Non-B Visa and Work Permit in Thailand: Legal Guide for 2025

Non-B Visa and Work Permit in Thailand: Legal Guide for 2025

Foreign professionals and entrepreneurs planning to work or set up a business in Thailand must understand two key documents:

• A Non-Immigrant “B” Visa (Business Visa)

• A Thai Work Permit

These are legal prerequisites under Thai immigration and labor law—not just formalities. In this 2025 update, GENTLE LAW IBL walks you through each step based on real legal standards, not assumptions.

🧾 What Is a Non-B Visa?

The Non-Immigrant “B” Visa, issued by the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate, allows foreigners to:

• Register a Thai company

• Attend business meetings

• Work for a Thai entity

• Apply for a Thai work permit

Two main categories apply:

• Business Owners/Investors: Starting or running a company

• Employees: Being formally hired by a Thai company

ℹ️ Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Immigration Bureau regulations

🛂 What Is a Thai Work Permit?

A Thai Work Permit, issued by the Ministry of Labour under the Alien Working Act (B.E. 2551), legally authorizes a foreigner to work in a specific role, for a specific employer, and at a specific location.

🔴 Under Section 8 of the Alien Working Act, working without a valid permit—even unpaid—is a criminal offense.

⚙️ Step-by-Step: How to Get a Non-B Visa and Work Permit in Thailand in 2025

✅ For Foreign Business Owners

1. Company Registration

• Set up a Thai limited company

• Must employ at least 2–4 Thai nationals per foreigner (varies by visa stage)

• Paid-up capital: 2M THB per foreigner (or 1M THB if married to a Thai national)

2. Collect Corporate Documents

• Certificate of Incorporation, Affidavit, Shareholders’ List

• VAT Registration

• Office Lease Agreement

3. Apply for Non-B Visa Abroad

• Apply at a Thai Embassy or Consulate in your home country

• Submit business plan, invitation letter, and corporate documents

4. Enter Thailand and Register Address

• File TM30 notification within 24 hours

• Perform 90-day address reporting later as required

5. Apply for Work Permit

• Submit application at Ministry of Labour

• Must have active business, proper capital, Thai staff, and physical office

6. Extend Visa

• After getting the work permit, apply for a 1-year extension of stay

• Submit payroll, company tax filings, and proof of operations

✅ For Foreign Employees

1. Job Offer from Thai Company

• Company must have minimum paid-up capital

• Must justify hiring a foreigner for the position

2. Apply for Non-B Visa Abroad

• Required: Contract, resume, degree, company documents

3. Enter Thailand and Prepare Documents

• TM30 submission and possible medical certificate

4. Apply for Work Permit

• Submit via Ministry of Labour or e-WorkPermit system (if available)

5. Visa Extension

• After Work Permit is granted, extend your visa based on employment

🧠 Summary of Legal Requirements

Requirement	Business Owner	Employee
Thai Company	Must establish	Employer provides
Thai Staff	2–4 per foreigner (extension)	4 per foreigner (standard)
Paid-Up Capital	2M THB per foreigner	2M THB per foreigner
Non-B Visa	From Thai Embassy	From Thai Embassy
Work Permit	Must apply post-entry	Employer assists

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying with a Tourist Visa

• Not hiring enough Thai staff before applying

• Submitting incomplete or outdated corporate documents

• Believing BOI approval is required (it is optional, not mandatory)

• Failing to file TM30 or 90-day reports

🧩 Special Case: BOI-Promoted Companies

If your business or employer is approved by the Board of Investment (BOI):

• No Thai staff quota

• Work permit processed at BOI One Stop Service Center

• Visa & Work Permit approvals take only a few days

ℹ️ Source: BOI Investment Promotion Act and BOI Services Manual

💼 How GENTLE LAW IBL Supports You

GENTLE LAW IBL is a full-service legal firm with proven experience supporting:

• Company registration & shareholder structure

• Visa & work permit strategy

• BOI assistance for startups & tech companies

• Payroll setup & employee quota planning

• Document review & compliance audits

• Embassy coordination & emergency support

📌 Final Word: Stay Legal. Stay Confident.

Getting a Non-B Visa and Work Permit in Thailand isn’t impossible—but it is legalistic and documentation-heavy.

With GENTLE LAW IBL, you gain access to a cross-functional team that speaks English, Thai, and Legal. We handle every step for you—legally, efficiently, and with peace of mind.

📩 Need Help? Contact GENTLE LAW IBL for a personalized assessment. Let us help you get legal, stay compliant, and build your business right from the start.