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Can I work on my small business while on a Non-Immigrant B visa and teaching in Thailand?

Non-immigrant visa B Thailand work visa Teaching English in Thailand Starting a business in Thailand Tax regulations in Thailand

Mar 25, 2025

9 days ago

Rachael *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I am currently seeking work in a school teaching english in Thailand (fully qualified) and therefore, assume I will be applying for a Non-immigrant visa “B” once (if) I get a job offer. 

I have my own small graphic design business, currently registered in Ireland. if I would like to carry out work while living in Thailand on this visa, while still working at a school, will I also need to apply for a DTV visa? Should I transfer my business to Thailand instead? I understand that if I will be living here more than 183 days a year, that I will need to pay taxes in Thailand.

tl;dr Can I work on my small business while on a Visa B and teaching in a school?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The individual wishes to know if they can operate their small graphic design business while holding a Non-immigrant visa 'B' for teaching in Thailand. They seek clarification on whether they need a DTV visa for their business and are aware of the tax implications if they reside in Thailand for over 183 days.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the DTV 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.

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Frank **********

You are only allowed to be on one Visa at a time. With a DTV you cannot establish an actual business in Thailand and any Thai customers. Your business and customers would be online only.

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Rachael *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Frank *********

Thanks the info. And, yes my clients are based in Ireland. My question is can I legally work as a teacher in Thailand while still working on my small online business?

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Roman **********

@Rachael ******

If a tree falls in a forest and no one heard it, did it really fall?

The main thing will be where you are declaring tax, remitting income and ensuring its a foreign company with no jurisdiction.

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Braulio *********

@Rachael ******

no

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Rachael *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks so much for your help!

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Frank **********

@Rachael ******

a lot of people do it. As long as all your customers are out of country you should be fine but I wouldn't tell anyone.

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Mikkel *******

@Rachael ******

your best move forward, If you are set on working as a teacher in Thailand, is getting the correct visa/work permit for that, and keep everything you are doing online on the down low. Don't advertise for customers in Thailand. Don't be loud about doing it. Nobody would know if you did or not if you don't advertise it. And if it's legit only remote online work, not in any way related to Thailand, then nobody here will care.

On the other hand you could get a DTV letting you legally stay in Thailand for 5 years, and working for a remote company (or yourself online, not for Thai customers), but it's still a tourist visa and not possible to get a work permit with, which you WILL need to actually work as a teacher.

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Rachael *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

thank you!

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Rachael *******

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John **********

@Rachael ******

not legally. To work as a teacher you will need a Non-B visa and associated work permit via the school you will work for

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John **********

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Garrett ***********

Why make things more difficult for yourself?

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Rachael *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Garrett **********

I understand DTV may not be the solution ☺️

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Rachael *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Okay thanks. I was under the impression a DTV was for digital nomads with their own businesses? My business is registered in Europe and all my clients are from there.

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John **********

@Rachael ******

yes but you can't work for any thai entity on a DTV and you can't simultaneously hold 2 visas

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Rachael *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

amazing! All makes sense now. Thank you 🙏🏻

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Rachael *******

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Garrett ***********

@Rachael ******

You can't work in a DTV. If your graphic design business has nothing to do with Thailand than don't even mention it.

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Garrett ***********

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Rachael *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Garrett **********

sorry, I don’t understand how I am making things difficult? I am an english teacher and want to work in a school in Thailand but I don’t want to give up my freelance business. Just looking for advice.

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Thaimer ******

@Rachael ******

you’re making things difficult as graphic design is online business. You can do that without anyone knowing you’re doing it in Thailand

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Rachael *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

oh . . okay haha. So I should just stay quiet I guess? 😅😅

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Thaimer ******

@Rachael ******

yep. Just keep doing what you do. If you try to “legalize it” you’ll just complicate things

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Thaimer ******

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