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Business Visa in Thailand

For foreign nationals seeking to work, invest, or conduct business in Thailand, the Non-Immigrant Visa Category “B” (Non-B) serves as the essential gateway. Unlike tourist visas or visa exemptions, the Non-B visa is specifically designed for individuals engaging in commercial activities within the Kingdom .

However, a critical distinction must be understood from the outset: the Non-B visa permits entry and residency, but it does not automatically authorize employment. A separate Work Permit (Work Permit) issued by the Ministry of Labour is required for actual work activities .

1. Understanding the Non-Immigrant B Visa

The Non-B visa is issued to foreigners entering Thailand for business or employment purposes. It is strictly regulated under the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) and requires careful compliance. The following table outlines the primary visa types relevant to business activities in 2026:

2. The e-Visa Mandate (2026 Update)

Since January 2025, Thailand has fully transitioned to a global e-Visa system . This means:

No physical visa stamps are issued at embassies in advance.

Applications must be submitted online via the official website: https://www.thaievisa.go.th/ .

Upon approval, a PDF confirmation (Electronic Visa) is sent, which must be printed and presented upon arrival.

Processing Times: Standard review takes 10 to 15 working days. If the embassy requests additional documents or an interview, processing may extend to 3–4 weeks .

3. Financial and Employer Requirements

Obtaining a Non-B visa for employment is a sponsor-driven process. The Thai employer bears significant responsibility and must meet specific criteria:

Employer Qualifications

Paid-up Capital: Minimum registered capital of 2 million Thai Baht per foreign employee .

Thai Employee Quota: Generally, companies must employ 4 Thai nationals for every 1 foreigner (often referred to as the 1:4 rule) .

Physical Office: The company must have a legitimate physical address.

Employee Qualifications

Relevant Expertise: The role must require skills not readily available in the Thai labor market.

Salary Thresholds (2026): While varying by nationality, minimums are strictly enforced:

General Applicants: 40,000 – 45,000 THB

Chinese/Taiwanese: 45,000 THB

Singaporean/Japanese/Korean: 50,000 THB

Source:

Financial Proof for Applicants

Single Entry: Bank statement showing a balance of no less than 30,000 THB (approx. 750 EUR) .

Multiple Entry: Bank statement showing a balance of no less than 120,000 THB (approx. 3,000 EUR) .

4. The Application Process: Step-by-Step

The process follows a strict sequence. Attempting to work before completing these steps renders the foreigner illegally employed.

Step 1: Prepare Documentation

The employer and employee must gather the necessary documents. The most critical are:

From the Thai Employer:

Invitation letter (on company letterhead, signed, with stamp)

Business registration and license (issued within the last 6 months)

List of shareholders (Bor Or Jor 5)

Balance sheet and latest financial statements

VAT registration (Por Por 20)

Evidence of Thai employee social security contributions

From the Foreign Employee:

Passport (valid for 6+ months, at least 2 blank pages)

Digital photo (4x6cm, white background)

Resume/CV (English)

Degree certificates (authenticated)

Work experience letters

Step 2: Apply for the Non-B Visa

The employee applies online via the Thai e-Visa website in their home country or country of legal residence . For those already in Thailand on a tourist visa or visa exemption, a Change of Visa Status is possible at Thai Immigration, though this requires significant justification and fees.

Step 3: Enter Thailand

Upon approval, the employee receives the e-Visa PDF. Entering Thailand, immigration will stamp a 90-day permitted stay .

Step 4: Apply for the Work Permit (WP)

Immediately after arrival, the employer must apply for a Work Permit at the Department of Employment. This process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks .

Important: The work permit is tied to a specific employer, job title, and location. Working for a different company or in a different role requires a new permit.

Step 5: Apply for the 1-Year Extension

Within the last 30 days of the initial 90-day stay, the employee must apply for a One-Year Extension of Stay at the Thai Immigration Bureau.

Fee: 1,900 THB.

Requirement: The employee must have a valid work permit and the employer must still meet the capital and quota requirements .

5. Special Considerations for Foreigners in Thailand

5.1 BOI Companies (Board of Investment)

If the Thai employer is BOI-promoted, the process is significantly faster and more flexible.

Privileges: Exemption from the 1:4 Thai employee quota; faster processing via the One Start One Stop Investment Center (OSOS) ; potential for 100% foreign ownership .

5.2 The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

Introduced in 2024, the DTV is designed for the modern remote workforce. It is not a replacement for the Non-B visa if you are employed by a Thai company.

Who it's for: Digital nomads, freelancers, Muay Thai students, and participants in Thai cultural activities .

Key Benefit: 5-year validity, 180-day stays, and permission to work for foreign employers without a Thai work permit .

5.3 The Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa

For highly skilled professionals or wealthy individuals, the LTR offers a 10-year visa with tax benefits (17% flat rate) . It is suited for remote workers earning over $80,000/year or retirees with substantial pensions .

