Having the right visa is an essential part of a successful business in Thailand. This article will provide an overview of the different types of Thai business visas and their requirements.
A business visa (Non-Immigrant B Visa) is required for foreign nationals who wish to conduct business activities in Thailand or apply for a work permit. The requirements for this visa include:
M Visa
The M Visa is a non-immigrant visa available to individuals looking to conduct business in Thailand. It allows for multiple entries and a stay of up to 90 days per entry. This type of visa is ideal for entrepreneurs, investors and corporate executives.
Applicants must provide a letter of invitation from their company in Thailand. They must also provide evidence that they have sufficient funds to cover their living expenses during their stay in the country. They must also have a valid round-trip ticket.
If you’re going to be traveling on a business trip for long periods of time, it might be easier and cheaper to open up a Wise multi-currency account, which will allow you to hold Thai baht and Singapore dollars all in one place. This will save you money on exchange rates and make your life much easier when it comes to budgeting for travel expenses, hotels and food.
IB Visa
A Non-Immigrant IB Visa is issued to foreigners who intend to register a business in Thailand and/or invest in existing companies. The visa is valid for up to 12 months.
In order to qualify for this type of visa, the applicant must obtain a letter from the BOI confirming their employment details and employment status in a company registered with the BOI. A copy of the BOI-registered company’s business license is also required.
In addition to the BOI-registered company letters and license, the application must include passport size photographs (4 x 6 cm) and copies of documents showing correspondence with trading or associated companies in Thailand (Board of Directors signature or authorised managing director must sign the copies of these documentation and affix their seal). Sometimes there are additional documents requested as well.
EX Visa
The EX Visa is a non-immigrant visa for foreigners who want to work at a company (Thai or foreign) or in an educational institute. It’s also a good option for startup entrepreneurs who plan to establish a business in Thailand.
If you’re a wealthy individual who wants to live in Thailand long-term, consider the Elite Privilege Card. This visa is essentially a government visa that meets an airport lounge pass, allowing you to enjoy perks like free spa services and golf, government concierge services, discounts at shopping malls, health checks, and more.
This visa is available for passport holders from countries that have bilateral agreements with Thailand. You’ll need to submit documents including a letter from your employer indicating your position, salary and length of service. You’ll also need proof of your age and income, and copies of the passports of guarantors who are Thai citizens. This visa is single-entry and can be renewed for up to a year.
Work Permit
The Work Permit is a legal document that states a foreigner’s current position, occupation and the Thai company that they are working with. It is important to note that a Work Permit only applies to the specific role that you are working in at the specific time and cannot be used for other roles within the same company or even with another company.
Generally, the process for securing a Work Permit can be quite lengthy due to various documentation requirements. This includes obtaining the non-immigrant visa B, a letter of employment from your employer, a copy of the contract of appointment as well as a number of corporate documents such as affidavits, certificates of incorporation and shareholder lists to name a few.
The Work Permit will be valid for one year. However, if you need to extend your stay for longer, you will need to apply for an extension with the Ministry of Labour before the expiration date.