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.
As of 2024, the Thai government continues to enhance its work permit system to support its economic goals. The system allows Thailand to attract skilled professionals, particularly in critical sectors like tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and technology. This targeted approach remains crucial for boosting productivity and driving innovation across the economy.
The work permit process also ensures compliance with labor laws and standards. This includes fair wages, safe working conditions, and access to social security benefits. Updates in 2024 have strengthened enforcement against the exploitation of foreign workers, ensuring their protection and fair treatment. Security considerations, including background checks, remain a key element of the process to ensure foreign workers possess the necessary qualifications and do not pose any risks to national security.
In line with Thailand’s broader economic goals in 2025, the work permit system helps manage the social and economic integration of foreign nationals, contributing to social harmony and sustainable economic growth.
Number of Expats:
500,000-1,000,000
Expats Job Websites:
Jobs DB, Bangkok Post Jobs, Craigslist Thailand, Expat, Ajarn.
Popular Industries for Expats:
Tourism, Real Estate, Teaching, Recreation, Hotel and Restaurant
Types of Thailand Work Visas
Foreign nationals applying for a Thailand work permit must first obtain a Thailand non-immigrant visa. Once in Thailand, they have 90 days to apply for a work permit.
As of 2024, Thailand offers several types of work visas:
- Non-immigrant visa B: Issued for business purposes or employment in Thailand.
- Non-immigrant visa IB: For foreigners teaching in schools.
- Non-immigrant visa B-A: For foreign investors working with local businesses.
- Non-immigrant visa O: For those staying with family or volunteering in Thailand.
- Non-immigrant visa M: For professionals in the media industry, such as film producers or journalists.
Each visa type has different validity periods, typically between 3 months and 1 year, and can be renewed upon expiration.
Requirements for a Thai Work Permit and Thai Employers
Foreign nationals entering Thailand must apply for a non-immigrant visa category B before applying for a work permit. The specific requirements for each type of visa differ.
Documents required for a non-immigrant visa category B:
- Valid passport with a minimum 6-month validity.
- Completed visa application form.
- Two passport-sized photos.
- Health insurance.
- Proof of sufficient financial resources (20,000 Baht per person).
- Confirmed travel tickets.
- Copy of work permit or a letter of approval from the Ministry of Labour.
- Employer’s letter of appointment.
- Education certificates.
- Working address in Thailand.
Employer requirements to hire foreign nationals:
- Must be officially registered in Thailand.
- Successfully applied for a tax ID and VAT registration.
- Must show a minimum paid-up capital of 2 million Baht per foreign worker.
- Must maintain a 4:1 ratio of Thai employees to foreign workers.
- A maximum of 10 work permits per company.
Thailand Work Permit Application Process
The application process for a Thailand work permit varies by region. In Bangkok, applications can be submitted to the Ministry of Labor in Din Daeng. Outside the capital, applications are handled by provincial Employment Departments.
Upon approval, the foreign applicant’s passport must be stamped by the Labor Department. The overall processing time can vary, ranging from 7 working days in Bangkok to up to 2 months in other provinces like Phuket.
Thailand Work Permit Fees
The fees associated with applying for and renewing a Thailand work permit are as follows:
Process | Cost (THB) |
Application fees | 100 THB |
Work permit (3 months) | 750 THB |
Work permit (3-6 months) | 1,500 THB |
Work permit (6 months-1 year) | 3,100 THB |
Change of employer | 3,000 THB |
Change of work location | 1,000 THB |
Amendment of work permit | 150 THB/time |
How Does Multiplier Help with Work Permits?
As a global Employer of Record (EOR) solution, Multiplier helps streamline the process for obtaining a Thailand work permit. With local entities in over 100 countries, we simplify compliance and HR tasks for companies looking to hire talent globally. Our experts manage the entire work permit process for Thailand, including document processing, fee handling, and compliance with local labor laws.