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What type of business visa do I need to open a company in Thailand as a foreign partner?

Non-Immigrant B Visa Business Visa Visa Requirements Opening a Company in Thailand Visa Extension Residency Status Work Permit Expat Life in Thailand

Apr 14, 2018

7 years ago

Francesca ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I'm a bit confused about the different types of business visa. 🙄 I'm considering the idea of opening a company in Thailand and before doing that I'd like to understand the details and logistics. As managing partner (me with 49% and a Thai person with 51%), what kind of business visa do I need? I've been told that with this business visa I don't need to leave the country every 90 days, correct? Do I need to be officially resident in Thailand as well or I can keep my residence address in my country? And in general, could you please point me to the right place to read more about it? Appreciate your help! 😊

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TLDR : Answer Summary

To open a company in Thailand as a managing partner with a Thai national, you will need a Non-Immigrant B Visa. This allows you to conduct business but will typically only grant an initial stay of 90 days. To remain longer without needing to leave every 90 days, you must apply for an extension based on work at the local immigration office. You are not required to be a resident of Thailand and may maintain your residence address in your home country. Understanding the steps and legal requirements for setting up a business in Thailand is crucial before proceeding, and consulting a lawyer may streamline this process.

Markus **********

First time when apply you get 90 days single entry. After that you can apply for 1 year multi. If you want an extension instead of leaving the country you need thaistaff and some other requirements.

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Markus **********

There are 3 types of visas for business.

Working.

Conduct business/meeting etc.

Teaching.

So theoretically if you only want to setup a company you need a visa for conduct business BUT you need a workpermit to sign documents (this is consider work) so the best option if you only want to open company or work is the first option.

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Tod *********

There is no different types of business visas. They are all Non-B visas just issued for three different reasons; working, teaching, conducting business. They all have different requirements.

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Sean *************

1-The business visa (Non-B) that you get will only allow you to stay for up to 90 days. 2-To stay longer you will need to get an Extension of your Non B at Immigration INSIDE Thailand. 3-You will NOT be a resident. You will be a Non Resident Alien. Whether you keep your residence in your country will depend on the laws of your country.

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Francesca ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you Sean!

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Francesca ********

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Tod *********

I don't mean to rain on your parade but "considering the idea of opening a company" sounds like you really need to research what is entailed in opening a company in thailand BEFORE you start worrying about the visa.

If you are thinking of doing this strictly for the visa I'd say there are far less troublesome options out there for you.

Good Luck

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Francesca ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I know and I appreciate your answer. It's quite hard to find the correct information and answers to my questions...

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Tod *********

@Francesca *******

, I understand and meant no disrespect in my reply to your query. It's just a very very broad topic.

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Francesca ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Tod, I don't need to stay longer in Thailand, but if one of my companies is there, I don't want to be forced to go back and forth every 90 days. I have obligations in my country and I need to be officially resident there. The research on this topic is proving to be quite challenging unfortunately, due to some poor or contradicting information that I've found. I was hoping that you guys could point me in the right direction or recommend a professional. My statement about "considering the idea of opening a company" in Thailand only means that I'm in an early stage, nothing else.

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Francesca ********

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Anna ****

I suggest hiring a lawyer to do all this for you. We did it and it was a very easy process.

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Francesca ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

can you please give me some details as well?

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Daniel ************

there are plenty like sunbelt, interactive who are pretty cheap - if u go with thai only lawyers is half price - but u might have understanding problems - there are plenty

of law firms out there - mdlegal as well for example.

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Anna ****

I pmd you

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Daniel ************

absolutely.

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Zayid *******

Would u recommend them to us?

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Zayid *******

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Zayid *******

Following

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Margi ******

F

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Daniel ************

you need a non-immigrant b visa — and if u dont want to leave every 90 days - you need an extension based on work - (need to fulfil the requirements) - your lawyer/accountant can you give exact details. you dont need to be offic. resident.

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Daniel ************

@Francesca *******

what kind of paperwork ? for setup the company or later ? lawyers have an english copy of the company setup papers - or do that for you. Later you can do english contracts for example — only thing in Thai will be from governments - get it translated or have an accountant who speak english as well - it might make sense to have a thai manager as well.

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Francesca ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you Daniel! How do I go about signing paperwork written in Thai? Should I always bring a translator with me? Sorry, it might sound like a stupid question, but I would like to be ready for this kind of situations...

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Francesca ********

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