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What are the first steps to starting a business in Thailand with a DTV visa?

Aug 5, 2025
2 days ago
I have gotten my DTV. I am interested in starting my business Thailand. I know I need a Thai partner to do this. What are my 1st steps? Can anyone point me in the right direction?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion addresses the challenges faced by someone holding a DTV visa who is interested in starting a business in Thailand. Users point out that the DTV visa does not allow for any work-related activities in Thailand, emphasizing the need for a Non-B visa with a work permit to legally engage in business operations. Many suggest consulting a lawyer to navigate the visa process and business setup effectively.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Anonymous ******************
Whats the relevance of the DTV with starting a business? Its a tourist visa
Anonymous ******************
Lollllll
Sebastian *********
First you should speak with a lawyer to kick off the setup process. It will take some time for the company to be able to give you a work permit + non b so in the meantime you can stay on the DTV but not carry out any work just yet.

Once all documents are in order you can apply for the non b visa. Once approved you most likely will need to leave and enter Thailand again with the new non b.

I went through the same before but I was on a tourist visa and they were able to switch me from tourist visa to non b without leaving. Really depends on your lawyer and the connections they got



If your business is digital only, there are other options too 😉
Anonymous ******************
I wonder why you don't share your name .. now I know 5555
Ben *******
You're just about to get ROASTED! If you actually have money now you'll be back in your home country next year trying to start all over
Dillon ***********
Gotta be trolling
CapableC********
This is why they are clamping down for people like you lol
Delfina *********
Why you have a dtdv visa if you want a buissnes ?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Delfina ********
I want it all, and I want it now 🎶
Wannikea *********
Visa requirements 101, read your visa "Employment Prohibited"
Anonymous ******************
DTV does Not allow you to conduct business
David ********
You cannot work in Thailand or have a Thai company on a DTV visa. Better do your research again like how or why you got a DTV 🤣🤣🤣
Franck *************
@David *******
you can be shareholder of a thai company, no problem.
David ********
Anonymous ******************
Rage bait? 🤣
Pete *******
Anonymous participant 188 probably
Greg ********
You cannot start a business in Thailand on a DTV. At least not work in it etc. You could invest in a business but need to be totally hands off.
Anonymous ******************
Someone who can not grasp the simple rules of a visa wants to run a business? Then ask everyone basically how to start a business? Do you also sell courses on business too?
Steve *******
Contact a law firm that specializes in helping foreigners start companies in Thailand. Ask them to help you.

And block all the dingdongs who reply to posts without reading them.
From*****
Because of these persons these opportunities are spoiled and finally cancelled
Tuan ********
Comments in this post are hilarious 😆
แดนนี่ ***********
😂
DTV_Be*******
You will need to rescind your DTV

And apply for a Non-B with work permit

You can’t work in Thailand for a Thai company on the DTV
John **********
You need to get off your DTV visa and obtain a visa that allows you to work inside Thailand. The DTV only allows remote work. To work inside Thailand you need a Non-B visa
James ********
@John *********
correct ✅
Anonymous ******************
You've got the wrong visa. You are NOT allowed to engage in any work activities with it. Yes, you can be a shareholder of a Thai company managed by someone else and have staff, but you cannot perform any work yourself at the office or whatever business place. You'll need to move to a Non-B with work permit.
Bob **********
Anonymous participant 413 not on a DTV
Bob **********
Anonymous participant 413 he isn’t allowed to make any money in Thailand so what good would a Thai business do him ??
Andrew *******
@Bob *********
he can make passive $ with a thai business and pay tax here on his dividends.
Pete *******
Well you failed at the first step. You cannot work in Thailand. You cannot set up a Thai business to work in it.