Thai Work Permit: Application Process & Fees
A complete list of Thai Work Permit application process, requirements and fees.
What is the procedure for securing a work permit in Thailand?
You’ll need the following information if this is your first application. To begin, you must already obtain a non-immigrant B visa. You can apply at a Thai Embassy or consulate outside of Thailand or online.
1. Employee’s information
– Passport and copies of your last entry and biodata page
– A valid Non-immigrant B Visa
– Photos that are no more than 6 months old (3cm X 4cm)
– Medical Certificate (recent)
– Education Certificates (diplomas and transcripts)
– Resume/CV
– Criminal Records from your home country (if required)
– Employment Contract (signed by both the employer and the employee)
When you start the application process for a work permit in Thailand, the Thai company must supply the following documents. It’s crucial not to leave any paperwork, even if the embassy initially doesn’t require it. The Labor Department and Thai immigration will eventually need those documents, and the job description is vital as it must justify the need for a foreign worker over a Thai national.
2. Employer/Company’s information
– Company’s Registration Documents (A copy of the company’s certificate of incorporation and a certified list of shareholders)
– VAT Documents (VAT Registration Form Phor Por 01 and VAT certificate Phor Por 20)
– Tax Documents (A copy of the withholding tax form Phor Ngor Dor 1)
– Social Security Documents (proof of social security payments)
– Business License and a copy
– Employment Contract (signed by both the employer and the employee)
Key Points
- The procedure for obtaining a work permit in Thailand will be determined by your intention and line of business in Thailand.
- Some Thai companies do not have the staff to process your work permit on your behalf, so they will only provide you with the required paperwork and leave it up to you to arrange your work permit.
- If you’re considering working in Thailand, you should be aware of the requirements for obtaining a work permit for the position you’ve been offered.
How much does it cost to get a work permit in Thailand?
In Thailand, the authorities issue work permits based on the length of the employment contract. Most job contracts last for one year, but if your contract lasts for 18 months, remember that you must extend your Thai visa accordingly. You need to visit both the Labor Department and Thai immigration.
| Type of Fee | Fee (THB) |
| Application Fee | 5xx |
| Work Permit Fee | |
| 3 months | 75x |
| 3 months to 6 months | 1,5xx |
| 6 months to 1 year | 3,xxx |
| Amendment Fees | |
| Work Permit Substitution | 5xx |
| Change of Job | 1,xxx |
| Change of Employer | 3,xxx |
| Change of Work Address | 1,xxx |
| Change or Add Conditions | 150 |
The process of obtaining a work permit begins with obtaining a Thai Business Visa upon arrival in Thailand which you can use to apply for a work permit at the Thai Labor Department.
What is the foreign worker’s income tax rate in Thailand?
If you hold a work permit in Thailand and are fulfilling your tax obligations, make sure that the taxes you are paying are accurate.
In Thailand, taxpayers fall into two categories: residents and non-residents. Residents are those who reside in Thailand for more than 180 days in a tax year and are subject to taxation on their global income. Non-residents, on the other hand, are only taxed on income earned within Thailand if they spend fewer than 180 days in the country annually. It’s crucial to obey these regulations, as tax authorities will review your tax filings upon work permit renewal.
Thailand’s Income Taxes
| Taxable Income (THB) | Tax (%) |
| 0 to 150,000 | Exempt |
| 150,001 to 300,000 | 5 |
| 300,001 to 500,000 | 10 |
| 500,001 to 750,000 | 15 |
| 750,001 to 1,000,000 | 20 |
| 1,000,001 to 2,000,00 | 25 |
| Above 2,000,000 | 30 |
How to Extend Your Visa
If you want to work legally in Thailand, you must first know about the work permit application process.
What will happen if I work in Thailand without a work permit?
Working without a work permit in Thailand violates the Thailand Aliens Act and immigration laws, with the potential for deportation. This seemingly minor offence carries significant consequences.
Section 51: If authorities catch you working illegally in Thailand, you could receive a 5-year jail term and a fine ranging from 2,xxx to 100,xxx baht. Being deported after detention would also affect your ability to visit Thailand. Seek legal advice if caught working without a work permit in Thailand.
Section 52: If you work in Thailand outside the scope permitted by your work permit, authorities may arrest you under Section 52. For instance, a foreigner employed in Thailand’s construction sector may face legal action for engaging in activities like cabinet making, which are restricted for foreign workers under Thai law governing work permits.
Section 53: If you are unable to present your work permit when requested, this common issue in Thailand may result in a fine of 10,xxx baht. However, resolving this matter swiftly is straightforward by promptly identifying and producing your work permit.
Section 54: These laws target companies in Thailand that hire undocumented workers, leading to a maximum fine of 100,xxx baht for violating work permit regulations.
What documents are needed when renewing your work permit?
To renew your work permit in Thailand, make sure it is done before its expiration. It is advisable to plan as the renewal process typically takes about a month. Additionally, obtaining a tax certificate from Thailand’s Revenue Department is necessary before proceeding with the renewal.
To renew your work permit in Thailand, you will need to visit both the Labour Department and the Thai Immigration Department. These authorities are authorized to grant permission for renewing your visa for another year. Alongside your application, you must submit several documents including copies of your Thai company registration, VAT registration form (Phor Por 01), Thai business license, and proof of social security payments.
1. Passport and copies of the front page, visa page, and entry stamp.
2. Original Work Permit
3. Photos that are no more than 6 months old (3.4cm X 4cm)
4. Medical Certificate
5. Company Documents
– Latest Annual Audit copy
– Tax Certificate of PND.91 copy
– Company Affidavit & Shareholder’s list copy (updated at least 6 months)
– PorPor.30 copy (last 3 months)
– Social Security Fund copy (last 3 months)
– PND1 copy (last 3 months)
– Your company approval stamp
– Your company license ( if any )
– Proof of your qualification
6. Complete Resume/CV