Thailand Work Visa & Work Permit Guide 2025
Complete guide to obtaining a work visa and work permit in Thailand - requirements, process, costs, and everything you need to know for legal employment.
Work Visa Overview
Working legally in Thailand requires both a work visa (Non-Immigrant B visa) and a work permit. The process involves multiple steps and strict documentation requirements, but provides legal employment authorization and long-term stay.
Non-B Visa
90 Days
Initial entry visa for work purposes
Work Permit
1 Year
Legal authorization to work
Extension
1 Year
Renewable annually
Total Cost
฿15,000-30,000
Including visa, permit, and fees
Step 1: Non-Immigrant B Visa Requirements
The Non-B visa must be obtained from a Thai embassy or consulate outside Thailand before entering the country:
Required Documents
- •Passport valid for at least 6 months
- •Completed visa application form
- •2 recent passport photos
- •Job offer letter from Thai employer
- •Company registration documents (Thai employer)
- •Educational certificates (bachelor's degree minimum)
- •Criminal background check from home country
- •Medical certificate
Visa Fees & Processing
- •Single Entry: $80-100 USD (varies by consulate)
- •Multiple Entry: $200-250 USD
- •Processing Time: 3-5 working days
- •Validity: 90 days from entry
Step 2: Work Permit Application
After entering Thailand on a Non-B visa, you must apply for a work permit within 90 days. The employer typically handles this process:
Employer Requirements
- •Registered Thai company with proper licenses
- •Paid-up capital requirements (varies by nationality)
- •Thai employee ratio (typically 4:1 Thai to foreign)
- •Tax compliance and financial statements
Work Permit Documents
- •Work permit application form (WP.1)
- •Employment contract
- •Company documents and licenses
- •Passport and visa copies
- •Educational certificates (authenticated)
- •Medical certificate
- •Photos and filing fees
📝 Important Note:
Work permits are job-specific and location-specific. Changing employers or work locations requires permit modifications or new applications.
Step 3: Visa Extension (1 Year)
After obtaining your work permit, you can apply for a 1-year visa extension at Thai immigration:
- •Extension Application (TM.7): Complete form at immigration
- •Work Permit: Valid work permit required
- •Employment Documents: Letter from employer, salary slips
- •Tax Documents: Tax ID and tax returns
- •Company Documents: Registration, tax compliance
- •Extension Fee: ฿1,900
- •Processing Time: Same day (if all documents correct)
Salary Requirements by Nationality
Thailand has minimum salary requirements for work permits that vary by nationality:
Developed Countries
USA, UK, Germany, Japan, Australia, etc.
฿50,000+/month minimum salary
Middle-Tier Countries
Many Asian and Latin American countries
฿35,000+/month minimum salary
Lower-Tier Countries
Developing nations and some neighboring countries
฿25,000+/month minimum salary
Tax Obligations
- •Tax ID Number: Required for all work permit holders
- •Monthly Tax Deductions: Employer typically handles withholding
- •Annual Tax Return: Due by March 31 each year
- •Tax Rates: Progressive system, 5-37% based on income
- •Social Security: 5% contribution (capped at ฿750/month)
Work Permit Restrictions
Prohibited Occupations for Foreigners
- • Manual labor and construction work
- • Retail sales and small trade
- • Hairdressing and beauty services
- • Tour guide services
- • Taxi and public transport driving
- • Agriculture and farming
- • Accounting (unless certified)
- • Legal services (unless qualified in Thai law)
Work Permit Conditions
- • Must work only for sponsoring employer
- • Work only at approved location
- • Cannot change jobs without permit transfer
- • Must carry work permit while working
- • Regular reporting and renewals required
Dependent Visas (Non-O)
Work permit holders can sponsor dependent visas for spouse and children under 20:
- •Spouse Visa: 1-year extensions, cannot work without own permit
- •Child Visa: For children under 20 years old
- •Income Requirement: ฿40,000+/month for each dependent
- •Required Documents: Marriage/birth certificates, photos, fees
Renewal Process
- •Work Permit Renewal: 30 days before expiry
- •Visa Extension: Apply separately at immigration
- •Updated Documents: Current salary, tax compliance, medical
- •90-Day Reports: Required every 90 days
- •Annual Costs: ฿3,000-5,000 for renewals and fees
Total Cost Breakdown (First Year)
Visa & Documentation Costs
- • Non-B Visa: ฿2,500-4,000 (varies by consulate)
- • Document authentication: ฿2,000-5,000
- • Work permit application: ฿3,000
- • Visa extension (1 year): ฿1,900
- • Medical certificates: ฿1,000-2,000
Professional Services (Optional)
- • Visa agent assistance: ฿5,000-15,000
- • Legal consultation: ฿3,000-10,000
- • Translation services: ฿1,000-3,000
Estimated Total: ฿15,000-35,000 first year
Subsequent years: ฿5,000-10,000 for renewals
✅ Work Visa Benefits:
- • Legal employment authorization
- • Long-term stay (renewable annually)
- • Ability to open bank accounts easily
- • Tax residency benefits
- • Can sponsor dependent visas
- • Path to permanent residence (eventually)
⚠️ Important Considerations:
- • Process requires being outside Thailand initially
- • Employer must be legitimate with proper capital/ratios
- • Minimum degree requirement (bachelor's)
- • Salary requirements vary by nationality
- • Cannot work for multiple employers simultaneously
- • Regular compliance and reporting required
🔄 Alternative Options:
Consider the Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) for remote work, Smart Visa for skilled professionals, or BOI visa for investment-promoted activities. Each has different requirements and benefits suitable for different situations.