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What professional activities can be done with an O Visa in Thailand, and can one start a company without the 3M THB requirement?

O Visa Thai business startup foreign business ownership work permits in Thailand BOI regulations Thai visa categories immigration advice expat business Isaan Lawyers AG Group Asia

Apr 4, 2024

2 years ago

Irina ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello! I am seeking advice on what professional activity can be done with an O Visa and if it is possible to start a company in Thailand with this Visa O, and any ways to start it without the 3M thb requirement for foreigners? I used to hold F Visa before. I would appreciate any advice or reference to reliable lawyers that could help.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The O Visa in Thailand allows for residency, but it does not permit the holder to work in a business without the appropriate work permit. Starting a business is possible, and the capital requirement is at least 2 million THB, not 3 million. Different business structures may affect ownership and employee requirements. Consulting with professionals like Isaan Lawyers or A.G. Group Asia is recommended for guidance on the incorporation process and compliance with local laws.

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2 years ago

John *********

Contact

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We have been looking after the business interests of expats and overseas nationals as a firm since 2007, Company incorporations are handled by our in-house commercial department

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2 years ago

Kool *******

You can start the business. You just can't work at it without the correct visa, and work permit, and the work permit requires at least bt2million, not bt3million, in registered capital. The number of required employees, and your percentage of ownership varies depending on what business structure you are able to set it up under. No matter how you set it up you will need at the very least a licensed accountant as that is a restricted occupation for Thais only.

2 years ago

Irina ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Kool ******

thanks! I am trying to figure out if there is a way to set up a company and get a work permit without the 2million thb requirement. This is an entry barrier for me. There is the Smart Visa option, but it will lead to company formation with the same registered capital requirement, if I understand it correctly.

2 years ago

Kool *******

@Irina *******

it doesn't matter if you own the company, or you work for someone else, there must be at least bt2million in registered capital for each work permit. The only exception to this is if you are married to a Thai on the type O extension, and open the business together. Then the registered capital requirement is only bt1million, but then under that business structure you also must have at least two Thai employees that you pay wages, and social security on. There is one other exception, but unless you are a regularly published journalist you don't qualify.

2 years ago

Irina ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Kool ******

thanks for clarifying!

2 years ago

Reply to

Irina ********

John **********

I'd look at the BOI website in the first instance

2 years ago

Oleg ***********