Can I work in Thailand on a Tourist or Education Visa?

Tourist and most Education visas do not legally allow employment with Thai companies. To work in Thailand, foreign nationals usually need a Non-Immigrant B (Business) visa together with a valid Work Permit.

Do I apply for the Thailand Work Visa or does my employer?

Both are involved in the process. The Thai employer prepares company documents and seeks work permit approval, while the employee submits the Non-B visa application and personal documents at a Thai embassy or consulate.

Is a job offer required before applying for a Work Visa in Thailand?

Yes. Work visas for Thailand are employer-based. A confirmed job offer and a company willing to sponsor the work permit are normally required before starting the Non-B visa process.

Can a Tourist Visa be converted to a Work Visa inside Thailand?

In some situations a conversion may be possible, but it depends on current immigration rules, the employer’s documents and the applicant’s status. Many workers still obtain their initial Non-B visa from an embassy outside Thailand.

Can my family accompany me on my Thailand Work Visa?

Spouses and children may sometimes stay in Thailand using dependant categories, such as certain Non-O visas. Eligibility and documentation depend on income, relationship proof and current immigration policy.

Can I freelance for other companies on a Work Permit in Thailand?

Work permits in Thailand are specific to a single employer, job title and location. Freelancing or working for other companies that are not listed in the permit can create legal and immigration problems.

Can a small or new company in Thailand sponsor a foreign worker?

New or small companies may sponsor foreign workers if they meet minimum legal requirements such as registered capital, tax history and a required number of Thai employees per foreign employee.

How can I start a Thailand Work Visa application?

To begin, workers usually share their job offer, employer details and personal profile with a visa advisor or directly with the Thai embassy. The employer then prepares company documents, and the applicant submits a Non-B visa application followed by a work permit process in Thailand.

Thailand Non-B Work Visa — Job, Employment & Work Permit Support | VisaTrip

THAILAND • NON-B WORK VISA + WORK PERMIT

Thailand Non-B Work Visa — Job, Employment & Work Permit Support

Q: How long is a Thailand Work Visa valid?

The initial Non-B visa is often granted for a shorter period such as 90 days. After the work permit is approved and other requirements are met, the stay can usually be extended up to one year at a time, with further renewals possible.

Q: What happens if I change employer in Thailand?

Changing employer usually requires a new work permit application and may involve a change in visa status as well. Existing permits are often cancelled when employment ends, so it is important to plan changes carefully.

Legal pathway to work in Thailand with proper Non-B Visa and Work Permit.

VisaTrip helps you and your Thai employer with the full work visa process — from Non-B Visa application to Work Permit and long-term stay extensions, so you can work in Thailand safely and legally.

Non-B Work Visa Work Permit (WP) Employer & Company Documentation Long-Term Stay in Thailand

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What is the Thailand Work Visa (Non-B + Work Permit)?

To work legally in Thailand you usually need two things together: a Non-Immigrant B (Business) Visa and an official Work Permit issued in Thailand. Many people call this combination simply a “Thailand Work Visa”.

How the Structure Works

Non-B Visa: Your initial visa that allows you to enter Thailand for employment purposes.
Work Permit (WP): A separate document/card that legally allows you to perform specific work for a specific company.
Employer Role: Your Thai company must provide many documents and support the process.
Stay Duration: Often extended up to 1 year at a time once work permit is approved.
Family Options: In some cases, dependants can stay under related visa categories.

It is illegal to work in Thailand on a Tourist Visa or most other non-work visas. The Non-B + Work Permit route is the correct and safe way for employment.

Basic Eligibility Snapshot

Valid job offer from a Thai company or organisation.
Employer meets minimum company requirements (capital, Thai staff, etc.).
Relevant skills, education or experience for the position.
Clean background and no serious immigration violations.
Willingness to complete documentation for both visa and work permit stages.

Documents Required for Thailand Work Visa & Work Permit

Documents come from both sides — the employee and the Thai employer/company.

1. Employee Documents

Passport (minimum 6 months validity; more is better).
Copies of passport, previous visas and entry stamps (if any).
Updated resume / CV with work experience.
Educational certificates and transcripts (degree, diploma, etc.).
Professional licenses or reference letters (where relevant).
Passport-sized photos as per Thai visa / work permit specs.

2. Employer & Company Documents

Company registration and business license copies.
List of shareholders and directors.
Company financial statements or tax documents (where required).
Employee list / ratio of Thai to foreign staff (for quota checks).
Employment contract or job offer letter with position and salary.
Company explanation letter for why a foreign employee is needed.

3. Work Permit & Local Stage Documents

Pre-approval documents (often called WP3 in some processes).
Employee photos and personal data forms.
Office location map and photos (sometimes requested).
Immigration forms for visa extension to 1 year.
Any additional papers requested by Labour Office or Immigration.

VisaTrip can work with both you and your employer to align all company, job and personal documents into one clear work visa & permit file.

Step-by-Step Thailand Work Visa & Work Permit Process

1 Job Offer & Company Check

You receive a job offer from a Thai company. VisaTrip can help review if the company structure and position are suitable for a Non-B Work Visa and work permit.

2 Employer Prepares Company Papers

The employer gathers registration documents, financials, shareholder lists and prepares work permit pre-approval (often WP3 or equivalent, depending on process).

3 Non-B Visa Application (Outside Thailand)

With company papers and your documents ready, you apply for a Non-Immigrant B (Business) Visa at a Thai embassy or consulate in your home country or another eligible country.

