ThailandWork

Thailand work visa (Non-B employment)

Non-Immigrant B (employment) and work permit

In short

Foreigners hired by a company in Thailand apply for a Non-Immigrant B visa for employment, a single-entry visa valid three months, after the employer obtains approval from the Ministry of Labour (WP3). After arrival the employee obtains the work permit and extends the stay in Thailand.

Apply on Thai e-Visa (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand) checked 25 October 2026

Key facts

Validity
Single entry, valid 3 months
Funds required
THB 30,000 for the stayMinimum funds shown by bank statements for the last three months or a sponsor letter.
Processing time
Set by the Thai embassy or consulate handling the application, for example at least 5 to 10 working days in Bucharest or about 14 working days in Islamabad after a complete application
Work
Yes, once the work permit is issued
Family
Family can apply for Non-Immigrant O to stay with non-Thai family
Where to apply
Online through the Thai e-Visa system, processed by the Thai embassy or consulate responsible for the place where you are located; passports are normally not submitted

Documents

The employer's business registration and licence, its company profile, a letter confirming the employment details signed by an authorised person with a copy of the signer's ID, the WP3 approval (or a work permit when renewing a Non-B), and financial evidence of at least THB 30,000. Teachers and sports staff have their own sub-purposes; BOI-promoted companies use the IB variants.

Required documents

Identity

  • Biodata page of the passport (scan)

Travel

  • Document showing your current location (e.g. valid visa, residence permit, ticket or accommodation receipts)

Money

  • Financial evidence of at least THB 30,000

Work

  • WP3 approval letter from the Ministry of Labour (or work permit for renewals)
  • Employer's business registration, licence and company profile
  • Employment letter signed by an authorised person, with the signer's ID copy

Other

  • Photograph taken within the last six months

Fee and payment

The visa fee is set by the Thai embassy or consulate handling the application, shown in the e-Visa system and normally paid online when you submit it; a few missions, such as Islamabad, take payment at the embassy. It is not refunded in any case, including refusals caused by wrong names or e-mail addresses, so check your data before paying.

Steps with your employer

The Thai employer first obtains a WP3, the Ministry of Labour's approval letter for the work permit application. You then apply online for the Non-B employment visa with the WP3 and the documents listed in the e-Visa system. After entering Thailand, the work permit is issued by the Department of Employment and your stay is extended by the Immigration Bureau according to your employment.

  1. Ask your Thai employer to obtain the WP3 approval from the Ministry of Labour and send you the company documents.
  2. Create an account on thaievisa.go.th (one account can hold up to 10 applications) and choose the country where you are currently located; the Thai embassy or consulate responsible for it will process the application.
  3. Select the visa type and purpose, fill in the form and upload the listed documents as clear scans.
  4. Pay the visa fee shown by the system; it is not refunded if the visa is refused or your details are wrong.
  5. Wait for the decision within the processing time of the mission handling your application; answer any request to correct or add documents.
  6. Print the approval e-mail and show it to the airline and Thai immigration on arrival.

On arrival and during your stay

Your permitted stay is stamped by the immigration officer on arrival. Foreigners staying in Thailand for more than 90 days must report their address to the Immigration Bureau every 90 days, except for categories with special rules such as LTR holders, who report once a year. Extensions of stay are handled by Immigration Bureau offices inside Thailand.

Extending your stay in Thailand

Non-Immigrant visas are issued as entry visas valid three months; the permitted stay for the purpose (employment, studies or family) is then extended at the Immigration Bureau office responsible for your address, on the basis of the documents from your employer, school or family. Apply before your current permitted stay ends.

Frequently asked questions

What is a WP3?

The Ministry of Labour's approval letter for your employer's work permit application; it is required for the Non-B employment visa.

Can I start working on arrival?

Only after the work permit is issued in Thailand.

Is there a faster route for highly skilled people?

Highly skilled professionals in targeted industries can apply for the LTR visa with a digital work permit.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Thailand

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Maximum stay: Visa-free: up to 30 days; Tourist Visa: stays of up to 60 days per entry, extendable at the Immigration Bureau
  • Medical treatment visa Validity: Single entry, valid 3 months
  • Transit visa Validity: 1 entry valid 3 months; 2–4 entries valid 6 months

Business and self-employment

  • Business visa Validity: Single entry 3 months; multiple entry 1 year; frequent business visa 3 years
  • Investor visa Validity: 10 years (5 + 5), multiple entry

Study and training

  • Student visa Validity: Single entry, valid 3 months; stay extended in Thailand

Work

Family

Residence

Online travel permits

  • e-Visa Processing time: Set by the Thai embassy or consulate handling the application, for example at least 5 to 10 working days in Bucharest or about 14 working days in Islamabad after a complete application

Thailand visa guide