Answered2 days ago
What are the work permit requirements for expats marrying a Thai citizen?
Marrying my Thai GF, what about work permit
I’m probably going to marry my Thai GF finally. Skip all the visa headaches.
My question is what about my work permit ? I own an overseas company for 10 years and I just manage it from my laptop/phone. Not much to it really it’s the same as AIS in another country and the local staff do day to day stuff - I just do top level decisions and sign offs really. Pay bills everyday. This was fine on workation DTV. But what happens on the marriage visa when I actually need to apply for work permit ?
I’m probably going to marry my Thai GF finally. Skip all the visa headaches.
My question is what about my work permit ? I own an overseas company for 10 years and I just manage it from my laptop/phone. Not much to it really it’s the same as AIS in another country and the local staff do day to day stuff - I just do top level decisions and sign offs really. Pay bills everyday. This was fine on workation DTV. But what happens on the marriage visa when I actually need to apply for work permit ?
Answer summary
The user is inquiring about work permit requirements after marrying their Thai girlfriend, particularly since they manage an overseas company remotely. Comments clarify that obtaining a work permit typically requires having a registered business in Thailand and employing Thai nationals, regardless of marital status. Some note that remote work on a marriage visa is not officially allowed. Others suggest considering different visa options, like a retirement visa, if the user does not anticipate needing a work permit.
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Jay *****
To get a work permit, you need to have a business register in Thailand and employ 4 Thais with SSO contribution before thinking about a work permit.
Eric ********
OPJay Jay I think that’s the way to go. There seems to be a gap for business owners and no clear path but starting a new company. But good news it there is a marriage exemption so you don’t need to hire 4 locals and only 1M capital when Co owner is a spouse. And in 3 years eligible for passport . Dope .
Jay *****
Eric Hansen Good luck if you think it can be done.
Francis *******
Not all Thai women are the same.
And I'm sure not all Sex tourists look in the same places for a wife. . . 😂
And I'm sure not all Sex tourists look in the same places for a wife. . . 😂
Alexander *************
You can always look for job by Thai or foreign companies in Thailand. The process of employment in relation to working permit is quite complex. And a marriage doesn’t give you any advantages in this process.
Todd ********
It’s a grey area. They look the other way most of the time but you can technically get in trouble. There is no work permit to work remote on a marriage visa though.
moo_daen*********
You know very little my friend.
Mitchell *******
Ride the DTV out, then think about a marriage visa. It might be easier to get another DTV after. But if you are working as little as you say you are, then after the DTV, would probably get a marriage visa, and just "lightly manage" your business.
If you don't think you will ever need a work permit, maybe look at a retirement visa?
If you don't think you will ever need a work permit, maybe look at a retirement visa?
Optimistic**********
I’m sure you’ve heard it all and aren’t looking for advice on marrying a Thai woman. If you met her at a bar or if she’s worked in “the industry” before, be careful. If she’s a normal girl with a job you met in a coffee shop or grocery store away from the touristy areas then go for it but still be careful. I know this advice is unsolicited but out of pure concern.
Eric *******
You need to work for a Thai company to get a work permit. The Thai company has to qualify for a foreigner work permit. Ie. Min 4 Thai employees per work permit. Min 2 million registered capital. Also, many jobs are prohibited for foreigners. There is a minimum wage of 40K thb required to be paid ( government schools are exempt). Thai company must be functional. (Making SS payments, income taxes paid, share holders list, VAT registration etc) In bangkok it takes about 10 days.
Craig ********
Skip visa headaches 😂😂😂😂😂😂
Brent *********
Getting advice on Face Book , will really create head aches . See an agent and get all the correct info .
Charming*********
Let me know if you even find a way to convert to Non-O from the DTV!I quit my remote job, got married to a Thai, tried to get it converted in country - no luck with three different offices. Tried to get it cancelled from outside the country - the embassy refused, MFA refused, all agents ended up telling me the same: "mai dai" (some after initially saying it’s possible and even taking some money). Spent well over 500k on agents, lawyers, traveling to my home country to talk the issuing embassy etc.So I’m now stuck at square one with a visa that no longer applies to my situation with no chances to convert or apply for another one (plain application also rejected, reason: active visa). So if you happen to find a way around this bureaucratic gridlock- please let me know.
Graeme *******
Getting married doesn't make it easier , to work on a marriage visa uouneed a work permit, then there is the 180 day rule for tax. Nothing.is easy.in Thailand.
Donald **********
So a question about a work permit is turned into a whinge about Thai women and their financial requirements? Maybe that’s the ‘More’ in the forum title?
John ********
You didn’t bring enough money for the Dowery?
