Navigating Thailand’s visa regulations and employment laws requires meticulous attention and adherence to multiple procedures. The process of securing a visa and work permit for expatriates involves several steps, each with specific documentation and requirements that can vary slightly depending on circumstances. Engaging an Employer of Record (EOR) service is highly recommended to streamline this process, ensure compliance, and facilitate a smooth relocation experience. freeing the client to concentrate on talent development and business objectives.

How an EOR Simplifies Visa and Compliance Management

EOR services offer comprehensive end-to-end solutions to manage the complexities associated with expatriate relocation. These services provide continuous support throughout the employee lifecycle, covering initial work permit and visa processing, onboarding, ongoing management, and offboarding while ensuring full adherence to Thai employment and immigration regulations.

Expert relocation and immigration Solutions

• Visa and Permit Expertise: Navigate Thailand’s immigration requirements with confidence and ease.
• Seamless Relocation: Support expatriates with hassle-free transitions into Thailand.
• Compliance Assurance: Maintain compliance with all applicable local employment laws and regulations.
• Leveraging an EOR minimizes the risk of costly penalties and ensures business continuity in Thailand.

Relocation Procedure for a Non-Immigrant B Visa & Work Permit

1. Check Visa Types and Eligibility: The Non-Immigrant B/IB Visa is categorized under Thailand’s non-immigrant visa framework, specifically for work and business activities. It is distinct from tourist visas, which do not permit employment. Other visa types, such as the LTR Visa, Smart Visa (for skilled professionals) or Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for remote workers, may apply in specific cases, but the B Visa is standard for most employment scenarios.

• Non-Immigrant B Visa:
  • Purpose: Employment or business activities.
  • Validity: Single-entry (90 days from issuance); Multiple-entry (1 year, with each stay up to 90 days).
  • Extension: Can be extended for up to 1 year at the Thai Immigration Bureau.
  • Note: Must be paired with a work permit for legal employment, as working without one can lead to fines or entry bans.

2. Document Preparation: To initiate the process, the following documents must be collected.

3. Securing a Non-Immigrant B/IB Visa from Outside Thailand

• The Thai employer; EOR prepares an invitation letter and other corporate documentation to support the visa application.
• The expatriate applies e-Visa  at a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate-General in their country of residence or a neighboring country, if eligible.
• Processing Time: generally takes 2 upto 4 weeks, depending on the embassy’s workload and the completeness of documentation.
• Fees:
  • Single-entry: 2,000 THB (approximately USD 65).
  • Multiple-entry: 5,000 THB (approximately USD 164).
• Fees may vary by country and payment method (cash or bank transfer).
• Visa Validity: Initially granted for up to 90 days, with the possibility of extending a one-year stay.

4. Entering Thailand and Applying for a Work Permit

• Upon entry into Thailand with the Non-Immigrant B visa.
• The employer; EOR submits applications for the visa extension, work permit, and relevant documents to the Immigration Bureau and the Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour.
• Restrictions: Work permits are linked to a specific employer and designated role. Any employment change requires a new permit.
• Processing Time: Approximately 15 business days or up to one month.

5. 90-Day Reporting: Expatriates staying in Thailand for 90 days or more are required to report their residential address every 90 days. Failure to comply may result in fines of up to 2,000 THB or complications with visa status and extensions. Reporting can be completed via:

• Online: Through the Thai Immigration Bureau’s portal (when available).
• By Mail: Sending necessary documents to the Immigration Offices.
• In Person: Visiting designated Immigration Offices.

6. Tax Registration: The expatriate must obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the Thai Revenue Department to facilitate proper income tax reporting and compliance.

Ongoing Management and Support for Expatriates

Once a workpermit and visa are secured, an Employer of Record (EOR) takes the lead in simplifying the entire post-approval process, handling all necessary documentation for expat employees and managing payroll, ensuring complete compliance with Thai labor laws and current visa regulations.

Beyond the initial visa processing, a dedicated EOR ensures that all your expat employees in Thailand receive comprehensive support and benefits. This ongoing compliance with local standards includes:

• Local Law Compliance: Managing employment contracts generation, salaries, benefits, taxation and social security contrition adhere to Thai labor laws and regulations.
• Visa and Work Permit Management: Facilitate obtaining and renewing viss and work permits for expat talent, ensuring compliance with Thai immigration laws.
• HR Support: Providing guidance on local labor laws and regulations and assisting with various employee relations matters.  
• Alerts Regulations: Flag upcoming Thai immigration laws and regulatory changes. This proactive approach helps client companies stay informed and compliant.  
• Employee Welfare and Support: While the client manages day-to-day work, the EOR handles critical HR functions like payroll, benefits, and compliance, contributing to a consistent employment experience for local hires. Effective expatriate management, often facilitated by EORs, includes pre-assignment planning, relocation support (housing, schooling), cultural and language training, and ongoing support to ensure the success of international assignments and the well-being of expatriates and their families. This comprehensive support enhances the company’s ability to attract and retain talent for global assignments.

Why Partner with Oscoworks for Visa Sponsorship?

Establishing a legal entity in a foreign country can be daunting, costly, and time-intensive, particularly when managing visa sponsorship.

An EOR offers a solution by managing the complexities of visa and work permit processes in Thailand, including ensuring compliance with minimum salary requirements and preparing accurate documentation for immigration authorities, accelerating visa approvals and minimizing bureaucratic delays for a smoother, faster experience. This proactive approach effectively prevents common issues such as incomplete paperwork, or failure to meet specific legal thresholds. Ultimately ensuring a hassle-free process for both employers and employees alike.

Partnering with an EOR in Thailand empowers your business to:

• Expand Quickly and Cost-Effectively: Eliminate the need for a costly and time-consuming local entity setup. An EOR allows for quick market entry and talent onboarding, significantly reducing initial investment and ongoing operational overhead.
• Ensure Seamless Compliance: Benefit from an EOR’s in-depth expertise in Thai employment legislation, tax rules, and immigration policies. This ensures all hiring practices are fully compliant, from drafting legally employment contracts, managing payroll, tax withholdings, and social security contributions accurately and on time.
• Support Smooth Employee Relocation and Onboarding: EOR provides comprehensive support for expatriates, ensuring a smooth relocation and integration into the new country. This includes guidance on local bank accounts, health insurance, and ongoing HR support in both Thai and English.
• Safeguard Your Business and Reputation: By outsourcing the complexities of global employment to an EOR, your business can focus on core operations and strategic growth, knowing that legal risks are minimized and your reputation is protected through consistent adherence to local laws.

Our expertise in immigration and HR solutions ensures expat exployees stay fully compliant with Thai laws, avoiding penalties and facilitating a seamless relocation experience. Contact us to discover how our tailored visa sponsorship and employment solutions can make your expansion easier.

Focus on Your Business, Let Oscoworks Handle the Complexity!

Connect with our expert team at info@oscoworks.com or Call/WhatsApp +66(0)841 659 264 for personalized guidance.