Working legally in Thailand – Freelancing as a Dream or a Genuine Option

Many folks from Europe would love to work as freelancers in Thailand. This prospect is especially appealing to “digital nomads” who can fulfill their obligations without being tied to a specific location. Others, however, want to relocate permanently and work as self-employed individuals in Thailand.

They are attracted by the low cost of living and a lifestyle that is significantly more relaxed than in Europe.

However, the legal hurdles are high: self-employment is generally prohibited for foreigners, and setting up a business involves considerable obstacles. But there are still ways to make your dream come true. Sanet Legal, the Thai visa agency of the Sanet Group, provides expert advice in each and every case.

So what legal options are actually available for self-employment in Thailand?

The Legal Requirements for Freelancers and Self-employed Persons

Individuals entering the country occasionally to organize or participate in meetings, express opinions, give lectures, or conduct demonstrations in trainings, seminars, study visits, or to perform in artistic or cultural events, sports competitions, or other activities as prescribed by the Cabinet are not required to obtain a work permit.

However, not all freelance work is automatically exempt, especially when performed regularly, and offered to the Thai market.

Freelancers are basically not permanently tied to a specific employer, but take on project-related or short-term assignments. Many of these activities can be carried out independently of their location, such as:

• IT Programming

• Graphic design

• Copywriting

• Online marketing for customers abroad

Before starting any such activity, it is essential to understand the legal situation. Anyone who comes to Thailand on a tourist, retirement, or student visa and works without a valid work permit is in violation of Thai law.

You can find comprehensive information on the Sanet Group website under “Work Permit Thailand.”

There are high risks involved: you could face heavy financial penalties, deportation, and a ban on re-entry (“blacklisting”).

The term ‘work’ is broadly defined: even “unpaid work involving physical or mental effort” is considered “work” in the legal sense. In other words, even if you work exclusively for foreign customers from a café in Chiang Mai, you are legally considered to be “working” in Thailand and therefore require a work permit.

Thailand currently offers the following options for “self-employed persons”:

The Smart Visa

The Smart Visa allows qualified foreigners in targeted fields to work independently in Thailand.

Applicants must run their own start-up. If they work in a promoted industry, they may pursue their activities for up to two years without an additional work permit following a simplified application process.

• Stay in Thailand for up to two years

• No traditional work permit required

• Ease of immigration processes, also for dependents

The applicant's own investment in the start-up company in one of the above sectors must amount to at least 25% of the share capital, or the applicant must be a director.

Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa

The LTR visa is intended for investors, highly qualified professionals, and their families who wish to live in Thailand on a long-term basis.

The following benefits are available:

• Stay of up to 10 years

• Tax benefits

• A simplified procedure

As a prerequisite, applicants should come with investments, for example for the purchase of real estate, bonds or a stake in Thai companies. The residence visa is then also granted to spouses, children or other relatives of an LTR visa holder.

You can find comprehensive information on the Sanet Group website under “Thailand’s New 10-year Visa.”

The “Destination Thailand Visa” (DTV)

This visa, which has been available since 2024, is a particularly interesting option for digital nomads, remote workers, and freelancers.

However, applicants must prove that they have financial resources of at least THB 500,000 (approx. USD 15,000) and provide a work contract or proof of their self-employed status in their home country.

They will then enjoy the following benefits:

• They can live and work legally in Thailand without an additional work permit.

• They can bring their spouse and children with them.

You can find comprehensive information on the Sanet Group website under “The New Destination Thailand Visa.”

The Sanet Conclusion

The path to legal work as a freelancer in Thailand is feasible, but subject to precisely defined conditions. The new LTR and DTV visas offer freelancers legal and long-term prospects for working in Thailand for the first time.