Work Permit

Work in Thailand legally, without a worry.

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4.3/5

Why buy work permit through The Thaiger?

We are experienced in arranging work permit applications in Thailand. We know where and how to effectively get your application for a work permit or e-work permit. For additional details or support you may need, please feel free to contact us.
Product – work permit | Thaiger
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What is a Thai work permit?

Thai work permits are official documents issued by the Thai government that allow foreign nationals to work legally in Thailand. It is an important prerequisite for foreigners seeking employment in the country since it allows them to work for pay and get employment-related benefits.

To apply for a Thai work permit or e-work permit, you must have a non-immigrant visa, specifically a non-immigrant B visa, which is the visa type reserved for people who want to work or do business in Thailand. This visa is often obtained from a Thai embassy or consulate overseas before entering Thailand, although it can also be converted from a tourist visa or other visa type within the country.

Obtaining a Thai Work Visa

Obtaining a Thai work visa involves multiple procedures, including getting a job offer from a Thai company, finishing particular requirements founded by the Thai Department of Employment, and submitting the necessary papers to the appropriate authorities. When accepted, the work permit is provided, generally together with a visa renewal, allowing the bearer to legally work in Thailand for the stated employer and period.

It’s important to note that foreigners working in Thailand must have a valid work visa since working without one is not allowed and can result in fines, deportation, and other consequences. As a result, acquiring the necessary visa and work permit is critical for foreign people seeking job prospects in Thailand.

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How to apply for a Thai work permit?

In Thailand, the work permit process will depend on what you are going to do. The method is not the same for every profession, such as for a journalist and a teacher. Below, we have included the basic steps about the process.

Choose the visa type

Choose the visa you wish to apply

Select work permit type

Select the work permit you want to obtain

Collect documents

Collect the required documents

Submit the documents

Submitting the application to the Thaiger

Wait for notification

Wait for for the approval of application

What are the thai work permit categories?

The Thai government has categorized jobs to determine which are acceptable for foreigners seeking a work permit in Thailand, aiming to protect local employment by reserving certain jobs exclusively for Thai citizens.

Foreign Skilled Worker (Type B)

This category is for foreign nationals with specialized skills, expertise, or knowledge that is not readily available in the Thai labour market. Examples may include professionals in fields such as engineering, IT, medicine, or management.

Foreign Expert (Type M)

Reserved for highly skilled foreign professionals who possess expertise or experience in specific industries or sectors identified as essential for Thailand’s development. This category often includes individuals involved in research, development, technology transfer, or investment promotion.

Foreign Investment (Type IB)

Designed for foreign nationals employed by companies operating under the Board of Investment (BOI) promotion scheme or other investment incentives offered by the Thai government. This category aims to attract foreign investment and promote economic development in targeted industries.

Foreign Business (Type B-A)

Applicable to foreign nationals who own or manage businesses registered in Thailand. This category includes individuals serving in executive, managerial, or supervisory roles within their own companies.

Foreign Representative Office (Type R)

For foreign nationals employed by representative offices of foreign companies operating in Thailand. This category is typically limited to individuals performing liaison, coordination, or support functions for the parent company.

Teaching (Type WP3)

Specifically for foreign teachers employed by educational institutions in Thailand, such as schools, colleges, universities, or language centres. This category requires qualifications and experience relevant to teaching positions.

Religious Activities (Type WP5)

Reserved for foreign nationals engaged in religious activities or missionary work in Thailand. This category applies to individuals serving in religious organizations, temples, or related institutions.

Customer Ratings





4.3/5

38 reviews

Customer Reviews

13/12/2020

I used to have to go to the Ministry of Labour to apply for my work permit, but now it appears that the Thaiger’s partners can handle everything online.

Mark T.



2/1/2021

Alot of people try to work in Thailand with out a work permit, however, reading the information from the thaiger, it seems like the government will approve anyone work permet as long as you meet the requirements

Paul Charleston



5/1/2021

Good information about work permits, not sure how you can get a work permit online, but will give it a go anyways.

