Thailand work permit 2025 for executives and SME teams: Non B, SMART Visa, LTR digital work permit, restricted jobs, and penalties

Thailand work permit 2025 for executives and SME teams: Non B, SMART Visa, LTR digital work permit, restricted jobs, and penalties

Introduction

If your company employs foreign managers or specialists in Thailand, staying compliant means aligning the Thailand work permit 2025 steps with the correct visa, the right processing channel, and the latest location of government services. For most hires, this begins with a Non Immigrant B visa and a work permit from the Department of Employment. Some categories such as SMART Visa offer an exemption from the work permit requirement, while LTR Visa holders obtain a digital work permit through the new Thailand Investment and Expat Services Center (TIESC) at One Bangkok.

The legal backbone

• Core statute on foreign employment. The Royal Ordinance Concerning the Management of Employment of Foreign Workers B.E. 2560 (2017) as amended in B.E. 2561 (2018) sets the framework. It prohibits foreigners from working without a permit and sets employer duties and penalties.

• Penalties updated in practice. The Ministry of Labour confirms current ranges. Foreigners who work without a permit face fines from 5,000 to 50,000 baht and deportation. Employers who hire foreigners without a permit face 10,000 to 100,000 baht per worker, with higher penalties for repeat offenses.

• Visa link. A Non Immigrant B visa is the standard pathway for work and requires a work permit before starting work. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs outlines the categories and confirms the work permit requirement.

• Special regimes.

  • SMART Visa gives up to 4 year stays and work permit exemption plus other privileges for targeted sectors.

  • LTR Visa holders obtain a digital work permit at BOI’s center, with a published processing fee of 3,000 baht per year and temporary permission to work while the permit is in process.

Where to file in 2025

Thailand consolidated investment and expatriate services at TIESC in One Bangkok in March 2025. TIESC integrates the prior OSOS and the One Stop Service Center for Visa and Work Permits. If you are BOI promoted or in an eligible category such as LTR or certain SMART Visa processes, you will use TIESC instead of Chamchuri Square.

Address: TIESC, One Bangkok, PARADE Zone, 6th and 7th Floor, 1877 Rama IV Road, Lumphini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330.

Thailand work permit 2025 checklist

1) Map your talent to the correct visa and channel

• Non Immigrant B for most hires. Secure the B visa, then apply for the work permit. Use TIESC where eligible, or your local Employment Office.

• SMART Visa for targeted industries with no work permit requirement under BOI rules. Confirm sector and role eligibility first.

• LTR Visa for qualifying executives, skilled professionals, remote professionals, and wealthy retirees. Apply for the digital work permit at TIESC.

2) Verify the job is not prohibited to foreigners

Thailand maintains lists of occupations that are restricted or prohibited to foreigners, issued by the Department of Employment. Review the latest notification before drafting a role description.

3) Prepare employer and employee documents

Expect company registration evidence, tax registrations, payroll readiness, and a detailed job description. Immigration requires Non B visa documentation, and the Department of Employment requires work permit documentation that matches the actual duties and work location.

4) Calendar immigration reporting tied to work status

• 90 day reporting (TM47). Foreigners staying more than 90 days must report their address every 90 days. Online and in person options exist.

• TM30 residence notification. Landlords or house masters must notify the foreigner’s address within 24 hours. Online channels exist. Coordinate this early to avoid renewal issues.

5) Train managers on what “work” means

Under the Royal Ordinance, “work” covers broad activities. Do not commence duties before the permit or the relevant exemption is in place.

Thailand work permit 2025 pathways explained

Non Immigrant B + work permit

Typical path for executives and SME staff. Obtain a Non B visa, enter Thailand, then complete the Department of Employment work permit process. The visa page and MFA guidance stress that holders who wish to work must be granted a work permit before starting work.

SMART Visa

For targeted industries, SMART Visa grants stays up to four years with work permit exemption and additional privileges. This can simplify onboarding for startups and technology firms. Verify that the role, employer, and sector meet SMART criteria.

LTR Visa with digital work permit

The LTR regime supports highly skilled professionals and senior executives. Holders obtain a digital work permit at TIESC and can work while the permit is being processed, per BOI. This is attractive for regional headquarters and expert roles.

Thailand work permit 2025 compliance risks and penalties

• Working without a permit can trigger fines of 5,000 to 50,000 baht for the foreigner, plus deportation. Employers face 10,000 to 100,000 baht per worker, with heavier sanctions for repeat offenses. Train line managers not to allow any “trial days” or advisory work before the legal basis is in place.

• Wrong job title or location can be a violation if it deviates from the permit or authorized scope. Keep job descriptions and workplace addresses accurate and up to date under the Royal Ordinance.

• Missing 90 day reporting or TM30 causes immigration issues that can derail renewals. Build these into onboarding checklists.

2025 update: non immigrant visa category consolidation

From 31 August 2025, the Department of Consular Affairs consolidated the prior 17 Non Immigrant categories into 7 categories to reduce duplication. The change is administrative and does not alter core eligibility or work permit rules. HR teams should watch embassy websites for how forms and labels appear during the transition.

Worked scenarios

Scenario A: BOI promoted startup hires a CTO

• Option 1: SMART Visa if the company and role meet the target sector criteria, which exempts the work permit.

• Option 2: Non B + work permit through TIESC if BOI promoted and eligible for the one stop channel.

Scenario B: Regional HQ executive on LTR

• Obtain LTR, then collect the digital work permit at TIESC. LTR holders may work while the permit is being processed and pay the published 3,000 baht per year fee for the permit.

Scenario C: New US country manager joins a non BOI SME

• Secure Non Immigrant B with supporting corporate documents. Enter Thailand, then complete the work permit with the Department of Employment before any work. Keep the job description aligned with the permit.

FAQs

Do I always need a work permit to work in Thailand Yes unless you fall into a published exemption such as SMART Visa. Most foreign hires require a Non Immigrant B and a work permit issued before starting work.

Where do I process visas and permits in Bangkok in 2025Eligible applicants use TIESC at One Bangkok, which integrates investment, immigration, and labour services. Others use their local Immigration and Employment Offices.

What are the penalties for illegal work Foreigners face fines 5,000 to 50,000 baht plus deportation. Employers face 10,000 to 100,000 baht per illegal worker, with higher penalties for repeat cases.

What reporting is linked to my work statusTM47 90 day reporting by the foreigner and TM30 address notification by the landlord or house master. Online systems exist for both.

Are there jobs foreigners cannot do Yes. Thailand maintains notifications listing restricted or prohibited occupations for foreigners. Check the Department of Employment list during role design.

Call to action

If you want a single team to handle Thailand work permit 2025 from visa planning through onboarding and reporting, GENTLE LAW IBL can design the route, prepare filings, coordinate with TIESC or local offices, and train your managers on day to day compliance.

Book a consultation: https://www.gentlelawibl.com