6. Compliance and Obligations

Once residing in Thailand on a long-stay visa, foreigners must adhere to ongoing compliance rules:

90-Day Reporting: Any foreigner staying in Thailand for more than 90 consecutive days must report their address to immigration every 90 days (online or in-person). Failure results in a 2,000 THB fine .

Re-Entry Permit: A one-year extension of stay is automatically cancelled upon exiting Thailand unless a Re-Entry Permit (Single: 1,000 THB, Multiple: 3,800 THB) is obtained beforehand.

Conclusion

Navigating the Thai Business Visa system in 2026 requires understanding the distinction between the Non-B visa (permission to stay) and the work permit (permission to work). The process is employer-driven, requiring the Thai company to meet strict capital and quota requirements. For entrepreneurs, the BOI route offers superior flexibility, while digital nomads should look toward the new DTV visa. Proper planning and legal compliance are essential to avoiding fines, deportation, or blacklisting.

Thailand remains one of Southeast Asia’s most attractive destinations for foreign entrepreneurs, executives, investors, and skilled professi

A business visa in Thailand is one of the most commonly used immigration pathways for foreigners who want to engage in commercial activities

Thailand’s Non-Immigrant Category “B” Visa, commonly referred to as the Business Visa , is the regulatory cornerstone for foreign profession

Retirement Visa in Thailand

For thousands each year, Thailand represents the pinnacle of an affordable, vibrant, and culturally rich retirement. The gateway to this long-term dream is officially the Non-Immigrant O-A Visa (Long Stay), commonly and universally known as the "Retirement Visa." However, this label is a simplification of a nuanced, regulated process that demands meticulous financial planning, adherence to bureaucratic protocol, and an understanding of its place within Thailand's broader immigration framework. This is not a path to permanent residency or citizenship, but a renewable, long-term permission to reside, contingent on meeting and maintaining clear state-mandated criteria.

The Legal Foundation: More Than Just Age and Money

At its core, the retirement visa is a conditional privilege granted under Thai immigration law. The primary legal instruments are the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) and the specific regulations established by the Thai Immigration Bureau. The fundamental requirements are well-known but contain critical subtleties:

Age Requirement: Applicant must be 50 years of age or older. This is non-negotiable and must be proven with a passport.

Financial Requirement: The cornerstone of the application. Applicants must satisfy one of three financial pathways, each with distinct strategic implications:

Bank Deposit: A minimum of 800,000 Thai Baht deposited in a personal Thai savings account. This money must be seasoned: it must have been in the account for at least two months prior to the first application. For subsequent annual extensions, it must be seasoned for three months before the renewal date and must not fall below 400,000 Baht at any other time. This is the most common method but requires diligent fund management.

Monthly Income: A verifiable monthly pension or income of at least 65,000 Thai Baht. This must be proven via official documents (e.g., pension statements, embassy-issued income affidavits—though many embassies, like the US and UK, have discontinued this service, shifting the burden to bank transfers). The preferred method is demonstrating a consistent monthly international transfer of at least 65,000 THB into a Thai account, documented with Foreign Exchange Transaction (FET) forms.

Combination Method: A combination of annual income and bank deposit totaling at least 800,000 Baht annually. For example, a pension of 400,000 Baht per year combined with a 400,000 Baht bank deposit.

Health and Character Checks: Applicants must provide a medical certificate from a Thai clinic stating they are free from certain diseases (including Syphilis and Leprosy) and a criminal background check from their home country or place of residence, authenticated by the Thai embassy or consulate.

The Two-Stage Process: Visa Acquisition vs. Annual Extension

A critical conceptual distinction exists that often causes confusion:

Stage 1: The Initial Non-Immigrant O-A Visa. This is typically obtained from a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate abroad (e.g., in one's home country). It is usually valid for one year from the date of issue and permits multiple entries. This means you can come and go throughout that year without needing a re-entry permit. It is the cleanest entry point but requires assembling all documents, including the police and medical checks, outside Thailand.

Stage 2: The Annual Extension of Stay. If you enter Thailand on an O-A Visa or convert another visa type (like a Tourist Visa) to a Non-Immigrant "O" for retirement within Thailand, you must apply for an "Extension of Stay Based on Retirement" at your local Thai Immigration Office. This extension grants permission to stay for one additional year from your current expiration date. This is not a visa; it is an extension. It requires proof of meeting the financial requirements in Thailand and is the process repeated every year. This extension is tied to a single entry; if you travel abroad, you must purchase a Re-Entry Permit (single or multiple) to keep the extension alive.

The In-Country Conversion Path

Many retirees arrive on a Tourist Visa or Visa Exemption. It is possible to convert this to a Non-Immigrant "O" Visa (90-day) for the purpose of retirement at the discretion of immigration, provided you meet the financial criteria. Following this, you then apply for the one-year extension. This path is subject to more scrutiny and specific immigration office policies, and often requires having at least 15-21 days remaining on your current permission to stay.

