Thailand Visa for Foreigners: Complete Guide to Living and Working in Thailand

Understanding Thailand Visa Options for Foreign Nationals

Thailand offers multiple visa pathways for foreigners wanting to live, work, or retire in the country. Choosing the right Thailand visa depends on your purpose, whether that's running a business, working for a Thai company, retiring, or accompanying family members.

This comprehensive guide covers every major Thailand visa for foreigners, from the popular Non-Immigrant Business visa to retirement and dependent options. You'll learn exact requirements, real costs, application processes, and strategies for successful approval and renewal.

Non-Immigrant Business Visa: Foundation for Working in Thailand

The Non-Immigrant Business (Non-B) visa Thailand serves as the primary pathway for foreigners wanting to work or operate businesses in Thailand. This visa enables you to stay legally while managing your company, working for Thai employers, or conducting business activities.

Two Stages of Thailand Business Visa

1. Thailand business visa comes in two phases that foreign nationals must understand clearly.

2. Initial 90-Day Non-B Visa

Your journey begins with a 90-day Non-Immigrant B visa obtained from Thai embassies or consulates in your home country or neighboring countries. This initial visa allows you to enter Thailand and begin preparing for long-term stay.

You cannot apply for the 90-day visa Thailand while on tourist status in most cases. The standard process requires leaving Thailand, applying at a Thai embassy abroad, and re-entering with your approved business visa.

3. One-Year Extension

After entering Thailand on your 90-day Non-B, you become eligible to extend for one year once you meet specific requirements. This one-year extension renews annually as long as you maintain qualifying status.

The one-year extension represents your sustainable long-term solution for staying in Thailand legally while working or operating your business.

Requirements for Thailand Business Visa Application

Securing your Thailand visa requires meeting clear criteria that vary slightly depending on whether you own a company or work for an employer.

For Company Owners

If you established your own Thai company, you need:

1. Registered capital requirement - Your company must have 2 million THB registered capital per foreign employee. If you're the only foreign worker, 2 million THB minimum suffices.

2. Paid-up capital - At least 25% of registered capital (500,000 THB for 2 million company) must be deposited in your corporate bank account.

3. VAT registration - Your company must complete VAT registration with the Revenue Department and maintain active status.

4. Thai employee ratio - Standard requirement is 4 Thai nationals per 1 foreign worker, though exceptions exist for specific business types and BOI-promoted companies.

5. Social Security payments - Thai employees must be enrolled with current contributions paid monthly.

6. Physical office location - Your company needs verifiable office space. Virtual offices work for company registration but not for work permit and visa Thailand applications.

7. Company documentation - Certificate of Incorporation, Company Affidavit dated within 3 months, Memorandum and Articles of Association, shareholder list, director list.

   
   

For Employees of Thai Companies

Foreigners working for existing Thai companies need:

1. Valid employment contract - Written agreement specifying position, salary, and duration.

2. Educational qualifications - Bachelor's degree minimum recommended, though not absolutely mandatory for all positions.

3. Employer company requirements - The Thai company employing you must meet the same capital, VAT, Thai employee ratio, and Social Security requirements listed above.

4. Job description - Detailed description of your role and responsibilities demonstrating genuine business need for foreign expertise.

5. Salary requirements - Minimum monthly salary varies by nationality, typically ranging from 50,000-80,000 THB for most nationalities, though some countries have lower thresholds.

   
   

General Documents for All Applicants

Regardless of company ownership or employment status, prepare:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity

• Passport-sized photos (4x6 cm) taken within last 6 months

• Educational certificates (bachelor's degree or higher)

• CV/resume showing work history and qualifications

• Medical certificate from approved clinic

• Police clearance certificate from home country

• Bank statements showing financial stability

• Work permit application documents

  
  

Thailand Business Visa Application Process

The Thailand visa application follows a structured sequence taking approximately 2-3 weeks for initial 90-day visa, then additional 3-4 weeks for one-year extension.

Step 1: Prepare Company Foundation (Weeks 1-8)

Before applying for visa Thailand, ensure your company exists and meets all requirements. This includes completing company registration, opening corporate bank account, depositing paid-up capital, obtaining VAT registration, hiring Thai employees, and enrolling them in Social Security.

This preparation typically takes 6-8 weeks for new company formation. Existing companies can skip this step.

Step 2: Apply for 90-Day Non-B Visa Abroad

With company established, apply at Thai embassy or consulate in your home country or nearby country like Laos, Malaysia, or Singapore.

Popular application locations include:

• Vientiane, Laos (convenient for Bangkok residents)

• Penang or Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

• Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, Vietnam

• Singapore

• Home country Thai embassy

Processing time varies by location, ranging from same-day service to 5 business days. Most embassies require in-person application and document submission.

Submit your passport, application form, photos, company invitation letter, company registration documents, educational certificates, and financial evidence. Embassy fees typically range from 2,000-10,000 THB depending on location and nationality.

Step 3: Enter Thailand on 90-Day Visa

Upon approval, enter Thailand with your 90-day Non-B visa Thailand. This gives you 90 days to complete work permit application and prepare for one-year extension.

Step 4: Apply for Work Permit (Within First Month)

Work permits must be obtained before starting any employment or business activities. Apply within your first month in Thailand while still holding ample time on your 90-day visa.

The 2025 e-work permit system processes applications digitally within 7 business days. You'll submit job description, company authorization letter, educational certificates, medical certificate, office premises documentation, and all company registration documents.

Work permit processing costs 3,000-6,000 THB in fees. Most foreign entrepreneurs use professional services (20,000-38,000 THB) to ensure proper preparation and submission.

Step 5: Apply for One-Year Extension (Before 90-Day Expiry)

With work permit secured and company meeting all requirements, apply for one-year extension at Immigration Bureau before your 90-day visa expires.

Submit your work permit, company documents proving Thai employee enrollment and Social Security payments, company financial statements showing active operations, company tax filing records, office location verification, and updated passport photos.

Immigration officers may visit your office location to verify legitimate business operations and physical workspace.

Extension processing takes 1-2 weeks. Upon approval, your passport receives a one-year extension stamp. Extension fees equal approximately 1,900 THB.

Step 6: Obtain Re-Entry Permit

Your one-year extension allows you to stay in Thailand but becomes void if you leave the country without re-entry permit. Purchase single or multiple re-entry permits at Immigration Bureau or airports before departing Thailand.

Multiple re-entry permits (valid for one year) cost 3,800 THB and allow unlimited exits and re-entries while maintaining your visa Thailand validity.