Guide for Foreign Workers Looking for Employment Permits in Thailand

Are you someone who is interested in working abroad? Do you already have a few countries in mind? Is Thailand one of them?

If you have answered yes to all three of the questions above, then it’s your lucky day! Even if Thailand is not in your choices, then take a look at what we have in store for you.

Working abroad is not an easy feat to manage. There are a lot of steps you have to go through before you can secure a work permit. That’s exactly what we’ll be talking about in this article.

We’ve put together an immersive guide that explains you need to know about getting employment permits in Thailand. So, let’s get started!

How to Secure a Work Permit in Thailand?

The first step is for you to get an initial visa. This is a non-immigrant visa that you require to get before you enter Thailand. Once you get your visa you can start your application process for a work permit.

The permit can take up to 7 days and is processed in the ministry of labor.

In Thailand, according to their Foreign Business Act, a future employer can apply for the work permit on behalf of you.

However, the work permit will only be issued once the foreigner has entered the country in line with their immigration laws. They have to present themself to receive their permit themselves.

In Thailand, they only issue work permits to a foreigner for the specific job and for the specific company by whom they have been selected. Foreigners are not allowed to work outside of the company’s designation.

Important Steps for Employees

So, before you get excited about all the benefits from moving to Thailand, the Thai company you will be working for has to arrange for an application for the non-immigrant visa.

You have to enter the country within the time allowed by the visa. Then with the help of the employer, you have to start the process of obtaining a work permit.

Once it’s issued, the work permit will have the same length of validity as your initial visa. You can find out more on their website.

However, foreign workers can apply for an extension of their visa only once within a period of over 90 to 365 days.

Employee’s Necessary Documents

First off, you’ll need an application form signed by the employee, then a letter of employment from the company. Next comes the Certificate of Incorporation, an audit report, and a balance sheet for the previous three years.

Then you’ll have to submit your personal income tax declaration, a report expressing your activities, and a final declaration that those activities will follow the conditions mentioned in the work permit booklet.

A copy of your passport with the valid non-immigrant visa stamp and a map of the location of your company signed by the Director are among the important documents you’ll have to submit.

You’ll also need to do a syphilis test and get a health certificate from a verified Thai doctor. Lastly, you will need three color photographs of yourself, certified copies of your qualifications, and educational certificates for the job.

Important Steps for Employers

Even though it’s optional, there are a few things the Thai authorities require an employer who is applying for a work permit for a foreign employee.

Fully Paid-Up Registered Capital

First of all, in order to hire a foreign employee, the company must have a fully paid-up registered capital of over 2 million Baht. Keep in mind, the 2 million baht is for one person only. The maximum number of foreign employees is 10 people.

However, even if the company fails to show the 2 million they can still hire one worker. That’s only if their total corporate income tax payment has been near 5 million baht for the previous three years. For every 5 million baht the company pays in tax, they get to hire one foreign worker.

Exporting Benefits

Next, if the employer has taken part in exporting business that has brought revenue of over 3 million baht to Thailand in the previous fiscal year, they can also hire one foreigner. Similarly, for every additional 3 million baht, they can hire up to a max of 3 foreign workers.

The employer also has to have at least 3 or more foreign employees.

A company can hire a maximum of up to 5 foreign employees.

Personal Income Tax

It’s required for a foreign employee to have paid personal income tax of over 17,000 baht for the previous tax year.

If the foreigner has not worked in Thailand previously, then they will need to obtain an income of at least 50,000 baht per month if they are single. For married people, the requirement is 60,000 baht per month.

Employers Necessary Documents

The employer of the foreign worker also has to provide some necessary documents. These are the company objectives, company certificate, a list of the shareholders, and an application for VAT.

Additional Documents required are the withholding tax of the company, the company’s financial statement, a photocopy of the director’s passport, the work permit with their signature, and an office map.

Finally, the company has to submit the letter of appointment that states the position and salary of the employee and the employee agreement. Once the permit is granted, the foreign worker has to have the work permit with them at all times they are at the workplace.

Keep in mind, the foreign employee can only do the job that’s stated in the work permit and only for that particular employer.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, we’d like to say that we hope our small guide helps you to understand what’s necessary for a foreigner who is applying for work in Thailand.

For foreign workers and their employers, respecting the process of obtaining a work permit is crucial in Thailand. Failure to do so will indicate illegal employment and we don’t want that for you.

It’s not easy to work in a foreign land, away from home and family but there are benefits to it. If our article helps you to get a work permit, then please don’t forget to share it with those who need it!