Amanda Gedney On How to Get Expat Visa in Thailand( FAQ’s)

Thailand’s SMART visas finally acknowledge that digital nomads are here. 🇹🇭

At Nomad Summit in Chiang Mai, I met Amanda Gedney, founder of Settle in Abroad, who helps people move to Chiang Mai, from teaching jobs to visas, accommodation, bike rentals and insurance. 🎙️

📊 In this episode, we unpacked:

• 🧳 What Settle in Abroad does
• 🪪 The four SMART visas
• 🏢 Setting up a Thai company for a work permit
• ⚖️ Why you need an immigration specialist
• 🌏 How Amanda moved from teachers to visas

🎥 Watch the full episode:

🧳 What Settle in Abroad Does

Amanda helps people move to Chiang Mai: native English speakers who want teaching jobs, and digital nomads who need accommodation, visas, motorbike rentals, insurance and everything else to get set up. 🧳

She partners with MJ & Co, a paralegal firm in Chiang Mai, so they can help people from any country, and they’ll be honest if your nationality can’t get what you want. 🤝

🪪 The Four SMART Visas

There are four SMART visas: T, I, E and S. 🪪

SMART S is for startups. Even online freelancers can qualify by submitting a business plan that shows they’re trying to grow. Amanda says you can get six months by applying online for about $300. At renewal you show progress, not necessarily big profits. 🚀

SMART T is for people employed in technology, even if the company isn’t Thai. You need to prove at least 100,000 baht a month (about $3,000). You apply online and can renew for up to four years, much better than years on an education visa, where you can’t work. 💻

🏢 Setting Up a Thai Company for a Work Permit

To get a work permit, you generally need to set up a company in Thailand. As a US citizen, Amanda set hers up with a Thai partner and a lawyer for about $3,000, plus around $400 a year for her visa. 🏢

Her advice: only set up a company if you love Thailand and see yourself there for at least three years. “Don’t set up a company if you’re just trying to get a visa.” The visa paperwork takes about a month after the company exists, up to four months maximum. ⏳

For another expat story from Chiang Mai, read Julia Jerg, the digital nomad mom. 🔗

⚖️ Why You Need an Immigration Specialist

Thai immigration laws change almost every month, so you need someone on top of them. 📜

Amanda recommends a lawyer who specializes in immigration for foreigners, not one who mainly helps Thai companies. I shared my own experience: with an Indian passport, opening a company was quoted at $4,000–5,000, and I got a lot of wrong advice. ⚖️

For more on legal issues for online businesses, read Rodney D. Ryder on cyber law. 🔗

🌏 How Amanda Moved From Teachers to Visas

Amanda had been running the business for three and a half years. She started by helping teachers move to Thailand, but many came to teach for a year, saw the freedom of online work, and wanted new visas. 🌏

So she now specializes in visas for people from anywhere. Nomad Summit was her third: “I just roll out of my house and drive 15 minutes, and everyone comes here from all over the world.” For more on Chiang Mai events, read my Chiang Mai SEO Conference interview with Michal Suski. 🔗

📝 Key Takeaways From the Amanda Gedney Interview

• 🪪 SMART S suits startups and freelancers with a growth plan
• 💻 SMART T needs 100,000 baht a month and can be renewed for up to four years
• 🏢 A work permit generally needs a Thai company
• ⏳ Only set up a company if you plan to stay three years or more
• ⚖️ Use an immigration specialist, because laws change often

❓ FAQs About Amanda Gedney

What is the SMART S visa in Thailand?

A visa for startups. Amanda says even online freelancers can qualify with a business plan showing growth, starting with six months for about $300.

What income does the SMART T visa need?

Amanda says at least 100,000 baht a month, around $3,000, if you’re employed in technology.

How much does it cost to set up a company in Thailand?

Amanda paid about $3,000 with a Thai partner and lawyer, plus about $400 a year for her visa. Costs vary case by case.

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Which visa fits your plans? Share this with a nomad friend. 💬

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