Guide to Employment Permits in Thailand for Foreign Workers

All foreigners who intend to work in Thailand can do so as long as they conform to the Alien Employment Act. This requires you to obtain a work permit issued by the country’s Department of Employment, Ministry of labor. Here is a guide to employment permits in Thailand for foreign workers and expatriates:

It begins with a non-immigrant visa

Any foreigner worker must first obtain a non-immigrant visa before entering the country. Without this crucial document, you cannot get a work permit. On average, it takes about 7 days to get a work permit – faster than it would take for you to obtain the same in any other ASEAN neighbors.

Working outside your company’s designation

Section 8 of the Foreign Business Act allows employers to apply for a work permit on behalf of their prospective employees. However, the work permit can only be issued once the foreign employee gets into Thailand. In this case, he/she has to present himself/herself to receive the work permit. You should keep in mind that the permit is issued to the individual with the support of the organization for a specific job position. You cannot work under a different position.

Steps for employers

As previously mentioned, foreigners (expatriates) can only get a work permit if and only if they have a non-immigrant visa. With this in mind, it’s important to mention the steps employees should take to obtain a work permit for themselves. For a start, they must submit the following:

1. An application form filled in by the employee

1. A letter of employment/engagement from the organization (company)

1. The employee’s personal tax declaration form

1. The company’s affidavit or certificate of incorporation

1. A copy of the employee’s passport

1. 3-4 copies of a recent photograph

1. Certified copies of the employee’s academic transcripts

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