For any foreigner wishing to legally work in Thailand, two key documents are essential: the Non-Immigrant B Visa (Non-B Visa) and the Work Permit. Each serves a distinct but complementary purpose:
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Non-B Visa grants the legal right to reside in Thailand for employment or business purposes.
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Work Permit grants the legal right to engage in employment or conduct work within Thailand.
Holding both is mandatory for legal employment — one without the other is insufficient.
What Is the Non-Immigrant B Visa?
The Non-Immigrant B Visa is issued to foreigners who wish to work, conduct business, or undertake investment-related activities in Thailand. It is typically obtained prior to entering Thailand, though in some cases it can be arranged within the country through a visa run or special arrangements depending on nationality and immigration rules.
There are two common ways to obtain a Non-B Visa:
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Via Thai Embassy/Consulate Abroad
This is the standard and recommended route. The employer in Thailand often provides a WP.3 form (pre-approval for a work permit) issued by the Ministry of Labour, which is then submitted to the Thai embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country or another country. Some embassies/consulates are known to be more flexible, while others follow stricter verification. -
Visa Run Method
In some cases, individuals already in Thailand on a tourist visa may exit to a nearby country (e.g., Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia) and apply for a Non-B Visa at a Thai consulate there. However, this method is not available for all nationalities and is subject to the discretion of the consulate.
What Is a Work Permit?
The Work Permit is a legal document issued by the Ministry of Labour in Thailand. It specifies your employer, job title, and workplace. Holding a valid Non-B Visa is a prerequisite for applying for a Work Permit.
Key Points
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You cannot start working in Thailand until your Work Permit is issued.
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It takes approximately 10-14 business days after submitting all required documents, assuming no complications.
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The Work Permit is tied to a specific employer and job role.
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The employer must meet eligibility criteria (e.g., registered capital, ratio of Thai to foreign staff).
Extension and Legality
Once you receive your Work Permit:
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You can extend your Non-B Visa to a 1-year stay based on employment.
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You must report your address every 90 days to Thai Immigration.
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If travelling abroad, obtain a re-entry permit to maintain your visa status.
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Working without a Work Permit, even with a valid Non-B Visa, is illegal and subject to penalties or deportation.
Important Considerations
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A Non-B Visa only allows you to stay in Thailand legally. It does not allow you to work.
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A Work Permit allows you to work but can only be granted once you have a valid Non-B Visa.
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Some jobs are reserved exclusively for Thai nationals — ensure your role is not prohibited.
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Both the visa and work permit are employer-specific and must be updated if you change jobs.
If you’re considering employment or business in Thailand, it’s essential to follow the correct legal steps. LuxeInvesta recommends consulting a qualified legal advisor, as most documentation is in Thai and navigating immigration and labour regulations can be complex, especially for first-time applicants. While the process may seem challenging initially, it becomes more manageable over time. Most importantly, avoid shortcuts and always ensure you work legally in Thailand.
