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Work Permit and Visa Services

Work Permit and Visa Services

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.

Work Permit and Visa Services 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.

Key TakeawayYou 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.

Our Work Permit and Visa Services

Work Permit Applications

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.

Non-Immigrant B Visa

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.

Visa & Work Permit Renewals

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.

BOI & LTR Visa Support

Companies with BOI promotion enjoy fast-track processing (under six hours). We also assist with Thailand LTR Visa applications for long-term residency.

Company Compliance

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.

Immigration Reporting

We handle 90-day reporting, re-entry permits, address notifications, and all ongoing immigration obligations so your team stays fully compliant.

Who Needs a Work Permit in Thailand?

Any foreigner performing work within Thailand’s borders must obtain a work permit before commencing employment. This requirement applies to:

  • Foreign employees of Thai or international companies (subject to the Foreign Business Act)
  • Company directors and shareholders who perform operational duties
  • Entrepreneurs establishing their own businesses in Thailand
  • Professionals offering consulting, legal, or technical services
ExemptionsDiplomatic 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.

Work Permit Application Process

Obtaining a work permit in Thailand involves a structured three-step process. Our team manages each stage to ensure nothing is missed.

  1. Obtain a Non-Immigrant B VisaThe applicant secures a Non-Immigrant B visa from a Thai embassy or consulate abroad. This requires an invitation letter from the employer, company registration documents, and financial statements. The visa allows a temporary stay of 90 days.
  2. Submit the Work Permit ApplicationOnce in Thailand, the applicant submits personal documents (passport, educational certificates, medical certificate, photographs) along with employer documents (registration certificate, shareholder list, VAT filings, social security records) to the Department of Employment.
  3. Receive Work Permit & Tax IDThe work permit is typically issued within seven business days. The employer simultaneously applies for the employee’s taxpayer identification number at the Revenue Department. BOI-promoted companies can receive permits in under six hours.

Employer Requirements for Sponsorship

Thai regulations impose specific obligations on companies that wish to employ foreign workers. Before sponsoring a work permit, your company must satisfy these conditions:

RequirementThai-Majority OwnedForeign-Majority Owned
Minimum Paid-Up Capital per Foreign EmployeeTHB 2,000,000THB 3,000,000
Thai-to-Foreign Employee Ratio4 Thai : 1 Foreign4 Thai : 1 Foreign
Tax RegistrationTax ID & VAT requiredTax ID & VAT required
Company RegistrationRegistered with DBDRegistered with DBD + FBL if applicable

Work Permit Fees in Thailand

ServiceGovernment Fee (THB)
Work permit application100
Work permit replacement500 per book
Change or add job description1,000
Change or add employer3,000
Change or add work location1,000
Change or add conditions150
Permit suspension100
Important NoteGovernment 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.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Thailand enforces strict penalties for work permit violations. Both foreign employees and their Thai employers face significant consequences:

  • Working without a permit: Imprisonment up to five years, fines from THB 2,000 to THB 100,000, or both
  • Working outside permitted scope: Fines up to THB 20,000 for the employee
  • Hiring without a permit: Employer fines of THB 10,000 to THB 100,000 per offence
  • Late return of permit: Failure to return a work permit within 10 days of employment ending may result in additional penalties

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.

Why Choose Lex Bangkok for Work Permit Services?

  • End-to-End Management: We handle everything from initial visa sponsorship through annual renewals and 90-day reporting
  • Fast-Track for BOI Companies: Expedited processing for BOI-promoted businesses — permits issued in under six hours
  • Full Compliance Assurance: We ensure your company meets all capital, staffing ratio, and regulatory requirements before filing
  • Transparent Pricing: Clear fee structure with no hidden charges
  • Experienced Team: Our immigration specialists have years of experience with the Department of Employment and Thai consulates

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents do I need for a Thailand work permit?
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.
How long does it take to get a work permit in Thailand?
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.
Can I change employers while on a Thai work permit?
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.
What is the minimum capital requirement for sponsoring a foreign employee?
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.
Do I need a work permit if I hold a Thailand LTR Visa?
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.
What happens if I work in Thailand without a work permit?
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.
How do I renew my work permit in Thailand?
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.
Are there any jobs foreigners cannot do in Thailand?
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.

Start Your Work Permit Application Today

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.

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