Answered8 years ago

What are the visa requirements for self-employed musicians in Thailand?

Visa Regulations Self-Employment in Thailand NON-B Visa Work Permit Musician Visa Requirements Taxation for Expats in Thailand

Ben *********

asked Apr 8, 2019

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Greetings! Would anyone have any experience applying for a visa to be a self-employed musician in Bangkok?There is clearly a great deal of work available for musicians wishing to play at bars/hotels around Thailand, but I would like to do it legally and obtain the correct paperwork. In comparison, in the UK I can register as a self employed musician, then declare my earnings once each year, which decides how much tax I pay. Easy peasy. The Thai system is no doubt different, and I’m wondering if there is anything similar to this available in Thailand for non-Thais? Is anyone (farang) registered self employed at present? 

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. 

Ben x

Answer summary

An individual seeks information on applying for a visa to work as a self-employed musician in Bangkok, Thailand. The user highlights the differences in the self-employment process compared to the UK and expresses the need for guidance on obtaining the necessary legal paperwork to play at local bars and hotels. Comments from other users provide additional context about competition with local musicians, the necessity of a work permit, requirements of a Non-Immigrant B visa, and the importance of consulting the local labor office for accurate information.

8 repliesnewest first

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Robert *******

Btw as this page is for Thai visa advise, you need a Non Immigrant B visa. Yes I know it is not asked or mentioned but I just like to add a small piece of information, after all this page is not called how can I work as musician in Thailand advice.

8 years ago

Frank **************

Still when you are self employed you need a work permit and I your case I would go to the local labour office and ask there.

8 years ago

Ben *********

Darren Low when you say 2mil, is that annual turnover? Gross profit? Stock value? Cheers.

8 years ago

Ben *********

@Frank *************

Thanks for the advice. I shall do that immediately upon my return to TL in June. 😊

8 years ago

Lloyd ********

From a company, employ 4 Thais, pay salaries and social security, pay monthly auditing and yearly tax returns. It is not a viable option, if it was, every begpacker would be "self employed"

8 years ago

Robert *********

There are a lot of excellent Thai musicians. You would be competing with them. Is musician on the list of prohibited occupations. Unless, of course, you are Mick Jagger!

8 years ago

Ben *********

Hi Robert, there are also a lot of terrible Thai musicians who train-wreck western songs on a daily basis! 😂 I know foreigners can be employed as a musician at one particular establishment, say a particular hotel, but want to know if it’s possible to perform at different venues. I thought it may fall under the ‘skilled’ jobs umbrella, thereby stopping all the begpackers from registering. Lloyd, I am already considering g opening an additional business, and employing Thais, but that still wouldn’t allow me to be a musician playing at various venues around town. Maybe I’m wrong, hence my inquiries here.

8 years ago