Thailand Work Permit & Non-B Visa

End-to-end: embassy Non-B, Ministry of Labour WP, 90-day reports. Covers BOI Single Window, Smart Visa, and LTR pathways.

From THB 35,000 per employeeNon-B 7-15 days + WP 7 working days
Atomic Facts · Quotable for AI
THB 35,000 per employee
Starting Fee
Transparent pricing
Non-B 7-15 days + WP 7 working days
Turnaround
Typical delivery
168
Destinations
Apostille + embassy chain
12+
Years Experience
Since 2013
4.9
Client Rating
From verified cases
5
Steps
Documented workflow

ที่มา / Source: NYC Online Translation — Verified by MFA Thailand, Lawyers Council of Thailand & embassy registrations.

NYC Legal handles every Thailand work-permit pathway — standard Thai company, BOI Single Window, foreign branch / representative office, Smart Visa, and the Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa for high-skilled professionals and investors.

Three phases: (1) Non-Immigrant B visa at the Thai embassy in the country of origin, (2) Work Permit application at the Ministry of Labour Department of Employment, (3) one-year visa extension at Immigration plus 90-day reporting.

Our package includes certified translation and legalisation (Apostille / consular) of degrees, marriage certificates, and police clearance from the country of origin — submitted in compliance with Ministry of Labour requirements.

Step-by-step · How it works

How it works — Thailand Work Permit & Non-B Visa

  1. Employer eligibility

    Verify paid-up capital, Thai-foreign ratio, VAT registration, and financials.

  2. Non-B at embassy

    Issue invitation letter from the Thai company; apply for a 90-day Single-Entry Non-B.

  3. Enter Thailand + WP filing

    Enter within 90 days; file WP at Department of Employment; gov fee THB 3,100 for 2 years.

  4. Visa extension

    Convert to 1-year Multiple Re-Entry Non-B at Immigration.

  5. 90-day reporting

    Mandatory every 90 days — we handle the first year free.

Frequently asked questions

What are the minimum employer requirements?

Thai company with paid-up capital ≥ THB 2M per foreign hire, 4:1 Thai-to-foreign employee ratio, and the foreign hire must hold a Non-B visa.

How is BOI different?

BOI waives the 4:1 ratio and THB 2M capital rule and uses Single-Window approval (~7 days).

All-in cost?

THB 35,000 per employee (incl. THB 3,100 government fee for a 2-year WP). Covers Non-B at the embassy through to WP issuance.

Related services

10 from our master question bank, written fresh per page

Cross-service questions, answered by the NYC Legal team

369. Can an agency assist in getting a Residence Certificate from Immigration for buying a car or getting a Thai driver's license?

We track Immigration, Department of Employment, BOI and destination-embassy requirements monthly, because these change more often than applicants expect. Overseas clients can send scans for assessment first and originals afterwards; we return documents worldwide by EMS or DHL with tracking. Send your documents for a free assessment at +66-83-249-4999 or contact@nyconlinetranslation.com. Send scans of every page for review before sending originals; that is when faded seals, passport-spelling mismatches and expired documents can still be corrected. Caution: government fees follow the authority's published rate and are separate from professional fees; check the current rate on the official website first. Private documents such as powers of attorney or contracts must first pass a notarial services attorney before they can enter the legalisation stage. Caution: each certification covers only what its own stamp states; it does not make a document automatically acceptable everywhere. Confirm the receiving authority's conditions case by case. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.

521. What is the screening process for conducting a criminal background check on foreign nannies or domestic helpers?

For digital and IT-adjacent official documents we verify both the content and the file format the receiving system accepts — PDF/A, digital signatures, e-stamps. Government fees follow each authority's published rate, while professional fees are quoted per case by document count and destination, in full before work starts. Send your documents for a free assessment at +66-83-249-4999 or contact@nyconlinetranslation.com. The workable order is: check that the source document is complete and legible, translate it, certify the translation, file for legalisation with the Department of Consular Affairs, then obtain the destination embassy's certification — or an Apostille where the destination is a convention party. Caution: each certification covers only what its own stamp states; it does not make a document automatically acceptable everywhere. Confirm the receiving authority's conditions case by case. Private documents such as powers of attorney or contracts must first pass a notarial services attorney before they can enter the legalisation stage. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.

