PaoloR

Don't forget that while the set up costs may be relatively low, you have to add to this the cost of monthly and annual accounting fees; you cannot do this yourself. If you do not make sufficient income (or indeed any income) then you may, as I did, find them on your back enquiring rather too closely into your business.

The location you do your extension in is key. Used to use an agent in Phuket when I lived there, as it took so long and was a hassle. Did mine yesterday in Krabi - in and out in 18 minutes without an agent. Took me longer to get the form from the bank who, despite my showing them a copy of the form they gave me last year at that branch, did not know how to fill in the form and had to phone Head Office. As for doing the paperwork it is simple. Copy of relevant passport pages every page signed. 2 photos. Bank letter. TM7 form filled in and signed. Hand drawn map of residence location. Photos of me in front of house (use the same ones every year). 5K is the standard rate here for a clean extension, all the agents know each other as they meet every day so don't look likely to give a reduction. 5K for what takes me less than an hour (time to prepare papers and time at Immigration) I'll keep the money!