Work Permit and Business Visa in Thailand: Everything Foreigners Need to Know
How Can a Foreigner Get a Work Permit and Business Visa in Thailand?
If you are a foreigner planning to work or manage a business in Thailand, you will need both a Business Visa (Non-Immigrant B Visa) and a Work Permit to work legally. Here’s a complete guide on how to obtain these essential documents for doing business in Thailand.
✅ 1. What is a Business Visa (Non-Immigrant B Visa)?
A Non-Immigrant B Visa (Business Visa) allows foreigners to:
- Enter Thailand to work, conduct business, or manage a company.
- Stay for an initial period of 90 days, with the possibility to extend up to 1 year once a Work Permit is granted.
Important: A Business Visa alone does not allow you to work; you must also have a Work Permit.
✅ 2. What is a Work Permit?
A Work Permit is an official document issued by the Thai Ministry of Labor that allows foreigners to legally work in Thailand.
- Without a Work Permit, foreigners are not allowed to perform any work activities under Thai law.
- The Work Permit will specify your position, job description, and employer.
✅ 3. Step-by-Step Process to Obtain a Business Visa and Work Permit in Thailand
Step 1: Set Up a Company or Employer Sponsorship
- To apply for a Work Permit, you need a Thai-registered company or employer to sponsor your application.
- The company must meet minimum requirements:
- At least 2 million THB registered capital per foreign employee.
- Employ at least 4 Thai employees per foreign Work Permit (general rule).
Step 2: Apply for a Non-Immigrant B Visa
- Apply for a Non-B Visa at a Thai Embassy/Consulate in your home country or another country.
- Required documents (varies by embassy):
- Company invitation letter and documents (company registration, shareholder list).
- Employment contract or appointment letter.
- Personal documents (passport, photos).
- The visa is usually granted for 90 days (single entry).
Step 3: Enter Thailand with Non-B Visa
- Upon arrival, you will be allowed to stay for 90 days under this visa.
Step 4: Apply for a Work Permit in Thailand
- After entering Thailand, apply for a Work Permit at the Ministry of Labor.
- Documents required for Work Permit application:
- Company documents (registration, VAT certificate, shareholder list, financial statements).
- Your documents (passport, Non-B Visa, photos, educational certificates, CV).
- Work Permit approval takes approximately 7–10 working days (if all documents are complete).
Step 5: Extend Non-B Visa to 1-Year Multiple Entry (Optional)
- Once Work Permit is issued, apply for a 1-year visa extension at the Immigration Office.
- This allows you to stay and work in Thailand continuously without exiting the country every 90 days.
✅ 4. Conditions for Work Permit and Business Visa
Requirement | Details |
---|---|
Company registered capital | Minimum 2 million THB per foreign employee |
Thai staff employment | At least 4 Thai employees per foreign Work Permit (general cases) |
Tax and Social Security compliance | Company must be active and compliant |
Valid business operation | Company must have a physical office address |
✅ 5. Ongoing Obligations After Receiving Work Permit and Visa
- 90-day reporting to immigration office to confirm current address.
- Annual renewal of Work Permit and visa (if staying long-term).
- File tax returns for personal income tax annually.
- Comply with Thai labor and business regulations.
🎯 Summary of Steps to Get a Work Permit and Business Visa in Thailand
Step | Action |
---|---|
1. Set up company | Register Thai company to sponsor visa & permit |
2. Apply for Non-B Visa | Apply at Thai Embassy/Consulate |
3. Enter Thailand | Enter with 90-day Non-B Visa |
4. Apply for Work Permit | Submit application to Ministry of Labor |
5. Extend Visa | Apply for 1-year extension after Work Permit |
💼 How BRW Can Help You with Work Permit and Business Visa in Thailand
At BRW – Boonrawee Co., Ltd., we offer end-to-end solutions to help foreigners work and invest in Thailand smoothly:
- Company registration and business setup.
- Non-B Visa application support.
- Work Permit application and processing.
- Ongoing compliance services (tax, social security, visa renewals).
📞 Contact BRW today for professional assistance and personalized advice on working legally in Thailand!