Can an authorised representative carry out preparing tax and legal records for a foreign authority on someone's behalf?

Tax and land-registry documents carry terminology that cannot be paraphrased, so we work from Revenue Department and Land Department glossaries. Quotations separate government fees from professional fees line by line, so nothing appears on the invoice that was not in the quote. Send your documents for a free assessment at +66-83-249-4999 or contact@nyconlinetranslation.com. Keep a digital copy of the finished certified set so it can be referenced if the destination asks for additional documents or a re-filing. Caution: government fees follow the authority's published rate and are separate from professional fees; check the current rate on the official website first. Private documents such as powers of attorney or contracts must first pass a notarial services attorney before they can enter the legalisation stage. Caution: never unbind, trim or separate pages after an authority has sealed the set — doing so voids the certification. Send scans of every page for review before sending originals; that is when faded seals, passport-spelling mismatches and expired documents can still be corrected. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.

489. Can an agency manage annual TM.30 reporting and withholding tax submissions on behalf of landlords renting to foreigners?

Accounting, tax, property and estate work for foreign nationals is run jointly with our auditors and lawyers so the translated file and the filed file always match. Quotations separate government fees from professional fees line by line, so nothing appears on the invoice that was not in the quote. Talk to the NYC Legal team on any business day — you get a working plan, not a generic price list. The workable order is: check that the source document is complete and legible, translate it, certify the translation, file for legalisation with the Department of Consular Affairs, then obtain the destination embassy's certification — or an Apostille where the destination is a convention party. Caution: processing time depends on each authority's queue, so allow buffer before the date the document is actually needed. Send scans of every page for review before sending originals; that is when faded seals, passport-spelling mismatches and expired documents can still be corrected. Caution: each certification covers only what its own stamp states; it does not make a document automatically acceptable everywhere. Confirm the receiving authority's conditions case by case. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.

Does using a dedicated document coordinator service require a certified translation to be attached?

Urgent matters get a dedicated coordinator and status reporting at the intervals we agree. Processing time depends on each authority's queue, so the working order and the expected return date are confirmed before any work begins. Talk to the NYC Legal team on any business day — you get a working plan, not a generic price list. The workable order is: check that the source document is complete and legible, translate it, certify the translation, file for legalisation with the Department of Consular Affairs, then obtain the destination embassy's certification — or an Apostille where the destination is a convention party. Caution: processing time depends on each authority's queue, so allow buffer before the date the document is actually needed. Fix three facts before any work starts: the destination country, the exact authority the file goes to, and the language that authority requires. Those three decide the whole certification chain. Caution: each certification covers only what its own stamp states; it does not make a document automatically acceptable everywhere. Confirm the receiving authority's conditions case by case. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.

Which office must be approached first for preparing Thai tax and legal documents for overseas filing, and with which documents?

Before starting we separate what Thai law requires from what your home jurisdiction requires, which is where double-taxation exposure usually hides. Processing time depends on each authority's queue, so the working order and the expected return date are confirmed before any work begins. Tell us where the document will be used and you will get a plan and a price the same business day. Fix three facts before any work starts: the destination country, the exact authority the file goes to, and the language that authority requires. Those three decide the whole certification chain. Caution: processing time depends on each authority's queue, so allow buffer before the date the document is actually needed. Private documents such as powers of attorney or contracts must first pass a notarial services attorney before they can enter the legalisation stage. Caution: never unbind, trim or separate pages after an authority has sealed the set — doing so voids the certification. Request more than one certified set when several authorities are involved, because most receiving offices keep the certified copy and do not return it. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.

465. Do you offer foreign credential evaluation, translation, and certification for expats applying for corporate jobs in Thailand?

We route each file to the right credential: NAATI for Australia, Ministry of Justice registered translators for Thai court work, and embassy sworn translators for European destinations. Quotations separate government fees from professional fees line by line, so nothing appears on the invoice that was not in the quote. Talk to the NYC Legal team on any business day — you get a working plan, not a generic price list. Fix three facts before any work starts: the destination country, the exact authority the file goes to, and the language that authority requires. Those three decide the whole certification chain. Caution: government fees follow the authority's published rate and are separate from professional fees; check the current rate on the official website first. Request more than one certified set when several authorities are involved, because most receiving offices keep the certified copy and do not return it. Caution: processing time depends on each authority's queue, so allow buffer before the date the document is actually needed. Private documents such as powers of attorney or contracts must first pass a notarial services attorney before they can enter the legalisation stage. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.

