If you have become smitten with the tropical paradise known as Thailand, you are probably planning your relocation and that might include registering your new business. Many expats choose to relocate to sunny Thailand and that often involves the setting up of a new Thai business and in this article, we offer an easy-to-follow guide to relocating to Thailand and registering your new Thai business.
Long-Term Visas
Of course, you will need a long-term visa that allows you to work and there are numerous ways you can obtain a non-immigrant visa that can be renewed on an annual basis. If you are aged 50 or over, you can apply for a retirement visa; all you need is a specific amount of money (800,000 baht) deposited in a Thai bank account. If you marry a Thai citizen, you can apply for a non-immigrant visa based on marriage, or you could study the Thai language, Buddhism or even Muay Thai.
Start with a Planning Holiday
We advise taking a short holiday in order to find the right place to live; some people prefer to rent, but if you want to own your own home, you can only do that through company registration and putting the property in the name of the company. The other way to secure ownership is to take out a 30-year lease, with a further option for another 30 years; foreigners are permitted to own condominium units, which is perfect for some retired expats.
Relocating to Thailand
Hire the best moving service in Bangkok that has extensive hands-on experience in relocating expats to Thailand and they can deal with Thai customs. Importing personal possessions into Thailand should not incur any taxation and with a leading relocation company, everything is handled on your behalf. Some expats decide to bring very little into the country, preferring to purchase new furniture, as things are much cheaper than at home.
Consult a Leading Business Lawyer
Of course, setting up a business in a foreign country is never going to be easy, especially in a land where English is hardly spoken and the best way forward is to consult with an experienced English-speaking lawyer.
There are several types of business that you can register in Thailand;
- Representative Office (RO)
- Private Limited Company (PLC)
- Branch Office
The lawyer can help you make the right decision and process your application, which should be completed in a couple of weeks.
The Importance of Full Compliance
The business laws in Thailand are quite complex and it is obviously essential that your new business complies fully; the last thing you need is to fall foul of Thai law and hiring an English-speaking lawyer is most definitely advised.
You should visit the Thai Board Of Investment website to see what sectors you are allowed to enter and with the help of a good lawyer, you can enjoy the next exciting chapter of your life in sunny Thailand.
