Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Work Permit in Thailand (2025)

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Work Permit in Thailand (2025)

If you’re a foreign business owner, employee, or executive planning to work in Thailand, a Work Permit is legally mandatory under the Alien Working Act B.E. 2551. Failure to comply carries severe penalties. This updated 2025 guide walks you through each legal requirement and common pitfalls—with clarity from GENTLE LAW IBL’s expert legal team.

⚖️ Is a Work Permit Required?

Yes. Section 3 of the Alien Working Act B.E. 2551 defines “work” broadly—even volunteer or unpaid services require a valid permit before performing any activity in Thailand .

🧾 Step-by-Step Work Permit Process

✅ Step 1: Secure a Job or Establish a Company

• Be hired by a Thai-registered company, or

• Be a director/shareholder of a legally registered Thai entity

  (Startups must be legally incorporated—no freelance/self-employed filings permitted.)

✅ Step 2: Obtain a Non-Immigrant B Visa

You must enter Thailand on, or convert to, a Non-Immigrant “B” (Business) Visa:

• Abroad: Apply via Thai embassy/consulate — validity: 90 days

• In-country: Convert via Immigration — 90 days temporary status

Ensure your entry visa is valid before filing your work permit.

✅ Step 3: Employer Prepares Company Documents

The employer must submit:

• Company affidavit, objectives, VAT registration, financials

• Employee list (Sor.Bor.Chor.1)

• Office lease, premises map & photos

• Employment contract stating job duties

• Evidence of paid-up capital: 2M THB per foreign employee (or 1M if married to Thai)

• Evidence of hiring 4 Thai nationals per foreigner, unless BOI‑promoted or special exemption applies

✅ Step 4: Submit Work Permit Application

File at the Ministry of Labour, or via BOI One‑Stop Service Center (OSOS) if your company is BOI‑promoted:

• Foreign applicant needs: passport with visa, education/experience certificates, 2x2” photo, Thai medical certificate (issued within 30 days)

• Non-BOI filings are done physically; BOI permits may use e-WorkPermit portal for digital issuance

✅ Step 5: Approval & Issuance

• Non-BOI cases: ~7–10 working days

• BOI/e-WorkPermit cases: often faster (3–5 days) depending on province and completeness of documents

  
  

  After approval, you’ll receive a digital permit (D‑WP) or booklet.

✅ Step 6: Start Working Legally

Only begin work after your permit is issued and signed on your location/role/company as stated:

• Do not exceed scope of employment

• Notify Ministry of any changes to job title, company, or work address

🧠 Key Legal Reminders

• Correct visa required: Non-B visa tied to your employer

• No work before permit: Violations can result in up to 5 years imprisonment or fines up to 100,000 THB per Section 51 B.E. 2551

• Job legality: Certain jobs are prohibited for foreigners (e.g., manual labor, hairdressing, tour guiding, driving) under the Royal Decree on Prohibited Occupations B.E. 2561

• Employer quotas: Standard companies must maintain at least 4 Thai employees per foreign permit-holder

• Visa renewal linked: Work permit expiry affects your Non-B visa status and renewal eligibility

🛡️ GENTLE LAW IBL’s Full-Service Support

Our legal team provides:

Service Area

What We Handle

Visa & Permit Filing

Non-B visa application, visa conversion, embassy coordination

Document Preparation

Employment contracts, company compliance, quota and capital proof

Permit Filing

Ministry/BOI coordination; digital submission via e-WorkPermit

Post-Issuance Compliance

Amendments for job or location changes, renewal support

Expat Advisory

Handling prohibited jobs, BOI eligibility, and visa-linked planning

We ensure your path to legally working in Thailand is seamless and risk-free.

✅ Case Study Highlight

Scenario: A Canadian IT consultant joined a Thai startup lacking Thai staff and capital.

Our Solution: Restructured via BOI tech company; within 3 weeks, obtained Non-B visa and digital Work Permit without delays or legal exposure.

🎯 Final Takeaway

A Thai Work Permit is not optional—it’s a legal prerequisite with serious risks for non-compliance. The key lies in proper visa status, company structure, documentation, and compliance with Thai labor laws.

Let GENTLE LAW IBL be your legal co-pilot—ensuring your work, visa, and career in Thailand are grounded in full legal compliance and strategic precision.

📞 Contact us today to secure your Work Permit and start working legally in Thailand with confidence.