What visa options are available for moving to Thailand and starting a business?

Cannot work here

I’m originally from Poland in uk nearly 20 years and I fully understand why.. good luck, I love Thailand and also preparing myself to move there..

Put it off for 9 months and take a course with a diploma at the end of it for teaching English...International schools pay good salaries which go up considerably after a while.

.they also pay for accommodation and set you up with an agent they use on a regular basis...2: international teachers together you can live like kings after around 2 years. starting a business is dodgy.not many make it pay...if you do your customer base should be Thai people there's 66 million of them to sell to..get any idea of a a bar or catering for foreigners...you would be hard pushed to survive

Thailand is a place to spend money, to retire etc. In your situation its not realistic.

Peut-être faut-il considérer aussi l'option du Cambodge

%20in%20the%20country%2C%20you,dressmaking%20and%20some%20other%20occupations.

Welcome, and congratulations on your exciting plans to move to Thailand! It’s wonderful that you’re looking to build a new life there, and it’s natural to feel a bit overwhelmed by the visa options. Thailand offers several visa types that might fit your needs, depending on your goals for work, business, and your husband’s situation.

First if you haven’t already take a year to travel to Thailand and Southeast Asia first to see if it’s a right fit.

Here are some visa options and suggestions that may help you both:

1. Non-Immigrant “B” Visa (Business Visa)

• Who it’s for: Entrepreneurs, those wanting to start a business, or those working for a company in Thailand.

• What it involves: Since you’re interested in starting your own business, the Non-Immigrant “B” Visa might be the best option. To qualify, you’ll need to either secure a job offer or set up a Thai company. If you’re starting a business, you’ll need to show that your company is properly registered and meets certain requirements (e.g., employing Thai nationals).

• Process: This visa can be applied for at a Thai consulate in the UK. You’ll need business-related documents (proof of company registration, tax ID, etc.) if you’re starting your own venture.

2. Non-Immigrant “O” Visa (Dependent or Volunteer)

• Who it’s for: Spouses of Thai nationals, retirees, volunteers, or people supporting a dependent (in your case, possibly your husband).

• What it involves: While this visa isn’t primarily for business, it’s often used by individuals who volunteer or need a visa due to personal circumstances, like caring for a spouse.

• Suggestion: If your husband qualifies as disabled and you need to support him, you might be able to explore this visa. You may also be able to volunteer while living in Thailand, which could give you time to explore business opportunities.

3. Non-Immigrant “ED” Visa (Education Visa)

• Who it’s for: People studying Thai language or enrolled in another education program.

• What it involves: If either of you wanted to start by learning Thai or another subject, this visa allows you to live in Thailand while enrolled in an educational program. It’s not a work visa but can be useful if you’re figuring out your next steps and want to get acquainted with the country.

4. Retirement Visa (“O-A” or “O-X” Visa)

• Who it’s for: People over 50 who want to retire in Thailand.

• What it involves: Since you’re close to the qualifying age for a retirement visa (50), this might be an option for you in a few years. You would need to show financial stability (proof of income or savings), and it does not allow you to work, but it could be a long-term option if you’re thinking ahead.

5. Smart Visa

• Who it’s for: Entrepreneurs, specialists, executives, and investors in certain industries (e.g., tech, healthcare, education).

• What it involves: The Smart Visa is a newer option that offers long-term stays for people working in targeted industries. If your business aligns with one of these sectors, this could be a good option to explore.

6. Work Permit

• If you plan to work as a Music Therapist, Counselor, or even start your own business, you’ll also need a Work Permit in addition to your visa. The process involves having a Thai company sponsor your work permit or establishing your own company. Some professions (like in the medical field) may have additional requirements for certification.

Additional Suggestions:

• Consider Consulting with a Thai Immigration Lawyer: Starting a business and navigating visas can be complex. A local immigration lawyer could help guide you through the steps, especially regarding setting up a business and understanding the work permit process.

• Explore Business Opportunities in Your Field: As a Music Therapist and Counselor, you might find opportunities to start your own practice or work with wellness centers, schools, or even hotels. Thailand has a growing interest in mental health and alternative therapies, which could be an excellent niche for you.

• Research Disability Services for Your Husband: If your husband has specific needs due to his disability, researching local support services or organizations in Thailand may help you both settle in comfortably. Some visas take into account the need for medical or personal care.

