Work in Thailand legally, with the right permit
Any work in Thailand needs a work permit, tied to your employer and your job. We prepare the employee and company documents, file the application and keep it renewed.
What a work permit is
A work permit is the document that allows a foreigner to work in Thailand. It names your employer, your job and where you work. Your visa lets you stay; the work permit lets you work. You need both.
Under Thai law “work” is broad: it covers paid and unpaid work, including working in your own company and volunteering. Some occupations are reserved for Thai nationals, so we check your job title first.
What the employer needs
The company that employs you has to qualify too. For each foreign employee, the usual requirements are:
- Registered capital of 2 million baht, fully paid up
- 4 Thai employees registered for social security
- A salary for you at the level set for your nationality
- Up-to-date company accounts, tax returns and social security filings
BOI-promoted companies, foreigners married to a Thai national and some other cases have lower or different requirements. We check what applies to you before anything is filed.
Documents you’ll need
From you:
- Passport, with copies of every page that has a stamp
- A qualifying visa, usually a Non-Immigrant B
- A medical certificate from a Thai hospital or clinic, recent
- Passport photos (3 × 4 cm)
- Degree certificates and CV for your position
From the company:
- Company registration certificate and shareholder list, certified recently
- VAT registration (Por Por 20)
- Financial statements and the latest social security filings
- Employment contract or letter of employment
- A map and photos of the workplace
Step by step
1. Check
We look at the company, your job and your visa, and tell you what is missing.
2. Visa
You get a Non-B visa (or a qualifying visa you already hold).
3. Apply
We prepare and file the application with all employee and company documents.
4. Stay legal
Your yearly extension at Hua Hin Immigration, renewals and any changes of job are kept in step.
Changes and renewals
The permit is tied to your job, so tell us before anything changes:
- Renew in time, together with your extension of stay
- New position, address or work location: the permit has to be updated
- Changing employer means a new work permit
- Leaving the job: the employer must report it and return the permit
Because we also do company setup and monthly accounting, the company side Immigration checks stays in order all year.
Tell us your situation and we will send you a clear plan with the full cost.
Common questions
If yours isn’t here, ask us. There is no charge for a first conversation.
Do I need a work permit to work in my own company?
Yes. Owning shares is fine without one, but if you work in the business, including managing it day to day, you need a work permit and a qualifying visa.
Can I start work while the permit is being processed?
No. You may only start work once the permit is issued. We plan the dates so you are not left waiting.
Can I get a work permit on a retirement visa?
No. A retirement extension does not allow work. A marriage visa does, and so does a Non-B visa. We will explain which route fits your situation.
I work online for a company abroad. Do I need a work permit?
Remote work for a foreign employer is a grey area under the work permit rules. The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) was created for this. Ask us and we will tell you what applies to you.
How long does it take?
Once the company and your documents are complete, the work permit usually follows within a few weeks. Gathering the company documents is often the longest part, which is where we help most.
Often needed together
Not sure where to start? Ask us.
Tell us what you are trying to do. We will tell you what is needed, how long it takes and what it costs, before any work begins. A first conversation is free.