Thailand Work Permit Process 2026: How to Get a Work Permit and What It Costs

Working legally in Thailand requires two separate legal instruments: a Non-Immigrant B Visa (or appropriate visa category) AND a Thai Work Permit (bai anuyat tham ngan). Neither alone is sufficient — having the right visa does not permit work, and having a work permit application in progress does not mean you can legally start work. The work permit must be in hand before commencing employment. Who needs a work permit: virtually all foreigners performing any work in Thailand, whether employed or self-employed, paid or (technically) unpaid. Some exempted activities exist: certain investor activities under BOI promotion; directors of BOI-promoted companies; emergency work by technically qualified personnel; diplomatic staff. How to get a work permit: (1) Your employer (or your own company) must first obtain a Non-Immigrant B Visa on your behalf. The employer applies for a visa invitation letter; you use this to get the Non-Immigrant B visa at a Thai embassy in your home country or a neighbouring country. (2) Once in Thailand on a Non-Immigrant B Visa, the work permit application is submitted by your employer to the Department of Employment. (3) Required documents: TM.6 departure card; original Non-Immigrant B Visa; 4 passport photos; educational certificates (degree certificates); medical certificate from a Thai-licensed doctor; employer's company registration documents; employer's financial statements; evidence of why a foreign worker is needed (job description, company letter). (4) Processing: typically 5–7 working days. Same-day service is available at some provincial offices. (5) Cost: government fee 750 THB for 1-year permit; 3,750 THB for 3-year permit. Agency fees if using a visa agent: 10,000–20,000 THB depending on service level. Work permit holders must carry the work permit (and passport with relevant visa) at all times while working. Activities are restricted to those specified in the permit — performing different work from what is stated is a violation. Work permits are employer-specific — changing employer requires a new permit.