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Essential Checklist for Obtaining Work Permit and Non-Immigrant Visa in Thailand

For foreign professionals seeking to work legally in Thailand must secure a Non-Immigrant B (Non-B) Visa or Non-Immigrant IB (BOI) Visa, along with a work permit, to comply with Thai immigration and labor regulations.

The Non-B Visa is the standard visa for employment with a Thai company or business activities, while the Non-IB Visa is specifically for employees of companies promoted by the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), offering expedited processing for roles in sectors such as technology, manufacturing, or services. Both visa types require a work permit to legally work for a Thai employer, ensuring compliance and avoiding penalties.
Learn more for Thailand BOI position approval here

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Step-by-Step Guide to the Application Process

Navigating the process of obtaining a work permit and Non-Immigrant B/IB Visa in Thailand is a critical step for foreign professionals to ensure legal compliance.

  • Step 1: Obtain Pre-Approval from the Ministry of Labour

    Your Thai employer must first obtain an approval letter (WP.3) from the Ministry of Labour. This document confirms the employer’s eligibility to hire a foreign worker and is a prerequisite for the Non-B/IB / Visa application.

    • For BOI-Promoted Companies: The BOI facilitates a faster WP.3 issuance typically 3 days through its One-Stop Service Center.
    • For non-BOI employers: Standard timeline 3-7 business days; requires comprehensive company registration, tax documents and and proof of a 4:1 Thai-to-foreign staff ratio. The WP.3 letter is valid for a limited period of 30 days.

  • Step 2: Secure a Non-Immigrant B/IB Visa

    With the WP.3 or BOI approval letter, apply for Non-Immigrant visa at t a Thai Embassy or Consulate in your home country or country of residence. This visa permits entry into Thailand for employment or business purposes.

    • Single-Entry: Valid for 90 days, suitable for initial entry
    • Multiple-Entry: Valid for 1 year, suitable for frequent business travelers.
    • Fee: Approximately 2,000 THB for single-entry or 5,000 THB for multiple-entry.
    • Processing Time: 2-4 weeks.

    Key Notes: Always Verify specific requirements with the Thai Embassy or Consulate, as they may vary and apply well in advance to account for processing times.

  • Step 3: Apply for a Work Permit

    Upon arrival in Thailand, your employer submits a work permit application to the Ministry of Labour with essential corporate information and supporting documents. The digital permit, issued via the D-WP app, authorizes specific work for a Thai employer and is valid for 1-2 years with renewable.

    • Fee: 3,000THB/year, based on duration.
    • Processing Time: 7-10 days for standard applications; approximately 3 days for BOI-promoted companies.

    Key Notes: The work permit is tied to the specific employer and job role; changes require a new permit.

  • Step 4: Maintain Ongoing Compliance

    After obtaining your visa and work permit, adhere to Thai immigration and labor regulations to remain compliant.

    • TM30 Address Reporting: Report your residential address within 24 hours of arrival through your landlord, hotel, to the Immigration Office or online portal.
    • 90-Day Reporting: Required for stays exceeding 90 days; file online or at an Immigration Office consecutive 90 days. Non-compliance incurs fines 2,000 up to 5,000 THB.
    • Work Permit and Visa Renewals: Apply 30 days before expiry to avoid disruption, Coordinate with your employer for work permit renewals, as they are tied to your employment.

    Key Notes: Non-compliance with reporting or renewal requirements may result in fines or visa cancellation.

1. Non-Immigrant B/IB Visa Checklist

The Non-B Visa is for individuals with a Thai employer or business purpose, while the Non-IB (BOI) Visa targets employees of BOI-promoted companies. Both allow a 90-day initial stay, extendable to 1 year with a work permit.

Eligibility and Required documents:

  • Valid Passport: Must have a remaining validity of at least 6 months.
  • Confirmed Job Offer or Business Purpose: You must have a valid employment letter or contract from a Thai employer with details of job position/qualifications, salary and employment duration.
  • Academic/Educational Certificates: Diploma, Bachelor’s degree or higher.
  • Proof of Financial : Bank Statement with funds not less than 30,000 THB ($1,000) maintained or a period of 6 consecutive months with the name of the applicant clearly written on the statement.
  • Work experience: At least 2 years relevant experience for a skilled role.

2. Work Permit Application Checklist

Once you have entered Thailand on your Non-B or IB Visa,  Your prospective employer must apply for a work permit. This is the legal authorization to work in the country and is tied to a specific job with a specific employer.

Required documents:

  • Valid Non-Immigrant Visa and Passport: Copies of  passport, including every page of visa and entry stamp.
  • Medical Certificate: Physical examination and a blood test a certified Thai doctor, issued no more than 30 days.
  • Educational Certificates: Degrees, diplomas or any relevant professional licenses.
  • Employment Contract: A signed contract detailing your salary, position and work duration.
  • Employer’s Corporate Documents: Your employer must provide a comprehensive set of documents, including a business registration certificate, tax records, a list of shareholders.
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Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Submitting Incomplete Documentation: This is the leading cause of delaysor rejections. Ensure all forms are filled out correctly, signatures are in place and all required supporting documents are included and certified where necessary.
  • Employing Foreign Nationals Without Permits: A visa allows you to stay in Thailand, but a work permit is required for any work activity. The prospective Thai employer m ustensure all foreign employees have both a valid visa and work permit. Failure to do so can result in significant fines and penalties for both employee and employer up to 400,000 THB per hire.
  • Misclassifying Employees: All work for a Thai employer, including that done by freelancers or consultants, requires a work permit.
  • Inadequate Work Experience Proof: For skilled roles, failure to provide verifiable evidence of relevant work experience.
  • Assuming Short Visits Are Exempt: Any work for a Thai entity, even short-term, requires a Non-B Visa and permit, depending on the nature of the work.

How an Employer of Record (EOR) Can Help

For businesses hiring foreign talent without a Thai entity, an Employer of Record (EOR) service provides a compliant solution, handling all the complex administrative and compliance-related tasks, including:

  • Visa and Work Permit Management: The EOR streamlines the entire immigration process, from visa applications to work permit renewals, ensuring all documents are correctly prepared and submitted on time.
  • Payroll and Tax Compliance: Manages payroll, withholds PIT and contributes to the Social Security Fund, ensuring adherence to Thai tax laws.
  • Risk Mitigation: Assumes the responsibility for all legal and administrative risks associated with hiring foreign employees, shielding companies from penalties for non-compliance.

By partnering with Oscoworks, companies and professionals benefit from expert-backed support and EOR infrastructure, avoiding costly errors and ensuring seamless compliance. Contact us for personalized guidance!

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FREE Visa & Immigration Consultancy

We offer a FREE visa eligibility assessment for visas and immigration to Thailand. Should you be eligible for a visa, we will advise you on the next steps. Please email or call us, or complete the form HERE to receive a free and confidential initial consultation.

Gathering Information & Document Verification

You will be guided through the whole process by on-screen explanations. Then we will help you determine your situation in which documents are required to support your visa application as well as the visa fees.

Submit Visa Application & Process Tracking

We assist you with the online lodgment of work permit and visa applications. After successful submission, your application is monitored until approval notification from each section.

Visa/Work permit Issuance

Upon approval of your visa application, you will be notified of an appointment date to visit the Immigration office where you applied. At this appointment, you will collect your visa stamp and complete the registration of your work permit.