Answered8 years ago

Is it possible for an American to obtain a 1-year business visa in Thailand?

Thailand business visa NON-B visa Treaty of Amity expat business ownership visa extension starting a business in Thailand

Daniel ******

asked Sep 12, 2018

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Has anyone actually been able to get a 1-year business visa, or is that virtually impossible in reality?

Being an American and just now learning about the ability to own my own business here without a Thai partner has peaked my interest.

I've been considering either opening or purchasing a pre-existing co-living / co-working space.

Answer summary

The conversation addresses the feasibility of obtaining a 1-year business visa for Americans in Thailand, particularly in the context of starting or purchasing a co-working or co-living space. Responses suggest that while it is indeed achievable to secure a business visa, understanding the prerequisites for establishing a business—such as the financial capital requirement and legal considerations under the Treaty of Amity—are crucial. Several comments recommend consulting with a lawyer to navigate the legalities and visa options effectively.

13 repliesnewest first

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Tod *********

I can't see this topic going any where but side ways :O

@Dan***

, I think you need to really look into the pros and cons of opening a business here and talk to some people in the know about both the treaty of amity company and a regular thai ltd company.

Once you start down that road if you have visa questions, feel free to post again if you have questions.

Good Luck (y) We're done.

8 years ago

Joe ***********

Daniel, where are you located in Thailand?. Or where will you be located in Thailand?

8 years ago

Daniel ******

I’m in Chiang Mai but I don’t know where I will be based in the future

8 years ago

Tod *********

I'd say figure out how to set up the business FIRST and then look at the visa options it provides you

8 years ago

Daniel ************

@Daniel *************

yes

8 years ago

Daniel ******

@Tod ********

oh so business first then you can get a business visa, rather than business visa then go business hunting?

8 years ago

Tod *********

@Dan***

no I didn't mean come up with a viable business plan I mean come up with a way by going to an attorney or the right people so you can open a company here in thailand to implement your plan.

That's gonna take precedence over getting a visa to be here.

8 years ago

Daniel ******

I want to track down a failing co-working facility and integrate about 20 rooms of co-living, something failing that I can make perform again. So, I suppose that would be the hospitality business. I’ll try to find someone in Chiang Mai to consult, although I don’t necessarily want it to be in this province. Not opposed either though.

8 years ago

Dan *********

I think you need to talk to a lawyer about setting up a business in Thailand. You need at least 2 million baht in capital. Since you are American, you have an option to set up a business per the treaty of Amity in which you do not need a Thai partner/director (non-voting). The lawyer can tell you exactly what you need to do for the business visa.

8 years ago

Daniel ******

I just read it can be done for 1 million and it’s only 2 in some circumstances

8 years ago

Tod *********

I'd say your first step is finding out how to open a business here, and whoever you consult with on that will have the knowledge to tell you how to get a visa after you have a company here.

8 years ago

Tod *********

Supply the correct documents and you could get a 90 day Non-B visa and then a year extension of stay at the immigration office without any problem or get a year-long, multi-entry Non-B visa from a thai consulate as well.

Thousands of people work here on one year Non-B extensions and visas.

8 years ago

Daniel ******

I'm not looking for the ability to work though, but rather to start a business and invest. It appears there are two different types of one year business visas, one that is actually a year, and another that is 90 days at at time, but I may have misunderstood.

8 years ago