Thailand Work Visa Process November 2025: Step-by-Step Application Guide. If you’re wondering “How can I apply for a work visa in Thailand in November 2025?” here’s your clear, expert-led guide. The Thailand work visa process is straightforward when you know the eligibility, the right steps and required documents and we’ll walk you through those now.
What is the Thailand Work Visa?
The term Thailand work visa generally refers to the Non-Immigrant B Visa (Business & Employment) which is needed if you want to legally work, conduct business or invest in Thailand.
This visa allows you entry into Thailand; however, to work legally you also must obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Labour (Thailand).
Foreign professionals, teachers, engineers, investors and business people often use this route.
Visa Types Related to “Work”
Here are the main visa categories you might encounter:
| Visa Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Non-Immigrant B (Business & Employment) | For employees of Thai companies or business operations in Thailand. |
| Non-Immigrant B-A (Business Approved) | For investors or businesspersons approved by the Board of Investment (Thailand) (BOI). |
| Non-Immigrant IB (Investment & Business) | Specifically for foreign investors in BOI-promoted projects. |
| Non-Immigrant O (Dependent) | For dependents accompanying a visa holder; working generally not permitted without separate permit. |
Note: Even with the correct visa, you cannot start working until the work permit is issued.
Eligibility Criteria for a Thailand Work Visa in 2025
Before you apply, ensure you meet these key eligibility points:
Applicant Must
- Have a job offer from a Thai-registered company (or be part of a BOI approved investment).
- The employer must be legally registered and eligible to hire foreign workers.
- Applicant’s qualifications should match the job role.
- Applicant must not have serious criminal record, must be physically fit and free from contagious diseases.
- Applicant must hold a valid passport (at least six months validity).
Employer Requirements
- The Thai employer company must be registered and have required capital / labour ratio for hiring foreigners.
- Company must have proper business license, tax ID, shareholders list etc.
Why It Matters
Following the eligibility framework ensures your application is less likely to be delayed or rejected. For example, missing employer documents or failure to match job qualification are common rejection reasons.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Here’s a comprehensive, step-by-step breakdown of the work visa application process in Thailand for November 2025:
Step 1: Secure the Job Offer
You must have a formal job offer or employment contract from a Thai employer. The letter should include position, salary, length of contract, company support etc.
Step 2: Employer Prepares Corporate Documents
Your employer must gather essential company documentation:
- Company registration certificate, business licence, tax ID.
- Shareholders list, company profile, location map, proof of employer’s ability to hire foreigners.
- Invitation letter addressed to you (the applicant) or to the Thai Embassy consulate for visa issuance.
Step 3: Apply for Non-Immigrant B Visa at Thai Embassy/Consulate
With your job offer and employer documents ready, apply for the Non-Immigrant B visa in your home country (or country of residence). The initial entry often allows for up to 90 days stay.
Step 4: Submit Application & Pay Visa Fee
You will submit:
- Completed visa form
- Passport (valid six months or more)
- Passport-sized photos
- Employment contract, company documents
Visa fee varies (e.g., 2,000 THB for single entry in many cases)
Step 5: Receive Non-Immigrant B Visa
Once issued, the visa allows you to enter Thailand for the purpose of employment/business. Note: you still cannot work until your work permit is approved.
Step 6: Enter Thailand & Apply for Work Permit
After entering Thailand, your employer (often) will apply for your work permit with the Ministry of Labour or provincial employment office.
Step 7: Work Permit Application
You (and your employer) must submit:
- Your Non-Immigrant B visa and passport
- Company documents as earlier
- Your educational/qualification certificates and job resume
- Recent photo(s)
Processing time is typically 7-10 working days in Bangkok but may be longer elsewhere.
Step 8: Visa Extension & Re-Entry Permit
Once your work permit is granted, you often apply to extend your stay from 90 days to 1 year (or appropriate period) at the Immigration Bureau. If you plan to leave and re-enter Thailand within that period you should get a re-entry permit so your visa remains valid.
Step 9: Ongoing Compliance
- Report your residential address every 90 days if required.
