Thailand gets over 20 million international tourists each year in Bangkok alone. That number doesn’t even count people who are coming to live and work in the country long-term. If your company is planning international growth in Thailand, you will need to obtain work visas for any employee who will be living and working in the country on your behalf.
Types of work visas in Thailand
Foreign nationals who want to work in Thailand generally need a valid non-immigrant visa and a Thai work permit. The visa allows entry and stay, while the work permit authorizes work for the specified employer, role, and location. The first step is applying for a non-immigrant visa “B,” which breaks down into further visa categories depending on the employee’s planned activities. Most international employees will need a non-immigrant visa category “B” (Business visa), as this is for expats who wish to work or conduct business in Thailand.
Bear in mind that Thailand imposes restrictions for international workers when it comes to certain professions. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that employees are engaged in work that aligns with the country’s legal requirements and is permissible for their status.
Other common visas include:
- Non-Immigrant Visa IB: This is an investment and business visa issued to expats who want to work on investment projects that are intended to bring some kind of benefit to Thailand.
- Non-Immigrant Visa B-A: This business-approved visa is issued to qualified applicants. Holders are typically permitted to stay for 1 year from first entry, subject to the date stamped by Thai immigration on arrival.
- Non-Immigrant Visa M: This is a media visa for journalists who want to obtain a work permit in Thailand for more than 3 months.
After securing a visa and a job offer, employees will need to go to the Ministry of Labor and apply for a work permit. Then, they can extend the term of their visa by 1 or 2 years.
In February 2018, Thailand introduced the SMART visa program designed to attract international experts, executives, entrepreneurs, and investors who wish to work or invest in the 13 S-Curve industries, which include: digital, smart electronics, automation and robotics, next generation automotive, among others. This visa can be valid for up to 4 years, depending on the SMART Visa category and contract term. A separate work permit is not required for the approved role or activity.
In September 2022, Thailand also introduced a new visa scheme offering long-term residence to certain global citizens, pensioners, work-from-Thailand professionals, and highly skilled professionals. To qualify for the highly skilled professional long-term resident visa, applicants must work in certain target industries or for a qualifying organization. They generally need at least 5 years of relevant experience within the 10 years before applying and annual personal income of at least USD 80,000 over the previous 2 years. Applicants earning USD 40,000 to USD 79,999 may qualify if they meet additional criteria, such as a relevant advanced degree or special expertise. These requirements are reduced for certain education levels and eliminated if the professional works for Thailand’s government.
Requirements to obtain Thailand work visas
Thailand has numerous stipulations that companies and employees must meet to obtain a work visa. Employers will need:
- At least THB 2 million in fully paid-up registered capital per foreign employee, or THB 1 million if the employee is legally married to a Thai national
- To register the company
- 4 Thai employees for every 1 foreign employee under ordinary work-permit rules. Exceptions may apply based on employer type or foreign national category.
The only exceptions are if your company is promoted by the Board of Investment (BOI) and if your international employees meet the BOI’s minimum requirements. However, you must make a clear case on why your company needs to hire international employees to be exempt from the above rules.
Application process
The first step to getting a work permit is going to the Ministry of Labor in Bangkok. If your company is BOI-promoted, employees can go to the One-Stop Service Center at Chamchuri Square in Bangkok. Employers will also need to submit certain required documents along with the application, including:
- Company Registration Department Certificate
- List of the company’s shareholders
- Factory license, if applicable
- VAT certificate and filings
- Withholding tax form
- Social security payment filings
- Employment contract
Employees also need to submit certain documents to get a work permit in Thailand. They must show their passport with signed copies of every page, a non-immigrant visa, departure card, university or college degree with transcripts, and any applicable certificates or licenses. Employees will usually need recent passport photos, typically taken within the last 6 months, and a medical certificate issued within the last 30 days. Exact document requirements can vary by local Labour Office, application type, and employer process.
Other important considerations
If employees apply for a B-type visa, their family members can apply at the same time. Spouses of Non-Immigrant Visa “B” holders may generally apply for the Non-Immigrant Visa “O” as dependent family members. Applicants must document the relationship and the principal visa holder’s lawful status. However, employees will need to prove that they can support any family members joining them.
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For this particular location, G-P may offer support in the processing of certain work visas and permits. Contact us today to assess your specific needs.