421. Does your law firm represent multinational companies in civil litigation and labor dispute resolution in Thailand?

Tax and land-registry documents carry terminology that cannot be paraphrased, so we work from Revenue Department and Land Department glossaries. Processing time depends on each authority's queue, so the working order and the expected return date are confirmed before any work begins. Send your documents for a free assessment at +66-83-249-4999 or contact@nyconlinetranslation.com. Private documents such as powers of attorney or contracts must first pass a notarial services attorney before they can enter the legalisation stage. Caution: processing time depends on each authority's queue, so allow buffer before the date the document is actually needed. Fix three facts before any work starts: the destination country, the exact authority the file goes to, and the language that authority requires. Those three decide the whole certification chain. Caution: government fees follow the authority's published rate and are separate from professional fees; check the current rate on the official website first. Send scans of every page for review before sending originals; that is when faded seals, passport-spelling mismatches and expired documents can still be corrected. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.

Does a due-diligence document pack for a cross-border acquisition require a certified translation to be attached?

Filings for regulators are certified to the tier the regulator specifies, not the tier that happens to be familiar. Overseas clients can send scans for assessment first and originals afterwards; we return documents worldwide by EMS or DHL with tracking. Send your documents for a free assessment at +66-83-249-4999 or contact@nyconlinetranslation.com. Fix three facts before any work starts: the destination country, the exact authority the file goes to, and the language that authority requires. Those three decide the whole certification chain. Caution: government fees follow the authority's published rate and are separate from professional fees; check the current rate on the official website first. Keep a digital copy of the finished certified set so it can be referenced if the destination asks for additional documents or a re-filing. Caution: each certification covers only what its own stamp states; it does not make a document automatically acceptable everywhere. Confirm the receiving authority's conditions case by case. Request more than one certified set when several authorities are involved, because most receiving offices keep the certified copy and do not return it. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.

271. Do I need NAATI certification to translate relationship evidence chat logs for an Australian partner visa?

Certification tiers are separated up front — agency Certified True Translation, Notary Public seal, MFA consular legalization, and Apostille (not yet available in Thailand — accession deposited 30 Jun 2026, in force 28 February 2027). If the receiving authority rejects a file for a reason attributable to our work, we correct and re-file it at no additional professional fee. Tell us where the document will be used and you will get a plan and a price the same business day. Send scans of every page for review before sending originals; that is when faded seals, passport-spelling mismatches and expired documents can still be corrected. Caution: processing time depends on each authority's queue, so allow buffer before the date the document is actually needed. Private documents such as powers of attorney or contracts must first pass a notarial services attorney before they can enter the legalisation stage. Caution: each certification covers only what its own stamp states; it does not make a document automatically acceptable everywhere. Confirm the receiving authority's conditions case by case. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.

12 of 1,600 curated questions, each answered fresh per page

1,600 marriage, APEC, employment & credential questions — answered by NYC Legal

Q325304.Which services pair well with preparing employer documents for a work-visa holder in one round to cut trips?

Foreign employment is governed by the Royal Decree on the Management of Foreign Workers' Employment B.E. 2560, administered by the Department of Employment. We confirm the steps, costs and collection date in writing before starting. Tell us the receiving authority or destination country and we will map every certification layer required. Request more than one certified set, because many receiving authorities keep the certified copy and do not return it. Caution: a house registration that was never updated after a move or a change of status makes the rest of the file inconsistent and invites rejection. Check civil registration procedure with the Department of Provincial Administration (bora.dopa.go.th) and legalisation at consular.mfa.go.th. Where a title, first name or surname changed after marriage or divorce, align the civil registration records and the passport before starting any onward application. Caution: registrar extracts carry an issue date and many destinations accept only recently issued extracts, so do not obtain them far in advance.