- Do not switch jobs without updating the permit/visa.
- Employer change or position change typically requires a new permit/visa.
Required Documents Checklist
To help you stay organised, here is a checklist of major required documents for the Thailand work visa + permit:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Visa application form ( Non-Immigrant B )
- Recent passport-size photo (4 × 6 cm or per embassy specs)
- Employment contract / letter of offer from Thai employer
- Thai employer’s company registration certificate, tax ID, shareholder list, business licence etc
- Proof of employer’s ability to hire foreign worker (capital, Thai staff ratio)
- Educational and professional qualification certificates
- Work permit application (when in Thailand)
- Proof of accommodation, travel itinerary (for visa)
- Visa fee payment receipt
Processing Time, Validity & Extension
Processing Time
- Visa (Non-Immigrant B) processing time depends on embassy/consulate; typical range is a few days to a couple of weeks.
- Work permit processing in Thailand often takes around 7–10 working days in Bangkok; could be longer in provincial areas.
Validity & Extension
- Initial Non-Immigrant B visa is often 90 days for single entry.
- After work permit, you may apply to extend stay to 1 year, and renew annually as long as employment continues.
- You must comply with re-entry permits if you exit and re-enter during validity.
Rights and Restrictions When Working in Thailand
Rights
- With valid visa + permit, you can legally work in Thailand for the employer specified in your permit.
- You may also bring dependents (e.g., via Non-Immigrant O visa) though dependents generally cannot work unless they hold their own permit.
Restrictions
- You must only work for the employer stated in your work permit; changing employer typically requires a new permit or amendment.
- If you change job location or job role, you must update your permit.
- Working without a valid work permit is illegal and may lead to fines, deportation or other penalties.
Common Reasons for Rejection & Tips to Avoid Them
Common rejection reasons
- Incomplete documentation (e.g., missing employer’s corporate documents)
- Job offer does not match applicant’s qualifications
- Employer not eligible to hire foreign staff (e.g., insufficient capital, Thai staff ratio)
- Criminal or immigration issues in applicant’s record
Tips to avoid rejection
- Double-check your employer’s registration, business licence and the letter of invitation.
- Ensure your curriculum vitae / qualifications match the job description.
- Ensure your passport has adequate validity and blank pages.
- Keep photocopies of all your documents.
- Begin the process well ahead of planned start date.
Single Entry vs Multiple Entry Non-Immigrant B Visa
| Feature | Single Entry (90 days) | Multiple Entry (1 year) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry type | One-time | Multiple entries within validity |
| Fee (approx) | ~2,000 THB (varies) | ~5,000 THB (varies) |
| Use case | New employment, short term | Long-term employment, frequent travel |
| Re-entry requirement | If you leave, you may require new visa | You get re-entry permit; more flexible |
| Renewal | Convert to 1-year once work permit is obtained | Renew annually if employment continues |
FAQs
Q1: Can I work in Thailand with only a Non-Immigrant B visa?
A: No. A Non-Immigrant B visa lets you enter Thailand for work/business, but you must also obtain a work permit before you can legally start working.
Q2: How long does the work permit application take in Thailand?
A: In Bangkok, the average processing time is around 7–10 working days. In provincial areas it may take up to a few weeks.
Q3: Can I switch jobs once I am in Thailand under a work visa?
A: Yes—but you must apply for a new work permit (or amendment) to reflect the new employer/job. Without doing so you may be in violation.
Q4: Can I bring my family with me under the work visa?
A: Yes, dependents can accompany under a Non-Immigrant O visa (often) but they are generally not allowed to work unless they hold their own work permit.
Q5: What happens if I leave Thailand and re-enter while on a work visa?
A: If your visa is a multiple-entry version, you should obtain a re-entry permit before leaving so your visa remains valid when you come back.
Conclusion
To sum up, applying for a Thailand work visa in November 2025 is very achievable if you follow the correct sequence: secure a job offer → gather employer and personal documents → apply for Non-Immigrant B visa → enter Thailand → apply for work permit → extend visa/stay.
