Work Visa in Thailand

How to Apply for a Work Visa if a foreigner has not yet entered Thailand?

1. Employer MUST apply the WP.32 Form or Work Permit Application Form for application made on behalf of a foreigner from the Department of Employment.
2. The employer is responsible for applying for a WP.32 on behalf of foreigner.
3. After submitting the application, Employer will receive a notice of consideration of work permit within 7-14 working days.
4. The employer must send the Notice of approval to the foreign, who is in the abroad for his/her evidence for applying for a Non-B Visa at Royal Thai Embassy or Royal Thai Consulate-General in his/her local country.

Work Permit: Sponsored by a Thailand Entity

Once obtain the Non-B Visa or Non-Immigrant B Visa and entered to TH:

1. MUST immediately apply the Work Permit within 90 days at the Department of Employment of Ministry of Labour.
2. The approval of the Work Permit application processing within 5-20 working days after submitted date.
3. The duration of the Work Permit is 3 months/ 6 months/ 1 year / 2 years (maximum) depends on the consideration of the Department of Employment Officer.

Types of Work Visas in Thailand

• Non-Immigrant Visa “B”: Standard business/work visa for foreign employees.
• Non-Immigrant Visa “B-A”: Business visa obtained with pre-approval from the Immigration Bureau.
• Non-Immigrant Visa “IB”: For BOI-sponsored investments.
• Non-Immigrant Visa “B” (Teaching): For foreign nationals teaching in Thailand.

• Issued by: Thai Embassies or Consulates abroad
• Initial validity: 90 days (can be extended in Thailand)

Required Documentation:

For Visa Application:

• Valid passport (min. 6 months validity)
• Visa application form
• Recent photos (4×6 cm)
• Letter of job offer or Form WP3 approval
• Company documents (business license, shareholder list, VAT, etc.)
• Proof of financial means (min. THB 20,000 per person)

For Work Permit Application:

• Non-Immigrant “B” visa
• Passport & visa copy
• Education and experience certificates
• Medical certificate (from Thai hospital)
• Employment contract
• Company’s financial/tax and registration documents

Process Time

Note: Delays may occur if documents are incomplete or if special BOI, EEC, or MOU channels are involved.

Visa Renewal & Extension

• Visa Extension: Apply at Immigration Bureau before the 90-day visa expires. Usually extended for 1 year.
• Work Permit Renewal: Renewable annually, subject to employment and documentation.

Legal Reminders

• A work permit is required before any work activity begins—even with a valid visa.
• Working without a permit is illegal and may result in:
  • Fines of up to THB 100,000
  • Imprisonment
  • Deportation and blacklisting

Please note that all the information listed below are to be used as a general guideline. For more detailed accounts of Thailand employment laws and regulations, please visit the official governmental websites.

Updated on: August 2025