The Absolute Best Thai Visa 2025

If you’ve been searching for a clear answer, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll break down the absolute best Thai visa for entrepreneurs, business owners, and expats, and how it can pave your path to permanent residency and even Thai citizenship.

Why Finding the Right Thai Visa Matters

For many foreigners, moving to Thailand is exciting… until the paperwork begins.

• Tourist visas expire quickly.
• Education visas can be complicated and often don’t allow you to work.
• Retirement visas are great if you’re older—but not very helpful if you still want to run a business or build a career.

Without the right visa, simple things like opening a bank account, renting an apartment, or staying longer than a few months can feel like a never-ending obstacle course. That’s why choosing the right visa from the start is essential.

The Best Thai Visa: Non-Immigrant B (Business Visa)

When it comes to long-term living and working in Thailand, the clear winner is the Non-Immigrant B Visa, commonly known as the Business Visa.

Here’s why this visa stands out:

• It allows you to legally work in your own Thai company.
• It can be renewed annually, giving you long-term stability.
• After three consecutive years of holding this visa with a valid work permit, you can apply for Permanent Residency in Thailand.
• After holding Permanent Residency for around 10 years, you may become eligible to apply for Thai citizenship.

This visa isn’t just a temporary solution—it’s a clear roadmap to building a future in Thailand.

How to Qualify for the Non-Immigrant B Visa

To get this “golden ticket,” you’ll need to register a Thai limited company and meet a few key legal and operational requirements:

• Your company must have at least 2 million baht in registered capital for each foreign work permit.
• You need to employ at least 4 full-time Thai staff per foreign employee.
• You must have a real business address, which can be a physical office or a legitimate virtual office.

Meeting these conditions proves to Thai authorities that your business is genuine and contributes to the local economy.

Costs to Expect When Setting Up

Establishing your company and visa is an investment. Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs:

• Company registration: $1,300–$2,000 USD (depending on legal fees and service providers).
• Work permit and visa extension services: Around $1,700 USD.
• Social Security contributions: About ฿750 (≈ $22 USD) per month per Thai employee, matched by the employee.
• Accounting and tax compliance: Around $100 USD per month for an accountant.

These costs give you a fully legal structure to live, work, and grow your business in Thailand without visa stress.

How Long Does It Take?

From start to finish, expect roughly three months to:

1. Register your Thai company
2. Hire staff
3. Obtain your work permit and Non-B visa approval

Once everything is set up, you’ll renew your visa annually, and as long as your company remains compliant, you can live and work in Thailand indefinitely.

Family Benefits: Bring Your Loved Ones With You

The Non-Immigrant B visa doesn’t just benefit you—it benefits your family too.
Your spouse and children under 20 can be added as dependents, allowing them to:

• Live in Thailand with you
• Attend school
• Enjoy the lifestyle without needing separate long-term visas

If your spouse wants to work, they can apply for their own work permit under your company structure.

Buying Property Through Your Company

One of the most exciting advantages is that a Thai company can legally own property.
This means your company can purchase:

• Land
• Houses
• Commercial buildings

While foreigners can’t own land in their personal name, owning through a properly structured Thai company gives you more flexibility—as long as it’s a legitimate, operational business in compliance with Thai law.

Taxes and Business Life in Thailand

Thai business taxes are relatively straightforward:

• Your company pays 20% corporate tax on net profit (not on total revenue).
• If your company doesn’t make a profit, you don’t pay corporate income tax.
• VAT and monthly filings are standard, just like in most countries.

Staying compliant is essential to keeping your visa valid and your business running smoothly.

What Kind of Business Can You Run?

With the Non-Immigrant B visa, your options are wide open. Many foreigners set up businesses in:

• Consulting
• Tech and IT services
• Import/export
• Back-office operations

Some service industries require majority Thai ownership or special licenses, but with the right company structure or Board of Investment (BOI) promotion, you can operate in most industries legally.

Thai Kru Can Help You Every Step of the Way

At Thai Kru, we specialize in helping foreigners:

• Set up Thai companies
• Obtain the Non-Immigrant B visa
• Navigate legal, tax, and visa compliance
• Plan their path to Permanent Residency and even citizenship

Whether you’re starting a consulting firm, opening a café, or launching an export business, our team can guide you from start to finish—including government appointments and renewals.

Expert Tips for Success

• Have a clear business plan, authorities will ask about your operations.

• Keep accurate records and pay Social Security on time.
• Use a reputable lawyer and accountant, cutting corners can lead to serious visa issues later.

Conclusion: The Smartest Path to Living in Thailand Long-Term

If your goal is to live, work, and build a life in Thailand, the Non-Immigrant B Visa is the most powerful option available.
It provides:

• Legal work rights
• Long-term stability
• A clear path to residency and citizenship

This isn’t just another visa; it’s your gateway to making Thailand your permanent home.

Ready to get started? Book a consultation with Thai Kru and let our team guide you every step of the way.