Important Note:

It’s critical to have all your documentation in order when applying for any visa—this includes financial proof, business plans, and letters of support (if applicable). Also, rules can change, so it’s a good idea to check the most current regulations through the Thai embassy or consulate.

I hope this gives you a clearer understanding of your options. Wishing you and your husband all the best as you begin this exciting new chapter in Thailand! 😊

If to difficult try Cambodia i changing there from Thailand in March way less hassle and cheaper and 7.5 interest on fixed term deposit in the bank

The reason why most dumb western countries are becoming unaffordable. Its all the insanity. Going woke, going carbon free, going climate change, going population diversity. We are all sheep getting corralled.

You have limited options here to be honest. And it's really going to be hard finding a job here. With your qualifications, I would advice you to first contact/email the International Schools in Thailand. Show them your resume, past experience, your music work and explain how you can be a good Music teacher or a Music Counselor and how you can benefit the students. Create a good video resume, upload it to youtube and include the video link in your email. And then pray some school would be interested and get back to you.

Your second option is to start your own business as a Music teacher/counselor or open a restaurant where your husband can work as a chef. This route is more risky and might involve a lot of money depending on your business plan/idea. Get in touch with a Thai Lawyer to understand what licenses would you exactly need for your business. Having a prior business experience, I can tell you that just setting up a company and getting work permit and visa would cost you around 150K THB. Then every month around 80K-100K THB as operating expenses not including rent and utility (salary for the 4 Thai people that you need to hire to be eligible for a work permit and visa + Lawyer fees to oversee the account and file taxes).

Another alternative within this second option is to find someone who already has a small business here and become his/her business partner or co-owners of the business via investment and then apply for visa and work permit.

Your third option is to learn some digital/online skills and become a freelancer/digital nomad/remote worker and then get a 5 year DTV visa.

Anyways, it's not gonna be easy and you need to be careful every step of the way. When it comes to money and business, people can be very dishonest and will backstab you with a smile in this land of smiles.

Your fourth option is to wait 2 years until you become 50 years of age and qualify for the retirement visa. But you do need the funds required for the retirement visa. If you don't have the funds, an agent can help but the agent fees will be around 30K-40K THB for 1 year visa. But you cannot legally work on this visa (unless you're working online for foreign clients or have an online business and keep a low profile, it's a grey area).

All is possible, but know as mentioned before in the comments that is not easy to find the job. That is the best option, to get employed by Thai company, then they will deal with your visa and rest.

To run your own business/ to open your own company you need 2 mil. Thb capital, and 51% company shares owned by Thai citizen/s. On top of that if you want to employ yourself in your own company by the Thai law, for one foreign employee you need to employ also 4 Thai citizens (good accountant can help with arranging that but that is additional cost: accounting and employees’s taxes and insurance). Also you will need a lawyer to assist with opening the company and add to that work permit cost that is around 60-70k thb if accountant/ agent do it for you… ( if you do it yourself, is cheeper but absolute hell).

All in all everything is doable, but it costs a lot 😏

Other option is elite visa, not really sure but I think is around 1,5 M thb.

Wish you good luck 🤞 🙂

Sounds exciting

All the best on your new journey 👋🏽

As a us citizen

Do you need a visa?

Oh, very nice. Do you speak Thai? 

Thailand is welcome everyone,you gonna make it. I would try enter on tourist visa 60 days first, then extent every months for 4 months. during the tourist visa . you gonna learn many things by meeting people or find out by yourself.

I'm a retired busdriver myself and only thai native can have a thai busdriver license, I tried myself to get one, car and motorcycle is no problem, but no license for bus. Foreigners are not allowed to work as busdriver, it's a protected job for thai citizens only

follow lots of these tutorials on youtube. then try your hand at making some web sites and doing some freelance projects from home. quit ya jobs, save up 10,000 sterling, get a dtv visa and you have 5 years in Thailand hopefully. Bus / Chef is 100% no, Music Therapist isn't a thing ive heard of here but sounds like u could make a web site to do that online too.

Open a music therapeutic bar and restaurant ! Job done ! Lose all your savings then go back to old blighty ! Seriously just come for November till march as after that the weather is intolerable ! Good luck !

It’s easy to move there, but they will not let you work the way you want to, write to our Embassy in Bkk.

