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What is the process for applying for a business visa in Thailand as an expat?

Business Visa Non-B Visa Visa Application Process Thai Immigration Work Permit Business Setup in Thailand Expat Advice Business Ownership Rules

Jul 11, 2025

4 days ago

Wayne *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Does anyone have any experience of applying for a business visa? I will be looking at opening a business in Thailand but yet again Google really is not my friend with the conflicting information!

It says I must apply via a Thai embassy but goes on to say "you may be able to do this once in Thailand" May is not "you can" which is why I am here

Before asking Google I was under the impression that I can apply for a Non-B once inside Thailand but apart from that, I was hoping someone could run me through the process and any pitfalls to look out for. 

The business will require premises so I will hire a solicitor to "rubber stamp" the contract so I dont get any unwelcome demands or changes by the landlord and will get them to check my paperwork is ready to submit

Foolishness will be punished by chinese burn and a nipple tweak 😁

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post discusses the confusion around applying for a business visa to open a business in Thailand, with conflicting information regarding whether the application must be made from a Thai embassy or if it can be initiated while in Thailand. Many commenters advise consulting the Thai immigration website or a professional visa agency for accurate guidance. A few mention the necessity of having a Thai partner for business ownership and employing Thai nationals for work permits. Overall, the conversation highlights the complexities of the Thai immigration process related to business activities.

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Michael ********

You dont need a buisness visa to open a business

3 days ago

Wayne *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Got everything I need 😃

1 question . . . why is it always the Americant's? 😁

3 days ago

Jim *******

For any serious business in Thai, no fcuk would ever come to here , FaceBook, seeking an advice.

3 days ago

Wayne *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jim ******

did you really think I came here for serious business advice? 😂😂😂

3 days ago

Reply to

Wayne *******

Jim *******

Business in Thai? Sure, but what business you may possibly set and lead if you fell down on Face Book advice?

3 days ago

John **********

I'd suggest you start by speaking with a Thai lawyer so first come for a visit as a tourist. Speak to them, work out what you need, and go from there. As a guide you can't own 100% so you need a Thai to own a minimum of 51% and as you appear to be wanting to work in the business you also need to employ 4 Thai nationals and pay them for every one work permit

3 days ago

Wayne *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

Thanks. Yeah Im aware of the 4 thai rule and I cant work in the business unless I have a WP.

So the only advice I need is . . . can I do that? Come as a tourist and turn the exempt into a Non-B

3 days ago

John **********

@Wayne ******

yes you can if you meet the requirements

3 days ago

Wayne *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

Thanks 👍

3 days ago

Reply to

Wayne *******

Chris *******

The "MAY" IS correct.

Okay first.

If you are "opening" a business you will need to be in Thailand to apply.

You will need a trustworthy agent/lawyer and in 90% of cases a 51% Thai partnership.

There are a few exceptions but most will not qualify.

You will need to setup the business structure.

You do not need a business visa to do any of this.

You will need a nonb and a work permit if you intend to physically work in the business.

In most cases then obtaining a nonb at a embassy outside of Thailand and entering with a 90 days nonb visa.

If you are using a "agent/lawyer" it's possible they may arrange all in country, at a cost of course.

The best path:

Tourist entries to setup business, structures, location and employees. All need these things even if it is just a "shell".

3 days ago

Wayne *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Chris ******

Thanks

3 days ago

Reply to

Wayne *******

Brook ********

The second easiest way to lose money is to start a business in a country where you know nothing about the culture, the preferences, the laws or the market.

If you insist, I suggest you consult with a competent, experienced international law firm in Bangkok, such as Integrity Legal.

I am not affiliated with them in any way.

Thailand is fraught with scammers, agents and “lawyers” who will “help” you open a business. You can’t even trust the lawyers. In addition, there are many professions prohibited to foreigners and the laws are designed to discourage foreigners and promote Thais.

I’m not even going to go into all the hands that will be in your pocket.

Good luck. You will need it.

3 days ago

Wayne *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brook *******

I love reading comments where the commenter presumes the OP knows NOTHING ABOUT ANYTHING because they have come on a forum and asked a question 😂

Ive been going to Thailand for years and Im quite aware of Thai culture and the do's and dont's. Probably more than most! Especially ignorant and arrogant fools like you and Nek 😁

Ive run my own business here for 40 years.

Bless you, what do you do? Prop bars up? 😉

3 days ago

Brook ********

@Wayne ******

First, if you’ve run your own business here for 40 years, why would you need to turn to Facebook for advice because you already have the knowledge, visa and work permits.

Second you accuse us of being ignorant, yet you know nothing about us.

Third, I don’t drink alcohol.

