legally work on an ED visa. You'll also need at least bt2million in registered capital in the business to get your work permit, and up to four Thai employees, depending under what business structure it is set up under. At the very least you will need a licensed Thai accountant.

2 days ago

Michael ********

You can start a buisness but you cannot work there. For that you require a different visa and work permit and comply with everything that goes with it.

2 days ago

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Michael ********

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Can I apply for an ED visa while on a visa exemption in Thailand, or do I need to leave the country?

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