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Working in Chiang Mai
Remote work, freelancing and work visas — what you can legally do.
Remote work for a foreign company
Technically, any work performed inside Thai territory requires a visa/permit that authorizes it. In practice, digital nomads use tourist, Education or DTV (Destination Thailand Visa, created in 2024) — the latter was designed for remote work and lasts 5 years with 180 days per entry, ideal for Brazilians employed at multinationals or self-employed with foreign clients.
DTV — Destination Thailand Visa
Requirements: financial proof of 500,000 baht (~R$ 80,000) in account for at least 6 months + qualified activity (remote work, soft power like muay thai/cooking courses, or portfolio-based freelance). Costs 10,000 baht, lasts 5 years, allows multiple entries.
Work visa (Non-B + Work Permit)
To work for a Thai company: it must sponsor the Non-B visa + issue a Work Permit. Sectors that most hire foreigners here: English teaching (TEFL), international schools, tech, hospitality, tourism. Minimum salary for a foreigner varies by nationality (Brazilians: 40,000-100,000 baht/month required for issuance).
Opening a company in Thailand
Foreigners can only own 49% — a Thai partner with 51% is mandatory (except BOI and LTR, which open exceptions). Minimum capital for the owner's Work Permit: 2 million baht (~R$ 320,000). Worth it for those who'll operate locally; for foreign-sourced income, DTV is much simpler.
Freelance platforms
Workana, Upwork, Toptal and Contra work normally. Payments via Wise, Payoneer or Deel. Tax: what matters is fiscal residency — whoever stays more than 180 days in a Thai fiscal year becomes a fiscal resident here. Worth checking with a specialized accountant (Easy Audit, Acclime, MSNA recommended).
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