Phuket Property for Sale.

Business Visa

1. Is it possible to start a business of my own in Thailand?

It is. The process to do this are quite similar for the different ways. Under Thai law various type of business arrangement are possible including partnerships, sole proprietors, branch offices, limited companies and public companies. The best solution for you depends upon the purpose of your business.

2. Is there a minimum investment to open a business in Thailand?

Yes. The minimum investment to start a business in Thailand is 2 million Baht. Of course there will then be additional costs from setting up your office, registration, and employing accountants and lawyers.

3. How long does it take to set up a Thai business?

Typically the whole process (registering the company, obtaining a work permit and visas) take approximately 8 weeks.

4. Is there a limit to how many employees I can employ in my Thai company?

For every 2 million Baht you invest in the company you can be issues with a new work permit. A minimum of 4 Thai national must also be employed.

5. What about taxes?

Personal income tax on your personal income must be paid as well as corporate income tax. The level of personal income tax varies depending upon your situation from 5% up 37%. Corporate income tax is currently set to 30% of your net profit. Your accountant will advise you more on these matters.

6. I want to work in Thailand under for a currently existing company. What visa do I need to do this?

A 1 year or 3 year multiple entry business visa is available which allows you to freely travel around Thailand and conduct your business. The maximum time you can stay in the country each visit is 90 days.

If you wish to conduct your business in Thailand, or carry out investments in Thailand then you should apply for a Non-Immigrant visa. These fall under different categories including:

• Type "B" - Business visa
• Type "B - A" - Business approved visa
• Type "IB" - Investment and business visa.

If you have an "IB" type visa, you must be in possession of your work permit before you enter the country.

If you want to visit the country purely for business purposes then you may apply for a 3 year Non-Immigrant Type "B" visa. This allows you multiple entries into the country as many times as you wish as long as the visa is still valid for a maximum stay of 90 days. Employment within Thailand is prohibited with this type of visa.

Non residents

If you only intend to be in Thailand a few times during the year to visit your property then you have a couple of options:

First: Many foreign nationals can apply for a "visa on arrival" at many borders in Thailand, including all of the international airports. The website www.mfa.co.th shows which countries this applies to. This visa entitles you to a stay of 15 days. There are also 40 other countries whos citizens who can apply for an entry upon arrival valid for 30 days. It is very important that you do not overstay your allocated time, or fines will have to be paid and you may jeopardise future trips into Thailand.

Second: You may apply for a tourist visa from the Thai embassy in your country of nationality. Different countries have different agreements with Thailand, but the length of these visas tends to be 30 to 60 days.

Retirement Visa

How do I retire in Thailand? Is there a Thai retirement visa?

Yes. You may apply for a Non-Immigrant Type  "O - A" Long Stay visa if you are over 50 years of age and you want to stay in Thailand for long periods without working. You must apply for this visa in the Thai embassy in the country of your residence. This visa allows you to stay in the country for one year after which you must apply for an extension. You must demonstrate that you have 800,000 Baht in a Thai bank account, or a minimum monthly income of 65,000 Baht (a combination of these requirement sis also acceptable).

Children

Do my children need visas if I live in Phuket permanently?

If you have a work permit then your children should be able to enter Thailand with a Non-Immigrant Type "O" visa. Children going to school will get a Non-Immigrant Type "E" visa for education. If your children are preschoolers then the type "O" visa has a maximum stay of 90 days, but there is no overstay fees  for children of this age and they are not required to leave the country every 90 days. However, obtaining a multiple entry visa for them may be simpler.

For more information or to arrange an appointment with any of the luxury properties listed contact us.