Should I switch from a DTV visa to a work permit through an Employer of Record in Thailand?

Question

Hi 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!

Ask Thailand · Answer

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.

John ********** · Answer

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 ****** · Answer

Maybe they are saying this because there is a lot of transaction fees for converting it into Thai baht

Muay ************* · Answer

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 ****************** · Answer

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 ********* · Answer

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.

Greg ******** · Answer

Are they going to pay for the EOR costs and increase salary to cover tax?

Anonymous ************* · Answer

According 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

Dany ******** · Answer

if you work as a freelancer and are not employed by them, why would you need and want an EOR setup?

Elías ******** · Answer

Why do they need ask you to do that?

Should I switch from a DTV visa to a work permit through an Employer of Record in Thailand?

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