BUSINESS VISA NON-B & WORK PERMIT

Visa Description

The Non-Immigrant B (NON-B) Business Visa is the primary visa category for foreigners who intend to work, conduct business, or engage in professional activities in Thailand. It is required for individuals who plan to be employed by a Thai company, manage or invest in a Thai business, or undertake business-related activities that involve income or operations within Thailand.

The NON-B visa is the mandatory first step before obtaining a Thai Work Permit and long-term extensions of stay for employment or business purposes.

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Requirements for the NON-B Business Visa

Applicants must generally meet the following criteria:
• Hold a valid passport with sufficient remaining validity
• Have a legitimate business or employment purpose in Thailand
• Be sponsored by a Thai-registered company or organization (in most cases)
• Meet Thai Immigration and Ministry of Labour regulations
• Not be prohibited from entering Thailand
• Have no serious criminal record

Requirements may vary depending on:
• Type of business activity
• Position held
• Nationality
• Location of application (Thai Embassy/Consulate or inside Thailand)

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Application Process & Required Documents

Application Process
1. Gather required documentation from the Thai company or employer
2. Submit application
3. Attend interview (if required)
4. Pay the visa application fee
5. Receive visa approval
6. Apply for a Work Permit after entering Thailand (if applicable)
7. Apply for visa extension (1-year extension based on employment/business)

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Required Documents List
Documents commonly required include:

From the Applicant
• Valid passport
• Visa application form
• Passport-sized photos
• Resume / CV
• Criminal background check (if required)
• Medical certificate (if required)

From the Thai Company
• Company registration certificate
• Company affidavit
• List of shareholders
• Company objectives
• VAT registration (if applicable)
• Financial statements
• Company location map
• Employment contract or appointment letter
• Letter of sponsorship
• BOI approval letter (if applicable)

Additional Documents (Case Dependent)
• Business plan
• Investment documents
• Teaching license or qualifications
• Professional certificates
• Power of attorney (if applicable)

Thai Immigration or the Embassy may request additional documents at their discretion.

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5. Validity and Duration of Stay
• Initial visa validity:
• 90 days (single or multiple entry)
• Extension of stay:
• Extendable to 1 year based on employment or business
• Renewable annually as long as requirements are met
• Multiple-entry option:
• Available depending on embassy issuance
• Work Permit requirement:
• Mandatory for employment activities
• 90-day reporting:
• Required for all long-term stays in Thailand

Failure to maintain company eligibility, employment status, or work permit validity may result in visa cancellation.

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Thailand Work Permit

Work Permit Description

A Thai Work Permit is a legal authorization issued by the Ministry of Labour that allows a foreign national to work, perform duties, or engage in employment-related activities in Thailand.

Holding a valid visa (most commonly a Non-Immigrant B Visa) alone is not sufficient to work legally in Thailand. A work permit is mandatory for any foreigner who performs work, receives compensation, or carries out professional duties within Thailand, regardless of the duration or payment structure.

The work permit specifies:
• Employer
• Job position
• Work location
• Permitted duties

Foreigners may only perform work strictly within the scope stated in their work permit.

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Requirements for a Thai Work Permit

To qualify for a work permit, both the foreign applicant and the Thai employer/company must meet specific legal requirements.

Applicant Requirements
• Hold a valid Non-Immigrant visa (usually NON-B)
• Possess qualifications relevant to the position
• Have no prohibited occupation under Thai law
• Be physically present in Thailand at the time of application
• Not be disqualified under Thai Labour regulations

Employer / Company Requirements
• Properly registered Thai company or organization
• Minimum registered capital (usually 2 million THB per foreign employee, unless exempt)
• Correct Thai-to-foreigner employee ratio (generally 4 Thai employees per 1 foreigner)
• Active business operations and tax compliance
• Office premises suitable for inspection

Note: BOI-promoted companies, NGOs, and certain sectors may qualify for exemptions or reduced requirements.

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Application Process & Required Documents

Work Permit Application Process
1. Obtain a valid Non-Immigrant B Visa
2. Enter Thailand
3. Prepare documents from both applicant and employer
4. Submit application to the Department of Employment
5. Attend inspection or interview if required
6. Receive work permit approval
7. Begin work only after issuance

Processing time is typically 7–15 working days, depending on the case.

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Required Documents List
From the Applicant
• Passport (with NON-B visa)
• Passport-sized photos
• Medical certificate (Thai hospital or clinic)
• Educational certificates
• Professional licenses (if applicable)
• Resume / CV
• Employment contract

From the Employer / Company
• Company registration documents
• Company affidavit
• VAT certificate (if applicable)
• List of shareholders
• Financial statements
• Company map and photos of office location
• Letter of employment and job description
• Tax and social security records
• Power of attorney (if applicable)

Additional documents may be requested by the Department of Employment.

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Validity and Duration of Work Permit
• Initial validity:
• Usually issued for up to 1 year, aligned with visa validity
• Renewal:
• Renewable annually as long as employment continues and requirements are met
• Scope limitation:
• Valid only for the employer, position, and location stated
• Cancellation:
• Must be cancelled upon termination of employment or company closure
• Penalties for non-compliance:
• Working without a permit may result in fines, imprisonment, and deportation