1. Overview
Working, running a company or doing business in Thailand calls for two separate approvals, not one. The Non-Immigrant B visa gives you the right legal status to be here for business purposes; the work permit, applied for once that visa is in place, is what actually makes employment lawful. The two are handled by different authorities — Thai Immigration for the visa, the Department of Employment for the permit — and both must stay valid at the same time.
2. Eligibility Requirements
For the Non-Immigrant B Visa
- Must have a legitimate purpose to work, manage, or conduct business in Thailand.
- Company must be registered in Thailand and compliant with all legal regulations.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Proof of business or employment arrangement in Thailand.
For the Work Permit
- Must hold a valid Non-Immigrant B visa.
- Must have a Thai company willing to sponsor your work permit.
- Proof of qualifications or relevant experience for the role.
- Employer must meet Thai labor and minimum capital requirements depending on the number of foreign employees.
- Police clearance certificate may be required for the applicant.
3. Financial & Company Requirements
Unlike retirement or marriage visas, the thresholds here sit with the sponsoring company rather than with you personally:
- Registered Thai Company: Minimum capital of THB 2 million for foreign employees, or according to the Department of Employment regulations.
- Employer Requirements: Must have at least 4 Thai employees for each foreign employee (rules may vary).
- Salary Requirements: Minimum monthly salary of THB 50,000 for work permit eligibility (varies depending on profession and Department of Employment rules).
4. Required Documents
Non-Immigrant B Visa
- Passport with at least 6 months validity.
- Letter of employment from the Thai company.
- Company documents: business registration, tax documents, shareholder list.
- Proof of qualifications (degree or certificate) if required by the company role.
Work Permit Application
- Passport with Non-Immigrant B visa and visa extension.
- Application form from the Department of Employment.
- Company documents: affidavit, company registration, VAT certificate, list of employees.
- Employment contract or job offer letter.
- Educational and professional certificates.
- Police clearance certificate (if required).
- Passport photos (usually 2–4 photos).
5. Application & Renewal Process
Business Visa (Non-Immigrant B)
- Obtain a job offer or business sponsorship in Thailand.
- Gather company documents and personal qualifications.
- Apply for Non-Immigrant B visa extension at the local Immigration Office.
- Pay the visa extension fee (approx. THB 1,900 for 1-year extension).
Work Permit
- Submit all required documents to the Department of Employment.
- Wait for approval (usually 7–14 working days).
- Collect the work permit card and attach it to your passport copy for Immigration verification.
- Renew annually or according to your visa validity.
Ongoing Obligations
- 90-Day Reporting: All visa holders must report their address to Immigration every 90 days.
- Annual Renewal: Non-Immigrant B visas and Work Permits must be renewed annually.
- Compliance: Must adhere to Thai labor laws, tax regulations, and company employment rules.
- Visa & Work Permit Sync: Your Non-Immigrant B visa must always be valid while your work permit is active.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
No. The Non-Immigrant B visa gives you the right status to be in Thailand for business purposes, but employment only becomes lawful once the Department of Employment issues your work permit. Working in the gap between the two is one of the most common and most costly mistakes foreign staff make.
A work permit is tied to the employer, the job role and often the work location named on it. Taking on a second job, changing duties significantly or moving to another company generally requires the permit to be amended or a new one issued before you begin.
Yes. Work permit eligibility is assessed against minimum salary levels set by the Department of Employment, which vary by nationality and profession — THB 50,000 per month is a commonly applied benchmark. The salary you declare also determines the personal income tax you pay in Thailand.
Ask About Your Business Visa
Related Visas
- Marriage Visa (O)
- Retirement Visa (O-A / O-X)
- Visa Extensions & 90-Day Reports