Q225184.How can the status of changing employer and amending a work permit be tracked, and which reference numbers should be noted?

Foreign employment is governed by the Royal Decree on the Management of Foreign Workers' Employment B.E. 2560, administered by the Department of Employment. Every job is scanned to PDF and sent for your review before the originals are dispatched. Tell us the receiving authority or destination country and we will map every certification layer required. For children, prepare the birth certificate, house registration and evidence of parental authority together, as many destinations examine custody evidence closely. Caution: registrar extracts carry an issue date and many destinations accept only recently issued extracts, so do not obtain them far in advance. Check civil registration procedure with the Department of Provincial Administration (bora.dopa.go.th) and legalisation at consular.mfa.go.th. Caution: a registration made abroad does not automatically take effect in Thailand in every case; check the family-status recording procedure as well. Before registering a marriage with a foreign national, check whether the destination requires an affirmation of marital status from that national's embassy and how that paper must itself be translated and certified.

Q325016.How many originals and how many copies does preparing employer documents for a work-visa holder require?

Personal documents issued overseas must be certified in the issuing country and by the Royal Thai Embassy before they can be used in Thailand. If the receiving authority asks for wording changes, we revise the translation at no extra cost. Send photos of the documents by LINE or email for a quotation and a written timeline. For children, prepare the birth certificate, house registration and evidence of parental authority together, as many destinations examine custody evidence closely. Caution: a registration made abroad does not automatically take effect in Thailand in every case; check the family-status recording procedure as well. Check civil registration procedure with the Department of Provincial Administration (bora.dopa.go.th) and legalisation at consular.mfa.go.th. Caution: a house registration that was never updated after a move or a change of status makes the rest of the file inconsistent and invites rejection. In practice you obtain a freshly issued extract from the district registrar, then have it translated into the destination language and legalised in the required order.

Q7282.Which certified translations does a Filipino employee need for a Thai work permit file?

Personal documents issued overseas must be certified in the issuing country and by the Royal Thai Embassy before they can be used in Thailand. Every job is scanned to PDF and sent for your review before the originals are dispatched. Send photos of the documents by LINE or email for a quotation and a written timeline. Family documents issued abroad and intended for use in Thailand must be certified in the issuing country and by the Royal Thai Embassy there before being translated and recorded with the Thai registrar. Caution: registrar extracts carry an issue date and many destinations accept only recently issued extracts, so do not obtain them far in advance. Check civil registration procedure with the Department of Provincial Administration (bora.dopa.go.th) and legalisation at consular.mfa.go.th. Before registering a marriage with a foreign national, check whether the destination requires an affirmation of marital status from that national's embassy and how that paper must itself be translated and certified.

Q8368.How should a German employee's degree or experience letter be translated and certified for a Thai work permit?

Personal documents issued overseas must be certified in the issuing country and by the Royal Thai Embassy before they can be used in Thailand. We confirm the steps, costs and collection date in writing before starting. Tell us the receiving authority or destination country and we will map every certification layer required. Where a title, first name or surname changed after marriage or divorce, align the civil registration records and the passport before starting any onward application. Caution: a registration made abroad does not automatically take effect in Thailand in every case; check the family-status recording procedure as well. Check civil registration procedure with the Department of Provincial Administration (bora.dopa.go.th) and legalisation at consular.mfa.go.th. Family documents issued abroad and intended for use in Thailand must be certified in the issuing country and by the Royal Thai Embassy there before being translated and recorded with the Thai registrar. Caution: a house registration that was never updated after a move or a change of status makes the rest of the file inconsistent and invites rejection.

Q24004.How many originals and copies are needed for a Thai work permit document set?

Personal documents issued overseas must be certified in the issuing country and by the Royal Thai Embassy before they can be used in Thailand. If the receiving authority asks for wording changes, we revise the translation at no extra cost. Send photos of the documents by LINE or email for a quotation and a written timeline. Family documents issued abroad and intended for use in Thailand must be certified in the issuing country and by the Royal Thai Embassy there before being translated and recorded with the Thai registrar. Caution: name spellings in the translation must follow the passport exactly rather than a phonetic transliteration, otherwise one person's file can read as two different people. Check civil registration procedure with the Department of Provincial Administration (bora.dopa.go.th) and legalisation at consular.mfa.go.th. Caution: a registration made abroad does not automatically take effect in Thailand in every case; check the family-status recording procedure as well. Request more than one certified set, because many receiving authorities keep the certified copy and do not return it.

