How to get Work Permit for Thailand in 10 steps?

We all know that Thailand is one of the most eligible regions to invest in business opportunities. For this reason, it was able to attract 1717 BOI Applications in 2020 worth approximately US$ 16 billion. But to get the opportunity to trade in Thailand, it is very essential to get work permit approval in Thailand.

But, to get apply for a work permit, an applicant must undergo the following steps of application and processing –

Step 1: Eligibility and Documents needed for Work Permit in Thailand

Check eligibility and the list of documents that are mandatory for approval of non-immigration visa and work permit for Thailand. The list of documents required for the process can be enumerated as –

1. A valid Passport
2. Visa Application Form
3. Recent colour passport-sized photograph
4. Thai Immigration Form and Departure Card TM.6
5. Academic and Professional Testimonials
6. Certificates/licenses held by the applicant
7. Medical Fitness Certificate validated by a government medical practitioner
8. Letter of Employment, Reference or Recommendation and Address Proof of Thailand
9. Copies of additional licenses, if required.

However, if the applicant is married to a Thai national, the following additional documents are required for the process –

1. Marriage Certificate
2. Government-issued identity card of the spouse who is settled in Thailand
3. Household registration documents of dwelling possessed by a spouse in Thailand
4. A copy of every page of the passport of the spouse settled in Thailand

Step 2: Visa Application for Work Permit in Thailand

Next, to apply for a Non-Immigrant Category B Visa to Thailand if the applicant is moving to work in Thailand alone. In case he or she is being accompanied by family, i.e., spouse or children or both, a Non-Immigrant Category O visa needs to be applied for.

Step 3: Visa Application Fee for Work Permit in Thailand

Pay non-refundable Visa Application Fee which varies for applications for Single-entry and Multiple Entry Business Visa. Multiple entry business Visa generally costs higher. The application fee depends upon the country of your residence.

Step 4: Visa Application Submission for Work Permit in Thailand

Your next step would be to submit the Visa Application to the nearest Thai Embassy or Consulate of your region.

Step 5: Wait for Embassy or Consulate’s Decision

Wait for the decision of the Embassy or Consulate till they approve your application. The decision can take up to 4 weeks from the date of application for the Visa.

Step 6: Move to Thailand

Once the application is approved, the applicant is eligible to move out to Thailand.

Step 7: Apply for Work Permit in Thailand

Firstly, after landing in Thailand, the immigrant needs to apply for a work permit in the Thai Labor Office. Secondly, you have to ensure that your employer company has total assets and paid-up capitals that exceeds THB30 billion.  And finally, if the application is for the management position, you can apply for a work permit at the One-stop Service Centre.

Step 8: Wait for Approval

Take a note that the wait for the approval as the process can take up to 14 days.

Step 9: Post-Approval Process

On getting the approval, the applicant must appear in person to a Thai Labor Department staff with his or her passport to sign the Thai Work Permit book.

Step 10: Here is your Thai Work Permit

After approval of the Work Permit, the Labor department stamps the back of the passport of the applicant as a receipt.   

You should note that applicants must apply for a non-immigration visa to Thailand at least 30 days before the date of their plan to visit the country. Generally, a Thailand Business Visa provides a permit of a 90-days stay in the country with a validity of a maximum of 6 months. Therefore, the applicant must apply for the renewal of the visa and Thailand work permit within these 90 days to continue their trade activities.

If you found the mentioned steps too tedious to be executed by you, feel free to communicate with us at [email protected]. Our team of dedicated and experienced legal and immigration professionals would make the process hassle-free and faster for you.