3 days ago

Wayne *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brook *******

Run my own business HERE Im sat in the UK planning

I accuse the ignorance because YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT ME yet commented like you did. You presumed so much in your response that was way off, like my experience in Thailand. I asked about opening a business FROM PEOPLE WHO HAD so why TF did ypu bother answering if you havent? Or at least have something positive to offer? Everything you said, I already knew!!! All I needed was infor on the process of opening a business from someone who had. YOU havent. Run along and find some other poor soul to patronise

3 days ago

Reply to

Wayne *******

David **********

@Brook *******

this is great advice. However, I have a question - what is the EASIEST way to lose money? (I have several guesses 😂)

Us *****

have a Thai gf

David **********

I think that's the downfall of many farangs 😂

3 days ago

Reply to

David **********

Brook ********

@David *********

invest in a Thai partner, or in a line of business you know nothing about.

3 days ago

Reply to

Brook ********

Lucas **********

For business, go see an agent and just asked about it and what you have to do..

4 days ago

Michael ********

The only way to get the correct rules and proceedure to open a business in Thailand is to apply to your nearest Thailand Embassy in your own country, not Google or on a web site.

4 days ago

Phillip ******

Look at the Thai immigration website, you may not need a business visa, maybe just a work permit. It all depends on what you are intending to do. I have a restaurant and 2 bars but I im on a marriage visa with a work permit. Again it all depends on what you are doing so go straight to the real source and look at website or better still vist/call the Thai embassy in your home country.

4 days ago

Wayne *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Phillip *****

Cheers yeah I looked on the website but like most things I cant find a definitive answer, all pretty ambiguous

Is it something I could commence once in Thailand? Like from a tourist visa?

Im old enough for a retirement but I cant work on that and I dont want to vegitate

I prefer to deal face to face so if its something I can commence once Im there I'll probably do that. I dont want to get there expecting to kick on only to be told I need to apply in my home country

4 days ago

Kool *******

@Wayne ******

what type of business do you plan on starting? You set the business up first legally, which isn't too difficult using an attorney, before you apply for the type B visa extension. The problems start when you apply for your work permit tied to your business. First you must have at least bt2million in registered capital in the business, and hire at least 4 Thai employees you pay wages, and social security on. Then on a regular business setup you can only own 49% of your business. The other 51% must be owned by Thais. One of the employees must be a licensed Thai accountant. You can not do your own accounting. If your business can qualify being set-up under the BOI, board of investment, then you can own all of your business, and eliminate the need for the Thai employees, except the licensed Thai accountant, you must have that no matter what. Not every business qualifies for the BOI. It mostly applies to branch offices of your already existing business in another country, and expanding into Thailand. Then, because any business for a foreigner is set up as a corporation, you must make a legitimate profit in the business within 3

***

years, or the government dissolves the business. That is it in a nutshell. Siam-Legal.com is very good at business setups, and keeping everything legal.

3 days ago

Reply to

Kool *******

Allan *******

Its been a long time since I got a visa. But you are better of getting a one year non B un UK from one of the Thai consulates. To open a business is another relevant mine field, concerning work permits, number of employees and company structure etc.

4 days ago

Wayne *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Allan ******

Thanks yeah I think its 4 Thais to 1 farang worker but my WP would be the only concern I wouldnt have any foreign workers

Do you know if I have to apply from here or can I set the wheels in motion once Im there?

4 days ago

Reply to

Wayne *******

Joy ********

You say you went to Google. Did you go to the Thai immigration website? That's where the accurate information will be found. Even then, it can be confusing. It would probably be worthwhile to go to a visa agency. They can walk you through the steps and may even be able to file the application for you. If you are planning to open a business, trying to do the application yourself would not be the best way. One mistake and the whole application can be rejected. Also, the language barrier can be a problem. They do speak English, but in a complicated situation, it would be worth your while to use an agency. They know the laws, speak English and Thai; and can make sure all your paperwork is correct.

4 days ago

Wayne *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Joy *******

Yeah thanks I did wonder how complicated it might be so an agent would be a good idea

I googled which brought up the Thai immigration site and said more or less the same. Id rather rely on genuine experience of someone and as mentioned can discuss anything to be aware of, as you pointed out, an agent would be a good idea unless a solicitor can guide me as well as an agent as Id need a solicitor anyway for the contract. If they say they dont help with form filling Id then contact and agent 👍

4 days ago

Joy ********

I am not sure but I believe most visa agencies have law degrees. Being American, I am not sure about the term "solicitor" . We have attorneys and lawyers. Solicitors usually work for the government. I'm sure someone else will hop on the comments and clear up the definitions, if it matters.

4 days ago

Wayne *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Joy *******

In the UK we have defence and prosecution solicitors and if it goes to Crown Court where you have a jury, the case will be taken on by a barrister (the ones in the wigs)

4 days ago

Reply to

Wayne *******

Us *****

If you're planning to open a weed shop, there is one on every corner.

4 days ago

Wayne *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Us ****

Roll your sleeve up

4 days ago

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