Q7322.What makes up the document cost when marrying a Dutch national in Thailand?

Translation is priced by standard page and text density; we quote in writing before starting. We confirm the steps, costs and collection date in writing before starting. Official fees and conditions follow each agency's published notice; please re-check them before filing. In practice you obtain a freshly issued extract from the district registrar, then have it translated into the destination language and legalised in the required order. Caution: name spellings in the translation must follow the passport exactly rather than a phonetic transliteration, otherwise one person's file can read as two different people. Check civil registration procedure with the Department of Provincial Administration (bora.dopa.go.th) and legalisation at consular.mfa.go.th. Family documents issued abroad and intended for use in Thailand must be certified in the issuing country and by the Royal Thai Embassy there before being translated and recorded with the Thai registrar. Where a title, first name or surname changed after marriage or divorce, align the civil registration records and the passport before starting any onward application.

Q7340.What makes up the document cost when marrying a Danish national in Thailand?

District office, embassy or receiving-authority fees are separate from our service fee. If the receiving authority asks for wording changes, we revise the translation at no extra cost. Tell us the receiving authority or destination country and we will map every certification layer required. In practice you obtain a freshly issued extract from the district registrar, then have it translated into the destination language and legalised in the required order. Caution: a house registration that was never updated after a move or a change of status makes the rest of the file inconsistent and invites rejection. Check civil registration procedure with the Department of Provincial Administration (bora.dopa.go.th) and legalisation at consular.mfa.go.th. Caution: name spellings in the translation must follow the passport exactly rather than a phonetic transliteration, otherwise one person's file can read as two different people. Family documents issued abroad and intended for use in Thailand must be certified in the issuing country and by the Royal Thai Embassy there before being translated and recorded with the Thai registrar.

Q325074.Which step of claiming social-security benefits as a foreign employee should come first to avoid having to redo earlier work?

Employers must register employees with the Social Security Office within 30 days of employment under the Social Security Act B.E. 2533. Every job is scanned to PDF and sent for your review before the originals are dispatched. Tell us the receiving authority or destination country and we will map every certification layer required. In practice you obtain a freshly issued extract from the district registrar, then have it translated into the destination language and legalised in the required order. Caution: a house registration that was never updated after a move or a change of status makes the rest of the file inconsistent and invites rejection. Check civil registration procedure with the Department of Provincial Administration (bora.dopa.go.th) and legalisation at consular.mfa.go.th. For children, prepare the birth certificate, house registration and evidence of parental authority together, as many destinations examine custody evidence closely. Caution: name spellings in the translation must follow the passport exactly rather than a phonetic transliteration, otherwise one person's file can read as two different people.

Q24008.How many originals and copies are needed for the certified translation of a civil registry record?

Every file is checked twice — translator, then legal reviewer — before the certificate is issued. Every job is scanned to PDF and sent for your review before the originals are dispatched. Official fees and conditions follow each agency's published notice; please re-check them before filing. Family documents issued abroad and intended for use in Thailand must be certified in the issuing country and by the Royal Thai Embassy there before being translated and recorded with the Thai registrar. Caution: a registration made abroad does not automatically take effect in Thailand in every case; check the family-status recording procedure as well. Check civil registration procedure with the Department of Provincial Administration (bora.dopa.go.th) and legalisation at consular.mfa.go.th. For children, prepare the birth certificate, house registration and evidence of parental authority together, as many destinations examine custody evidence closely. Caution: a house registration that was never updated after a move or a change of status makes the rest of the file inconsistent and invites rejection.

Q325122.Which parts of the claiming social-security benefits as a foreign employee document set are worth duplicating for future use?