Thomas redman


21/1/2021

Work Permits can be a very long and tiring process, its best to let other people handle the heavy-duty work first, before steeping in the final procedures.

Patric Marshal



6/2/2021

Can my employees apply for their own work permit or will the company apply for the work permit?

Scott N.

314/2/2021

Apply for you work permit and visa in one go, the Thaiger and their partners have made it possible for me to make the move to Thailand.

Clauida Green



What are the types of work permit?

Those looking to work or already employed in Thailand need to understand that the country has three major types of work permits. Each category refers to various fields of work and the length of the job.

We will help you get your things ready.

WP1 application stands for work permit foreign workers who have never applied for a work permit before or for those who wish to reapply for the work permit because of its expiry.

The applicant is domiciled in the Kingdom of Thailand or is allowed to remain temporarily in the Kingdom of Thailand under the Immigration Law (non-immigrant Visa).

Key Points:

  • Have never applied for a work permit before
  • Re-apply for the work permit because of its expiry
  • Must have residence in the Kingdom

WP3 application for a WP, WP stands for work permit, is an authorization letter for the employers applying for a work permit before entering the Kingdom of Thailand for foreign workers.

Upon receiving the letter of approval, the employer shall send a letter to the alien to apply for a non-immigrant visa from the Royal Thai Embassy and, within 30 days of receiving the letter from the employer, the alien shall apply for a work permit with the documentation as shown in the letter.

Key Points:

  • Authorization letter for the employers before foreigners can enter the Kingdom
  • Application for a non-immigrant visa from the Royal Thai Embassy
  • Shall apply for a work permit with the documentation as shown in the letter

The WP.11 also known as temporary work permit, is a type of work permit must be obtained for someone who is not planning to stay in Thailand for a long time.

Foreigner must be in the country for specific reasons or short business engagements such as attending a seminar or meeting or buying items for export, and who is not going to work for a registered Thai company. It is granted to foreigners engaged in “work that is urgent and necessary nature” and for a brief period of time.

Key Points:

  • Known as temporary work permit
  • For someone who is not planning to stay for a long time
  • For foreigners engaged in “work that is urgent and necessary nature”

Know your benefits. Work legally.

Finally got my work permit, thanks to the Thaiger. I was afraid the process will be painful and complex, but the team make it so easy. All I had to do was apply online, provide the documents, and they do the rest! Such a professional team.

Top tip: Go to work without worrying about what to happen if the immigration caught you without a permit to work.

Why choose The Thaiger?

We have ample experience with all forms of visas and immigration issues, including work permit applications in Thailand, as well as a comprehensive understanding of Thailand’s immigration laws and procedures.

Individuals applying for visas and permit-to-stay extensions may take advantage of our number of services.

Join the many satisfied customers who’ve applied for their work permit with The Thaiger

Other related products

We are here to provide you with essential products and ensure you will have a comfortable stay in the country, whether for business, study, or leisure while navigating the requirements for a Thai work permit.

Visa services

Many individuals enter Thailand on a visa upon arrival, frequently seeking visa extensions, renewals, 90-day reporting, cancellations, or visa runs during their stay. As a result, these essential services cater to foreigners aiming to obtain a Thai work permit and ensure a smooth experience in the Kingdom.

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Thailand Elite visa

The Thai work permit is a long-term visa granted to holders of the Thailand Privilege Card. This visa falls under the Tourist Visa category, also known as the PE Privilege Entry Visa, allowing residency in Thailand with benefits lasting 5, 10, or 20 years, depending on the chosen package, in exchange for a membership fee.

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Business Visa

Also called a Non-Immigrant B Visa, this visa is for foreign nationals who wish to do business or invest in Thailand. Additionally, it is for those who wish to apply for a Thai work permit. However, this visa is not the same as a work permit that allows you to take up jobs in Thailand. In most situations, in order to apply for a Thai work permit, you must first obtain a Thai Business Visa.

