How to get a work permit in Thailand

Thailand has become a powerful magnet for foreign businesses and talents worldwide, striking the perfect balance between modernity and heritage.

Already got a job lined up, or are you exploring potential opportunities in one of Southeast Asia's most renowned locations?

Our guide will take you through the steps on how to apply for a work permit in Thailand.

What are the main work permit requirements for Thailand?

As outlined by Thailand’s Ministry of Labour, a work permit is a Thai legal document that states the foreign worker's position, occupation, and the company they are working with.

Work permits in Thailand are governed by the Royal Ordinance on Managing the Work of Foreigners B.E. 2560 (2017), as amended, which replaced and consolidated previous foreign employment legislation.

There are currently two primary work permit requirements for expatriates interested in working in Thailand. 

• First, you must apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa Category “B” visa to enter Thailand.
• Once you have been approved for the above visa, you can begin the process of applying for a work permit.

Work permit processing times typically range from seven to 30 working days, depending on location and whether Board of Investment (BOI) privileges apply. Permit applications also involve a thorough background check of the applicant. 

Do take note that there are two types of Non-Immigrant B Business Visas. One is issued to foreigners looking to enter Thailand and establish or conduct business there. The other is for international workers who intend to be employed.

The application process

Once the decision to begin the application process has been made, it is the employer's responsibility to provide the necessary documents for the work permit requirements.

What do employers need to provide?

     
The list below outlines the types of documents that the employer must provide, as per the Thai Embassy's requirements. These documents should only be written in English or Thai.

List of shareholders 

Company certificate and list of objectives

Application for VAT (Value-added Tax)

Withholding tax of the company

Financial statement

Signed copy of the director's passport and work permit

Office map & location

Letter of employment stating position and salary of the applicant

Employment agreement

And what about employees?

   
For employees, the list of requirements is far simpler.

Two to six 2-inch photographs (requirements may vary slightly by province)

Medical certificate (no older than six months)

Valid passport

A signed letter of employment

Certificate of education

Working address in Thailand

Employees married to Thai citizens must also submit copies of the documents listed below:

Their marriage certificate

Their spouse's identity card and registration number

Conditions and requirements when applying for a Thai work permit

For companies in Thailand, the following conditions must be met for them to hire foreign employees.

• Officially registered in Thailand
  
• Successfully applied for a tax ID and VAT registration
  
• Have a minimum paid-up capital of 2 million baht per foreign employee
  
• Have four Thai employees per work permit, unless exemptions apply

There is no set limit on how many work permits a company can have. Instead, it depends on factors like:

•  How much capital the company has

• How many Thai employees it employs compared to foreign staff, or

• How the business is structured

Companies approved by Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) may be allowed to hire more foreign workers under special rules.

Where do I submit my Thailand work permit application?

Regional variations in the work permit process exist, especially beyond the capital. For instance, those who got a job offer in Bangkok may submit their application to the Ministry of Labour at Din Daeng.

But if your place of employment is in a location other than the capital, you will need to get approval from that province’s Department of Employment.

You must appear in person with your original passport so that the Labour Department staff can provide you with a stamp on your work permit. The Department will also issue a stamp on the back of your passport at the time of receipt.

How long does it take to process a work permit?

The processing time for work permits in Thailand often varies depending on where you will be based. Work permits issued in Bangkok usually take about one to two weeks. However, it can take up to two months in busy areas or popular tourist destinations like Phuket.

Once I have a work permit in Thailand, can I work in any profession?

Once you have been granted your work permit, it is important to note that it only applies to the sponsoring company, in the approved position, and at the stated work location.

If you decide to take on a different role with another company in Thailand, it will not be covered by your current work permit, and the application process must be repeated with your new company.

In addition to that, the Alien Employment Act of 1978 includes an extensive list of jobs you cannot perform or hire for as they are restricted to Thai nationals only. These restrictions are issued by the Department of Employment and were most recently updated in 2022.

For example, jobs that pertain to agriculture, construction, and other forms of manual labour, such as bricklaying and carpentry, are not permissible.

Are there any regulations to follow once I receive a Thai work permit?

Absolutely. Most importantly, you must remember to have your work permit on your person and be prepared always to show it to government officials. If you cannot do this, you risk being fined up to 1,000 baht.

Should you lose or damage your work permit, apply for a replacement within 15 days, or you could face a penalty of 500 baht.

You are also only permitted to undertake the work according to the occupation listed in your work permit. You must apply for revisions if your job description or office address changes significantly. Failure to do so could result in a month’s imprisonment or a fine of up to 2,000 baht.

Make any changes to the personal information stated in your work permit. You must update the Employment Service so they can update the information in their system accordingly.

For employees who resign, the work permit must be returned within seven days of the resignation date, and anyone found violating this risks being fined up to 1,000 baht.

On the other hand, if you plan to stay after your permit expires, apply for an extension before the expiration date. Failure to do so could result in three months' imprisonment and/or a 5,000 baht fine.

Everyone staying in Thailand for over three months is required to check in with the immigration department every 90 days. You can do this 15 days before or up to seven days after the exact date. Check-ins can be done in person, via registered mail or through the department’s electronic system.

How can I extend my Thai work permit?

Should you want to extend your work permit when nearing expiry, you can apply for a one-year extension via the Immigration Office. You will need all the documentation you provided during the initial application process, which must be stamped and signed.

How can I get help with visas and work permits for Thailand?

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For candidates

Planning to work overseas or unsure how the visa process works? We support professionals throughout the employment journey, helping you understand local requirements and making relocation smoother.

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For clients

Hiring internationally or expanding into new markets? Our Employer of Record (EOR) solutions help you onboard talent compliantly without setting up a local entity - handling work permits, payroll, and employment compliance on your behalf.

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