Tony ********
Non O Marriage visa holders can apply for a Work permit, you'll need to provide the same types of documents you used for your DTV. Unfortunately it's not transferable. Remember this relates to eligibility to apply, not guaranteed Approval.
Attractiv**********
From my experience a marriage visa is far more complicated than a DTV. I moved from a marriage visa to the DTV 18 months ago.
We’re in Phuket and the yearly extension is a nightmare. Might be easier in different locations.. also on a marriage visa you move in to a grey area regarding working online. It’s clearly defined as part of the DTV but is not defined anywhere on a marriage visa. So for me, the DTV (in its current form) is easier in terms of requirements, you never need a re-entry permit as you do on a marriage visa extension and the requirements of it clearly define working online as acceptable.
We’re in Phuket and the yearly extension is a nightmare. Might be easier in different locations.. also on a marriage visa you move in to a grey area regarding working online. It’s clearly defined as part of the DTV but is not defined anywhere on a marriage visa. So for me, the DTV (in its current form) is easier in terms of requirements, you never need a re-entry permit as you do on a marriage visa extension and the requirements of it clearly define working online as acceptable.
Eric ********
OPAttractiveGrape1139 but what if they don’t let me all of a sudden as you’re not allowed to live in Thailand on DTV as it’s a tourist visa and into year 3,4, it looking more and more like they are turning away the long stayers and following the rules of the DTV for real. 6 months with 1 ext only and can’t stay long term -not allowed to live here- , and they could even delete the DTV soon because of how vague and troublesome it is. That’s not worthy of setting down roots ya know ? Marriage seems more stable with a clear allowed to live here rule.
Attractiv**********
Eric Hansen you clearly sound like you’ve made up your mind and you have invented a story about the DTV ceasing to existing soon to justify your choice. The DTV is not vague or troublesome at all. It’s very clearly defined but you do you..
Dennis ***********
Eric Hansen where did you get that from? Thailand officially introduced the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) on 15 July 2024. It was part of a government initiative to attract long-term visitors, remote workers and digital nomads. The visa is not even 3 years old 🧐
John **********
Make sure you sign a prenup ....I'm also an albertan married to a thai and they will change when the honeymoon is over . My wife is obsessed with money to the point it's a daily fight because I do not let my money control me but Thai women do and it will surface at some point and can get nasty . It's so bad that my wife was mad and started texting with her male clients in Alberta and talking divorce ....they are a handful , you've been warned ...yes I'm still married but it's a lot of work , I have no idea what the future holds lol and I have an above avg lifestyle , its still not enough for her
Pat ******
John Siderfin You married a bar girl ?
Mark *********
Pat Rick by the sounds of it he did with her ‘contacting old clients’! If you play with fire, you can’t expect not to get burnt. There’s a million stories like this and they happen because people don’t listen to advice and warnings.
Ian *********
John Siderfin you married the wrong one sir. My Thai wife makes sure things are as = as possible you got played. SIMP.
Pat ******
Ian Stevens He married a bar girl
James **********
John Siderfin women everywhere expect access to a man's money when you live together? The reason Thai women are more direct about is because unlike the the western countries the government & court won't step into to make sure you pay up, and they also don't support here with good retirement funds & pensions.
If you women is taking care of the home & making sure you are comfortable there is nothing wrong with paying them an allowance.
You need to recognise this difference & appreciate it, you can't expect to marry women from here & have her be like a western women.
Also NO WOMEN anywhere love "unconditionally", these romantic love ideas are foolish male ideas. It's only men who will "love" a dirt broke women with nothing not much to offer because he is attracted to you. Female instinct is to be attracted to strong, capable & financially secure men. So best to loose the fantasy & understand ALL relationships are transactional & deal with it but just make sure in the transaction you get your needs met equally.
BTW I prefer the Thai ladies way as it is honest & up front, unlike western women who will claim they don't need you & are independent & then when you live together you end up paying for everything while they keep their own income often in secret accounts & after they decide you "don't make them happy anymore" will leave you & use the court to rob you of all of your wealth..
Paying an allowance upfront is preferable to getting robbed of all your assets. My last relationship in the west I lost 80% of all my accumulated assets, got saddled with all of the debts & she got 30% of my retirement fund as well.
If you women is taking care of the home & making sure you are comfortable there is nothing wrong with paying them an allowance.
You need to recognise this difference & appreciate it, you can't expect to marry women from here & have her be like a western women.
