Thailand welcomes millions of visitors yearly, drawn by wellness activities. This creates a booming market for such wellness retreat businesses in the country— an opportunity for foreign investors.
However, you cannot simply arrange a retreat in Thailand without legal authorization. There are specific regulations and licensing requirements you should keep an eye on closely.
This article will outline the necessary requirements when starting a wellness retreat in Thailand.
Understanding the Wellness Retreat Industry in Thailand
The wellness retreat industry in Thailand is a growing sector and includes activities, such as:
- Meditations retreats
- Yoga retreats
- Detox retreats
- Spiritual retreats
- Health retreats
- Massage retreats
The process of Starting a Wellness Retreat Business in Thailand
1# Understanding Legal Requirements
To organize meditation, yoga, spiritual, or health retreats in Thailand, you must choose the right legal entity and acquire the necessary licenses.
The most suitable legal entity for a wellness retreat in Thailand is a Thai Limited Company— which allows hiring staff, owning property, and applying for necessary licenses. It requires at least three shareholders that you can hold a maximum of 49% ownership, with the majority share (51%) owned by Thai nationals.
In some cases, a BOI-Approved Company (Board of Investment) may also be a good option if you seek additional incentives like tax exemptions or higher foreign ownership. The BOI permits more than the usual 49% foreign ownership for approved wellness businesses. To be eligible for incentives, your wellness retreat must offer high-quality services with innovative treatments or a unique customer experience that meets BOI standards.
2# Licensing and Permits
Obtaining the correct licenses is crucial to operating your wellness retreat, whether it be a meditation, yoga, detox, spiritual, or health retreat. Compliance with health and safety standards is a must, and licenses help secure legal work permits for foreign staff. Key licenses include:
For example:
- Tourism Business License: Required if you offer packages involving travel, accommodation, and additional services.
- Spa License: Needed for spa or massage services with regular inspections to verify compliance with sanitary and safety standards.
- Professional Practitioner Licenses: You must ensure all practitioners (e.g., massage therapists, yoga trainers) hold valid licenses.
- Environmental Compliance: You need specific permits (Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)) if your retreat is in a protected area.
3# Visas and Work Permits
All foreign workers employed at your wellness retreat must obtain a work permit to work legally in Thailand. The work permit should be paired with a Non-Immigrant B visa, which you must secure before applying for the work permit.
The Non-Immigrant B visa is essential for foreigners working in Thailand, with differences between full-time and short-term staff in terms of duration and purpose.
- For full-time staff, the visa is initially valid for 90 days but can be extended for up to a year through a work permit and visa extension. This is suitable for those employed on a long-term or permanent basis.
- For short-term staff (event-based), the visa typically remains valid for 90 days, with the possibility of renewal for another 90 days. This type of visa is suitable for employees with temporary roles, such as consultants, trainers, or event-based workers.
The Smart Visa is not necessarily required for standard retreat staff. However, if your wellness retreat uses innovative health technologies or involves significant investment in tech-based wellness programs, the Smart Visa categories for investors (I) or executives (E) might be applicable for key long-term foreign staff members. This visa eliminates the need for a separate work permit and provides a longer duration of up to 4 years.
4# Buying Property for a Retreat
If you’re planning to open a wellness retreat, you might purchase a suitable plot of land to build the retreat or acquire an existing facility. However, it’s essential to be aware of specific regulations. To put it simply;
Foreign Ownership Restrictions: You cannot own land directly but can own up to 49% of a Thai company that holds land. There are exceptions, such as long-term leases or investments in specific business categories.
Board of Investment (BOI): Some BOI-promoted industries allow greater flexibility in land ownership if your business aligns with approved investment sectors.
Types of Property: Buying condos is simpler since you can directly own up to 49% of a building’s units, while land purchases require going through a company.
Our Emerhub team of experts can assist you in setting up your operations through our company registration service. Contact us via the form below to get in touch with a consultant!
