Work Permit and Business Visa in Thailand
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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

RequirementDetails
Company registered capitalMinimum 2 million THB per foreign employee
Thai staff employmentAt least 4 Thai employees per foreign Work Permit (general cases)
Tax and Social Security complianceCompany must be active and compliant
Valid business operationCompany 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

StepAction
1. Set up companyRegister Thai company to sponsor visa & permit
2. Apply for Non-B VisaApply at Thai Embassy/Consulate
3. Enter ThailandEnter with 90-day Non-B Visa
4. Apply for Work PermitSubmit application to Ministry of Labor
5. Extend VisaApply 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!

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