Also NO WOMEN anywhere love "unconditionally", these romantic love ideas are foolish male ideas. It's only men who will "love" a dirt broke women with nothing not much to offer because he is attracted to you. Female instinct is to be attracted to strong, capable & financially secure men. So best to loose the fantasy & understand ALL relationships are transactional & deal with it but just make sure in the transaction you get your needs met equally.
BTW I prefer the Thai ladies way as it is honest & up front, unlike western women who will claim they don't need you & are independent & then when you live together you end up paying for everything while they keep their own income often in secret accounts & after they decide you "don't make them happy anymore" will leave you & use the court to rob you of all of your wealth..
Paying an allowance upfront is preferable to getting robbed of all your assets. My last relationship in the west I lost 80% of all my accumulated assets, got saddled with all of the debts & she got 30% of my retirement fund as well.
Eric ********
OPJohn Siderfin her family owns a large chain of retail stores and I bet they have more than me really …but yes solid prenup in place.
Troy **********
John Siderfin i feel your pain friend!
LavenderR**********
John Siderfin then you shouldn't have married a bar girl
John **********
LavenderRaccoon9568 she was never a bar girl , she worked in retail in a big company..she's actually rural
Alex ************
John Siderfin just because you're an idiot who fell for a gold digger doesn't mean everyone else is. I've met so many assholes who are desperate to convince other people that Thai women are like this. Why? Because people like you are desperate to not feel like an idiot.
John **********
lol . First off I'm not an idiot , I could buy you just looking at your pictures . I'm not desperate and have tagged well over 500 women in my life so far ...I do fairly well . My wife is stunning which is why all these guys are pursuing her , it's relentless . Most women are about gain in some fashion . The leftovers are the ones you end up with and settle for , my wife is far more attractive than the person you are with looking at your pictures ... trust me when I tell you that . I fell for my wife because she is actually very smart and a true go getter ...the women makes 6 figures , you don't . How many men her have thai wives that make 6 figures ... thats right , none
Jeff *******
John Siderfin don't buy and marry freelance/bargirls then.
John **********
Jeff Stein she wasn't a bar girl , a rural that moved to the big city and worked retail
BlueRac********
John Siderfin This relationship sounds like a living hell.
I wish you good luck man.
I wish you good luck man.
John **********
BlueRaccoon9813 definitely challenging at times...
John **********
BlueRaccoon9813 that's what my wife says , $20 million baht happy lol
BlueRac********
John Siderfin 😢😢😢 it’s really sad. Everybody deserves to be happy 🙏
Wayne ********
John Siderfin Best to move on. Given an inch, they will ask for a mile.
Eric *********
John Siderfin yes brother I feel frustrated 3 yrs w my Thai GF she expects a monthly allowance on an exact date then I also pay for everything as in everything and I feel its a transactional relationship vs unconditional love sometimes
Im wondering if Im Alone w my frustration
Im wondering if Im Alone w my frustration
Bill **********
@Eric ********
Unconditional love? You're expecting too much😂John **********
@Eric ********
well ... my wife is now self sufficient. She makes very good money in her career here but I did send her money when she lived in Thailand to help her out .. but so were other men apparently 😆 🤷 Thai ladies hide a lot
Cory **********
@Eric ********
I think “allowance” is the wrong mindset but your on the right track. If one person earns the money and controls 100% of it while the other has to ask permission to spend, resentment will eventually build. But giving your partner nothing is just as bad, and that relationship will eventually crash and burn from resentment.I’m married to a Thai woman five years now, and my two cents is that the most successful marriages I’ve seen are the ones where both partners go all in. You’re no longer two individuals living separate lives. You’re a team, building a future, growing wealth, and enjoying life together.
My wife and I set aside personal spending money for each of us every month. Neither of us has to ask permission to buy something we want. So technically, we’re both on an allowance! 😂
Wayne ********
@Eric ********
The correct answer is 'No". An allowance suggest she is an employee, not a wife.Eric *********
Wayne George sigh I hear you…so frustrating!!
job_65******
John Siderfin I have heard so many stories similar to yours!
John **********
job_657jsksk I never would of thought this if you asked me last year but this year has been a rude awakening... live and learn
Peter *****
John Siderfin its time to get out and start over as it will not change no matter what you do . the signs are already there
John **********
Peter Tun yes , I know . Even when you think you know them ..you don't.
I will say this , she belongs to a Thai woman's Facebook group where they discuss foreign men and incomes , pensions, what they are entitled to and so much more .
Most of these women know more about your countries offerings than you do lol ...it was a real eye opener when I saw it .
They all discuss the financial gains that can be had and its a big group .
