Visa Rules Change Frequently
Quick Answer
What is the Thailand Business Visa (Non-B) & Work Permit?
The Non-B visa and work permit are both required to work legally in Thailand. Typically employer-sponsored.
Working legally in Thailand requires two separate documents: a Non-Immigrant B (Non-B) visa, which is your right to be in Thailand for business purposes, and a work permit, which authorises you to perform specific work for a specific employer. You cannot have a work permit without a Non-B visa, and holding a Non-B visa without a work permit means you cannot actually work — both are required simultaneously.
The process is most commonly initiated by the employer, who must show that no qualified Thai national is available for the role and must meet minimum capital requirements (2 million THB per foreign employee). The Non-B visa is valid for 90 days initially and is then converted to an annual extension tied to your work permit. Work permits are issued for specific job titles, specific employers, and specific locations — any change in role or employer requires updating or reapplying.
Required Documents
| Document | Required |
|---|---|
| Valid passport (6+ months validity) | |
| Non-B visa application form | |
| Letter of invitation from Thai employer | |
| Company certificate of registration (Thai company) | |
| List of shareholders and directors (BOJ.5) | |
| Company financial statements (showing ฿2M+ registered capital) | |
| Employer's tax registration documents (PP.20 and PP.30) | |
| Your qualifications and CV |
Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Non-B visa (from embassy) | ฿2,000 |
| Work permit fee (1 year) | ฿3,000 |
| Annual extension at immigration | ฿1,900 |
Step-by-Step Process
Employer initiates process
Your Thai employer gathers company documents proving they meet the requirements (registered capital, tax compliance, employee-to-foreigner ratio). They prepare your invitation letter.
Apply for Non-B visa at Thai embassy
With your employer's invitation letter and company documents, apply for a Non-B visa at the Thai embassy in your country. This grants you a 90-day single-entry business visa.
Enter Thailand and apply for work permit
Within 30 days of arrival, your employer submits your work permit application to the Department of Employment. You do not apply for a work permit yourself — the employer does it.
Receive work permit
The work permit is a small blue booklet listing your employer, job title, and work location(s). Carry it at all times when working.
Extend annually
Before your 90-day Non-B expires, apply at immigration for a 1-year extension. Your work permit must be current. Renewals are typically processed within a week at provincial immigration offices.
Expert Tips
- Some industries and job roles are 'reserved' for Thai nationals under the Alien Working Act and cannot be performed by foreigners under any circumstances — check the restricted occupations list.
- Working remotely for a foreign employer while on a Non-B visa is a legal grey area — the work permit specifies the Thai employer and job. Consider a DTV or LTR visa if you are a remote worker.
- BOI-promoted companies have streamlined work permit processes and can process permits much faster through the One Stop Service center.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Starting work before the work permit is issued — 'just a few days' is still technically illegal.
- Not updating the work permit when changing office location — each work location must be listed on the permit.
- Assuming a BOI visa grants an automatic work permit — it streamlines the process but a work permit is still required.
Important Warnings
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Visa Guides
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
Thailand's dedicated digital nomad visa — 180 days per entry, 5-year validity, multiple entries.
LTR Visa — Long-Term Resident
Thailand's premium 10-year visa for high-earners, retirees, remote workers, and skilled professionals.
Thailand Visa Extension Guide
How to extend any Thailand visa or stamp at immigration — step-by-step process and tips.
90-Day Reporting Guide (TM.47)
All long-term visa holders must report their address to Thai immigration every 90 days.
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Visa & Legal Specialist · Phuket · 15+ years in Thailand
Tom is a former immigration consultant who has helped over 2,000 foreigners navigate Thailand's visa system. Based in Phuket since 2011, he maintains direct relationships with Thai immigration offices and stays current on policy changes. He writes ThailandKnowledge's visa guides, nationality-specific entry requirements, and long-stay documentation guides.
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