4 Arrival in Thailand & Work Permit Application

After entering Thailand with a Non-B Visa, the employer proceeds with the full Work Permit application at the Labour Office. You may need to sign forms or appear briefly.

5 Visa Extension Linked to Work Permit

Once the Work Permit is approved, your stay in Thailand is usually extended to match the employment period (often up to 1 year at a time), via Immigration.

6 Ongoing Compliance

After everything is approved, you must follow 90-day reporting, re-entry permit rules and job scope limitations. VisaTrip can remind and guide you through these steps.

Processing Time & Typical Validity

Stage	Typical Time	Notes
Company / Employer Preparation	7–21 days	Collecting documents, pre-approvals and work permit request.
Non-B Visa at Embassy	5–10 working days	Varies by embassy, season and your profile.
Work Permit Approval in Thailand	10–30 days	Depends on Labour Office workload and completeness.
Visa Extension Linked to Work	1–7 days	Normally extended up to 1 year, then renewed yearly.

Timelines are approximate and can change due to documentation, location and rule updates. Plan early for work visas.

Who Should Apply for a Thailand Work Visa?

The Non-B + Work Permit route is ideal in these situations:

Skilled Professionals

Goal: Take up a job in IT, finance, marketing, hospitality or other skilled roles.

Have relevant qualifications and experience.
Received a contract from a Thai company.

Teachers & Trainers

Goal: Work as a language teacher, subject teacher or trainer.

Often need degree + teaching experience or TEFL (varies by school).
School or institute willing to sponsor work permit.

Managers & Expats

Goal: Manage Thai branch offices, projects or teams.

Hold senior positions in multinational or local firms.
Company meets stricter financial and staffing requirements.

Existing Workers on Wrong Visa

Goal: Move from risky Tourist/other visa to legal Work Visa.

Already in Thailand working informally or planning to work.
Want to regularise status, avoid fines and long-term problems.

Common Mistakes with Thailand Work Visas

❌ Trying to Work on a Tourist Visa

Working on a Tourist or other non-work visa is illegal and can lead to fines, detention or blacklisting.

❌ Weak or Ineligible Company

Employer does not meet minimum capital, Thai staff ratio or legal structure required to hire foreign employees.

❌ Missing Work Permit Step

Assuming Non-B Visa alone is enough. Without a Work Permit, employment is still not fully legal.

❌ Incorrect Job Title vs Real Work

Job description on paper does not match real duties, creating risk during inspections or renewals.

VisaTrip focuses on correct structure from the start: company eligibility, proper job role, accurate documents and step-by-step compliance.

After Your Work Visa & Permit Are Approved

Once you are legally working in Thailand, there are ongoing responsibilities to keep everything valid:

✔ 90-Day Reporting: You must report your address to Immigration every 90 days (online, by post or in person).
✔ Re-Entry Permits: If you travel outside Thailand, get a re-entry permit so your visa doesn’t cancel on exit.
✔ Job Scope Compliance: Work only in the position, company and location written in your Work Permit.
✔ Tax & Social Security: Employers normally handle salary tax and social security registration.
✔ Renewals: Work Visa and Work Permit usually need annual renewals with updated company and employment documents.

VisaTrip can assist with reminder planning and documentation for renewals, re-entry permits and status changes if your job or company situation changes.

Plan Your Thailand Work Visa the Right Way

Share your job offer details, employer location, role, salary and current visa status. VisaTrip will guide you and your Thai company through the correct Non-B and Work Permit process.

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Frequently Asked Questions — Thailand Work Visa

Can I work in Thailand on a Tourist Visa or Education Visa?

No. Tourist and most Education Visas do not allow employment with Thai companies. To work legally you generally need a Non-B Work Visa plus a Work Permit from Thai authorities.

Do I apply for the Work Visa or does my employer do it?

Both are involved. The employer provides company documents and work permit pre-approval, while you submit the Non-B Visa application and personal documents. Work Permit is then finalised inside Thailand with employer support.

Is a job offer required before applying for a Work Visa?

Yes. Thailand’s Work Visa is employer-based. You need a confirmed job offer and a company willing to sponsor your Non-B Visa and Work Permit.

Can I convert from Tourist Visa to Work Visa inside Thailand?

In some cases, conversions are possible but not always guaranteed. It depends on your current status, employer documents and latest Immigration rules. Many people still go out of Thailand to apply Non-B at an embassy with employer papers.

How long is a Thailand Work Visa valid?

Initially, Non-B Visas may be given for a shorter period (for example 90 days). After Work Permit approval, your stay can often be extended to up to 1 year, renewable as long as you keep working and meet requirements.

Can my family come with me on my Work Visa?

In some cases, spouses and children may apply under related Non-O dependant categories. Requirements differ based on nationality, income and local policy. VisaTrip can review family options separately.

What happens if I change employer in Thailand?

Changing employer usually means a new Work Permit process and sometimes a new Non-B structure as well. Old permits may be cancelled and updated. Do not change jobs without checking immigration impact.

Can I do freelance work for other companies on a Work Visa?

Generally no. Your Work Permit is tied to a specific employer, job title and location. Freelancing for others can create legal problems unless the structure is adjusted and approved.

What if my company is small or new — can they still hire me?

New or small companies may face stricter checks on capital, Thai staff ratio and tax records. It is important to check company eligibility before promising timelines to the employee. VisaTrip can help review this early.

How do I start the Work Visa process with VisaTrip?

Simply share your job offer, employer details, role, salary and current visa. VisaTrip will explain realistic options, required documents and a step-by-step plan for both you and the company.

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