This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

Is operating a US-based business remotely while on a Retirement Visa in Thailand considered working?

Retirement Visa Business Operations Remote Work Visa Regulations Passive Income Immigration Thailand Expats

Feb 8, 2026

3 months ago

Mike *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

In the context of a Retirement Visa.

Is operating a US based business remotely considered working?

1,110

views

all likes

replies

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

Operating a US-based business remotely from Thailand is generally considered as working, which can complicate one's eligibility for a Retirement Visa. While some argue that managing passive income, such as rental properties, might not fall under this definition, the consensus leans towards requiring the correct visa for work-related activities. Engaging a reputable visa agent is advised to navigate these regulations accurately.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement 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.

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted Retirement Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

PurpleO********

Best to discuss with a visa agent, rather than get hundred different answers on social media.

3 months ago

Nongnuch ********

PurpleOtter5805 he got a clear and concise and correct reply from the moderator, who is an expert on visa-related questions. He does not need another opinion, and better not from any visa-agent who runs a profit-oriented business and accordingly wants to pull money out of his pocket. Your bad advice is leading him in the wrong direction

3 months ago

PurpleO********

Nongnuch Kamdee I agree with you in part.

I do not recommend using a backstreet visa agent, but that should go without saying. A good respectable visa agent can give good advice. My advice is not bad.

3 months ago

Reply to

PurpleO********

David ******

To the point what if the business is passive income. For example rental properties could be considered a business and passive income. He is a business owner and didn't say worker.

3 months ago

John **********

@David *****

if he has rental properties but someone else manages the rentals for him without his input that would be passive income.

3 months ago

Mike *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

David Earl you are correct Sir and curious to know if that makes a difference. Small company, 10 employees and 2 Managers who operate the business.

3 months ago

John **********

@Mike ******

you did ask about operating the business and if that's true then you should get the appropriate visa. If you own the business but have no input into operations then that is a different question

3 months ago

Reply to

John **********

Inspirin*********

It’s not America

3 months ago

Nick **********

InspiringLion8038 It's not?

Wow, thanks for the update.

3 months ago

Reply to

Nick **********

Graham ******