A work permit is a separate Thai document that allows a foreigner to perform specific work for a specific employer. It works together with a Non-Immigrant B visa. Both must match your employer and job, and both need to be extended on time.
Many foreigners in Thailand discover too late that their visa and their work permit are different things. The visa is issued by immigration or an embassy, and the work permit by the labour authorities. Each has its own conditions, its own validity and its own extension dates.
We help you and your employer line them up. We prepare the permit file, coordinate the company papers and make sure your visa extension supports the same position.
This is for you if
- You have a job in Thailand or are about to start one.
- You are a director or partner who needs to work in your own company.
- Your employer wants a clean, compliant process.
- You want visa and permit expiry dates tracked together.
This may not fit if
- You work remotely for a foreign employer only. See the DTV visa.
- You are a student. See the ED visa and ask us about work options.
How the work permit process works
- 1
Review of role and employer
We review your job, employer and nationality and confirm what the company must provide.
- 2
Company and personal file
We prepare your personal documents and list company documents the employer supplies.
- 3
Permit application
We coordinate the work permit application so it matches your visa and role.
- 4
Extensions and changes
We manage renewals, changes of employer or position and visa extensions.
Visa and work permit must match
Your permit names an employer and a position. If either changes, the permit usually has to be updated, and your visa extension depends on the same facts. Keep them aligned from the start, and tell us about changes before they happen. See our guide on the work permit and the B visa.
Company side of the process
Thai employers must meet requirements about registration and staffing to hire foreigners. If you are founding the company, our company registration and BOI support prepares this first, and BOI partnerships can offer their own process.
Reporting and renewals
While you stay in Thailand you also complete your 90-day report. We track permit expiry, visa extension and reporting in one calendar.
Typical documents for a work permit
Your employer and role decide the list. Most files include:
- Passport and current Non-Immigrant B visa
- Educational and professional certificates
- Employment contract or appointment letter
- Company registration documents and company details
- Medical certificate where required
- Passport photos and application forms
What affects your quote
This service is quoted on request, with our fee and the government fees shown separately. See how our quotes work. Because employer documents vary, we quote after we see your role and company details.
- Employer type and its registration status
- Role and nationality
- Whether visa and permit are new or renewals
- Extensions and reporting included
Common mistakes to avoid
- Starting work before the permit is issued.
- Changing employer or role without updating the permit.
- Letting the visa and the permit expire on different dates.
- Relying on verbal promises from an employer instead of documents.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a work permit and a visa?
Yes. They are separate documents. We coordinate both so they match your employer and your role.
Can you help with company registration?
Yes. We assist with company registration, BOI partnership setup and legal compliance.
How long does a work permit take?
It depends on the employer documents and the authority workload. We give you an expected timeline after reviewing your file.
Do I need to change my permit if I change jobs?
Generally yes. The permit is tied to an employer and a position. Contact us before changing.
Do I still have to report every 90 days?
Yes, while you are in Thailand. Reminders and filings are part of the service.
Visa help across Phuket
Our office is in Wichit and we serve clients all over the island. Choose your area to see local details.
Official sources
Last reviewed on . Thai immigration rules and fees change. We confirm the current requirements for your case in your free pre-check.