Thread: export/import and visa

well im not that far away from thailand now its only 5 months to go before i return.....was wondering if u could help me well anyone really
..here it is....
i am starting an importing company here in new zealand.. i wish to come over to thailand buy the goods there..ship them to nz and sell them here...sounds easy right...BUT...im planning on renting an apartment in BKK for 3 months ...
what visa do i need if i want to return again within 6 months...im also staying two 6 week intervals as i have to return home in july for an important event
and dont want to have to do visa runs...i also may return to thailand on another buying mission within 2 months..i know this isnt allowed but what can i do.....also what things do i need to set up with the buying process apart from suppliers and shipping....i want to do this legally as i am bringing the money i make back to thailand and this is a good thing right...what do you guys think ....

Try and get a non-immigrant 'B' visa.

I would talk to your Thai Embassy first and ask what they require from you.

It should be fairly straightforward.

I don't know about NZ, but in the US it is easy to get a tourist visa which is good for 2 months and easily extended for an additional month,
then when you return again just get another one, they are not limited like the VOA or visa free 30 day stays.

But Yea, do what MTD says, ask..

There is a special business visa available to NZ and Australian citizens, aimed primarily at people like yourself.
The Thai embassy will know about it also you might want to join up with Thai NZ assocation (whatever it is) you will make some good contacts partic in shipping.
They serve good piss at their monthly meetings.

Or if you have a business already in NZ you can go to the Thai consulate or embassy and provide them with a business letter on your own letter head and apply that way. That should get you a "B" visa or at least an "O" which would permit you multiple entries...

All of this is providing that NZ is the same policy as the US of course.. So like the previous posters recommend "just ask" your Thai embassy for confirmation with one caveat, don't just take one opinion on that info. make a few calls and ask others too..

When I went to China from here, upon re-entry they foked up my visa and changed my status for no reason. Fortunately I was able to sweet talk the cute little immigration officer in the airport and she corrected the visa status for me..

so marmite what does a non b immigrant visa actually allow me...as i understand i can currently get a 60 day visa with an extension but the problem lies with me returning..isnt it spose to be 90 days full stop and then no more for the next 3 months or is thailand one of the places that if u talk nicely u can get around whatever it is u want to....i do actually have 2 other companies one is a labour service to the fruit industry and am interested in thais coming to nz to work on the 1 yr working holiday visa and the other is a pest control business....but its avoiding the visa runs that concerns me the most more of a timewasting activity and then the possible return with out having any time left on my visa...that concerne me the most...some good answers coming though.....oh and do i need to get an export licence or something to allow me to buy and send off....and how reliable are the thais when conducting business with u know if i purchase goods form here and get them to send over..what are my chances of not seeing the goods...

Basically, it's a business visa.

If you get a multiple entry visa, it'll be good for a year and you can come & go as you please. It is specifically for the purpose of business. You're not actually, working here, but conducting business on behalf of your company back home.

Basically, it's the correct visa for your situation.

Originally Posted by norton

Get one or more of them to write you a letter of invitation.

I'm not trying to slam dance here but this isn't China so an invitation letter is not required. It is acceptable to simply compose a letter on his company letter head outlining his business intentions and present it to the Embassy to gain a Non Immigrants "B" visa..

Besides I now of people who have used that particular system to also gain entry to China under the same circumstances..

ok so a non immigrant visa B cat...or a standard issue multiple entry visa am i correct...the company i am settng up should be set up before i leave so maybe a bit late for the letterhead thing wouldnt it. is it best for me to call the thai embassy here in nz...i mean the problem is i wouldnt want to incriminate myself

^Yes.....No need to...Just ask the questions in a general sense...

check out getting an APEC business travellers card - it is $160 dollars a year in Aust look it up for enzed. ( APEC Business Travel Card )
many benefits for the whole Asia region ( including china ) - special visas and fast track immigration procedures also.

The APEC Business Travel Card

Time is precious when you travel overseas for business, so why wait around in queues?

The APEC Business Travel Card provides accredited business people with streamlined access to participating APEC countries. Cardholders enjoy:

• express immigration clearance through special APEC lanes on arrival and departure
• no requirement to apply for visas or entry permits
• multiple entry to participating countries for a stay of up to 90 days on each visit.

The card is valid for three years and is based on a unique electronic pre-clearance system, providing members with VIP entry into 17 APEC countries.

obviously made for you

Originally Posted by baldrick

check out getting an APEC business travellers card

Good advice.

My mate has one of these and swears by it. Sadly, the UK isn't in APEC.

yes the apec card looks good but 90 days only..i will need more than that as i intend staying for 3 months and then re visiting....

Hi paulspad2002
Im dave and am a kiwi I used to do export to nz for about 7 years and can help you alot from contacts suppliers and shipping,
What are you looking for do you have a shop etc..?
Visa issues Im not the guy to talk to but to short cut your time to contact sellers I can help.
If you can use me thats great I speak thai and know heaps about the place and maybe you can help me too at the same time.

regards

dave

Originally Posted by paulspad2002

yes the apec card looks good but 90 days only..i will need more than that as i intend staying for 3 months and then re visiting....

90 days is all you'll get from any visa. You just need to skip out of Thailand and come back in to get another 90 days.