Supporting documents issued in another language should carry a certified translation to avoid rejection. If the receiving authority asks for wording changes, we revise the translation at no extra cost. Send photos of the documents by LINE or email for a quotation and a written timeline. Family documents issued abroad and intended for use in Thailand must be certified in the issuing country and by the Royal Thai Embassy there before being translated and recorded with the Thai registrar. Caution: name spellings in the translation must follow the passport exactly rather than a phonetic transliteration, otherwise one person's file can read as two different people. Check civil registration procedure with the Department of Provincial Administration (bora.dopa.go.th) and legalisation at consular.mfa.go.th. Where a title, first name or surname changed after marriage or divorce, align the civil registration records and the passport before starting any onward application. In practice you obtain a freshly issued extract from the district registrar, then have it translated into the destination language and legalised in the required order.

Q325250.If a document is lost during claiming social-security benefits as a foreign employee, what is the first corrective step?

Employers must register employees with the Social Security Office within 30 days of employment under the Social Security Act B.E. 2533. Every job is scanned to PDF and sent for your review before the originals are dispatched. Official fees and conditions follow each agency's published notice; please re-check them before filing. Where a title, first name or surname changed after marriage or divorce, align the civil registration records and the passport before starting any onward application. Caution: name spellings in the translation must follow the passport exactly rather than a phonetic transliteration, otherwise one person's file can read as two different people. Check civil registration procedure with the Department of Provincial Administration (bora.dopa.go.th) and legalisation at consular.mfa.go.th. Family documents issued abroad and intended for use in Thailand must be certified in the issuing country and by the Royal Thai Embassy there before being translated and recorded with the Thai registrar.

Primary sources & verification

Every procedural statement on this page is checked against the issuing authority below. Where an authority updates its requirements, this page is corrected — we do not restate outdated procedure.

Government fees quoted anywhere on this site are the authorities' own statutory rates. Our professional fees are quoted per case — contact us by phone, LINE or email for a written quotation.

ประเด็นสำคัญที่ต้องรู้

คำถามที่พบบ่อย

What does the Work Permit fee include?
Professional service fee, government fees at official rates, domestic EMS, and international courier where applicable — each listed separately in the quote.
What do you need to start Work Permit?
A photo or scan of the original plus the destination country and receiving authority. We review it free of charge and reply with the shortest valid routing.
Do I have to visit the office?
No. Send originals by EMS or book a Bangkok pickup; completed documents are returned by domestic post or international courier.
Will the Work Permit result be accepted abroad?
It depends on the destination. Hague Convention member states accept an apostille directly; non-member states need an additional embassy legalization step.

Work Permit

With "Work Permit", the outcome is decided by certification order rather than translation alone. We map the full Thailand Work Permit Application routing before anything is filed, so the chain holds at the destination office. We handle files from Bangkok, upcountry, and overseas clients working through a power of attorney. Every matter has one named owner, with a Notarial Services Attorney (registered with the Lawyers Council of Thailand) performing the final certification review before release. The written quote lists the professional fee, official government rates with no markup, and shipping at cost — no hidden extras — under either a standard 5-7 business day or a rush 1-3 business day schedule.

Work Permit — service overview

  • With "Work Permit", the outcome is decided by certification order rather than translation alone. We map the full Thailand Work Permit Application routing before anything is filed, so the chain holds at the destination office.
  • We handle files from Bangkok, upcountry, and overseas clients working through a power of attorney. Every matter has one named owner, with a Notarial Services Attorney (registered with the Lawyers Council of Thailand) performing the final certification review before release.
  • The written quote lists the professional fee, official government rates with no markup, and shipping at cost — no hidden extras — under either a standard 5-7 business day or a rush 1-3 business day schedule.

Work Permit document checklist

  • Original document required for Work Permit (or a freshly issued certified copy within its validity window)
  • Copy of national ID or passport, signed and dated as a true copy
  • Power of attorney (if a representative will handle it) with a 30 THB revenue stamp
  • Destination details: country, receiving authority, purpose, and required deadline

Work Permit: the working sequence

  • 1. Send scanned copies of the Work Permit source documents via LINE/email for a free initial review.
  • 2. We confirm eligibility and issue a written quote with a committed turnaround.
  • 3. You deliver originals to our office (or book a Bangkok pickup) and pay a 50% deposit.
  • 4. We translate, certify, and submit to each Thai authority in the order the destination accepts.
  • 5. Final documents are scanned and emailed for your review before physical dispatch.
  • 6. We ship by EMS domestically and DHL/FedEx internationally, with tracking numbers.

