Answered9 years ago

What visas and permits do I need to live and work in Thailand as an energy broker planning to open a company?

Visa Requirements Thai Work Permit Non-Immigrant Visa METV Business Setup in Thailand Expats

Richard *******

asked Apr 26, 2018

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Hi everyone, I’ve just joined the group. I plan on moving to Thailand later this year, perhaps in November if my plans work out. I plan on staying in Thailand.

I’ve read up online, and gone through numerous posts on here, but I’m still not much clearer on what I need to, or should, do.

I’m a commercial energy broker in the UK, and ideally would like to open a limited Thai company, and want to enter the deregulated Thai market doing the same thing. I think I would then get the appropriate visas through doing that?  But what ARE the appropriate visas? I need a permit to stay in Thailand, and a working visa.  Ideally relevant permits/visas to be long term.  

Any advice would be very gratefully accepted.

Thanks in advance

Answer summary

A new expat planning to move to Thailand seeks advice on the necessary visas and permits for staying and working in the country as a commercial energy broker. They express interest in opening a Thai company and inquire about relevant long-term visa options. Commenters suggest obtaining a Multi-Entry Tourist Visa (METV) for an initial stay and mention the limitations on visa options until the company is established.

12 repliesnewest first

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Lloyd ********

You are aware there is only government supplied electricity ? No choice of suppliers.

9 years ago

Richard *******

I didn't think anyone would spot that - but you are slightly wrong. Imported LNG has already been deregulated and renewable power is next on the list this year. I would imagine that the whole market will be deregulated within the next 5 years. Initially I will be opening a small contact centre for UK energy (5 staff I believe) while I wait for the Thai market to be ready for me. But good spot 😉

9 years ago

Tod *********

Until you actually form a company here you're visa options are going to be limited. I'd say at least get a 6 month METV <- multi-entry tourist visa from the thai consulate in your country before you come here. That way it gives you almost 9 months of time in country (in 60 day increments). That should buy you enough time to do your research, set up your company, and go for a long term visa and work permit.

9 years ago

Richard *******

Ahhh I didn't know that, excellent news!! This forum is great, I've spent hours online trying to understand this stuff, but I've learnt more in 10 minutes here! :)

9 years ago

Biff *******

You can also extend those 30 visa exempt entry stamps at immigration offices inside Thailand if you need to.

9 years ago

Richard *******

Really useful info again, thanks Biff. I should have my Romanian residency within the next 2 months, so I hope I can do it here, and not have to travel to the UK for it. No immediate rush for me, I plan on visiting twice on 30-day no-visa-required trips before the move, so I just need it before November.

9 years ago

Biff *******

Thai embassies and consulates usually only allow nationals of the country they're in, or people with residential status there, to apply for the METV so you'd need to check their requirements for that and make sure you have the evidence they require, but yes, that's the visa that will give you the longest time in Thailand (with a options to extend that once you're there).

9 years ago

Richard *******

I'd have to get it in Romania, which is where I am right now (I run my business in the UK remotely from Romania), let's hope the Bucharest Embassy is a good one! What would I need to get the...METV ?

9 years ago

Biff *******

Also, getting the Tourist visa in London keeps your interaction with the embassy to a minimum. They're not big on helpful advice, and to be honest, they're a bit odd lol

9 years ago

Richard *******

Yes Biff, what you say makes good sense, and tbh I'd feel better if I was there to supervise everything myself anyway. I'm fortunate that I've got a contact there who will help, but it's not the same! Thanks :)

9 years ago

Biff *******

Best to do all that stuff when you're in country. You're going to have to be actually present at certain government offices to get all your paperwork sorted out, work permit etc. Plus you minimise the risk of being overcharged, given the wrong advice, picking the wrong law firms etc etc.

You can get some of it done before you arrive, but boots on the ground will give you a chance to make sure everything will be done in the best way.

Sounds like an interesting project by the way! Good luck with it all.

9 years ago

Richard *******

Thanks Tod, appreciated. I'm already doing the research now, and talking to relevant energy suppliers in Thailand, so I could feasibly set up the Thai company and get visa/permit before my arrival? Without being in Thailand. Do you think there is anything stopping me doing that?

9 years ago