I asked my wife what is going to take to make her happy ..she replied $20 million baht in her bank account and she was serious 🤦♂️ She was not like this when we met then married 5 yrs ago ,its all this year
I will say this , she belongs to a Thai woman's Facebook group where they discuss foreign men and incomes , pensions, what they are entitled to and so much more .
Most of these women know more about your countries offerings than you do lol ...it was a real eye opener when I saw it .
They all discuss the financial gains that can be had and its a big group .
I asked my wife what is going to take to make her happy ..she replied $20 million baht in her bank account and she was serious 🤦♂️ She was not like this when we met then married 5 yrs ago ,its all this year
Dave ********
John Siderfin the man is a fool belive me they ai t worried about you all they care about is you dont give your money to another thai thats why they try to keep you close
John **********
I hear you , I'm well versed in crap like this . Nothing surprises me , trust me .
Ant *******
John Siderfin you’ve seen the red flags you need to leave. You’re taking the word of this woman when she’s been talking to gold diggers in a group. Listen to your gut or you will regret it later in life.
John **********
@Ant ******
Im just waiting to see whats going to happen with her ..we've talked after I caught her chatting with these men ..she apologized and I told her its not at all acceptable in any manner ... Im well aware and she isnt taking anything if she does leave she says , shes not entitled to anything anyway as I had everything before we met and she lived here ..she said she doesn't want anything if she leaves and offered to give me money back for all the money I spent bringing her here ...she has a very good career and can afford to but time will tell ...John **********
@Dave *******
lol... no . None have access to 20 million baht but a couple are married to guys that do well and spend a motherload of money on them every week .One of her friends here recently married a guy to keep her in our country ... he does well but he's whipped , its like obsessed..its long story and his outcome in a few years isn't going to be great
He must spend $2-5000 a week on his new wife ..he gave her a credit card 💳 and told her to just buy what she wants basically and she was immediately out buying Louis Vittuon purses as well as VSL purses and shopping in all the high end stores on his dime ...I've never seen anything like it ..he's going to get hurt down the road and pay a price ...being obsessed is never a good thing
Ant *******
John Siderfin why on earth have you not left already? If you have a prenup on place get the divorce ASAP and run. Crazy to still be there. I’ve told my Thai partner under no circumstances will I marry her because there is no benefit for me to marry her.
Dave ********
John Siderfin 20 million baht one of her friends must have 19 and she wants to have more
Larry ********
LOL 😂😂😂
Billy *********
the visa headache is still there my friend, just a little easier
Strength *********
Thai spouse visa is just less of a headache, permanent residency is final, which isn't easy for most people.
LavenderR**********
Strength AndWill your not going to get permanent residence
Strength *********
LavenderRaccoon9568 most people from my business group have it, it's either through investment or use dead names. If apply through marriage with Thai children you must pay to the right people, otherwise will wait a million years.
Wayne **********
Strength AndWill except it’s far more complicated, taking more paper work and hassle like house visits. Get non-immigrant-B to make it much easier.
Paul ********************
Strength AndWill Even with permanent residency you still need to apply for a work permit
StunningEl**********
Strength AndWill I think you mean permanent residency
Peter ********
You probably gonna marry her so you can skip visa headaches? Sounds loving
Cris ******
Haha. Uh. Not sure what your on about. The marriage visa is by far the most complex and headache inducing visa… I would just stick with the DTV.
Eric ********
OPCris Murl but you’re not allowed to live in Thailand on DTV but it seems alot of people here think otherwise . I’m into year 3 soon and I bet they don’t let me back in - not too mention having to border run in the first place is not a welcome feeling . Paperwork is easy home checks easy , DTV risky
ArticulateC***********
Eric Hansen Totally agree with this opinion. I am on year three of the DTV (got mine in July 2024, in the first week), and every entry seems more and more direct, flipping through passports more, asking more and more questions. I have started the marriage process as well. Been with my Thai partner 11 years, needed to get my divorce paperwork sent from the US which was slightly complicated, as it needed to also be notarized, had to take it and sign an affidavit at the US embassy, which appointments fill up a month or so in advance, then get everything translated, and get an appointment at MoFA for certification (again, those appointments fill up a month or so out), now we have the marriage appointment at the ampoe in late December. Won’t apply for a marriage visa, but will be set up for a situation where we might need to. I also think you need to be married a few months before you can apply for that visa. The one issue I am not sure how to get around is needing the bank account with 400k but not being able to open up a bank account with a DTV.
Cris ******
Eric Hansen ya fair enough on the DTV being cracked down on. But marriage Visa experiences vary by your IO office. I dred doing mine.