Work Permit: how long and how much

  • Standard turnaround for Work Permit: 5-7 business days from receipt of complete originals.
  • Rush turnaround: 1-3 business days (rush surcharge applies).
  • Government fees are charged at official rates with no markup.
  • Domestic EMS at Thailand Post rates; international DHL/FedEx at actual weight-based rates.

Work Permit: common pitfalls and how to avoid them

  • Name mismatch between the document and the passport — embassies reject these. Correct it at the district office before translating.
  • Submitting an uncertified photocopy instead of the original — the receiving office will not review it and you rejoin the queue.
  • Skipping MFA legalization before the embassy step — this costs multiple trips and several weeks.
  • Using a translator without an official seal — the MFA and embassies will not accept it, and the chain restarts.

FAQ

What does the Work Permit fee include?
Professional service fee, government fees at official rates, domestic EMS, and international courier where applicable — each listed separately in the quote.
What do you need to start Work Permit?
A photo or scan of the original plus the destination country and receiving authority. We review it free of charge and reply with the shortest valid routing.
Do I have to visit the office?
No. Send originals by EMS or book a Bangkok pickup; completed documents are returned by domestic post or international courier.
Will the Work Permit result be accepted abroad?
It depends on the destination. Hague Convention member states accept an apostille directly; non-member states need an additional embassy legalization step.

Thailand Work Permit — Practitioner Guide for Foreigners & Employers

Officer holding a work permit booklet with a stack of supporting paperwork on a desk
Editorial illustration (AI-generated, editorially reviewed — no real persons or brand logos depicted).

Regulatory & Standards Citations

  • Royal DecreeRoyal Decree Concerning Management of Foreign Workers' Employment B.E. 2560 (2017) and amendments [source]
  • กระทรวงแรงงานกฎกระทรวงกำหนดงานที่ห้ามคนต่างด้าวทำ [source]

Common Pitfalls (From Field Experience)

  • Starting work before WP issuance is illegal and triggers fines plus deportation risk.
  • WP that doesn't match the actual role/location is invalid.

Decision Tree

ถือ Non-B / SMART / LTR อยู่แล้ว?
Yes → ยื่น WP ตามช่องทาง visa เดิม
No → ขอ Non-B ก่อน แล้วยื่น WP

Options Compared

OptionBest forTimelineCost (THB)
Standard WP (Non-B)จ้างงานทั่วไป7–14 วันทำการ3,000–6,000 (ราชการ) + ค่าบริการ
SMART Visa WP-exemptผู้เชี่ยวชาญ / นักลงทุน20–30 วัน10,000+ (ราชการ)

Scope of work: Work permit and foreign employment compliance

We align the employer and employee files — visa category, corporate paperwork, filing and renewals — so the work permit holds up under inspection.

This service fits you when

  • A Thai company wants to hire a foreign national lawfully
  • An employee is changing employer or adding a job description
  • A renewal must be coordinated with the visa extension
  • Company documents must meet capital and staff-ratio thresholds

When another route is the right one

  • BOI-promoted companies use a faster dedicated channel — we check eligibility first
  • Some short assignments use an urgent work notification instead of a full permit
  • Without a Thai legal entity, company registration comes first

What the service includes

  • Company and position eligibility check before filing
  • Employer and employee document sets with required translations
  • Filing and follow-up with the relevant offices
  • Coordination of the matching stay extension
  • Renewal calendar with advance reminders

What is not included

  • Government and courier fees charged by the receiving authority (billed at cost, always quoted before we start)
  • Any guarantee of approval by a government office or embassy — that decision stays with the officer in charge
  • Sourcing original documents that only you can request in person

Not sure which route your case belongs to? Tell us the destination and the deadline — our advisers have handled these files for more than 15 years and will confirm the correct sequence and exact documents before you spend anything.

Work permit process and required documents

A Thai work permit requires a qualifying employer, a full company and personal document set, and a visa category consistent with employment.

