Change Of Visa From O To B And Getting A Work Permit

[spysee]

Hi folks,

I was going to renew my Imm-O visa, but I am going to open a business and wanting to get a imm-B visa with a work permit.

I am getting the company registered etc with my friend who is a lawyer, it will cost me about 50,000 baht which includes lawyers fee etc.

I then will have all the paperwork for the work permit, so how much will it cost and will I have to go abroad to obtain a immi-B visa then apply for a work permit?

I just want to know as I was offered by a company to do it all for 70,000 baht (including work permit) or should I go with a friend who will charge 50,000 baht (excluding work permit)

And how hard is it to get the work permit?

[monty]

You do not need to change your visa.

Getting a work permit is perfectly possible on a non immigrant O, as long as you did not get your yearly extension based on retirement.

With the added advantage that you do not need to show company accounting etc to get a 1 year extension, you can keep getting that based on your marriage (400,000 in the bank or 40,000 Baht income).

You the also not lose your extension when you end working/work permit gets canceled.

[MJo]

You can get a work permit on non-O.

I do not know if it makes any difference when you have your own business but others will confirm it soon i guess.

[Maestro]

It makes no difference.

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Maestro

[spysee]

Ok,

So when I apply for my work permit, is it easier to get a professional to get all the paperwork? Or is it easy to obtain?