Your documents to work and stay in Thailand

The bureaucracy to apply for a visa or work permit in Thailand can be quite challenging.

Regarding any visa higher than Tourism some of these documents might be needed:

• Travel passport with a minimum validity of 6 months
• Various and current profile pictures due to the regulations
• Prefilled applications
• Residence certificate
• Bank statements
• Work contract
• Reason to employ a foreigner
• Company business documents from the employer
• Evidence of personal expertise and experience

At the same time there is a variation of different visa types. Here is a non-conclusive list:

• Visa on Arrival (VOA)
• Tourist Visa
• Non-Immigrant Visa B (Business and Work)
• Non-Immigrant Visa O (Other purposes)
• Non-Immigrant Visa O-A (Retirement)
• Non-Immigrant Visa ED (Education)
• Non-Immigrant Visa O (Marriage)

Work Permit

Every foreigner who would like to work in Thailand must obtain a work permit, the so-called “blue book”. This book shows the company of the employer respectively the own company, the position and job title, as well es the length of validity. This document is the basis for everyone who would like to work in Thailand and who is not a Thai national. As business consultants from Nine Elephants we strongly suggest to never start any work in Thailand without having the proper license. Furthermore, there is a list of jobs that foreigners are never allowed to do, f.i. driving a Taxi. At the same time depending on your job and nationality there is a minimum salary for foreigners so you can’t work in any job that pays less. To apply for a work permit there are various documents needed as well as a health check by a doctor. Just contact us directly, so that we can audit your case.