Need a work permit and visa in Thailand? Our experienced legal team handles every step from work permit applications and Non-Immigrant B visas to renewals, employer sponsorship, and full immigration compliance. We simplify the process so you can focus on growing your business in Thailand.
Every foreign national who intends to work in Thailand must hold a valid work permit issued by the Department of Employment. This applies to salaried employees, company directors, entrepreneurs, and professionals offering services under Thai jurisdiction. Operating without a permit carries severe penalties, including fines of up to THB 100,000 and imprisonment of up to five years.
At Lex Bangkok, we provide end-to-end work permit and visa services that cover every stage of the process — from initial visa sponsorship through to annual renewals and compliance reporting.
You need two things to work legally in Thailand: a Non-Immigrant B visa (obtained before or upon entry) and a work permit (applied for after arrival). Your employer must sponsor both applications and meet specific capital and staffing requirements.
We prepare and submit all documentation to the Department of Employment on your behalf, including medical certificates, educational qualifications, and employer sponsorship paperwork. Standard processing takes approximately seven business days.
We handle invitation letters, company attestations, and consulate submissions to secure your Non-Immigrant B visa — the essential prerequisite before any work permit application in Thailand.
Annual renewals require updated financial documents, tax certificates, and health checks. We manage the entire renewal timeline so your employees never face a lapse in legal status.
Thai law requires employers to maintain a 4:1 ratio of Thai to foreign employees, plus minimum paid-up capital of THB 2–3 million per foreign worker. We ensure your company registration meets all sponsorship requirements.
Any foreigner performing work within Thailand’s borders must obtain a work permit before commencing employment. This requirement applies to:
Exemptions Diplomatic personnel, UN representatives, and individuals performing missions under specific international agreements are exempt from the work permit requirement. BOI-promoted companies may also allow foreign employees to begin work while the permit application is still being processed.
Obtaining a work permit in Thailand involves a structured three-step process. Our team manages each stage to ensure nothing is missed.
Thai regulations impose specific obligations on companies that wish to employ foreign workers. Before sponsoring a work permit, your company must satisfy these conditions:
| Requirement | Thai-Majority Owned | Foreign-Majority Owned |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Paid-Up Capital per Foreign Employee | THB 2,000,000 | THB 3,000,000 |
| Thai-to-Foreign Employee Ratio | 4 Thai : 1 Foreign | 4 Thai : 1 Foreign |
| Tax Registration | Tax ID & VAT required | Tax ID & VAT required |
| Company Registration | Registered with DBD | Registered with DBD + FBL if applicable |
| Service | Government Fee (THB) |
|---|---|
| Work permit application | 100 |
| Work permit replacement | 500 per book |
| Change or add job description | 1,000 |
| Change or add employer | 3,000 |
| Change or add work location | 1,000 |
| Change or add conditions | 150 |
| Permit suspension | 100 |
Important Note Government fees listed above are separate from professional service fees. Changing employers requires a completely new work permit application — the existing permit cannot simply be transferred. If an employee resigns or is terminated, the permit must be returned to the Department of Employment within 10 days.
Thailand enforces strict penalties for work permit violations. Both foreign employees and their Thai employers face significant consequences:
Ensuring full compliance protects both your company and your employees. Our legal team monitors all deadlines and regulatory changes so you never face unexpected penalties.
You need a valid passport, Non-Immigrant B visa, three passport photographs (3×6 cm), educational certificates, a CV, and a medical certificate issued within one month confirming you are free of prohibited diseases. Your employer must also provide their company registration certificate, shareholder list, VAT filings, and social security payment records.
Do I need a work permit if I hold a Thailand LTR Visa?Standard work permit processing at the Department of Employment takes approximately seven business days. However, companies with BOI promotion enjoy fast-track processing and can receive permits in under six hours. The overall timeline also depends on how quickly you obtain your Non-Immigrant B visa from a Thai consulate.
No. A Thai work permit is tied to a specific employer. If you change jobs, you must apply for an entirely new work permit through your new employer. The previous permit cannot be transferred. You should also return your old permit to the Department of Employment within 10 days of leaving your previous position.
Thai-majority-owned companies must have a minimum paid-up capital of THB 2 million per foreign employee. Foreign-majority-owned companies face a higher threshold of THB 3 million per foreign employee. Additionally, all sponsoring companies must maintain at least four Thai employees for every one foreign worker.
LTR Visa holders in the “Work-from-Thailand Professionals” category who perform work exclusively for overseas employers do not require a traditional Thai work permit. However, other LTR Visa categories — such as Wealthy Global Citizens and Wealthy Pensioners — may need a digital work permit if they intend to perform work activities within Thailand. Learn more about the Thailand LTR Visa programme.
Working without a valid permit can result in imprisonment for up to five years, fines ranging from THB 2,000 to THB 100,000, or both. Employers who hire foreign workers without valid permits also face fines of THB 10,000 to THB 100,000. Deportation is also a common consequence for foreign nationals found working illegally.
Work permit renewals must be submitted before the current permit expires. You will need your original passport, current work permit booklet, valid Non-Immigrant visa, a new medical certificate, tax certificates proving income tax payment, and updated employer documents including financial audit reports. You must be physically present in Thailand during the renewal process.
Yes. Thailand maintains a list of occupations reserved exclusively for Thai nationals under the Foreign Employment Act. These restricted occupations include manual labour, certain agricultural work, and specific service-sector jobs. The list is periodically updated by the Ministry of Labour. Our team can advise you on whether your intended role is permitted.
Let our experienced immigration team handle the paperwork, deadlines, and compliance requirements. We make the work permit and visa process simple, efficient, and fully compliant with Thai law.