This Thailand work permit checklist covers what is required when obtaining a work permit in Thailand, a process that demands coordination between you and your Thai employer. The process involves two parallel tracks: your Non-Immigrant B visa application and the work permit application itself. Both require substantial documentation, and missing even a single document can delay or derail your application. This checklist covers everything you need.

Understanding the Process

Step 1: Non-Immigrant B Visa

Before you can apply for a work permit, you need a Non-Immigrant B (Business) visa. This is typically obtained at a Thai embassy or consulate in your home country or country of residence. Some applicants convert from a tourist visa to a Non-Immigrant B visa within Thailand, though this has become more restricted.

Step 2: Work Permit Application

Once you are in Thailand on a Non-Immigrant B visa, your employer files the work permit application with the Department of Employment (Ministry of Labour). The work permit is tied to your specific employer, job position, and workplace location.

Quick Facts

Detail	Information
Issuing Authority	Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour
Visa Required	Non-Immigrant B
Processing Time	7–30 business days
Work Permit Fee	3,000 THB (1 year)
Visa Fee	2,000 THB (single-entry) / 5,000 THB (multiple-entry)
Employer Ratio	4 Thai employees per 1 foreign worker
Minimum Capital	2 million THB registered capital per foreign worker
Renewal	Annually, before expiration

Stage 1: Non-Immigrant B Visa (Embassy Application)

Apply at a Thai embassy or consulate abroad. Requirements vary by embassy — always confirm with the specific location handling your application.

Employee Documents

Completed visa application form — Downloaded from the embassy website or filled via the e-Visa system. Signed and dated.
Passport (original) — Valid for at least 6 months from the application date. At least 2 blank visa pages available.
Passport photocopy — Clear copy of the biographical page and any previous Thai visa pages.
Two passport-sized photos (4x6 cm) — Taken within the last 6 months. White or light blue background. No glasses, no hats. See photo requirements.
Cover letter — A personal letter stating the purpose of your trip, your position, the company you will work for, and the duration of your intended stay.
Resume / CV — Detailed professional background, education, and relevant work experience.
Educational certificates — Degree certificates and transcripts. Some embassies require these to be notarized or apostilled.
Employment contract or offer letter — Signed by both you and the Thai employer. Must state your job title, salary, and employment terms.
Criminal background check — From your home country or country of recent residence. Usually must be issued within 3 months and may need to be apostilled or authenticated.

Employer Documents (Provided by Your Thai Employer)

Invitation letter from the company — On company letterhead, signed by an authorized director. Must state your name, nationality, job position, salary, and start date.
Company registration certificate (Bor Or 5 or equivalent) — Certified copy, issued within 3 months.
List of shareholders — Certified copy from the Department of Business Development, issued within 3 months.
Company's latest audited financial statements — Including balance sheet and income statement.
Corporate income tax return (Por Ngor Dor 50) — Latest filing.
VAT registration certificate (Por Por 20) — If applicable.
List of foreign workers currently employed by the company — Names, nationalities, and positions.
Map showing the company's location — With nearby landmarks indicated.
Photos of the company premises — Interior and exterior, showing the company signage, office space, and employees at work. Typically 4–8 photos.

Stage 2: Work Permit Application (In Thailand)

Once you arrive in Thailand on your Non-Immigrant B visa, your employer submits the work permit application to the Department of Employment.

Employee Documents for Work Permit

WP.1 application form — The official work permit application form. Your employer or their agent typically prepares this.
Passport (original and photocopies) — Copies of biographical page, Non-Immigrant B visa page, latest entry stamp, departure card (TM.6), and all used pages.
Three passport-sized photos (3x4 cm) — Note: work permit photos are 3x4 cm, not the standard 4x6 cm visa photo size. Taken within the last 6 months.
Medical certificate — Issued by a Thai-licensed doctor within 60 days of the application. Must certify you are free from the following diseases: leprosy, tuberculosis, elephantiasis, drug addiction, alcoholism, and third-stage syphilis.
Educational certificates (originals and copies) — Degree certificates. If not in English or Thai, must be officially translated and notarized.
Resume / CV — Same as submitted for the visa application.
Employment contract — Original signed copy.
Proof of professional qualifications — Relevant licenses, certifications, or professional memberships (if applicable to your role).

Employer Documents for Work Permit

Fees

Fee	Amount
Non-Immigrant B Visa (single-entry)	2,000 THB
Non-Immigrant B Visa (multiple-entry)	5,000 THB
Work Permit (1 year)	3,000 THB
Work Permit (less than 3 months)	750 THB
Work Permit (3–6 months)	1,500 THB
Work Permit (6–12 months)	3,000 THB
Work Permit renewal (1 year)	3,000 THB

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Document Errors

Expired copies: Company registration and shareholder lists must be issued within 3 months. Do not submit older copies.
Wrong photo size: Visa photos are 4x6 cm. Work permit photos are 3x4 cm. Mixing them up causes rejection.
Missing signatures: Every form must be signed by both the applicant and an authorized company director.
Untranslated documents: All documents not in English or Thai must be officially translated by a certified translator.

Process Errors

Starting work before receiving the work permit: This is illegal and can result in fines and deportation. Wait until the physical work permit is issued.
Applying at the wrong office: Work permit applications must be filed at the Department of Employment office that has jurisdiction over your company's registered address.
Ignoring the 4:1 ratio: Your employer must have at least 4 Thai employees for every 1 foreign work permit holder. New companies or small businesses often struggle with this requirement.
Insufficient registered capital: The company must have at least 2 million THB in registered capital for each foreign worker. BOI-promoted companies may be exempt from this requirement.

Timing Issues

Late renewal: Work permits must be renewed before they expire. Apply at least 30 days before expiration.
Visa and work permit alignment: Your work permit cannot extend beyond your visa validity. Ensure your visa extension is processed alongside your work permit renewal.

Special Cases

BOI-Promoted Companies

Companies with Board of Investment (BOI) promotion enjoy streamlined processes:

Exemption from the 4:1 Thai-to-foreign employee ratio
Exemption from the 2 million THB capital requirement per foreign worker
Faster processing through the One Stop Service Center
Work permits can be issued for up to 4 years

Teaching Positions

Teachers at international schools, universities, and language schools follow a similar process but may need additional documents:

Teaching certificate or TEFL/TESOL/CELTA qualification
Letter from the school confirming the teaching position
School's Ministry of Education license
Teachers at government schools may receive work permits through the school's coordination with the Ministry of Education

Digital Work Permit

Holders of the LTR (Long-Term Resident) visa receive a digital work permit as part of their visa package, eliminating the need for the traditional work permit application process.

After Receiving Your Work Permit

Once your work permit is issued, keep the following in mind:

Carry it with you or keep a photo/copy accessible — you may be asked to present it
Notify the Department of Employment within 15 days of any changes to your job title, workplace location, or employer details
90-day reporting — As a long-term visa holder, you must file 90-day address reports with Thai Immigration
Annual renewal — Begin the renewal process at least 30 days before expiration
Cancellation — If you leave your job, your work permit must be formally cancelled within 15 days. Your employer is responsible for initiating this, but confirm it is done to avoid complications with future applications

Summary

The Thai work permit process is document-intensive but manageable with proper preparation. Start gathering documents early, coordinate closely with your employer, and double-check every requirement against the specific office processing your application. Missing a single document can add weeks to your timeline.

Thailand Work Permit Checklist: Complete Document List