Thailand has always shown a welcoming gesture for foreigners, be it investors or workers and professionals willing to work in the nation. But there are always some formalities that are necessary when you move to a foreign land to earn your living and reputation. Getting your work permit approved in Thailand is one of such most important formalities for a foreigner in Thailand.
Before we show you the easy paths to get your work permit approved, let us share what can exempt you from the need for a work permit.
Exemptions from Work Permits in Thailand
The following are excluded from the need for a work permit according to the Royal Thai Government:
- Diplomatic corps members
- A consular mission’s members
- Officials and representatives of the United Nations and its specialised agencies
- International personal servants hired by each of the above
- Persons who carry out duties or missions under a contract between Thailand’s government and another country’s government or international organisation
- Immigrants who conduct duties or missions in support of education, culture, the arts, athletics, or other activities approved by royal decree
- Officials or persons who have been granted special permission by Thailand’s government to join the country and perform duties or missions
If your arrival in Thailand serves any of the above-mentioned purposes, you are exempted from the need for work permits in Thailand. If not, then we have ways which can make the process of issuance of work permit in Thailand easier for you.
Way 1: Understand your Eligibility and Documentation
You may be interested to migrate to Thailand either for investing or to do a job. Both these two conditions are having different sets of eligibility standpoints. Let us help you in this process by providing you with information relevant to both categories.
Eligibility Criteria Common for Both Investor and Worker
- Possession of a Non-immigrant or Resident Visa when they enter Thailand.
- No history of legally or socially blacklisting or penalization.
- Must be able to show their permanent place of residence in Thailand.
- Provide reference of Thai National at the time of application.
- Documents which you produce must be written in English or Thai language.
- Proof of sufficient financial means to support the duration of stay in Thailand.
- Documental proof of sufficient income to sustain living of applicant in Thailand.
The above criteria are applicable in both cases if you are entering Thailand to do business or to start a job. Now let us check the specialized requirement respective to both cases individually.
Eligibility Criteria: Work Permit for Investors or Businessmen in Thailand
To be eligible for a Thai Work Permit, your business must meet the Ministry of Labour’s requirements, which include:
- The business must have a minimum authorised capital of 2,000,000 Thai Baht.
- In the last three years, the corporation has paid at least 5,000,000 Thai Baht in income tax to the Revenue Department.
- The company is an exporter that has earned at least 3,000,000 Thai Baht in international remittances in the previous year.
- At least 50 Thai nationals work for your business in Thailand.
Eligibility Criteria: Work Permit for Workers or Professionals in Thailand
To be eligible for the Work Permit, you must have possession of the following documents:
- Passport, and copies of all the pages in your passport
- Work Visa for Thailand
- Your academic credentials
- Proof of previous employment or professional experience
- Your Letter of Employment / Work Contract mentioning your salary, position, and work responsibilities
- Relevant certifications and licenses
- Your CV, Resume or Biodata
- Three pictures of 5 x 6 cm dimensions
- A Health Certificate, not older than 6 months prior to your date of application
- Marriage Certificate, if you are married to a Thai citizen
There are requirements of documents from your employer at the Thai Embassy, which are the following:
- Shareholders’ List with details
- Company Incorporation Certificate
- Company’s List of Objectives
- Application Details for VAT (Value-added Tax)
- Withholding Tax (WHT) Payment Proof of the Company
- Financial Statement of last 3 years
- Self-attested Copy of Director’s Passport and Work Permit
- Office map & location
- Letter of Employment mentioning Position or Designation and Salary of the Applicant
- Agreement of Employment
Availability of the above set of documents at the time of application for the Thai work permit will make the issuance of a Work Permit easier. Failure in the process of producing all the documents can either lead to the cancellation of your application or an extension in the reapplying schedule.
Way 2: Understand the Process of Application of Work Permit in Thailand
To make any task easier, it is very important to know the process well before you commence it. Similarly, to make the process of approval of your work permit in Thailand, you must know the process. Few important points which you must remember about the process are as follows:
- Although the process of applying for a Thai Work Permit starts after you reach Thailand, yet you must stay prepared with your documentation before you leave for Thailand.
- Be very specific about the references you provide for verification. Any negative or ironic statement from your references can lead to the cancellation of your work permit.
- If you are applying for an employee or worker work permit, cross-check the reputation and impact of your employer in the Thai market. The negative reputation of your employer can affect the approval of your work permit.
- Check your finances as after you reach Thailand, you must be able to sustain your living throughout the duration of your stay in Thailand.
- Never keep any document incomplete or pending. The absence of any single document can ruin your work permit application and approval process.
- Be very careful when you fill up the application form. Always provide true information which is having supportive documental proof.
- Keep your behaviour polite and professional as Thai officials are very particular about that.
Way 3: Have Adequate Reference to Attest Your Work Permit Cause in Thailand
You must have enough reference from Thai nationals who can provide positive feedback to relevant officials when enquired about you. Your references can be your spouse of Thai nationality, your friends or family members or professional acquaintances ready to speak good about you.
This factor is very important especially when you are applying for a work permit for your business or as an investor in the Thai Market. As an employee, you must take confirmation from your employer about their availability to support you in the process.
Way 4: Know The Traditions and Culture of Thailand
Thai people are of a very friendly and amiable nature. They always value personal relationships more than professional ones. They are soft-spoken and very well-cultured preferring peace and calmness in all activities they do.
So, if you get well-versed with the traditions and culture of Thailand, you can make them feel that you are knowing their nation well. This will help them to support you some extra miles in the process as they will already start feeling you as part of their culture.
You should also note that they value discipline greatly. So, even if you have the knowledge of their traditions and culture and fail to present sober behaviour, you are very likely to pierce their skins. They value seniority, mutual respect, modesty and courtesy a lot, both in their professional and personal tones of communication.
Way 5: Get Empanelled With Professional Legal Experts
It is very tough for any individual to know all about the legal protocols and structure of any process, especially, when it is happening in a foreign land. So, you must hire professional legal experts who are aptly efficient in the immigration processes of Thailand. For this thing, you must also verify whether they are having a good relationship with the government units and officials of Thailand.
The partnership of an established legal firm like Konrad Legal with you in the work permit application process will make your task easier. It also guarantees the approval of the same with the least hassle and rejection probabilities. If you are seeking to get assistance and guidance in the work permit application process in Thailand, write to us at [email protected].
