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Should I switch from a DTV visa to a work permit through an Employer of Record in Thailand?
DTV VisaWork PermitEmployer of RecordFreelancing in ThailandVisa RegulationsRemote WorkExpats in Thailand
Jun 4, 2025
a year ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERHi everyone,
I'm currently living in Thailand on a DTV visa and working for a company that pays me as a freelancer.
Since the company is not based in Thailand, they suggested I obtain a work permit through an Employer of Record (EOR) service. I'm assuming they would increase my wage accordingly so that my net salary isn't affected by the change.
I have a few questions:
Has anyone gone through this process?
Would you recommend it?
From what I understand, I would need to cancel my DTV visa, and I'm not sure whether having a work permit would offer significant benefits beyond things like opening a bank account. I'm also unsure if I’d be able to reapply for the DTV visa in the future if needed.
Any insights or experiences would be greatly appreciated!
I'm currently living in Thailand on a DTV visa and working for a company that pays me as a freelancer.
Since the company is not based in Thailand, they suggested I obtain a work permit through an Employer of Record (EOR) service. I'm assuming they would increase my wage accordingly so that my net salary isn't affected by the change.
I have a few questions:
Has anyone gone through this process?
Would you recommend it?
From what I understand, I would need to cancel my DTV visa, and I'm not sure whether having a work permit would offer significant benefits beyond things like opening a bank account. I'm also unsure if I’d be able to reapply for the DTV visa in the future if needed.
Any insights or experiences would be greatly appreciated!
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is currently on a DTV visa and considering switching to a work permit through an Employer of Record (EOR) service due to recommendations from their foreign employer. They are uncertain about the process, benefits, and whether they could return to the DTV visa in the future. Community comments express skepticism about the need for a work permit under current visa regulations, emphasizing that working as a freelancer for a foreign company is allowed under the DTV. Concerns are raised regarding potential complications with visa status if the work permit is canceled and the lack of proper facilities from the employer for issuing the work permit.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
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- 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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John **********
You say you freelance for a non Thai company but do you do any work for that company inside Thailand (other than remote work)? On a DTV you can only perform remote work for entities outside of Thailand, any interaction with thai entities is not allowed. If you interact with Thai entities then you need to get off the DTV and onto a visa that allows you to hold a work permit. As I understand it you can only do this at a local immigration office and not at a consulate outside of Thailand
Arpan ******
Maybe they are saying this because there is a lot of transaction fees for converting it into Thai baht
Muay *************
If they don't have a buisness facility/ office / shop/ premises etc in Thailand I don't see how a work permit can be issued.
Anonymous ******************
You worked for getting a dtv visa for 5 years . Just complete this and do change after this . If they want to revise your salary, ask him to pay as per the company standards. I heard you can open a bank account in the dtv visa itself, some locals needed to give surety for opening the account. . Work permit visa has more restriction but in freelancing Visa you can work for multiple companies
Wannikea *********
The company doesn't know what they are talking about. You are perfectly legal working for a foreign company inside Thailand as long as your work has no direct interaction/services with Thai businesses, persons, entities. The DTV was designed to fill that gap of qualifying remote, freelance, workcation, activities inside Thailand. Part B is you need a non B visa to get a work permit, and if they can't supply the visa paperwork they certainly can't supply the work permit paperwork.
Jack ********
@Wannikea ********
I don’t think you understand what an EOR does. They take care of all the paperwork for the visa and work permit. While I agree it’s probably not needed in this case it’s certainly an optionWannikea *********
@Jack *******
it's true I don't understand, but I do know you spent 10,000 baht and put 500K in a savings account, plus plus, to get the visa.Jack ********
@Wannikea ********
I was talking about your inaccurate statement about the work permit and paperworkWannikea *********
@Jack *******
my bad, I thought your reply was actually the OP.Jack ********
@Wannikea ********
not me bossReply to
Jack ********
Reply
James ********
@Wannikea ********
correct ✅Reply to
James ********
Reply
Greg ********
Are they going to pay for the EOR costs and increase salary to cover tax?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Greg *******
I need to discuss this with them, but I need to know if I'm still going ahead with it even if they are willing to do soReply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERAccording to them, it's more appropriate to have everything arranged through a work permit. I also don't see the benefit for the company or the need for it now that I have the DTV
Robert ***********
Anonymous participant Keep in mind that if they cancel your work permit you need to leave the country. If you have a DTV and you have a falling out with them, you will still be able to stay in Thailand. I do not see many pros other than a bank account.
Reply to
Robert ***********
Reply
Dany ********
if you work as a freelancer and are not employed by them, why would you need and want an EOR setup?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dany *******
I'm actually employed by them and I'm just under a freelancer contract, as it was the easiest way to get started when I joined. However, now that I have the DTV, I want to be sure about any potential benefits of having the visa and work permit, if there are any, or if I should refuse the idea and stick to my DTVDany ********
Anonymer Teilnehmer what kind of benefits? the dtv doesnt really have any benefits besides beeing able to stay for a while in thailand. the non-b would most likely be a better visa as it is a non immigrant visa. open bank account, etc… i would ask some real experts on the matter. because with your contract with the company you might have some employee rights that you might lose in the EOR setup. with the DTV no one can really check your employment for the 5 years. with the EOR you will lose your visa and wp when you stop working for that company. things can change quickly in life. i would probably stick with the DTV to be on the safe side, no matter what happens with the job.
Reply to
Dany ********
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Elías ********
Why do they need ask you to do that?
Reply to
Elías ********
Reply
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