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What visa options do I have to extend my stay in Thailand after an ED visa and start a business?

Thailand Visa Options ED Visa Business Visa Tourist Visa Freelancing in Thailand Setting Up a Business in Thailand Visa Application Process Agency Assistance for Visas

Mar 30, 2018

7 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello everyone, the last 8 months I had an ED-Visa. I don't plan to make another language course right now. I wonder what options I do have to stay longer. I am freelancer but only European customers.  But I plan to start a small business with a Thai friend, like running a hostel or something. But it's high season right now so not a good time to buy. I heard that I could apply for a one year Business visa and with this I can start exploring business opportunities. Has anyone more information about that? I checked some agencies who promise 100% success when I apply with them. Is this necessary? Anyone experiences? What do I need to do if I want to make it my myself. Thanks a lot for your help.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is seeking advice on extending their stay in Thailand after their ED visa expires. They are considering starting a business with a Thai friend but are uncertain about the visa process. Multiple responses suggest the possibility of applying for a business visa or utilizing a tourist visa for exploring business opportunities. Users advise caution regarding agencies offering guaranteed visa assistance, sharing personal experiences and recommending pursuing the process independently.

Tony ********

Advice: Don't bother but if you do, keep a close watch on your Thai friend at all times particularly if it is only your coin being invested!😃Thai friend/Thai lawyers/Thai accountants - birds of a feather...........

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Eugenie ***************

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Alan *******

If you are going to start a business, you’re going to need a raft of lawyers work, not just an agency.

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Ken *********

Nils Ritz I know someone who did this through an agency. It does exist or did exist. I won't post links. He did it for more than a year. In theory, he was "looking for opportunities."

It's possible to set up a business and then add yourself as an employee and shareholder. You don't need to be profitable right away. If you have good and well-connected legal team, you pay and you stay.

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Nils ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks Alan. For the business we have already a lawyer, but I am not planing to start a business now. We will look after the high season. My question was just about the Business visa, if I could get it. But a 60-day tourist visa with 30-day extension is fine for my purpose.

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Nils ******

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Tod *********

Nils, I'd say right now a single entry tourist visa is your best and easiest thing, that'd get you 90 days and maybe your company can be done by then.

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Amornrat **********

do not blame the agency. It is a business model and all people are free to choose. BTW we do not sale such packages, but certain group of people are happy to pay for such kind of visa.

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Nils ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Yes Tod, after we discussed together I decided the same. I got an answer from the agency. They wanna have around 20k and they can not guarantee that I will 100% get the visa. So hands off guys from any agency.

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Nils ******

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Robert *******

In this whole region you only get a 90 day Single Entry Non Immigrant B visa (business visa) if you can show or your work permit or application work permit. As business owner you can get in Penang a one year multi entry Non Immigrant B visa if you have at least 20% of shares. You are allowed with a Tourist visa to look at business opportunities so that is your only option.

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Ken *********

Elite Visa (about $15,000 for 5 years).

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Robert *******

Not me, I'm just a member like you.

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Nils ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Great guys, that is very helpful. I don't see the link. Did you delete already?

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Robert *******

I agree with

, and please delete that link. To many wrong statements in there.

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Tod *********

nope you won't have any problem going to a thai consulate and getting a single entry tourist visa..

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Nils ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Because I read that with a business visa I am able to exploring business or investment opportunities. I understood that I don't need to have shares at this time. Okay. This is very helpful. So I think it's better just to take a 60day tourist visa. There is no problem to get a tourist visa after having a ED visa, right?

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Nils ******

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Tod *********

You are not going to be able to get a Non-B from a thai consulate in S/E Asia without a pile of documentation from the company you're going to work for.

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Tod *********

Until you set up a company and get the documentation so you can actually get a Non-B visa and work permit you have a couple options.

You can go back to your country and get a 6 month METV <-multi-entry tourist visa. That would let you stay here almost 9 months (in 60 day increments).

OR

You can go to a thai consulate in a nearby country and get a single entry tourist visa that would get you stamped in for 60 days and that you could extend for 30 more at the immigration office for 1900baht

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Nils ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

yeah my feeling also say, I should not use an agency. Let's stay legal.

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Tod *********

be very careful with those agencies. A good friend used one for years to get a year-long, multi-entry non-B visa from the US every year when he went back.

Then one year the consulates stopped issuing them and he couldn't get ANY visa at all with the paperwork he'd got from the agency. When he got back here they wouldn't refund him one single baht.

Just be careful, if it sounds too good to be true or too easy it's fake

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Nils ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I understood that they will provide me with the necessary documents. But I think it's better to make it on my own.

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Robert *******

I would say this says enough: Copied from their website: "After confirming your payment, we will send you the necessary details " People on this facebook page give advice for free.

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Nils ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Okay sorry Tod. I understand.

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Tod *********

you wanna use an agency, google is your friend, you want to know how to do it yourself and what is required, this group is your friend

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Tod *********

, you are new to the group, but we have a NO mentioning agencies that get visas for people INSIDE the country. Don't post links to them

Thanx

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Nils ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

So I am not able to get a business visa in Laos for example? I have to go back to my country for that? And what is about the agencies who promise to assistance with business visa in 10 days? To take a tourist visa would be just my second choice.

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Nils ******

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