If you plan on working in Thailand, obtaining a Work Permit is a mandatory requirement. This official document specifies the type of work permitted, the employer and the geographical area in which you can work.
Working in Thailand without a valid permit is illegal and can result in a fine and deportation. Whether you are an employer or an employee, to stay within the law you must understand the process of applying for and renewing a work permit.
How to Apply for a Work Permit in Thailand
Applying for a work permit in Thailand involves four key steps, including securing the appropriate visa, gathering necessary documents, and submitting an application to the Ministry of Labour:
- Apply for the Correct Visa: Before applying for a work permit, you must enter Thailand on a Non-Immigrant Visa Category B (Non-B Visa). This visa can be applied for through a Thai embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Employer’s Support: Your employer in Thailand must support your application. They must provide several company-related documents and information to facilitate your visa and work permit process.
- Submit the Work Permit Application: Once you are inside Thailand and have all the necessary documents, you or your employer must submit the work permit application to the Ministry of Labour in Thailand.
- Wait for Approval: The processing time for a work permit application is typically between 7 to 10 business days. Once approved you'll receive a little blue book with all your details inside.
Work Visa (B) Required Documents
To enter Thailand and subsequently apply for a work permit, you need to obtain a Non-Immigrant Visa – Category B (Non-B Visa).
You will need the following documentation:
- Completed visa application form.
- Passport (valid for at least six months).
- Recent passport-sized photos (2 required).
- Proof of financial stability (e.g., bank statements).
- Invitation or job offer letter from a Thai employer.
- Employer’s business registration and license.
- Employment contract.
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Submit your application to the Thai embassy or consulate in your home country. Some consulates may allow online applications, while others require in-person submissions. You will need to pay the applicable visa fee, which will vary based on currency.
Visa processing times can vary but generally take around 5 to 10 business days.
Once approved, you will receive your Non-Immigrant B Visa, allowing you to enter Thailand for work purposes. However, you will still need to get your work permit.
Work Visa Fee
The cost will depend on your country of origin and the exchange rate. The fee in Thai Baht is as follows:
- Single-entry: 2,000 Baht – 3 months validity.
- Multiple entry: 5,000 Baht – 1-year validity.
Work Permit Required Documents
To apply for a work permit in Thailand, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Completed application form.
- Passport with valid Non-Immigrant B Visa.
- Copies of all passport pages.
- Two passport-sized photos (taken within the last six months).
- Health certificate (issued within the last six months).
- Employment contract detailing your job position, salary, and duration of employment.
- Academic and professional qualifications (e.g., degrees, diplomas).
- Company documents from your Thai employer, such as:
- Certificate of business registration and business license.
- List of shareholders.
- Company profile.
- VAT registration.
- Financial statement and balance sheet.
- Employer’s income tax declaration.
- Employee list.
Work Permit Fees
Work permit application fees include:
- Application fee: 100 Baht.
- Work permit fee: 750 Baht (3 months).
- Work permit fee: 1,500 Baht (3-6 months).
- Work permit fee: 3,000 Baht (1-year).
*Additional fees may apply for document translation and legalization.
Thai Work Permit Rules
Once you receive your Thai Work Permit, you must adhere to the following regulations:
1. Carry Your Work Permit:
You must have your work permit on you or keep it in your office during working hours to present to government officers upon request. Failing to do so can result in a fine of up to 1,000 Baht.
2. Work Restrictions:
You are only allowed to perform the work specified in your work permit. If you change your occupation or office address, you must apply for a revision. Violating this rule can lead to imprisonment for up to one month, a fine of up to 2,000 Baht, or both.
3. Extension Applications:
If you plan to continue working in Thailand, you must apply for an extension before your work permit expires. Failure to do so can result in imprisonment for up to three months, a fine of up to 5,000 Baht, or both.
4. Damaged or Lost Permit:
If your work permit is damaged or lost, you must apply for a replacement within 15 days of becoming aware of the damage or loss. Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to 500 Baht.
5. Updating Personal Information:
If any of your personal information changes as stated in your work permit, you must inform the Employment Service office to update your records.
6. Job Resignation:
If you resign, you must return your work permit within 7 days of the date of your resignation. Failure to comply can result in a fine of up to 1,000 Baht. Also see ‘changing jobs' further down the page.
7. Leaving the Country:
If you plan to leave Thailand before your work permit expires for any reason—whether you lose your job, your contract is terminated, you're unable to renew your permit, or you wish to change jobs—you must cancel your Thai work permit.
You must be present to cancel your permit. Your boss, nor anyone else at the company, can do this for you.
8. Taking a Holiday Outside of Thailand
If you plan to leave Thailand and return while holding a work permit, for example if you want to go on holiday, you must first obtain a re-entry permit to maintain your visa status. You can get a re-entry permit at a Thai Immigration Office or at an international airport in Thailand.
The fee for a single re-entry permit is 1,000 Baht, while the fee for a multiple re-entry permit is 3,800 Baht. More on the re-entry permit here.
How to Apply for a Work Permit Renewal in Thailand
If your work permit is nearing its expiration date, you will need to apply for a renewal to continue working legally in Thailand. You can apply for a renewal up to four months before your current work permit expires. The renewal process should be started well in advance of the expiration date to avoid any issues.
Renewal Process
- Prepare Renewal Documents: Gather all necessary documents for renewal (see the list below).
- Submit Renewal Application: Submit the application for renewal to the Ministry of Labour at least 15 days before your current work permit expires.
- Pay Renewal Fee: Pay the applicable fee for the renewal of your work permit.
- Wait for Approval: The processing time for renewals is generally quicker than initial applications, but it’s advisable to apply well in advance.
Renewal Documents Required
For a work permit renewal, you typically need the following documents, though occasionally you may be asked for additional documentation.
- Completed renewal application form.
- Original work permit.
- Passport with valid Non-Immigrant Visa.
- Copies of all passport pages.
- Two recent passport-sized photos.
- Updated health certificate (issued within the last six months).
- Updated employment contract.
- Updated company documents from your Thai employer, including:
- Certificate of business registration and business license.
- List of shareholders.
- Company profile.
- VAT registration.
- Financial statement and balance sheet.
- Employer’s income tax declaration.
- Employee list.
Changing Jobs
If you have a work permit with an employer but want to change jobs, there are three steps you need to take. And, contrary to popular belief, you don't need to leave the country.
It is important to note that you can't just change jobs and remain on the same work permit.
The first step is to have your new employer apply for a work permit on your behalf to obtain an approval letter for the application. You will also need a termination letter from your current employer, indicating your last working day.
Secondly, on your last day of employment, you must cancel your current visa extension. Subsequently, you can apply for a new visa extension using supporting documents from your new employer, including the work permit application approval letter.
Lastly, once the new extension is granted, you can cancel your existing work permit and have a new one issued.
Termination of Work Permit
Once your employment ends, you must report the termination to the Labor Department to cancel your work permit and visa. Typically, foreigners are granted a seven-day extension to stay in Thailand before they must depart.