Hi all.
I've currently in Thailand on a Non-Imm O (Retirement) on yearly extensions. I have my eye on a smallish business to keep me occupied. And yes, I'm fully aware of the strong likelihood of losing my initial capital. I have researched this page for similar questions and must admit that there is a wealth of information. Nevertheless, I pose the following questions/answers to ensure I understood all I've read. I defer to the experts and business owners who have jumped through the myriad of steps. For simplicity, I'm using the terms "Retirement" and "Business" visa.
1. I can not convert my Retirement into a Business visa whilst in Thailand.
2. I must leave the country without a re-entry permit which would void my Retirement visa.
3. I must apply for a Business visa in a neighbouring country. This visa costs approx 2,000 baht and is valid for 90 days upon entry into Thailand.
4. Upon entry into Thailand, if I wish, I can extend by 90 days Business visa into a Long Stay (i.e. one year). Cost 1900 Baht (+ single or multiple entry fee). If not, I must do visa run.
5. I can not apply for a Business visa/Work Permit unless I have all the necessary paperwork from a lawyer. (Yes, my next step is to consult with a lawyer).
6. I must register a Limited Liability Company and employ a minimum of 4 Thai employees. I can not do any physical work whatsoever in the business?
7. If I were to visit a neighbouring country Thai embassy, how long would it take them to process my Business Visa?
8. What are the professional (lawyers) and government fees to set this up? I simply want a sense of the approximate cost before I jump into the abyss.
9. Estimate of time frame to set up from agreement to purchase to its resolution (i.e. initial registration/paperwork by lawyer, Business Visa etc).
And most importantly:
10. What options do I have if I don't have a Thai Partner (wife/GF nor BF :). TBH, I don't know any ONE person that I can entrust an unearned 51% majority ownership? This could very well be a deal breaker for me. My other option is two have two unrelated Thais own 25.50% each which would protect me, however limited.
I'm sorry if the steps above are out of sequence.......... and so long winded. I would appreciate if you would reference the number to which you are answering.
Your expert advice and personal experience is very much appreciated.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is on a Non-Immigrant O (Retirement) visa in Thailand and is exploring the possibility of investing in a business. They inquire about the processes involved in applying for a Business visa, which necessitates leaving Thailand and applying from a neighbouring country, and they detail their understanding of the requirements such as not being able to work and needing Thai partners for company registration. They ask for clarification and additional information on costs, timelines, and the implications of not having a Thai partner.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