A dream that is n ot well considered.....T I T

Thailand is a country for Thai people, they put up with foreigners as long as they spend money there, setting up a business or getting a job there very hard

Have you ever visited Thailand?

Have you ever visited Thailand before?

You can't do much as foreigner in Thailand, unless you marry a local. Since you are already married that's not an option for you.

And it's " My husband and I" , not "Me and my husband "...

If you have a bachelor's you can teach English.

I would try the nearest Thailand.consulate to you initially, they will put you on the right track they are normally very very helpful and the advice will be exactly what you require, good luck

Hello,

Welcome! It’s great that you’re considering moving to Thailand to start a new life. Here’s a breakdown of the visa options and pathways you can explore:

1. Non-Immigrant B Visa (Business Visa) – This visa is suitable if you plan to work in Thailand, either for an employer or by starting your own business. Since you’re interested in opening a business, you would likely apply for this visa. After establishing your company, you can apply for a work permit to legally work.

2. Non-Immigrant O Visa – This is often used for family members of Thai nationals, but it’s also available to retirees or those who are accompanying a spouse. Your husband might qualify for this if he won’t be working initially due to his disability.

3. Retirement Visa – Since you’re 48, you can consider this visa when you turn 50. You need proof of financial stability, such as savings or a monthly pension, to qualify. While this visa doesn’t allow work, it’s a good long-term option for residency. You can apply for a work permit later if you decide to start a business.

4. Starting a Business – Thailand welcomes foreign business owners, but the process can be complex. You’ll need to register your business, possibly with a Thai partner holding 51% of the company, depending on the industry. There are specific licenses depending on the type of business, so if you’re looking into therapy or counseling, you’ll need to check the regulations for those sectors.

It’s best to consult with a Thai legal or visa expert who can guide you through the detailed steps based on your specific plans and situation.

Good luck with your move! Feel free to ask if you have more questions.

If you hold American passport you can use the treaty of amity

Agreed. Too many people think they can move to Thailand and work.

Unless you have a business shared with a Thai local, or your existing employer sets you up in Thailand, you cannot work here, unless it's online.

There’s a guy on YouTube called Paul Lee, he’s very knowledgeable on these kind of questions your asking check him out and reach out to him good luck

After living in Thailand for 5 years

Starting your own business is probably the only way to go if you have the funds

You will need to open a business where you can get two work permits

Obvious

Open a small bar / restaurant if your husband is a chef

If you are really good in Music and like to try: I would try to find a school, e.g. an international school, and become music teacher.

Regarding the other comments: you do not need a lot of money to found a company. They are mixing up registered capital with "upfront costs", yes you need a Thai partner, 51%. Depending on province more than 1 partner.

Yes, one can work as a chef. No idea why the nay sayers are so uninformed. However bus driver is a restricted job. And no: you also can not drive a cab, bolt, gap etc.

Good luck.

Take a few holidays here first - travel around and see where you like. Have some fun. When you hit 50, and meet the financial requirements for a retirement visa, then do that. No need for a full on commitment straight off - be smart, figure it out, then get on a retirement visa at a later stage.

Finding suitable ways to work on-line is the best way to be honest. Then you can get the DTV. Also, if your husband visits the UK once every three months then he can keep his PIP too so that can at least help to cover the cost of trips home to see family.

A lot of red flags.

Open a hostel and be a chef in there, also hostel bar

You try to open restaurant and your husband is doing as chef.

It is hard for foreigners to find jobs in Thailand since a lot of proffessions are reserved for Thai citizens... it is not impossible, but hard.

You need to find a job where the employer handle the documentation needed to get a work permit and support your application for a Non immigrant B visa (you need a job to apply for that).

Another option is to find a job outside Thailand that allows you to work remotely from Thailand (or start your own business working online with non-Thai clients). Then you can apply for a DTV (Destination Thailand Visa).

Nadia I'm sorry, people are right when they say you can't easily do what you want to do, to live in Thailand. You might find jobs as English teachers if you get a TEFL qualification, but teachers are not well paid here.

Why do you want to leave UK? People pay thousands of pounds to shift to UK.

You will both have trouble finding work in Thailand. You can't drive a bus. You're husband can't be a cook. If he's a chef with an international reputation maybe.

You could get the new 5 year visa DTV. Online work only though from non-Thai clients/company.

You can’t work here, you can open your own business but need to have 51% Thai owners, and have between 5 million baht in reserve