This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

What is the process for setting up a business in Thailand as an expat and transitioning from a DTV to a Non-O marriage visa?

Thailand Business Setup DTV Visa Marriage Visa Non-O Visa Amity Treaty Work Permits in Thailand Expat Advice Business Ownership in Thailand Legal Assistance for Expatriates

May 16, 2025

2 days ago

Optimistic***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Im on a DTV now but plan a long term marriage visa soon. Has anyone gone through the process of setting up a business in Thailand? I did my LLC in the States in about 5 minutes I dont think its nearly that easy here. Should I break down and get a lawyer? Recommendations?

777

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The post discusses transitioning from a DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) to a long-term marriage visa in Thailand, focusing on setting up a business as an expat. Comments highlight that establishing a business in Thailand is more complex than in the U.S., recommending the use of legal assistance for incorporation and understanding local laws. Suggestions include keeping the DTV longer and the implications of switching visas, such as work permit requirements and ownership stakes in businesses depending on nationality.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the DTV 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.

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted DTV Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Kool *******

Yes, by all means use a lawyer. If for nothing else you will need one at least to professionally draw up your articles of incorporation, and stockholder bylaws. Siam-Legal.com is very good. You can not work doing business in Thailand on a DTV. Also, a type O visa extension based on Thai wife allows you to work, without needing a type B extension. This takes away any threats an employer can make concerning losing your right to be here if you get fired.

2 days ago

Greg ********

If you are an American Citizen have a look at the "Amity Treaty" regarding opening a business. It is easier than for other nationalities.

2 days ago

Tod *********

I'd say milk ALL the time from the DTV that you can (get your 5 years out of it) BEFORE you decide to switch to a yearly marriage visa/extension.

2 days ago

Optimistic***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

but I cant do any business under my DTV right

2 days ago

Tod *********

OptimisticSeahorse231 not in thailand you can't, the DTV is an employment prohibited visa class (you can work for companies OUTSIDE the country but can't generate any income from inside the country)

Face it, you're a good ways away from setting up a business, so there's no gun to your head to switch visas so you can work inside the country.

Take it a step at a time, get the business set up, THEN worry about switching from a DTV to first a 90 day Non-O visa based on marriage to a thai, and then to a year extension for the same reason.

2 days ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Marianne ********

The only reason I'd change from DTV to Non-O marriage is if I was aiming for Thai Citizenship. Or making a legit business in Thailand. Or a combination of those two. :P

2 days ago

John **********

Not so simple in Thailand. You can only own 49% of the business, Thais must own the majority. If you intend to work in the business you will need a work permit, which you can't get on DTV but can on a Non-O Marriage visa, but will need to employ 2 full time Thai employees and pay them at least minimum wage to qualify for the work permit

2 days ago

Declan *******

@John *********

not true as a US citizen you can legally hold 100 % of the company

2 days ago

Kool *******

@Declan ******

depending on the type of business, and setting it up under the BOI, the owner, no matter what country he/she is from can own 100%, and only has to have at least one Thai employee, and can even be part time, as every business must have a licensed Thai accountant, with no exceptions, except for occasional internal audits.

2 days ago

John **********

@Declan ******

what makes you think he's from the US? But yes if American he can set up a company under the Amity Treaty

2 days ago

Reply to

John **********

Anonymous ******************

My advice: keep your DTV. Personally, I’d recommend avoiding marriage, starting a business, or buying property in Thailand. But hey, to each their own.😜

2 days ago

Reply to

Anonymous ******************

What type of visa do I need to move to Thailand and start a business as an expat?

15 comments

10 days ago

What is the process for converting a DTV visa to a business visa and work permit in Thailand?

4 comments

2 months ago

What are the requirements and process for obtaining a DTV for expats moving to Thailand with a spouse?

7 comments

3 months ago