Advertorial Is it legal to work remotely in Thailand without a work permit?

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Imagine working on the white-sandy beaches of Thailand while sipping on fresh coconut water, isn't that a dream come true? Well, what if we told you, you could do it - thanks to Thailand’s Long Term Resident (LTR) Visa, you can legally live and work in the country for your remote job. However, like all visas, the LTR visa comes with its terms and conditions.

 

In this article, our friends at Pacific Prime Thailand have gathered all the information you need about the LTR visa:

What is Thailand’s LTR visa?

One of Thailand’s new visas, the LTR visa was introduced to promote tourism and push more expats to work in Thailand. The visa offers a wide range of benefits such as a 10-year renewable visa, exemption from the “4 Thais to 1 foreigner” employment requirement ratio rule, fast-track privileges at Thailand’s international airports, and more. Here are the five different types of LTR visas:

 

●     Wealthy Global Citizens

●     Wealthy Pensioners

●     Work-from-Thailand

●     Highly-Skilled-Professionals

●     Spouses and dependents

What are the requirements for a work-from-Thailand LTR visa?

If you work for an international company and can prove a steady income, you can move to Thailand and work remotely on some of its beautiful islands. Undoubtedly Thailand is one of the best Sout-East-Asian countries for expats and digital nomads, given its vibrant culture, friendly locals, and delicious cuisine. In order for you to get approved for the work-from-Thailand visa, you need to meet the following requirements:

 

●     Must have an annual income of a minimum of USD $80,000 for the last two years.

●     Persons with USD $40,000 per year for the last two years must have a Master’s degree or above and own intellectual property or receive series A funding.

●     The company of your employment should be a public company, or private company with operations longer than 3 years with a revenue of USD $150 million in the past three years.

●     Health insurance with minimum coverage of USD $50,000 or social security benefits insuring treatment in Thailand or a deposit of at least USD $100,000.

 

Is it legal to work in Thailand without a valid work visa?

Note that it is illegal to work in the Land of Smiles without a work visa. Hence, you will need to apply for a work visa to live and work in Thailand. You can apply for an LTR visa during your visit to Thailand. Note that, most Western countries' citizens are allowed to stay in the country for 30 days on an on-arrival visa.

 

Note: you are allowed to work temporarily in Thailand, while your work permit is still in process.

Planning to move to Thailand as a remote worker?

While working in Thailand has its perks, it’s a good idea for you to get familiar with the country’s tax regulations and employment laws. This way, you can avoid any unexpected tax obligations and enjoy your life in Thailand hassle-free.

 

Generally speaking, expats need a work permit to legally work in Thailand, but work-from-Thailand or Long Term Visa applicants can easily get a digital work permit from their employer (for a processing fee of THB ฿3,000 per year). Moreover, if you are moving with your spouse, you can apply for a long-term resident visa, and your spouse can then apply for a work permit. Note that your spouse can work any job that is not reserved for Thai nationals.

Working as a digital nomad in Thailand? Secure your health with Pacific Prime today!

While healthcare in Thailand is very efficient, you will be surprised to know that private facilities are very different than public ones. Firstly, private hospitals, especially those that cater to medical tourists, can be incredibly expensive, and the cost of treatment can quickly add up. Secondly, public hospitals may not be a feasible option for most foreigners as they often have a dual-pricing system that discriminates between locals and foreigners. Moreover, you could also face language barriers at public hospitals, which can be a nightmare.

 

If you're working remotely in Thailand, you may not be entitled to employer-sponsored health insurance, which can be a concern. But lucky for you health insurance brokers like Pacific Prime Thailand can help you navigate through your options and select the most appropriate plan. Their friendly and knowledgeable advisors can help you find the right international insurance coverage for digital nomads or even travel insurance that covers COVID-19. Get in touch today for a FREE quote!