How to Renew Your Work Permit
Is your work permit up for renewal? Follow our step-by-step guide to renewing your work permit in Thailand.
What is included in a work permit?
A work permit in Thailand, issued by the provincial Department of Labour, includes a distinct reference number and features the permit holder’s photograph, name, date of birth, nationality, address, and signature. This document serves as official proof of residence in Thailand, supporting activities like car purchases and driver’s license applications. For those looking to renew their work permit in Thailand, understanding its contents and purposes is essential.
Details Included:
- Personal Information: Photograph, name, date of birth, nationality, address, and signature.
- Job Details: Position, job description, office location, employer name, and employment period.
- Geographic Scope: The province in which the holder is legally permitted to work. To work in other provinces, extensions are required.
- Official Use: official proof of residence in Thailand and useful for various administrative purposes such as car purchases and driver’s license applications.
Rules and Penalties:
| Rules | Penalties | Fines |
| During working hours, you must keep the work permit at the workplace for inspection. | Not exceeding 1,000 THB | |
| | Up to 1 month in prison | Up to 2,000 THB |
| To continue working, you must renew the permit before it expires. | Up to 3 months in prison | Up to 5,000 THB |
| | Up to 1,000 THB |
Key Points
- Renewal Requirements: Before renewing your work permit, you must first extend your duration of stay in Thailand.
- Documentation: Both the initial application and renewal require similar documentation.
What is the process for renewing your work permit and visa?
To renew your work permit in Thailand, first, extend your stay duration either within the country or at a Thai Embassy or Consulate abroad. Submit copies of your work permit and a new recommendation letter from your employer/company, along with the company’s registration papers and financial/tax reports to the Thai Embassy or consulate.
If you hold a long-term stay extension, you must report to Thai Immigration police every 90 days. Holders of non-immigrant multiple entry visas valid for one year can conveniently travel to another country and return to Thailand to extend their stay.
If you have a Thai work permit but were unable to obtain an extension of stay stamp, you can still apply for a one-year non-immigrant B visa from a Thai embassy.
What documents are needed for the renewal process?
Renewal Process:
- Extend Duration of Stay: Must be done within Thailand or at a Thai embassy/consulate abroad.
- Submit Required Documents: These include copies of your work permit, a new recommendation letter from your employer, company registration papers, and financial/tax reports.
Required Documents for Renewal:
- Current work permit
- Non-immigrant visa (B or O Visa)
- Copy of academic credentials
- Copy of press pass and related government letters (for journalists)
- Copy of NGO-related letters (for NGO workers)
- Passport and copies with all the personal information and current visa stamp
- Map showing workplace location
- Medical certificate
- Tax certificate
- Company registration documents
- Business VAT registration form Phor Por 01
- Business License
- Proof of Social Security payments
90-Day Reporting:
If you need to renew your work permit in Thailand, ensure to report to the Thai immigration police every 90 days if you have a long-term stay extension. Holders of non-immigrant multiple entry visas can conveniently extend their stay by exiting and re-entering the country.
For any work you do in Thailand, make sure you have a permit that complies with the law.
How to Obtain a Thai Visa Extension and Re-entry Permit?
The extension of your stay stamp on your passport determines the duration of your stay in Thailand, affecting both your work permit and re-entry permit. Leaving Thailand without a re-entry permit will terminate both documents.
If you hold a Thai work permit and cannot obtain an extension of stay stamp, you can still apply for a one-year non-immigrant B visa from a Thai Embassy. This visa allows multiple entries for one year without requiring a re-entry permit. Misunderstanding the difference between an extension of stay and a re-entry permit can lead to complications.
A Thai visa, issued by an embassy or consulate, permits entry into Thailand. Upon arrival, an immigration officer stamps your passport with an “extension of stay” date, indicating how long you can remain in Thailand. Immigration police apply this stamp at the border checkpoint or following a stay extension request.
Changing the Terms of Your Work Permit
If you wish to renew your work permit in Thailand after completing a one-year contract and securing a new one-year contract with a different employer, your new employer will need to submit the necessary paperwork. This process involves obtaining a new employment contract, which you’ll bring to the registrar’s office to extend your work permit under the new employer for a fee of 3,xxx baht.
A work permit in Thailand allows for multiple job descriptions and can cover employment in different provinces. It serves as official proof of both residence and employment status in Thailand. Engaging in any job without a valid work permit is illegal and may lead to fines and imprisonment.