A Thai Business Visa is an ideal choice for entrepreneurs, investors and businesspeople looking to do business in Thailand. It allows them to travel in and out of the country for work-related activities without the need for a permit.
A single-entry business visa is valid for one year. It can be obtained at arrival points in Thailand.
M Visa
If you work as a journalist or on a freelance basis, the M Visa is probably the best option for you. It is valid for three years and allows you to make multiple entries into Thailand. You must arrive at a designated airport, and you must have a round-trip ticket. You must also have certified documentation of your employer’s business operations and proof that you can support yourself financially during your stay in Thailand.
The M Visa is also available to those wishing to pursue investment opportunities in Thailand. The process is similar to the B visa, and you may need to submit a letter from your employer and provide evidence of your financial status. You must also apply for the visa at the Thai embassy or consulate in your home country. You can find the application form on the embassy’s or consulate’s website. You will also need a passport with sufficient validity remaining for your trip to Thailand and recent photos of yourself.
IB Visa
The non-immigrant IB visa allows foreign nationals to conduct business or invest in Thailand. Its duration is determined by the immigration authorities and the type of project. Applicants must submit their application to the Royal Thai Embassy or consulate in their country of residence. Applicants can schedule an appointment online or in person to complete their visa application and submit the required documents.
The IB visa is a great option for people who frequently travel to Thailand for business. It allows multiple entries and extends the total length of stay for up to 90 days each time. However, if you are looking to work while on the visa, you will need to secure a Work Permit. This is especially true if you are working on an investment project. You will need to provide documentation of your employment in your home country and any correspondence with trading or associated partners/companies in Thailand. You will also need to provide proof of financial means.
EX Visa
While digital nomads have historically flocked to Thailand to work remotely from cafes and beaches, the new work-from-Thailand visa targets a more targeted audience: remote workers employed by established overseas companies. To qualify for the visa, you must earn a minimum of $80,000 per year and agree to pay Thai taxes on your earnings.
The visa is valid for three years and allows multiple-entry for 90 days each time you visit. Depending on your country of origin, you may also be eligible for a visa waiver that allows you to enter without a visa.
Citizens of the following countries and territories can enter Thailand for up to 90 days without a visa, thanks to existing bilateral agreements:
Work Permit
Work permits are used for foreigners to legally conduct business in Thailand. This is defined in Section 5 of the Foreigners Working Management Emergency Decree of 2017. The permit is required if you are working on a project that is not covered by other visa categories.
The most common type of work permit in Thailand is the WP.3 that acts as a pre-approval letter from your employer in Thailand confirming you will be conducting a specific project on their behalf. The permit must be renewed annually.
In order to apply for a work permit, you will need to have a valid passport and a letter of invitation from a company in Thailand indicating the purpose and period of your visit. A letter of sponsorship from your Thai business partner is also a must. Additionally, your Thai business must have at least 2 million baht in registered capital. This requirement is halved if you are married to a Thai citizen and are holding a marriage visa.