So, you have enjoyed a number of amazing holidays in the Land of Smiles, and you have decided to go all in and relocate to the enchanting nation. You certainly are not the first to take this path, and you certainly won’t be the last, as more and more Westerners choose Thailand as their home. In this article, we present you with important aspects of living and working in Thailand that will help you make a smooth transition.
Visas
Thailand has recently cracked down on the misuse of the visa system; many nationalities receive a free visa on arrival when they land at Suvarnabhumi Airport, and when this expires, some travel to the nearest land border, exit and re-enter to receive another visa-free stay. You are now permitted two visa-free stays per year; any more than that and you will not be permitted to enter the country. There are numerous options for those who wish to live and work in Thailand. If, for example, you have managed to secure a job, your Thai employer can assist you in obtaining a Non-Immigrant visa, which enables you to apply for a work permit. You are not allowed to work in any shape or form without a work permit. There is also the DTV, which is designed for remote workers and entrepreneurs, and as long as you meet the financial requirements, you can apply at any Thai Embassy outside of Thailand. If, for example, you arrive in Thailand with a 60-day tourist visa and you secure a job with a Thai employer, you can then travel to a neighbouring country and apply for a Non-Immigrant visa, provided you have the right documentation from your new employer. Then, when you return to Thailand, your employer can apply for a work permit that allows you to work, but only for that company. It is important that you have a basic understanding labour & employment law in Thailand before you embark on your employment journey.
Understanding Thai Culture
If you are going to live in Thailand and not work, you should develop an understanding of Thai culture; however, if you are planning to work, you will be working alongside Thai people, therefore, it is even more important to understand Thais and their culture. There are courses that you can join to learn about Thai culture, and we recommend that you also learn to speak Thai, as this is very much the key to understanding Thai people.
Health Insurance
We do not recommend that you take any chances when it comes to your health; if your employer offers a good remuneration package, it might include health insurance, but if it does not, then you need to take out a policy to cover you if you are hospitalised. Use Google to compare policies and premiums, and with a secure online payment, the policy is activated, and you are covered. Click here for more information about online insurance.
Paying Taxes
The rate of income tax is very low, and this would be deducted from your monthly salary; at the end of the year, you should receive a yellow document that shows how much tax you paid. This is a very important receipt, and you will not be permitted to leave the country if you do not produce this receipt at the airport.
Work Permit
This is something your employer should handle; you might be required to sign documents, take a medical and visit the Ministry of Labour one time. Once issued, your work permit is aligned with your visa, and both must be renewed by the expiry date. Should you leave your employment, you must submit your work permit to the Ministry of Labour and Immigration gives you 7 days to leave the country.
Setting Up a Business in Thailand
If you are not planning to be an employee in Thailand, you are probably looking to set up your own business; we recommend consulting with an English-speaking Thai law firm, as they can guide you through the process, while also offering the best advice on what kind of business to register. You can open a 100% foreign-owned business, or you could seek out a Thai partner, who would hold at least 51% of the company shares, while you can hold the remaining 49%.
Check out the Thai Board of Investment website to find out more about foreign investment in Thailand, where you will find all the answers to your questions. If you approach a leading Thai law firm, they will guide you through the company registration process, plus you will receive the best advice and can therefore move forward with confidence.
Real Estate Purchase
If you are planning to spend a long time in Thailand, you probably want to buy rather than rent a property, which is perfectly understandable. According to Thai law, foreigners are not permitted to own land; however, you can own a condo unit, which is what many foreigners choose. You can legally own a house, but not the land it sits on and by leasing the land for 30 years, with an option for a further 30 years, you can build your dream home, and you are legally secure. The other option is to buy land in a company’s name; be very careful because if you use a Thai nominee to do this, the land could be confiscated if the authorities investigate. The company must be trading; if not, then the Thai government will assume the business entity was set up solely to acquire the land, which is illegal.
To conclude, living and working in Thailand is very possible, and we hope that this article helps you to gain a better understanding of what is required. Thailand offers much to the foreign visitor, and many who come to work in the Land of Smiles decide to stay indefinitely.