Beyond Approval: The Ongoing Compliance Regime

Securing the extension is only the beginning. Maintaining your status requires unwavering compliance with three ongoing obligations:

90-Day Address Reporting: Every 90 consecutive days you reside in Thailand, you must report your current address to immigration. This can be done in person, by mail, through an agency, or online (when the system is functional). Failure to report results in fines.

The TM30: The Landlord's Report: Under Section 38 of the Immigration Act, your landlord (or you, if you own the condo) is legally required to report your presence at any residence to immigration within 24 hours of your arrival. While enforcement is inconsistent, many immigration offices now require a TM30 receipt to process any visa-related service, making it a de facto requirement for retirees.

Financial Maintenance: You must manage your finances to ensure you meet the seasoning requirements every year for your renewal. Immigration officers may request a 12-month bankbook history to verify the money has not been merely "flash deposited."

Strategic Analysis: Choosing Your Financial Path & Common Pitfalls

The 800K Bank Deposit: Offers simplicity but ties up a significant lump sum. The greatest risk is dipping below the minimum threshold during the year, which can jeopardize renewal. Setting a personal minimum of 600,000-700,000 Baht provides a safety buffer.

The 65K Monthly Income: Often seen as more straightforward, as it demonstrates a steady cash flow. The challenge is documentation. Relying on embassy letters is no longer viable for many. The solution is a meticulous paper trail: monthly international transfers into a dedicated Thai account, with FET forms from the bank. Immigration wants to see consistency.

The Pitfall of Inactivity: Using an ATM card from your home country to withdraw living expenses directly from a foreign account, while convenient, leaves no Thai paper trail for immigration. This can lead to rejection at renewal. Transferring funds in bulk periodically is a more compliant strategy.

The Retirement Visa vs. The Thailand Elite Visa

A key strategic decision for some is choosing between the retirement visa and the paid Thailand Elite Visa. Elite offers 5, 10, or 20-year memberships with concierge services and no financial proof, but costs 600,000 to 2 million THB. The retirement visa costs only 1,900 THB per extension. Elite is a commercial hospitality product; the retirement visa is a regulated immigration status. Elite does not require financial proof but offers no path to anything beyond its term. The retirement visa, while requiring annual proof, is the first step for those who may later contemplate permanent residency.

Conclusion: A Framework for a Life, Not a Permanent Vacation

Thailand's retirement visa is a powerful tool that enables a long-term lifestyle in the Kingdom. It is not, however, a casual undertaking. It demands financial discipline, respect for bureaucratic procedures, and an acceptance of ongoing compliance. Success is found in meticulous record-keeping, understanding the local nuances of your chosen Immigration Office, and planning not just for the initial approval, but for the decades of renewals that follow.

For the prepared individual, it represents an unparalleled opportunity. For the disorganized, it can become a source of annual stress. Ultimately, navigating the retirement visa process successfully is the first and most important ritual of integration for the long-term retiree, signifying a commitment not just to enjoying Thailand, but to respecting its laws and systems as a new home.

The Thailand Retirement Visa, also known as the Non-Immigrant OA Visa, is a popular choice for expats looking to retire in Thailand. Not onl

Retiring in Thailand is a dream for many, but the legal reality is a complex interplay of financial thresholds, insurance mandates, and admi

Green Card Holders Who Stay Outside of the U.S. for Long Period of Times

Many clients who hold Legal Permanent Residency cards (Green Cards) ask me if they risk abandoning that status by spending more than 6 months abroad. The answer depends on many different factors and should be look at on a case by case basis, however generally the rule is an LPR who makes trips abroad who are not "temporary" loses his/her status.

The ninth circuit court of appeals has defined "temporary" as being:

"we hold that a permanent resident returns from a “temporary visit abroad” only when (a) the permanent resident’s visit is for “a period relatively short, fixed by some early event,” or (b) the permanent resident’s visit will terminate upon the occurrence of an event having a reasonable possibility of occurring within a relatively short period of time. If as in (b), the length of the visit is contingent upon the occurrence of an event and is not fixed in time and if the event does not occur within a relatively short period of time, the visit will be considered a “temporary visit abroad” only if the alien has a continuous, uninterrupted intention to return to the United States during the entirety of his visit."

If you are an LPR and have stayed abroad for more than one year several options may be available. They include: (a) obtaining a valid reentry permit while you are in the United States; (b) apply at a U.S. consulate abroad for an SB-1 returning resident visa by convincing the consulate officer that your stay was "temporary" and that your stay beyond one year was out of your control; or (c) apply to a CBP officer at the port of entry for a “waiver” of the green card requirement by proving that the stay abroad was temporary and that there was “good cause” for not returning within one year.

The information provided on this blog are intended as general guidance and do not establish an attorney-client relationship. If you would like to set up a FREE consultation with our office contact us at: (619) 209-6136.

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