Is a Work Permit Required in Thailand?
In Thailand, the requirement for a work permit for foreign nationals is influenced by several specific economic, social, and regulatory factors. One of the main reasons for this requirement is to protect employment opportunities for Thai citizens. With a relatively large workforce and the need to ensure economic stability for its population, the Thai government prioritizes local employment. By mandating work permits, the government regulates the employment of foreign workers, ensuring that they are hired only in positions where there is a clear shortage of local expertise, thereby safeguarding jobs for Thai nationals.
The work permit system also supports Thailand’s goals of economic development and diversification. The country is focusing on developing key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and technology to boost its economy. The work permit process allows the government to attract skilled foreign professionals who can contribute to these critical sectors, filling skill gaps and promoting innovation. This targeted approach is vital for enhancing productivity and fostering sustainable economic growth in Thailand.
Ensuring compliance with labor laws and standards is another crucial aspect of Thailand’s work permit system. The government uses this process to ensure that foreign workers are employed under conditions that meet Thai labor regulations. This includes ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and access to social security benefits. By enforcing these standards, the government aims to prevent the exploitation and abuse of foreign workers, ensuring fair treatment for all employees in Thailand.
Security considerations are also integral to the work permit requirement. The Thai government conducts thorough background checks and verification of qualifications to ensure that foreign workers do not pose any security risks and have the necessary skills and credentials. This scrutiny helps maintain national security and the integrity of the Thai workforce, ensuring that foreign workers contribute positively to the economy and society.
The work permit system in Thailand also aligns with broader goals of social cohesion and economic stability. By regulating the entry and employment of foreign workers, Thailand can better manage the economic impact and social integration of these individuals. This regulation supports the government’s objectives of balanced development and cultural integration, fostering social harmony.
About the Thailand Job Market
Number of Expats:
500,000-1,000,000
Expats Job Websites:
Popular Industries for Expats:
Tourism, Real Estate, Teaching, Recreation, Hotel and Restaurant
Types of Thailand Work Visa
Every applicant applying for a Thailand work permit has to first apply for a Thailand non-immigrant visa before they enter Thailand. Unlike several countries where you enter them on a work or a business visa, Thailand Immigration initially offers a non-immigrant visa.
Once you enter Thailand, you have 90 days to apply for a work permit.
Now, Thailand offers four different types of work permits:
Non-immigrant visa B:
Employer issue this Thailand work permit for those who wish to work or pursue business in Thailand.
Non-immigrant visa IB:
The investment and business visa is acquired for foreigners who wish to teach in schools in Thailand.
Non-immigrant visa B-A:
This work permit is acquired by employers on the applicant’s behalf so that the latter can invest in the former’s business.
These visas are valid for a period of 1 year.
Non-immigrant visa O:
These visas are offered to foreigners who wish to stay with their spouse or their family in Thailand. It is also secured for those who wish to volunteer in social welfare organizations.
These visas are valid for up to 3 months and can be renewed upon expiry.
Non-immigrant visa M:
This visa is issued to foreign workers travelling to Thailand as a film producer, journalist or reporter.
The employee must be solely focused on work related to media in their in Thailand.
Requirements for a Thai Work Permit and by Thai Employers
The requirements for a Thai work visa vary with the type of visa you apply for. Specific work visas are required depending on the kind of venture you are going to pursue in Thailand.
As stated earlier, any foreign worker should come into Thailand with a Category B visa. Once they enter Thailand, your employee can apply for a work permit.
Non-Immigrant Visa Category ‘B’
Here are the documents required by your employee to apply for a non-immigrant visa category B.
Foreigners looking to work in Thailand are required to apply using the following documents:
- A passport or travel document with a validity of fewer than 6 months.
- Fully filled visa application form
- 2 passport size photos taken no older than 6 months
- Health insurance
- Evidence of adequate finance to support your stay in Thailand (20,000 Baht per person)
- A confirmed ticket to recognize your travel date
- Copy of Work Permit issued by the Ministry of Labour or a Letter of Approval – the employer is required to contact the BOI or the Office of Foreign Workers Administration, Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour.
- Letter of appointment
- Certificate of education
- Working address in Thailand
What are employers required to have in order to hire foreign employees?
- You should be officially registered in Thailand
- Have successfully applied for a tax ID and VAT registration
- Your company needs to show a minimum paid-up capital of 2 million Baht per foreign worker
- Maintain a ratio of 4 employees to 1 employee with a work permit
- Shouldn’t exceed 10 work permits per company
A Step-by-Step Guide to Mastering the Art of Hiring in APAC
Thailand Work Permit Application Process
Work permit processes vary regionally, especially outside of the capital. If you are applying for a position in Bangkok, you can do so at the Ministry of Labor in Din Daeng.
However, if you work in another province other than the capital, you must be approved by that particular province’s Employment Department.
Your passport must be presented in person for your work permit to be stamped by Labor Department staff. Your passport will be stamped by the Department when it is received.
Timeframe for Work Permit Application
In Thailand, the processing time for work permits varies according to where you apply for your work permit. The average processing time for work permits issued in Bangkok is seven working days. However, if you were to work from Phuket then it can take up to two months.
Thailand Work Permit Fees
There are various costs associated with acquiring and extending a Thailand work permit. In the table below, we describe the costs pertaining to its various aspects.
How Does Multiplier Help With Work Permit?
As a global EOR solution, we have local entities in over 100+ countries enabling companies like yours to hire and employ people from all around the world. Our suite of HR solutions accentuated by our in-house experts enables us to offer end to end solutions to our users.
Using our SaaS-based solution, you can request a Thailand work permit and our in-house experts will take care of the entire process encompassing the processing time, costs, document checklist, and keep you informed throughout the process.