Mick *****
Interested to know how you think getting married will simplify the visa process. If anything marriage visa is more complicated than DTV. More headaches not less
Derek ***********
Mick Lor :)
Aslam ******
Mick Lor I am interested to know too 🤣🤣
Eric ********
OPMick Lor that DTV is high risk as tourist visa and is getting so much hate now at IO I’m not surprised if it gets removed Ina year or two. There is no way to know for sure they still let me in into year 3 ,4,5 and I’d prefer a stable set of laws before I get comfortable that the marriage visa has versus grey undecided DTV with conflicting regulations.
Mick *****
Eric Hansen Eric did you read the post. Not saying DTV is the better or preferred visa in anyway. All I said was from a purely yearly renewal perspective it is simpler. So we have two options (1-marriage) fill out paperwork, draw any maps, supply any photos, go to bank get bank statements & passbook updated ( not to mention regular monthly transfers if you go that way)go to immigration, supply any new changed requirements from the last time have a home visit or an interview and wait the temporary visa until approved. (2 - DTV) this is what I did 3 weeks ago flew business class to Hong Kong, sayed 4 nights at the Grand Hyatt and then came home. I did not have to do anything or prove anything just take a holiday, which we would do 3 or 4 times a year anyway. Wasn't cheaper but it was a hell of a lot easier and that was my point nothing to do with which is a better visa.
Peter ******
Mick Lor As the DTV - Touristvisa gives no garantie that they have to let you in again (not ment for peopel who like to live here for years) i would stay with a marriage visa and a WP.
Jor *****
Mick Lor I dont agree. The DTV rules can change any day and you have to leave the country every six months. I have, being married, only headache once a year and it gets more smooth every year actually.
Mick *****
So you think the marriage visa is set in stone and can never change - dream on, any visa can changed or be redacted at a whim of the government of the day - Any Visa.
Jor *****
Mick Lor Sure it can but the DTV is something very new and the rules already changed. This is made a couple of years ago for long term tourists and has some work implications so DTV is a LOT more likely to change then the marriage visa which has been there....idk, forever. Whatever they change on the marriage visa, okay bring it. It would NEVER have the same implications/complications as changing the 5year visa people depend on now. Plus, five years is really not that long. My conclusion is that the marriage visa is a very strong visa. Its always a hassle but I would never ever EVER trade it for a DTV and would call anyone that would stupid. If you are not married, yes of course DTV.
HandyFla*********
Mick Lor pretty easy for me. I never have any headaches with my marriage visa, and I've done it for 6 years.
Mick *****
HandyFlamingo7712 I came here on marriage visa been married 14 years now. Swapped to DTV as I was asked to do some contract work and marriage visa does not allow for that. I never said at any point the marriage visa was particularly difficult, just more difficult than the DTV. DTV once you have it take one holiday every six month's visa is reset. Marriage, money in the account ( actually mine is still sitting there) forms to complete, photo's, maps, temporary visa , house visit & interview and then approval. The OP seemed to think having the marriage visa was going to simplify the visa process and I disagree. It's nothing to do with which is better it's which has less admin and that is clearly the DTV.
Attractiv**********
HandyFlamingo7712 have you had any experience on a DTV to compare?
Stephen **********
HandyFlamingo7712 I think his point might have been that the DTV is easier - only renew once every 5 years, no pictures, no maps, etc...
Mick *****
Stephen Lodewick 100% correct, once you have the DTV and the application process is no harder than marriage, you just take one holiday a year and there is nothing else to do. The annual renewal of the marriage visa whilst not emotionally or mentally taxing is somewhat more complicated than that. I don't have a problem with either just saying more to do annually on marriage visa then on DTV.
Tore *********
Stephen Lodewick i would take marriage visa over DTV any day. Different sort of hassles…..
GracefulP*********
Marriage doesn’t skip the visa headaches believe me. Thailand is a wonderful place in many ways but visa-wise Thailand is not a normal country!
Paul ********************
GracefulPoodle6063 having worked and lived in many countries as a foreign national, I can assure you Thailand is pretty straightforward and easy as regards visas.. 👍
Especially when it comes to things like working...
Especially when it comes to things like working...
GracefulP*********
Paul Anthony McDermott agreed in some ways, but I was referring specifically to the advantages of getting married, which in many countries would give you a straightforward path to right to work or citizenship, but not here.
John **********
You can't get a work permit to work for a non Thai company outside of Thailand. And you can't legally work remotely on a marriage visa.
Just because you get married doesn't mean you have to change visas, stick with the DTV to remain legal
Just because you get married doesn't mean you have to change visas, stick with the DTV to remain legal
Cale *******
@John *********
oh but you canJohn **********
@Cale ******
explain how
Brandon ************
@Cale ******
can what?Activity
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