What rights do foreign nationals have with a legal work visa in Thailand?
การทำงานของชาวต่างชาติในประเทศไทยต้องมี วีซ่าทำงานไทย หรือ วีซ่าประเภท Non-Immigrant B และ ใบอนุญาตทำงาน (Work Permit) ที่ออกโดยกระทรวงแรงงาน จึงจะสามารถทำงานได้อย่างถูกต้องตามกฎหมาย วีซ่า Non-B เป็นวีซ่าที่อนุญาตให้ชาวต่างชาติเข้ามาทำงานในประเทศไทยได้ ส่วน Work Permit คือใบอนุญาตที่ออกให้ชาวต่างชาติทำงานในประเทศไทยอย่างเป็นทางการ การมีทั้งสองอย่างนี้จึงเป็นสิ่งที่จำเป็นสำหรับชาวต่างชาติที่ต้องการทำงานในประเทศไทยอย่างถูกกฎหมาย
- Non-Immigrant B Visa (Non-B Visa)
เป็นวีซ่าทำงานไทยประเภทหนึ่งที่ออกให้ชาวต่างชาติที่ต้องการเข้ามาทำงานในประเทศไทย โดยทั่วไปแล้วจะอนุญาตให้พำนักอยู่ในประเทศไทยได้ 90 วัน และหากเมื่อได้รับใบอนุญาตทำงานแล้ว จึงสามารถยื่นขอต่อวีซ่า Non-B เป็นระยะเวลา 1 ปีได้ - and must apply for a work permit
It is a document that allows foreign nationals to work in Thailand. Those wishing to work in Thailand must apply for a Work Permit from the Department of Employment, Ministry of Labor, to ensure legal compliance when entering the country to work.
The benefits of working legally according to the law include:
1. The right to work as specified in the work permit.
Foreign nationals can only work in Thailand in the positions, locations, and duties specified in the Work Permit. If they wish to change positions or relocate, they must apply for a modification of the document beforehand.
2. The right to receive wages not lower than the amount specified by law.
The minimum wage for foreign nationals must be no less than the amount specified by the nationality requirements, or it may be based on skills and the position specified by the organization.
3. The right to social security.
If the company contributes to the Social Security Office, foreign nationals will be entitled to the same protections as Thai workers, such as:
- Medical treatment expenses from hospitals according to the benefits.
- Unemployment compensation.
- Benefits in the case of childbirth, illness, disability, or death.
- Retirement gratuity (in cases where the required work duration has been completed).
4. The right to file taxes correctly in Thailand.
Foreign nationals with income from working in Thailand must file a personal income tax return (Form PND 91 or 90) and are entitled to use tax deductions, similar to Thai nationals. In some cases, they may also benefit from tax treaties to avoid double taxation between countries.
5. The right to reside in Thailand according to the visa granted.
Generally, a Non-B visa granted for work allows a stay of 90 days and can be extended for 1 year if the individual is still working with the same employer. The individual must report their address to the Immigration Office every 90 days (90-day reporting), and the address in Thailand must be registered.
6. The right to bring family members to reside in Thailand (in certain cases).
If a foreign national works in Thailand legally and meets the income requirements, they can apply for a Type O visa for their spouse and children to reside in Thailand. This allows the family to stay legally in the country for the long term.
7. The right to open a bank account / rent a residence.
With a valid Work Permit and visa, foreign nationals can use these documents to open a Thai bank account, rent a condominium, or apply for a mobile phone service just like Thai nationals.
Every step is easy, just consult with us.
If a company or foreign national needs consultation regarding visas or work permits, they can contact our experts immediately. We are ready to assist with every step to ensure full legal compliance 100%.
Here are 4 key points that companies with foreign employees in Thailand need to understand
1. Check the qualifications of the foreign national.
The company should verify the preliminary documents and evidence of the employee, such as:
- A passport that is still valid.
- Possession of educational qualifications or relevant experience for the position, as well as a work history.
- Not currently overstaying or residing in Thailand beyond the permitted duration.
2. ความเข้าใจในการขอวีซ่าทำงานไทย (Non – Immigrant Visa “B”)
Before starting work, the foreign national must obtain a Non-B visa from the Thai embassy/consulate abroad. The company must provide an employment certificate and other supporting documents, such as:
- Certificate of company registration.
- Invitation letter for employment.
- List of shareholders
- A copy of the memorandum of association.
3. Understanding the process of applying for a Work Permit.
After entering Thailand with a Non-B visa, the company must assist the foreign national in applying for a Work Permit from the Ministry of Labor by preparing additional documents, such as:
- Employment contract.
- A 3x4 cm photo.
- Company map.
- Photograph of the workplace.
Note: Do not begin work before the Work Permit has been officially approved.
4. Notify the Immigration Office.
After obtaining the Work Permit, the following steps must be taken:
- Notify within the first 24 hours of arrival in the country (if the company provides accommodation).
- 90-day reporting
- If you resign, change jobs, or leave the company, you must notify the termination of employment.
In the case of changing jobs, what visa procedures need to be done?
Foreigners working in Thailand must comply with the conditions of both a visa and a work permit, which must be consistent with each other. When changes occur, such as resignation, changing companies, transferring departments, or even changing positions within the same company, these changes must be handled correctly. Otherwise, it may result in the work becoming "illegal" immediately.
Things to do:
- Immediately cancel the previous Work Permit when resigning from the old job. The work permit must be returned to the Labor Department within 7 days after the employment ends.
- Notify the Immigration Office. Either the previous employer or the employee themselves must report the termination of employment to the Immigration Office (IM). The Non-B visa will expire immediately if there is no new employer to sponsor the visa.
- Apply for a new visa or change the employer. If there is a new employer, the new company must apply for a new Non-B visa. Alternatively, if processed within Thailand, it may be possible to apply for a change of employer at the Immigration Bureau (in certain cases).
Precautions
- During the job transition period, you should not work without a valid work permit.
- Using the previous Work Permit to work with the new company is strictly prohibited.
- If your family is residing in Thailand under a Dependent Visa, you must proceed with the visa renewal or change accordingly.
Service for Work Permit Application for Foreigners in Thailand
If your company or a foreign national wishes to work in Thailand, change jobs, or transfer positions, but is unsure about the required documents or procedures for applying for a work permit, you can consult with visa and work permit specialists. They will ensure that every step complies with legal requirements, is processed efficiently, and that all documents are complete. Professional consultation and case management are provided with extensive expertise.
Contact Us
- Facebook : FDI Group – Business Consulting
- @fdigroup
- Phone : 02-642-6866, 02-642-6869, 02-642-6895
- E-mail : infojob@fdi.co.th
- Website : www.fdi.co.th
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