The Non-B visa and Thai work permit
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Working in Thailand legally usually needs two separate things: a visa that allows you to stay for work, and a work permit that allows you to do a particular job for a particular employer. The visa is handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Immigration Bureau. The work permit is issued by the Department of Employment at the Ministry of Labour.
The usual sequence
- Your employer agrees to hire you and prepares its company documents.
- You apply for a Non-Immigrant B visa from outside Thailand, usually through the Thai e-Visa system, with documents from the employer. Some applicants first obtain a pre-approval from the Department of Employment, depending on the embassy's requirements.
- You enter Thailand on the Non-B visa, which normally gives 90 days of stay.
- The employer applies for your work permit, which may be issued as a booklet or as a digital work permit depending on the office and the application channel.
- Before the 90 days end, you apply to Immigration for an extension of stay based on employment, usually for one year. The extension is renewed each year while the job continues.
What employers are generally expected to show
Requirements are applied by the Department of Employment and Immigration and can vary by office and nationality. As a general guide:
- Registered and paid-up capital of 2 million baht per foreign employee, up to a maximum of ten foreign employees per company
- Four Thai employees on the social security system for each foreign employee, a ratio that Immigration applies at the extension stage
- Company registration documents, shareholder list, financial statements and tax filings
- A salary at or above the minimum Immigration expects for your nationality
Exceptions and different rules apply to BOI-promoted companies, regional headquarters, government and educational employers, and spouses of Thai nationals.
Documents you will usually provide
- Passport with the Non-B visa
- Degree certificate and transcripts, sometimes with authentication or legalisation
- Employment contract
- Medical certificate from a Thai clinic or hospital
- Passport photos in the required sizes
- CV and, for some roles, professional licences
Restrictions to know
A work permit is tied to the employer, job title and workplace shown on it. Working for a second employer or doing a different job needs an amendment or a new permit. Some occupations are reserved for Thai nationals under the Foreign Workers Management rules, so check that your job is not on the restricted list.
Leaving the job
When employment ends, the employer must notify the authorities, and your extension of stay based on that job is usually cancelled. Immigration often grants a short period to leave the country or change status. Plan this with your employer before your last day.
Teachers
Teachers follow the same general process, with extra steps for teaching licences or waivers from the Teachers' Council of Thailand.
Getting help
Many employers process visas and work permits through their HR team or an agent. Small companies and freelancers setting up their own company often use a law firm. Ask for the list of documents in writing before you start, since a missing authentication can delay the process by weeks.