Immigration

Want to work in Thailand? You’ll need a work permit.

Thailand considers foreigners without work permits to be tourists. This means they can’t get a regular job or be self-employed in the country. To work legally, you’ll need a document called a “work permit.”

Before you apply

Before applying for a work permit, you’ll need a special visa called a Non-Immigrant visa. You can get this by either changing your tourist visa while you’re already in Thailand, or applying at a Thai embassy in your home country. Both ways involve paperwork from your employer and yourself.

How to get a work permit

Once you have the visa, both you and your employer need to submit documents to the Ministry of Labor. The process usually takes one to two weeks, depending on the office location (based on your employer’s address). Here’s what you’ll need (make sure everything is properly certified):

For you (the foreigner):

• Passport-sized photos (white background)
• Medical certificate with lab test results
• Original passport
• Job offer letter or employment contract
• Degree certificate (translated to English)
• Proof of address in Thailand (like a lease agreement)

For your employer:

• Company registration documents and objectives
• List of company shareholders
• VAT application documents
• Company withholding tax documents
• Company financial statements
• Director’s ID card or passport
• Job offer letter specifying your position and salary

Once you have your work permit

Always carry your work permit with you at work. Renew it at least a month before it expires. It’s also a good idea to stay updated on any changes to Thailand’s work permit rules.