I intend to start a company in Thailand. I am Indian by nationality (age 35 years).

The company will initially have a quota of 3 work permits which will be used up for 2 of my employees whom I intend to relocate to Thailand and for me.

I have a girlfriend (Indian) whom I wish to bring along to Thailand to stay with me.

She would like to stay for 3-6 months at a time before she returns to her country (India) for a holiday / meeting her parents and relatives.

As I understand Indians can come on tourist visas only for 30 days at a time which makes the situation difficult. I need to find a way by which she can stay over for 3-6 months each time.

I am considering a Educational Visa - probably getting her to join a Thai Language Learning School since it would be very useful for her in any case. However she has just completed 5 years of education (upto Standard 5). Would she be declined a Educational / Student Visa because of her insufficient qualifications?

What are the other options available to me? I seek advice from individuals as well as immigration consultants. I would be obliged if somebody can give me useful information / tips on how I can get her here (visa type and how to get it).

Thanks!

Sandeep

And if I may add to my post...

Well, I am madly in love with her and ANY advice / help / suggestions will be really appreciated --- since I dread having to move to Thailand without being able to have her around! So, if you believe in love, please help me!

But, marraige is not an immediate option because of some other considerations... is there something like a fiance visa?

Looks like the educational / student visa is a perfect solution if she qualifies!

Are there certain minimum pre-qualifications needed for someone to get a student visa? Will the fact that she does not have any significant educational background to speak about create a problem?

She can get visa for more than 30 days. You will find information here;

http://www.thaiemb.org.in/en/services/visa.php

She can get visa for more than 30 days.

As I understand tourist visas for Indians is for 30 days max & it's 60 days for other nationalities, not Indians.

60 days is better than 30, but I really need a way by which she can stay for 3-6 months at a time without needing to leave and re-enter.

Would she not be able to get a educational / student visa?

Not sure what you already know about setting up a business here, so here are a few points to consider as could affect your plans going forward:

1) You will need to set up a Thai company, minimum registered share capital 2m baht, assuming your business activities do not fall under the ‘restricted list’ detailed under the Foreign Business Act 2542 (1999). Look at Lists 1-3 at the bottom of attached link http://www.dbd.go.th/mainsite/index.php?id=720&L=1

2) Foreigners can only hold maximum 49% of registered share capital, so you will need Thai shareholders for other 51%.

3) Every foreigner requires a work permit from local labour department to work legally. Your Thai company would act as ‘sponsor’. 2m baht registered share capital is required for each work permit issued, so 3 WP’s would require 6m baht registered share capital.

4) You need to employ 4 Thai employees for each work permit issued, but in start up situations the local labour department is often flexible if they see ramp plan to meet 4:1 ratio in the not too distant future.

5) You will need Non-B visa and will have to do border runs every 90 days. Only when your business can provide 2 years audited accounts/tax papers can you apply for extension of stay based on employment at Thai immigration, assuming you meet the financial requirements (no need for border runs, just report address to immigration every 90 days).

Have a look at the following link for more information:

http://www.boi.go.th/english/how/legal_iss...n_investors.asp

Regarding your gf, there is unfortunately no such thing as a finance visa. Even if you married her she could not stay as your dependant (effectively piggybacking your own extension) until you yourself have your own extension of stay. And that would be 2 years+ away.

Her best option would probably therefore be, as you say, to obtain Non-ED visa to study with supporting papers from the language school, which can then be extended at Thai immigration every 90 days (no border runs). Minimum study time is 4 hours a week. Suggest you check out the sponsors at the top of the page for more information.

Maybe others can add more.

As said there is currently no standards of previous education required for language study - but also be aware that area seems to be coming to the attention of Immigration as a loophole way to stay in country and rules could be subject to change in the future.

Where in Thailand are going to stay?

Not every place has a accredited language school.

She can get visa for more than 30 days.

As I understand tourist visas for Indians is for 30 days max & it's 60 days for other nationalities, not Indians.

60 days is better than 30, but I really need a way by which she can stay for 3-6 months at a time without needing to leave and re-enter.

Would she not be able to get a educational / student visa?

Why don't you read the link I put in for you. http://www.thaiemb.org.in/en/services/visa.php

She can get;

Non-Immigrant Visa

(Single Entry)

INR 2800

3 Months

Permitted to stay for a period not exceeding 90 Days unless otherwise instructed by the Immigration Bureau.

Non-Immigrant Visa

(Multiple Entry)

INR 7000

6 Months or 1 Year

Permitted to stay for a period not exceeding 90 Days (each entry) unless otherwise instructed by the Immigration Bureau

Three year Non-Immigrant Visa’B’

(Multiple Entry)

INR 14000

3 Year

Permitted to stay for a period not exceeding 90 Days (each entry) unless otherwise instructed by the Immigration Bureau

Edited January 11, 201016 yr by bellste

To get a Non-immigrant visa you must have a valid reason.

Employment, marriage, retirement.

She does not qualify for a non-immigrant visa.