Kamnuan
Categories Finance Health Date & Time Utility
Blog FAQ History
6 min read By Kamnuan Editorial Last reviewed: June 9, 2026

Thailand Work Permit Guide for Foreigners — Non-B Visa & Work Permit (2026)

How to work legally in Thailand: the Non-Immigrant B visa, the work permit, who needs one, the process, and how it links to tax and social security.

ymylvisaworkexpatThailand

Working Legally in Thailand

To work in Thailand as a foreigner you need two things: the right visa (usually a Non-Immigrant B) and a work permit. They are separate documents issued by different authorities, and you need both before you start work. This guide walks through how they fit together.

Disclaimer note: Work-permit rules, fees, and document lists change and vary by case and province. Confirm current requirements with the Thai Ministry of Labour / Department of Employment and a Royal Thai Embassy before relying on any detail here.

Step 1: The Non-Immigrant B Visa

The Non-Immigrant B is the standard category for employment and business. Key points reported by official and legal sources:

  • It is normally obtained at a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate outside Thailand before you travel.
  • A single-entry Non-B is typically valid for 90 days from issue and is converted/extended within Thailand once you have a work permit.
  • A multiple-entry Non-B is valid for about a year with 90-day entries.
  • You’ll usually need an employment contract, company documents from your Thai employer, and a passport valid for at least six months.

Step 2: The Work Permit

Once in Thailand with a Non-B visa, you (with your employer) apply for the work permit. Under Thai law:

  • Any foreign national performing work for an employer needs a permit — paid or unpaid. “Work” is defined broadly.
  • The permit ties you to a specific employer, work location, and job description. Changing any of these generally requires notifying the authorities or getting a new permit.
  • Employing a foreigner without a valid permit carries penalties for the employer, so legitimate companies will insist on doing this properly.

Modern work permits are increasingly issued in digital form after biometric registration at a labour office.

Step 3: Extend Your Stay

With your work permit in hand, you convert or extend your Non-B stay at immigration (often to a one-year extension based on employment). After that, the ongoing formalities apply — including 90-day reporting.

Tax and Social Security

Once you’re employed in Thailand, two deductions apply:

To see your actual take-home pay after both, use the Net Salary Calculator.

A Note on Other Work Routes

  • DTV holders can do remote work for overseas clients, but the DTV does not permit local employment — see Long-stay visa options.
  • BOI-promoted companies and the LTR visa have streamlined work-authorisation channels with different rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a work permit to work in Thailand?

Yes. Any foreign national performing work for an employer in Thailand needs a work permit, whether the role is paid or unpaid. “Work” is defined broadly under Thai law and covers professional, teaching, and consulting roles.

Is the Non-B visa the same as a work permit?

No. They are two separate documents. The Non-Immigrant B visa lets you enter Thailand for employment; the work permit, issued after you arrive, authorises you to actually work. You need both.

Can I change employers on the same work permit?

A work permit authorises you to work only for the employer, locations, and job duties named in it. Changing employer, location, or duties generally requires notifying the authorities or obtaining a new permit.

Do I pay tax and social security on a work permit?

Yes. Employees in Thailand are subject to personal income tax and, under Section 33, social security contributions. Use the salary and social security calculators to estimate your deductions.

Useful Tools & Guides