Answered4 years ago

What are the best options for extending my stay in Thailand after my covid visa expires while planning to start a business?

Thailand Visas Covid Visa Business Visa Long Term Stay Visa Extensions Thai Immigration

James ********

asked Sep 8, 2022

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I’m looking for some advice. I want to stay in Thailand long term. I am on a covid visa and have been here for 8 months. It expires on the 26th. I was going to purchase the elite visa until recently, I may now go into business here and set up a limited company. I am not 100% sure yet. I was thinking of leaving the country and coming back in on a tourist visa then changing that over to a business visa when the company is established. However time is not on my side and I’m confused about which way to go. I don’t think I can set up the company beige my visa expires on the 26th etc. any advice?

Answer summary

The user is looking for advice on extending their stay in Thailand as their covid visa is set to expire soon. They are considering options including purchasing an elite visa or leaving the country to re-enter on a tourist visa before transitioning to a business visa for setting up a company. A comment highlights that the covid extension is not a stand-alone visa and suggests moving quickly to obtain a business visa to avoid immigration issues.

3 repliesnewest first

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Bobby ********

There's no such thing as a covid "visa" - it's merely an "unable to travel" extension to your previous substantive visa or entry stamp. If you've been on these extensions for eight months, you may have difficulty re-entering on a TR or a visa-exempt, as immigration may feel you've been a "tourist" for long enough. Perhaps look at getting the wheels in motion to start a business visa sooner rather than later?

4 years ago

James ********

@Bobby *******

thank you! I’m looking into it, and I’m now considering opening up my own company in the future. The only business visas I can find are the ones where I’m tied to their “company” and cannot work in my own in the future. I’m not sure I have time to sort any of it now.

4 years ago

Bobby ********

@James *******

Talk to Greg Bewick . He seems to have a pretty good handle on BOI procedures.

4 years ago