Work Permit
Want to legally work or run a business in Thailand?
A work permit is required for non-Thai citizens to work or operate a business in Thailand, ensuring legal compliance and protection while avoiding fines or penalties.
Why Do You Need a Thai Work Permit?
Avoid penalties
Working without a permit can lead to fines or imprisonment.
Legal employment
Required for expats, business owners, and professionals.
Employer requirement
Your company needs a certain registered capital to sponsor you. to protect your interests
Employer Requirements
- Thai Companies: Must have a 2 million THB registered capital per foreign employee (1 million THB if married to a Thai national).
- Foreign Companies: Must bring in 3 million THB per employee.
- Workforce Ratio: A company must employ 4 Thai staff per foreign worker.
Eligibility Criteria
- Foreign employees hired by Thai businesses.
- Entrepreneurs establishing a company in Thailand.
- Employees of BOI-approved companies (fast-tracked processing).
Apply Work Permit
in Thailand
5 simple steps
Get a Non-Immigrant Visa
- Must apply before arriving in Thailand.- Required for work permit application.
Prepare Required Documents
- Passport copies, visa, resume, education certificates.- Employer documents like business registration, tax filings, and VAT certificates.
Submit Application & Approval Process
- Processing time: ~7 days in Bangkok, ~2 months in Phuket.- BOI-approved companies get express 3-hour processing.
Sign & Collect Work Permit
- Must personally appear at the Labor Department.- Work permit will be linked to your company & location.
Stay Compliant
- Obtain a Tax ID Card from the Thailand Revenue Department.- Apply for a Re-entry Permit before leaving Thailand.
- Report to Immigration every 90 days.
- Renew both visa and work permit annually.
Documents Needed to Apply for Work Permit
In most cases, employers will handle the submission of the work permit application, which can be done either before or after the foreign employee enters Thailand. However, the foreign employee must be present in person to collect the approved work permit.
Documents Required from the Company
- Work Permit Application Form
- Company registration certificate & list of shareholders
- VAT certificate and recent VAT filings
- Social security payment forms
- Corporate income tax filings
- Employment contract between the company & the foreign individual
Documents Required from the Foreign Employee
- Original passport and signed copies of:
- Non-immigrant visa page
- Latest entry page
- Biodata page
- Copies of work experience certificates from previous employers (signed)
- Copies of educational certificates or degrees (signed)
- Recently issued medical certificate
- Three photos (3×4 cm), taken within the last 6 months
- Other relevant certificates and licenses (signed)
Note: All document copies must be signed. Some documents may also require translation into Thai if they are in languages other than English. It is strongly recommended to prepare these documents well in advance to avoid delays in processing. Contact us today, and we’ll handle everything for you!
Frequently asked questions
If you have any questions regarding visa services in Thailand or need guidance on required documents, our experts are here to help!
No, working without a permit is illegal and may result in fines or imprisonment.
Yes, we assist with converting tourist visas to non-immigrant visas without leaving Thailand.
Your application may be rejected. You must ensure your visa remains valid during processing.
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