Non-Immigrant B visa and the Thai work permit — the sequence, who files what, and the documents to translate or legalise first
Quick answer
Immigration status and the right to work are separate. A Non-Immigrant B visa is issued by a Thai embassy or consulate, while the work permit is issued by the Department of Employment. The sequence used in practice is: obtain the Non-B visa abroad, enter Thailand, file for the work permit, then apply to the Immigration Bureau for an extension of stay. Document lists and conditions vary with the type of business and the filing office, so confirm them with the receiving office each time.
Key facts and the responsible authority
| Who issues the Non-B visa | A Thai embassy or consulate-general abroad, principally through the Thai e-Visa system |
|---|---|
| Who issues the work permit | The Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour, at the employment office covering the workplace |
| Who decides the extension of stay | The Immigration Bureau — a separate application from the work permit, with its own document set |
| Occupations closed to foreigners | A list of reserved or conditional occupations is set by ministerial notification; check the list in force with the Department of Employment before fixing a job title |
| Official fees and processing time | Vary with the type of application, the permit duration and the filing office — confirm the current schedule with the Department of Employment and the Immigration Bureau before filing |
| The BOI channel | Promoted companies use the BOI channel and its approval system, which applies conditions different from the general channel |
Document checklist and the certification involved
A passport with the remaining validity the embassy requires
Check the validity rule with the embassy where you file; requirements differ between posts
The employment letter and the employer’s corporate documents
Normally registrar-certified and recently issued, as specified by the receiving office
Degree certificates and employment references
Foreign documents usually need certification in the issuing country plus a certified translation before use in Thailand
A medical certificate in the form the receiving office prescribes
Confirm the accepted form and document age with the employment office where you will file
Photographs and the application forms the system requires
Photo sizes and form versions change; download them from the official site on the day you file
Step by step
- Check the job title and eligibility before issuing an offer letter: Confirm the role is not on the reserved or conditional occupation list and that the qualifications and experience match what the application will state.
- Complete certification of foreign documents before travelling: Degrees, references and police clearance certificates should be certified in the issuing country first; going back for this later costs significant time.
- File the Non-B visa application through the embassy channel: File through the Thai e-Visa system as that post directs, with the employer documents, and wait for the outcome before fixing travel dates.
- File the work permit application after entry: File at the employment office covering the workplace, or through the BOI channel if the company is promoted.
- Apply to the Immigration Bureau for an extension of stay: Prepare the Immigration document set separately from the work permit set and file before the permitted stay stamped in the passport expires.
What to do
- Have HR pull a fresh set of corporate documents for every new filing; many offices require them to have been issued within a stated window.
- Spell names identically to the passport, letter for letter, in both the source documents and the translations.
- Keep copies of the work permit and every official receipt; renewals and later inspections ask for them.
What to avoid
- Starting work before the permit is issued creates legal exposure for both the employee and the employer.
- Do not rely on fee figures or timelines found on forums; confirm them with the office where you will file.
- The job title on the permit is tied to the actual scope of work; a change of duties or workplace must be processed under the applicable rules.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I start work as soon as I hold a Non-B visa?
- No. The visa governs entry and stay; the right to work comes from the work permit issued by the Department of Employment.
- How must foreign documents be certified?
- Generally they are certified under the issuing country’s system first, then translated with a certification, with any further step the Thai receiving office requires.
- How does a BOI company differ?
- Promoted businesses use the BOI approval channel, with conditions and a filing system different from the general channel; check directly with BOI.
- What are the official fees?
- Official fees are set by the authorities and can change, so no figures are stated here; confirm with the Department of Employment or the Immigration Bureau before filing.
- How do I get advice on the documents?
- Contact our staff by phone, LINE or e-mail with your nationality, the job role and the country that issued your documents.
Official sources
- Immigration Bureau, Royal Thai Police
- Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour
- Thai e-Visa system, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Thailand Board of Investment (BOI)
Checked on 2026-08-04; requirements change, so confirm with the authority before filing.
Related pages
Ask our team
The required documents and timing depend on the receiving office in each case. Contact our team to confirm the checklist before you file.