What are the re-entry requirements for a DTV sole proprietor in Thailand after my contract ends?

Question

DTV sole proprietor requirements
Hi everyone, I'm from Ukraine and recently got my DTV approved. This will be my first time in Thailand.

A bit of context: I'm a software engineer working remotely. In Ukraine, IT companies usually don't hire devs as regular employees. Instead, you register as a sole proprietor and sign a service contract with the company. So on paper I'm a contractor, but in reality I've been working full-time for the same company for about 10 years.

Money-wise I'm fine, my bank balance is more than double the 500k THB requirement. For the first entry I have all the docs ready (contract, statements, etc.), so I'm not worried about first entry.

What concerns me is the re-entries after that, whether in 6 months, or say 12 months or later, if by then my contract with the company has ended.

1. If my contract with the company ends and there's no steady income coming into my sole proprietor account anymore? The proprietor account itself would stay active, and I'd still be registered as a private entrepreneur providing IT services which I can show in docs.

2. Would working on my own startup count as a valid basis? I can show all the work behind it (website, product, code, etc.). It has nothing to do with Thailand and would run through my Ukrainian sole proprietor account. The catch is that it might not be making any money yet, or only a very small amount. (yet I'm still gonna have enough money on account to cover 500k thb req)

3. Do immigration officers actually check for incoming payments to the business account (from clients, the startup, etc.)? Or is it enough that the business exists and I have the funds?

I know the visa is valid for 5 years, but the constant uncertainty I keep reading about in this group makes it really hard to plan anything long term. Most rentals require at least a one-year lease, so being refused entry at some point would mean losing a lot of money.

Would really appreciate to see your thoughts. Thanks.

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user from Ukraine is seeking advice on the re-entry process for their DTV visa after their contract with an IT company may end. They are concerned about maintaining their visa status as a sole proprietor working remotely. Community responses suggest that as long as they maintain the required bank balance and the sole proprietor account remains active, there shouldn't be issues at the border; however, for extended stays, proof of income may be required. Recommendations include conducting border runs rather than seeking extensions within Thailand if the contract ends.

Josephine ******** · Answer

Congratulations on getting it as a Ukrainian sole proprietor - that's actually the most common way Ukrainians get workcation approved, and it's well understood by embassies now.

You are mixing two different checks, and that is why it feels uncertain.

*1. What Immigration checks at the border on re entry:*

Not your business bank transactions. They do not ask to open your FOP account and scroll through payments. At BKK/DMK, 90% of DTV holders get just a stamp. At Phuket/Chiang Mai, if you are pulled, they ask for:

- What do you do in Thailand

- Show employment contract or business registration that is still valid

- Live bank balance on phone showing 500k equivalent

They care that you are still a remote worker, not that you have a specific client paying you this month. Your FOP remaining active and your extract from the Ukrainian register with your KVEDs for IT services is usually enough. If your contract ends, keep the FOP open, keep the register extract current.

*2. What matters for extension inside Thailand vs border run:*

If you do a border run every 180 days, you do NOT have to prove income again. You just enter.

If you go to an immigration office to extend 180 to 360 days inside Thailand, you WILL have to show full package again - bank statements, FOP registration, contracts or invoices for last 3 months. That is where ended contract becomes a problem.

*3. Your three scenarios:*

1. _Contract ends, FOP stays active:_ Fine for border runs. For extension inside Thailand, not fine unless you have other client invoices. Solution: most Ukrainians in this position just do border runs.

You could consider reading a book or two before your trip. I’d recommend Unlock Thailand by Isla Rey on Amazon, it includes all the info and insights you need. You should check it out. A very good companion 👌.

Lynn *********** · Answer

In my analysis, for as long as you maintain Bt.500K bank balance and a logical proof of your work in your own country of residence/domicile, there should not be a big concern whether you might be denied entry to Thailand. As for the accommodation rental, it won't be a bad idea to sign the standard yearly lease but try to negotiate for one that offers 2-3 months deposit scheme with one month rental payment in advance. Avoid lease that tries to collect the entire sum of yearly rent since that's just a bit outrageous.

Reed ********** · Answer

They aren't really don't any of that once approved 99% of ppl are reporting zero issues at Thailand borders or airports

What are the re-entry requirements for a DTV sole proprietor in Thailand after my contract ends?

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