Applying for a Work Permit in Thailand

There are 2 ways to apply for a work permit in Thailand:

For General Businesses (with a registered capital of 2 million baht)

Applications can be made at the Department of Employment, Ministry of Labor, or the Provincial Employment Offices where the business is located.

For BOI Businesses (Board of Investment; with a registered capital of 30 million baht or more)

Apply for a work permit through a system called the Single Window for Visa and Work Permit and for a Digital Work Permit at the One Stop Service Center for Visa and Work Permit. This can be done in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Applications can also be submitted online by attaching electronic copies of documents at http://swe-expert.boi.go.th/. Once approved, foreign employees must physically present themselves at the ONE STOP SERVICE Center to confirm their identity.

Steps for Foreigners to Apply for a Work Permit

1.
Apply for a Non-B Visa

  • This visa allows entry into Thailand for work purposes.
  • Apply at a Thai Embassy or Consulate abroad.
  • Valid for 90 days, must be obtained before entering Thailand.

2.
Submit a Work Permit Application

  • Submit at the Ministry of Labor within 90 days before the visa expires.
  • Both the applicant and the employer must meet all the qualifications.

3.
Receive the Work Permit

  • Processing time is 7-10 working days.
  • Valid for 1 year and can be renewed.

4.
Extend the Visa from 90 days to 1 year

  • After receiving the work permit.

Note: Conditions may vary for businesses promoted by the BOI.

Documents Required for Work Permit Application

  1. Form BT.25 (for first-time applicants, download and submit at the Department of Employment).
  2. 3×4 cm passport photos, 3 copies, taken within the last 6 months (for new applications).
  3. Medical certificate (not older than 1 month).
  4. Personal resume, educational qualifications, and work history (for new applications).
  5. Passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of application.
  6. Non-B Visa (with at least 21 days remaining, usually apply about 30 days prior) and previous work permit (for renewal).
  7. Letter of employment permission from the Ministry of Labor.
  8. Personal income tax form (PND 91) for foreigners (for renewal).
  9. Essential documents of the employing company.
  10. Documents related to the type of business or employer.

Documents for Consideration According to the Type of Business/Employer

1. Private Enterprises

  • Copy of the certificate of registration of a Thai juristic person and a copy of the shareholder list (not older than 6 months). For foreign juristic persons, submit a copy of the foreign business operation license as per the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542, along with evidence of bringing foreign money into Thailand for spending.
  • Copy of Value Added Tax registration (VAT 01 and VAT 20) specifying the type of business, VAT 09 in case of changes.
  • If the employer is a foreigner, attach a copy of the employer’s work permit. If the employer does not work in Thailand and does not have a work permit, a Notary Public and the Thai Embassy must certify the power of attorney for a director or a person to sign on behalf.
  • In case the employer operates a business that requires permission under other laws or needs a business operation license from relevant government agencies, such as a factory operation license, hotel operation license, Food and Drug Administration license, tourism business license, food establishment license, etc.
  • List of foreign nationals with work permit numbers working in the establishment, organizational chart, and location map of the establishment.
  • Copy of the latest social security payment evidence and current income documents, including financial statements, and PND.50 or PND.51 (for the latest year), and PPT.30.
  • Photos of the establishment showing 1. Company signboard 2. Clear front view of the building 3. At least 2 interior photos of the establishment (include separated sections or departments if any).
  • Map of the location.

2. Private Schools/Universities

  • Copy of appointment letters for teachers or instructors, along with employment contracts. Private universities should show certification from the Ministry of Education specifying the name of the foreigner, position, and duration of employment.
  • Teaching profession license as per the law regarding the Teachers and Educational Personnel Council, except for trainee teacher positions or a waiver of the teaching profession license.
  • Copy of the license to establish a school, license for the head teacher, and the manager’s license. Other relevant licenses (if any), copy of the university establishment and appointment order of the authorized signatories of the university.
  • Documents showing educational qualifications, academic transcripts, and teaching experience documents (if any).
  • Good behavior certificate.
  • Criminal history.

3. Government Agencies

  • Certification from government departments/agencies, state enterprises, public organizations, or educational districts (in case of government school teachers), specifying the name, position, and duration of employment.
  • For government school teachers, show a professional teaching license as per the law regarding the Teachers and Educational Personnel Council, except for trainee teacher positions.
  • Documents showing educational qualifications, academic transcripts, and teaching experience documents (if any).
  • Good behavior certificate.
  • Criminal history.

4. Foundations or Associations

  • Certification of juristic person of the foundation or association, objectives, along with a list of board members.

5. Foreign Film Production Businesses

  • Certification from the Tourism Development Office, coordination license, along with a list of names – positions, and passport numbers of foreign personnel.
  • Copy of the certificate of registration of a juristic person and a copy of the shareholder list (not older than 6 months).

Renewing a Work Permit

  • – Work permits can be renewed for up to 1 year at a time.
  • Applications for renewal must be submitted at least 30 days before expiration.

During the Review Process

  • Permit holders can continue working until the decision is made.
  • Normally takes about 3-7 working days to receive the result.

If the Work Permit is Not Approved

  • Legal consequences if renewal is denied or appeals fail and the employer continues to employ the individual.
  • Possible penalties: imprisonment for up to 3 months, a fine of up to 5,000 baht, or both.

Recommendations

  • Do not let your work permit expire for convenience and safety in your job.
  • BT.25 is the document used for renewing the work permit and is also submitted at the Department of Employment.

Where to Submit

  • The Ministry of Labor in each province, with the One Stop Service in Bangkok, making it accessible nationwide.

Fee

  • 3,000 baht fee (or approval fees based on the duration from the accompanying documents, payable only by credit or debit card).

Get work permit in
3 easy steps

Consultation

Free consultation for apply Work permit and visa. Contact us to decide on using our services and pay the fee to prepare for the next steps.

Document Preparation

Document checklist, gather documents, coordinate with related agencies, and schedule appointments, with assistance in every step.

Work Permit Result

7-15 working days

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