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Employment Visa

Employment visas are passport requirements for foreign workers allowed to enter Thailand and to work for a specified period of time. The number of such visas made available is limited, so there is a lot of competition to apply. They are typically given on a temporary basis and are usually based on sponsorship from the prospective employer of the worker.

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Work permit exemptions and special treatment cases

Some positions and occupations don’t require a work permit.


Members of the diplomatic corps or consular missions

Members of diplomatic corps or consular missions do not need a work permit to do their job in Thailand.

Representatives of member countries and officials of the United Nations and its specialized agencies

Representatives of member countries or officials of the United Nations or one of its specialized agencies.

Person under agreement

Performing duties on missions in Thailand under an agreement between the Thai and a foreign government or international organization.

Person to perform duty or mission

Foreigners who enter Thailand to do any duty or mission benefit from education, culture, arts, or sports.

Person with special permission

Those who have received special permission from the Thai government.

Foreigners with urgent and essential nature


Foreigners who temporarily enter Thailand to conduct any job of an “urgent and necessary nature” for a duration not exceeding 15 days and comply with immigration laws may, therefore, be exempted from the Thai work permit during this period. Additionally, a written note, signed by the foreigner, approved by their employer, and acknowledged by the Director-General, must be issued.

Person under BOI-promoted project

Under Investment Promotion Law, although your work permit application is still pending, you may start working. You must apply your work permit application within 30 days of the Board of Investment’s approval. Within seven days after receiving the notice that you have been approved by the BOI, the Labor Department will issue your work permit.

Visa Services

It’s almost impossible not to fall under the influence of Thailand’s friendly people after one or more trips to Thailand. Their smiles, their customs, and their beautiful real estate properties can put you under a spell. For these reasons, many visitors make the choice to extend their stay after their visa expires. However, dealing with complex government procedures can be stressful but don’t worry, we’ve got you. You don’t even have to consider how you’ll get it done on your own. If you need a visa extension, renewal, 90-day reporting, cancellation, or even a visa run while in Thailand.

Let us help you get the highest quality of visa services, making your stay in Thailand more convenient.

Frequently Asked Questions about Applying Work Permit

Please note that a bachelor’s degree isn’t a training requirement for the 4 Week TEFL course; however, a bachelor’s degree (any major) is normally needed to obtain a non-immigrant B (Business) visa and work permit. A non-immigrant B visa and work permit is normally required to work legally as a teacher in Thailand.

To secure a work permit in Thailand, a foreigner needs an initial visa, which is a non-immigrant visa. The non-immigrant visa must be obtained before entering Thailand.

Once the foreigner has a non-immigrant visa, he may begin to process the work permit. The work permit process would take 7 business days to accomplish.

The fee for a Thai Work Permit changes depending on the duration of the permit: Thai Work Permit for up to three months: 750 Thai Baht.

Thai Work Permit between three to six months: 1,500 Thai Baht. Thai Work Permit longer between six to 12 months: 3,000 Thai Baht.

Tourists are not allowed to work in Thailand. If they want to, they need to have their visa changed into a Non-Immigrant B Visa. This visa is typically issued to foreigners so they can engage in business or employment purposes inside Thailand, thereby facilitating opportunities and enabling economic activities. It comes on 90-day single entry, or on 1-year multiple entry.

Since the cancellation of the visa effectively makes you having to leave the country on the same day, it is important to apply for an extension of stay right after the previous step. The extension will allow you to stay in Thailand for additional seven days.

If a foreigner leaves a job for whatever reason, they need to hand back the work permit to the labour department and the visa that goes with that work permit becomes invalid. You then have to leave the country to obtain a new visa at a Thai embassy or consulate in the neighbouring countries.

Inquire Now to Receive your Work Permit

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