Answered2 years ago

What are the best visa options for freelancing and working with Thai businesses for 1-2 years in Thailand?

Thailand Visa Options Freelancing in Thailand DTV Visa Work Permit Thailand Long-term Visa Thailand Non-Thai Companies

Ruairidh ******************

asked Feb 22, 2025

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Hi all.

I want to move to Thailand for a year or two on a trial basis before applying for the DTV 5 year (if it truly becomes home)

What would be my best options for 1-2 years in Thailand? I would like to freelance and potentially work for and with Thai businesses while I'm living here.

I see a lot of options but I hope you lovely folks can help point me to the best options for my requirements.

Thanks and happy to give more info if needed!

Answer summary

To move to Thailand for 1-2 years and freelance or work with Thai businesses, the best option may be the DTV visa, but it does not permit local employment. Alternatively, a multi-entry tourist visa could allow for nearly 9 months in the country, but for longer stays, you would need a long-term visa. To work with Thai companies, securing a work permit is essential.

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Andi ***********

The DTV is for online work only with non Thai companies and clients. If you want to work with Thai firms you need a work permit.

2 years ago

Candice ********

@Ruairidh *****************

if you want to work for a Thai company then non-B visa and work permit. If you want to stay your own boss and work with Thai companies you would need to open a company here. But for that, you need to have a Thai associate owning at least 51% of the company

2 years ago

Ruairidh ******************

@Andi **********

yeah, I have an online job which I think means the DTV would be alright for that. I would like to also get involved with the local community and work with Thai businesses so I would have to get a permit from the specific business(es)? Then I can work for them on whatever visa?

2 years ago

John **********

@Ruairidh *****************

no. If you want to work with Thai businesses you would have to give up the DTV and change to a Non-B visa with a work permit. Either you work i. Thailand for a Thai entity or you work remotely for a non-thai entity located outside of Thailand. There is no visa that allows you to do both

2 years ago

Andi ***********

@Ruairidh *****************

The Thai business would sponsor your work permit. You would apply under a non immigrant B visa. Need to get the job first as the company needs to provide details of employment/business relationship.

2 years ago

Andi ***********

@Ruairidh *****************

Yes you can not do both at same time. You need to pick one. DTV is online work only for non Thai business. If you want a job in Thailand or a business working with Thais you get the non B visa.

2 years ago

Ruairidh ******************

@Andi **********

on thaiembassy it says DTV holders are not eligible for work permits from Thai businesses so I'm not sure that works for me either

2 years ago

Michael ********

Best option would be DTV but that doesnt allow you to work here.

You need a job to get a work permit.

No freelancing as you think is allowed.

Other than that multi entry tourist visa which you can get nearly 9 months out of is an option. For 1 or 2 years you need a long term visa

2 years ago

Ruairidh ******************

@Michael *******

great so I understand, I can get a DTV, which will allow me to stay in the country for 5 years and when I have a business I want to work with they would sponsor my work permit with them. It sounds like that works for me. I also understand there's different types of DTV visas. Is there a good place to learn more about these?

2 years ago