Thailand work permit
A work permit is mandatory for most foreigners performing employed work in Thailand, regardless of company ownership or visa type. At Thai Visa Centre in Bangkok, we prepare and coordinate work permit applications alongside non-immigrant visa extensions for employees and directors.
A non-immigrant B visa alone does not authorise work. You need an approved work permit before starting employment duties. Alternative: SMART Visa guide.
Department of Employment issues work permits specifying employer, role, and location.
Four Thai employees per one foreign work permit unless BOI or other exemptions apply.
Valid non-immigrant visa usually required before work permit application.
Aligned with visa extension cycle. Annual renewal required.
Who needs a work permit?
| Situation | Work permit needed? |
|---|---|
| Foreign employee on Thai payroll | Yes |
| Foreign director managing daily operations | Yes |
| Passive shareholder not working | Usually no |
| Remote worker for foreign employer, not in Thailand | No |
| SMART Visa holder in approved category | Modified rules apply |
| BOI-promoted project specialist | Often relaxed ratios with BOI letter |
Prerequisites
| Prerequisite | Detail |
|---|---|
| Valid non-immigrant visa | Usually category B obtained at Thai embassy before application. |
| Eligible employer | Company registered, tax ID active, social security compliant. |
| Thai-to-foreign ratio | Standard rule: 4 Thai employees per 1 foreign work permit on payroll and social security. |
| Registered capital | Employer meets minimum capital thresholds, commonly 2 million THB paid-up for standard companies. |
| Job qualifies | Position must not be a profession reserved for Thai nationals. |
Application process
Employer documents
Gather company registration, tax ID, social security, and VAT records.
Employee documents
Prepare job description, employment contract, passport, and visa copies.
Submit application
File with Department of Employment or One Stop Service in Bangkok for eligible cases.
Inspection
Officials may visit the registered office to verify operations.
Approval
Work permit booklet issued specifying employer, position, and location.
Reporting
Coordinate 90-day immigration reporting and visa extension after approval.
Work permit restrictions
| Restriction | Detail |
|---|---|
| Employer only | Work is limited to the stated sponsoring employer. Changing jobs requires a new permit. |
| Listed position | Promotion to a different function may require permit amendment. |
| Work location | Multi-site work needs explicit approval on the permit. |
| No side work | Freelancing for other clients or working on tourist visa is illegal. |
Renewals and changes: Annual renewal before expiry requires continued visa validity and employer compliance. Employer change requires new application. If company dissolves, plan visa status: company dissolution guide.
Common mistakes
- Starting work on tourist or visa-exemption entry before permit approval.
- Company lacks 4:1 Thai staff ratio at application time.
- Job title inflated versus actual FBA or BOI licensed business scope.
- Forgotten 90-day immigration reporting after permit is issued.
- Assuming shareholder status replaces work permit for active directors.
Frequently asked questions
General answers on Thailand work permits. Confirm specific requirements with the Department of Employment before applying.
Q:Can I get a work permit on a tourist visa?
A:No. Convert to non-immigrant status first, often requiring leaving Thailand for embassy application.
Q:How long is a work permit valid?
A:Typically one year, aligned with the visa extension cycle. Renew before expiry.
Q:Can one company have multiple foreign work permits?
A:Yes, with sufficient Thai employees at the 4:1 ratio unless exempted under BOI or other programmes.
Q:Does marriage to a Thai citizen exempt work permit?
A:No automatic exemption. Proper visa and work permit still required for employment in Thailand.
Q:What does a Thai work permit specify?
A:Employer, named employee, position and job description, and work location. Working outside permit scope is a violation.
Q:Does a non-immigrant B visa alone authorise work?
A:No. You need an approved work permit before starting employment duties in Thailand.
Q:What happens if my company dissolves?
A:Work permit becomes invalid. Plan visa status and alternative sponsorship before company closure.
Q:How long does processing take?
A:Typically 1-3 weeks in Bangkok for complete applications. Longer in provinces or when ratio requirements are not met.