Let’s say there is a restaurant that I would like to invest my money. Do I need both work visa and a business license, or just work visa? 

To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing     (quote)

There is no work visa.

There is a non-b visa and extensions of stay based upon working. To work you need a work permit.

The license is for the business not you.

If you are not going to be working at the business you do not need the non-b visa or a work permit.

If you want to invest in a business, you buy shares with a maximum of 49%.

Edited March 19, 20188 yr by FritsSikkink

2 hours ago, SovietChild said:

Do I need both work visa and a business license, or just work visa? 

Neither. You can invest in any business with any visa.

Don't do it .  Why would the owner sell 50% of the shares of a good business ?   Either he/she is not really selling, or the business is not as good as he/she is showing it to be. 

40 minutes ago, dksharron said:

Don't do it .  Why would the owner sell 50% of the shares of a good business ?   Either he/she is not really selling, or the business is not as good as he/she is showing it to be. 

Many have two sets of books.

One official and one to show interested buyers.

1 hour ago, dksharron said:

Don't do it .  Why would the owner sell 50% of the shares of a good business ?   Either he/she is not really selling, or the business is not as good as he/she is showing it to be. 

not entirely true IMO. there are many reasons people off load businesses and including successful ones. there are also people who are able to turn businesses around. i know many foreigners here who have successful businesses and some with several. unfortunately i know more who have failed and lost a lot of money. i note those that were successful had prior experience in their home countries and real plans for their business. those that failed were often getting into businesses for the first time hoping to stay in thailand with no real experience or skills in their chosen businesses. they are generally doomed to fail in IMO

On 3/19/2018 at 3:32 PM, FritsSikkink said:

If you want to invest in a business, you buy shares with a maximum of 49%.

 

100% for Americans, right?

On 3/19/2018 at 4:59 PM, dksharron said:

Don't do it .  Why would the owner sell 50% of the shares of a good business ?   Either he/she is not really selling, or the business is not as good as he/she is showing it to be. 

 

With that money he could open something else, right? 

Edited March 23, 20188 yr by SovietChild

On 3/19/2018 at 4:43 PM, elviajero said:

Neither. You can invest in any business with any visa.

 

So, basically I could monitor the business as long as the angels write everything down. Good idea. 

37 minutes ago, SovietChild said:

 

100% for Americans, right?

Nope.

Nationality has no effect on the rules.

You've probably been told about a very old agreement that doesn't apply any more.

1 hour ago, SovietChild said:

100% for Americans, right?

If it is a business started as under the bilateral agreement known as the "Treaty of Amity", then this is possible.  Just "being a USA citizen," won't allow this.

2 hours ago, JackThompson said:

If it is a business started as under the bilateral agreement known as the "Treaty of Amity", then this is possible.  Just "being a USA citizen," won't allow this.

Wouldn't that require a minimum number of USA shareholders and paid up capitol in the bank.

I believe the WP rules of one WP needs 4 Thai employees as well. That condition still applies amity agreement or not.

4 minutes ago, overherebc said:

Wouldn't that require a minimum number of USA shareholders and paid up capitol in the bank.

I believe the WP rules of one WP needs 4 Thai employees as well. That condition still applies amity agreement or not.

On the WP, as far as I know, no special breaks there.  I was only referring to the percentage of the business the foreigner could own.

6 minutes ago, overherebc said:

Wouldn't that require a minimum number of USA shareholders and paid up capitol in the bank.

You can read about it here. http://www.thailawonline.com/en/business/treaty-of-amity-thai-usa.html