Legal service for foreign clients
Thailand Work Permit for Foreign Employees and Directors in Thailand
A Non-B visa alone is not enough — the work permit must be issued before work begins. We handle everything from company thresholds to booklet collection.
Quick answer
A foreigner working in Thailand needs a work permit from the Department of Employment, separate from the Non-B visa. Generally the company must show at least 2 million baht in paid-up capital per foreign employee and four Thai staff per foreigner, with tax and social security filings in order. BOI-promoted companies and certain categories follow special rules, and occupations reserved for Thais are off-limits. Thresholds are revised from time to time; confirm with the Department of Employment before filing. Contact our team for a quotation.
Contact our team for a quotation — Contact our team for a quotation; government fees are billed separately. · Timeframe stated in the quotation
Who this is for
- Thai companies hiring foreign staff or authorised directors
- Foreigners holding a Non-B who still need the permit before starting
- BOI-promoted companies filing through the special channel
- Existing permit holders changing employer, position, or work location
What you receive
- Company threshold review: paid-up capital, Thai staff ratio, tax and social security
- Position-to-visa mapping and a check against reserved occupations
- Employer and employee document set: company affidavit, tax filings, contract, degrees
- Filing and follow-up with the Department of Employment or the One Stop Service for BOI firms
- Post-issuance duties: change notifications, renewals, and returning the booklet when employment ends
Documents to prepare
- A valid passport and Non-B visa
- Company affidavit, current shareholder list, and latest financial statements
- Corporate tax, VAT, and Thai staff social security filings
- Employment contract, CV, degree certificates, and a medical certificate
- Photos and a map of the workplace
How it works
4-step process
- 1
Check employer thresholds
Two million baht paid-up capital and four Thai employees per foreigner are the general thresholds; BOI and certain categories follow their own rules. We verify before you spend time on paperwork.
- 2
Match position to visa
The permitted position must align with the Non-B purpose and must not fall under occupations reserved for Thai nationals.
- 3
File the application
File at the employment office where the company is registered, or the One Stop Service for promoted companies; some categories require the employee to appear in person.
- 4
Collect and maintain
Once approved, keep the booklet or a copy at the workplace, report position or location changes within the deadline, and renew alongside the visa each cycle.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does a Non-B visa alone let me work?
No. The visa only covers entry and stay; the work permit must be granted before any work starts. Working beforehand exposes both employee and employer to penalties.
Can a company with 1 million baht capital apply?
Under the general rule it falls short — 2 million baht paid-up per foreigner is required — but exemptions exist, such as BOI promotion or marriage to a Thai national. Check the specific conditions first.
What happens when I change jobs?
The permit is tied to the old employer and position. Changing jobs means returning the old booklet and filing a fresh application under the new employer, while keeping the visa status continuous — avoid any gap.
Which occupations are closed to foreigners?
A list of occupations is reserved for Thais — for example carpentry, hairdressing, driving for hire, and certain construction work. The list is updated, so check the Department of Employment's latest announcement before defining the position.
Related services
Non-Immigrant B Visa for Working in Thailand
The gateway visa before a work permit — the employer's readiness matters as much as your own papers.
Company Registration in Thailand for Foreign Shareholders
A shareholding structure that is lawful from day one — no nominee arrangements.
BOI Investment Promotion Application
Corporate tax holidays, 100% foreign ownership, and fast-track work permits — for qualifying activities.
Labor Lawyer — Termination, Severance, Labor Court
Both employer- and employee-side, at all Labor Courts nationwide.
Written by: Thai Law & Accounting Services — attorneys and licensed accountants
Reviewed by: Reviewed by a Notarial Services Attorney registered with the Lawyers Council of Thailand.
Last updated: 2026-08
Information as of August 2026. Government fees and processing times change — verify with the relevant agency before acting, or let our team verify for you.