Work Permit Documents: What You Need & FAQs

Documents and Qualifications for Foreigners Applying for a Work Permit in Thailand 

Foreigners who wish to work in Thailand must have a Work Permit to legally perform any work in the country. There must be a clear employing company, and both the company and the foreign employee must meet the qualifications specified by law as follows: 

1.The company must be registered as a legal entity in Thailand. 

2.It must have a minimum registered capital of 2 million THB and employ 4 Thai employees for each Work Permit issued to a foreigner.

3.If it is a foreign-registered company, it must have a minimum registered capital of 3 million THB for each Work Permit issued to a foreign employee.

However, in the case of a company promoted by the BOI some of the requirements may be waived. Nevertheless, the company must still notify the BOI about the necessity of hiring foreign employees to work. 

Nationality Requirements for Applying for a Work Permit

1.Apply for a visa before entering the country legally.

2.Have educational and work experience relevant to the position. 

3.Be in good health, free from serious illnesses, and not addicted to drugs.

Documents Required to Apply for a Work Permit

The documents required for a Work Permit are mainly divided into two parts: documents from the employer (hiring company) and documents from the employee (foreigner).

Employer’s Documents (Hiring Company)

• Certificate of Incorporation and List of Shareholders
• Work Permit Application Form
• VAT Registration Certificate and Evidence of VAT Filing
• Employment Contract Between the Company and the Foreigner
• And other required documents can also be consulted with FDI. 

Employee’s Documents (Foreigner)

• Original Passport and Copies of: Non-Immigrant Visa stamps , Most recent entry stamp into Thailand , First page containing photo and personal information
• Copy of Educational Certificate or Degree
• Certificates and Other Relevant Licenses
• And other required documents can also be consulted with FDI. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Work Permits in Thailand 

1.Do foreigners need a Work Permit before starting work?

A Work Permit must be obtained before starting work. Under Thai law, foreigners are prohibited from working until they receive a Work Permit, even if they hold a Non-B work visa. The visa only grants permission to stay, while the Work Permit provides the legal authorization to work.

2.How long does it take to obtain a Work Permit?

Generally, it takes about 3–7 business days after all documents are submitted. However, the processing time may vary depending on the location and the relevant authorities. 

3.How long is a Work Permit valid, and when should it be renewed?

The validity of a Work Permit usually aligns with the visa duration or employment contract, typically 1 year. It must be renewed before expiration, and each renewal requires updated company documents, tax records, and personal documents.

4.What should you do if you change your job position or employer?

If there is a change in position, duties, or work location, the Work Permit must be amended accordingly. If you change employers, the existing Work Permit must be canceled, and a new Work Permit applied for, as the Work Permit is directly linked to the employer and the specific position.

Consult on Visa & Work Permit with FDI Group

No more worries! Even if you’ve never done it before, simply consult FDI Group. We are a team of Visa & Work Permit specialists with extensive experience assisting foreign clients and companies in Thailand. We help verify documents, plan the process, submit applications on your behalf, and closely follow up with the relevant authorities, minimizing risks and saving time for our clients.

Why Choose FDI Group ?

• Provides legal and procedural guidance accurately and correctly.
• Review documents before submission to reduce the risk of rejection.
• Fast processing with direct coordination with government authorities.
• Comprehensive support from visa and work permit processing to renewals and reporting requirements, suitable for foreign nationals,
  Thai companies, and foreign companies operating in Thailand.
• Excellent service at a price that reflects the value provided. 
• Our staff communicate clearly and provide professional consultation, offering support in up to four languages: English, Japanese, Thai, and Chinese.

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