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What visa should a Canadian consider for opening a coffee shop in Thailand?

Visa options Business visa Non-B visa Work permit Coffee shop Thailand immigration Expat advice Retirement visa

Jul 22, 2018

8 years ago

Mig **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello. I love seeing all the info from this group, it's greatly appreciated. A quick question, I will move here over the next year or two and was wondering if I wanted to open a coffee shop or something similar, what would be the visa of choice?   I'm a Canadian, 52 years young, so I know I could get a retirement visa , but couldn't work. Any advice would be super helpful 

Have a great day 

Mike

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user Mike is contemplating opening a coffee shop in Thailand and is considering his visa options. Instead of a retirement visa, which does not allow him to work, he has been advised to set up a company in Thailand. By doing so, he can apply for a Non-Immigrant B visa with a work permit, allowing him to work as a business director. Additionally, he is cautioned about the competitive nature of coffee shops in Thailand and the need to consider the local profit margins.

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Joe ***********

When a person starts a Thai Registered Company, with proper documents submitted the Company becomes Certified with a Company Certificate issued. This Certificate often / usually lists multiple types of businesses designated in the Certificate that the Company may engage in. The Business Founders make this list. Next the Foreign owner gets designated as Director. The Director has an option (if they want to do hands on work and / or supervise workers then a Work Permit is applied for along with B Visa. With the Work Permit and B Visa the Foreigner as Company Director can perform any and all work and tasks needed to operate the business. i.e., two of my 20 or so authorized business categories are Renting of Cars (including all support work). Another is Buying and Selling of Land and Villas (on the list but I do not engage in it).

I can add or change Business Categories with an edit and resubmission of the Company Certificate.

8 years ago

Robert *******

I know you and your business

@J**

. I just comment about the subject, a coffeeshop or something similar. And I don't see a car rental service as something similar as a coffee shop.

8 years ago

Joe ***********

@Robert ******

- My Work Permit allows me to do exacly as I describe. I have described what I do in detail with the Immigration Officer who came to visit my business to inspect prior to the Extension of Stay issuance. Previously I discussed what I would be doing with the Officer at the Labor Ministry upon issuance of the WP. Neither officer made any statement disagreeing with me. My business is not a dress store nor a noodle shop.

8 years ago

Robert *******

He can only do the work as described in the work permit. a Foreigner is by Thai labor law not allowed for Shop/Outlet attendance

8 years ago

Reply to

Robert *******

Michael *********

I'd suggest some kind of gimmick if you do open it... there's 3 or 4 in all the malls and a goodly number of coffee shops around the towns... Maybe a drive up window????? Good luck..

8 years ago

Michael *********

8 years ago

Mig **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi, thanks. Just getting a feeler for what's best. I'm in Thailand 2-3x year, so know there's plenty of them. We've got a tear or two to play with ideas. Appreciate your reply Mike

8 years ago

Reply to

Mig **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Ah ok thanks for the info. Just wanted to know which visa would be best and thanks

@Robert ******

. I realized it want make me a millionaire beforehand. Thanks all 😀

8 years ago

Robert *******

You can work as Director or Manager Director, but not allowed to actually work as making coffee and helping clients. If you like to do it you need to set up a company in Thailand, your Thai partners apply for the Work Permit and with those and company papers you can apply for the Non Immigrant B visa.

8 years ago

Ian ***************

Do it as a lifestyle choice, but be prepared to lose money.

8 years ago

Stu **********

There are a million coffee shops here, might be tough to make a profit

8 years ago

Robert *********

also you have to thing of Thai sized profit margin, not Canadian sized profit margins. If there is a profit here of course. And waiting, or even cleaning, tables is work, prohibited under a "retirement visa"

8 years ago

Reply to

Robert *********

Mig **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hopefully open one up and run it , just to keep busy.

8 years ago

Robert *******

And what do you like to do in the coffee shop?

8 years ago

Reply to

Robert *******