Digital Nomad Visas In South East Asia for Freelancers And The Self Employed
South-East Asia is fast becoming a preferred destination for those who want to get away from a daily commute and a 9-5 job. We take a look at freela
Relationships built on trust are important in Thai business culture and hierarchy also plays a major role. Thai tradition does not include shaking hands in greeting, a small bow with clasped hands called a”wai” is more common. Exchanging small gifts is common and helps build a good relationship. Presents are not opened right away but later, privately.
Foreigners need a work permit to work in Thailand, which states the immigrant’s position and the Thai company they’re working for. Starting work before the work permit is granted is not allowed and the foreigner must enter the country on a non-immigrant visa.
The application, processed by the Ministry of Labour Office, takes 7 working days to complete. The work permit becomes invalid when the immigrant changes to a new job or position, even if the new position is with the same company. The employer must apply for a new permit in this case.
Here are some of the ways to live in Thailand:
Thailand Elite Residence Program:
This program delivers residence visas and other privileges for a fixed fee. VIP privileges include an expedited immigration and passport control service, a dedicated Elite personal assistant for international flights and lounge access, fast track immigration, airport transfers, and a 24-hour member contact center which operates in several languages. There are seven program options, each varying in validity, benefits and costs. The following are the three most popular options available:
- Elite Easy Access gives you a renewable, multi entry five year residence visa. There is a one time fee of THB 500,000 including VAT (approx. USD 16,000).
- Elite Family Excursion is designed for a minimum of two people delivering a renewable multi entry five-year residence visa for each member. The one-time fee of THB 800,000 including VAT (approx. USD 25,000) covers both applicants with an additional charge of THB 300,000 including VAT (approx. USD 10,000) per dependent.
- Elite Superiority Extension — delivers a 20-year renewable, multi entry residence visa for individuals who pay a one-time fee of THB 1 million including VAT (approx. USD 32,000).
Investment Visa
If you invest a minimum of ฿3,000,000 in Thailand and have been resident for at least three years, you can then apply for permanent residency.
Retirement Visa
If you can prove a monthly income of THB65,000 or a deposit account plus a monthly income totalling not less than THB800,000 and you are over 50 years of age, you can apply for a retirement visa in Thailand.
Youth Mobility Visa:
Family Visas:
- If your adult child is a citizen or permanent resident of Thailand, you may apply for a parent residency visa.
- If your spouse is a citizen or permanent resident of Thailand, you are eligible for residency. If your spouse is a citizen, you can apply for citizenship after being resident in Thailand for a period of 3 years. Please note that your status of spouse needs to be legally recognised in this country.
Here are some of the ways to get citizenship in Thailand:
- If one or both of your parents were citizens of Thailand when you were born, you are probably also a citizen of Thailand.
- If your spouse is a citizen or permanent resident of Thailand, you are eligible for residency. If your spouse is a citizen, you can apply for citizenship after being resident in Thailand for a period of 3 years. Please note that your status of spouse needs to be legally recognised in this country.
If you invest a minimum of ฿3,000,000 in Thailand and have been resident for at least three years, you can then apply for permanent residency.