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    Employment Guide

    Work Permit Thailand

    Complete guide to obtaining a work permit and Non-B visa in Thailand.

    Last updated: February 1, 2026

    Application Process

    1

    Get a Job Offer

    Secure employment with a Thai company that can sponsor your work permit.

    2

    Apply for Non-B Visa

    Apply at Thai embassy abroad with invitation letter and company documents.

    3

    Enter Thailand

    Arrive on Non-B visa (usually 90-day single entry).

    4

    Submit Work Permit Application

    Your employer submits application to Ministry of Labor within 90 days.

    5

    Receive Work Permit

    Pick up your work permit (typically 1-2 weeks processing).

    6

    Extend Non-B Visa

    Apply for 1-year visa extension at immigration with your work permit.

    Required Documents

    Personal Documents

    • Valid passport (6+ months)
    • Passport-sized photos (6)
    • Educational certificates
    • Resume/CV
    • Medical certificate

    Company Documents

    • Company registration
    • VAT registration
    • Shareholder list
    • Company map & photos
    • Financial statements

    Financial Requirements

    • 2M THB registered capital per permit
    • 4 Thai employees per foreign worker
    • Minimum salary requirements

    The 4:1 Ratio Rule

    Companies must employ 4 Thai nationals for every 1 foreign work permit issued. Additionally, 2 million THB in registered capital is required per permit.

    Example calculation:

    • • 1 work permit = 4 Thai staff + ฿2M capital
    • • 3 work permits = 12 Thai staff + ฿6M capital

    Jobs Prohibited for Foreigners

    These occupations are reserved for Thai nationals only:

    Manual labor
    Agriculture/farming
    Fishing
    Construction
    Taxi/tuk-tuk driving
    Hair cutting/styling
    Selling goods on the street
    Tour guiding (unless licensed)
    Secretarial work
    Legal services (Thai law)

    Costs Breakdown

    Non-B Visa Application~$80-200 (varies)
    Work Permit (1 year)฿3,000
    Visa Extension (1 year)฿1,900
    Re-entry Permit (Multiple)฿3,800
    Processing fees (agent)฿10,000-30,000

    Pro Tips

    • Apply for Non-B visa from your home country - converting in Thailand is more complex
    • Always carry your work permit - spot checks can happen
    • Renew before expiry - work permit and visa must be renewed together
    • Notify within 7 days if you leave your job - work permit must be returned

    Quick Reference

    Processing Time

    7-14 days

    Permit Fee

    ฿3,000/year

    Capital/Permit

    ฿2,000,000

    Staff Ratio

    4 Thai : 1 Foreign

    Employment Office

    Chonburi Employment Office

    Mon-Fri: 8:30-16:30

    Tel: 038-274-390

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