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Can I use my investment income to qualify for a visa while pursuing my business idea in Thailand?

Visa Application Investment Income Business Visa Thai Immigration Rules Work in Thailand BOI Smart Visa DTV Visa Soft Power Visa

Jul 22, 2025

9 months ago

BronzeO********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Let's say I want to come to work on my business idea (app) and can document how it's legit and the viability / plan etc. Can they use my investment income of $30,000 over the past year to satisfy income. I've always got 500k THB in my bank account and fairly strong investment accounts etc. 

If I document everything in a compelling way will I get approved?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is inquiring about the possibility of using their investment income of $30,000 and a stable bank account with 500,000 THB to support a visa application for working on a business idea in Thailand. Community responses suggest exploring different visa options like the BOI Smart Visa or Soft Power Visa, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating a legitimate business plan and financial stability. Concerns are raised about the necessity of showing accessible funds in a personal bank account, rather than locked investments, and the need for a well-prepared application to increase approval chances.

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Henrik *****

In the past there has been big problems with foreigners, that couldn’t pay hospitalbills etc. if they got involved in a accident.

Under corona you had to show a medical insurance to overcome that problem of unpaid medical bills, but that did also stir up a lot of criticism and other problems.

But medical bills wasn’t the only finacial problem to be dealt whit, where foreigners misused the hospitality of Thailand, and to make sure those who make the problem also pay to solve the problem, Thailand now request a cash deposit, to cover those situations.

And they know that you had that kind of money, when applyed.

That’s why the 500.000 Baht has to be readily available, and not locked in investment accounts or other accounts like that.

Read the requirements of the exact Embassy you will apply at, and follow them strictly, it trying to bend the rules, the risk of rejection will be higher, and thereby loosing the 10.000+ baht visafee.

9 months ago

BronzeO********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Henrik ****

I've always got 500k thb cash in my bank account. Look at my post again.

9 months ago

Reply to

BronzeO********

Wannikea *********

They want to see you have viable provable past experience even if it doesn't make money. You can't alakazam I'm an app developer. They might also want to see you pay taxes and have tried to legitimize yourself. It's all in the presentation of your cover letter describing what you do, how you do it, why a workation place like Thailand suits you.

9 months ago

Anna *********

No one can answer that for you. If you can show you meet the requirements you’ll be fine. Your investment income isn’t really relevant but your savings and ability to work remotely is

Good luck

9 months ago

Anonymous ******************

In about the same situation. I get accepted (dtv workstation), but I show them big money and pro history of software developpement ( Basically work online, no invoice/customer, but no money problem. ).

I am also looking to switch to visa smart boi later ...

9 months ago

Greg ********

The DTV seems not to be a good fit for a start up idea. Maybe certain embassies woukd support it. As the other poster days look at BOI Smart S. If not why not just do Soft Power and still work on your startup. Good luck either way.

9 months ago

Bob **********

Your personal bank account is what they want

9 months ago

MacKenzie ******

Just a thought, if you are considering ever setting up an entity in Thailand to host this app, if you did that part first, you could potentially go for a different visa entirely.

Not 100% sure of your situation, but if you haven’t considered maybe it would be worth it to check it out

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9 months ago

Greg ********

@MacKenzie *****

They have tightened up on them recently. We were looking at that ourselves late last year. If the OP fits I say go for it

9 months ago

Reply to

Greg ********

John **********

I suspect you'd be better applying for one of the soft power options

9 months ago

James ********