Visits of foreigners in Thailand is steadily increasing over the past two decades. This is making it both a tourism hotspot and a country of economic opportunity. However, from an economic perspective, to make earning for living, a work permit in Thailand is mandatory for foreigners.
Asians, Europeans, and even those from the opposite side of the world continue to arrive in the kingdom on a regular basis. Some arrive in the Land of Smiles for thrills and pleasure. But a proportion of visitors are there who seek fame and money. Foreigners often arrive in Thailand’s famous tourist spots, but also begin to explore the country’s booming companies and office spaces.
Why do you need a Work Permit in Thailand?
Thailand does not allow tourists to work. They must request a transition of their visa to a Non-Immigrant B Visa if they wish to do so. This visa is for foreigners who wish to conduct business or work in Thailand. It is available in either a 90-day single entry or a 1-year multiple entry formats. They might apply for this visa at the Thai embassy or consulate in their home country. Moreover, they could apply for it at the immigration department if they are already in Thailand.
The Work Permit is another vital document. The Work Permit is the document that regulates the nature of a foreign employee’s work, length of employment, and some of the basic information. Additionally, it also records the details of the upcoming employer and the address of the foreign employee. The foremost requirement to get a work permit in Thailand is the possession of a non-immigrant B Visa. The rest requirements in terms of documents and legalities depend on the category of your work in Thailand. Let us look into it deeply.
Related Laws
Foreign workers in Thailand and their employers must be familiar with the Alien Act B.E 2551. The definition of an “alien” (or foreigner) in Thailand Work Permit requirements is a natural person who is not of Thai nationality. Additionally, the act describes “Work” as exerting energy or using knowledge in the pursuit of a goal. However, this goal can be both monetary or non-profit value.
Before beginning work, all foreigners must get a Work Permit in Thailand in accordance with the Alien Act B.E. 2551.
Work Permit in Thailand for Representative Office
Work permit restrictions for foreigners working for Thailand’s representative office are slightly different. If your employer is a Thai company, it must have at least Baht 2 million in registered and paid-up capital. Additionally, there must be four Thai employees for each ex-pat. If the ex-pat marries a Thai national, the ratio goes in half. There is a requirement of only one Thai employee for the work visa of the Thailand representative office’s ex-pat manager. As a result, if it has to sponsor two work visas, it must hire two Thais.
However, there is no such requirement for foreign companies to get a licence to open a representative office in Thailand under Thailand’s Foreign Business Law. However, you can submit documents to the Department of Business Development to obtain a document confirming that you are a representative office. As a result, the Thailand representative office work permit application does not require registered and paid-up capital. You only need to prove enough bank transactions to cover the office’s operational costs.
The Bottomline
One might believe that if he simply establishes a Thailand Representative Office, obtaining a work permit will be simple. Not all types of company activity can be carried out in this manner. Thailand’s International Business Law categorises and categorises business activity into three groups or lists. You may be able to put one up if your activities do not entail earning or generating income. Here are the qualifications and activities that qualify for a Representative Office in Thailand.
Please contact Konrad Legal so that we can assist you in obtaining your Representative Office Work Permit in Thailand. All you have to do is mail us at [email protected].