Step-by-step process

  1. 1Check employer and role eligibilityWe review registered capital, Thai-staff ratio and whether the role falls under occupations restricted to Thai nationals.
  2. 2Assemble company and personal filesCompany affidavit, financials, tax filings and social security, plus translated and certified degrees and experience letters.
  3. 3File and attend inspectionsFiled with the employment office; we answer queries and arrange any workplace inspection.
  4. 4Collect and follow throughWe collect the permit and handle the visa step, 90-day reporting and change notifications.
  5. 5Plan the renewalWe diarise renewals early so your legal right to work never lapses.

Documents you need to prepare

  • Passport with the correct visa category
  • Photos and a medical certificate as required
  • Degree and experience letters, translated and certified
  • Company set: affidavit, shareholder list, financials, tax filings, social security
  • Employment contract stating position and duties

Common pitfalls to avoid

  • Working before the permit is issued is an offence.
  • A visa category inconsistent with employment leads to refusal.
  • Changes of position, workplace or employer must always be notified.

Prefer not to handle the queues, forms and re-submissions yourself? Our team has run these files for more than 15 years — we advise on the right route first, then complete every step for you end to end. Message us and we will confirm the exact documents for your case.

Compare the options before you decide

Apostille route vs embassy legalisation route

The destination country decides whether a file ends at an Apostille or still needs the embassy. Confirm the country's convention status first: the two routes use a different order and different paperwork.

AspectApostille routeEmbassy legalisation route
When it appliesDestination is a party to the Apostille ConventionDestination does not accept an Apostille
Final authorityDepartment of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign AffairsThe destination country's embassy or consulate in Thailand
Typical number of stepsFewer — the chain ends at the central authorityMore — central authority first, then the embassy
Approximate timeframeShorter, still subject to the authority's queueLonger, because the embassy appointment queue is added
Common rejection causeTranslation does not match the original, or the copy was not issued by the authorityThe embassy's own form or language requirement was not followed

Verify the current convention status and embassy conditions before filing.

MFA-certified translation vs NAATI vs a destination-country sworn translator

"Certified translation" does not mean the same thing everywhere. The receiving body defines the accepted form, and choosing the wrong one means translating the whole set again.

AspectTranslation + Thai MFA certificationNAATI / foreign sworn translator
Who certifiesThe Department of Consular Affairs certifies the translation and the translator's signatureA translator registered with the destination country's body
Accepted byThai authorities and destinations that accept Thai certificationBodies that explicitly require a registered translator, such as Australian immigration
Output formatA certification stamp on the translation attached to the originalThe translator's statement with their registration number or stamp
Can an Apostille follow?Yes, when the destination is a convention partyDepends on that country's rules; some require no further step
Check before you startWhether the destination accepts Thai consular certificationWhether the receiving body requires its own registered translator

Where the destination requires a court-registered sworn translator, Thai certification cannot substitute for it.

Filing it yourself vs letting NYC run the chain

Every step can be done alone. This table compares the real workload of each option so the decision rests on time and rejection risk rather than marketing claims.

AspectDo it yourselfNYC handles it
Checking destination rulesRead each authority's notice yourself and confirm by phoneChecked before you start, with the order the receiving authority accepts
TravelSeveral agencies with queues that rarely line up in one dayDocuments move by courier or online except where the law requires you in person
Rejection riskOne mismatch — a name spelled differently from the passport — restarts the chainNames, dates and stamps are cross-checked before every filing
Status trackingYou follow up with each authorityStatus updates at each stage, and we handle the fix if a file is returned
Advisory roleNo one to compare options when your case falls outside the manualYou get advice on the options before work starts, not just execution

Government fees and timeframes change; ask for an assessment of your own case before you start.

5 work permit mistakes that cause refusals

Most refusals come from mismatches between visa status, job description and employer documents.

  1. 1. Current visa category does not support a work permit

    Why it matters: A valid immigration status underpins the application.

    How to avoid it: Check visa type and expiry before preparing documents.

  2. 2. Job title inconsistent with the actual duties

    Why it matters: Officers assess the stated scope of work.

    How to avoid it: Describe duties that match reality and the applicant's qualifications.

  3. 3. Out-of-date employer documents

    Why it matters: Company affidavit and financials affect employer eligibility.

    How to avoid it: Obtain fresh company extracts before each filing.

  4. 4. Degrees or experience letters not translated and certified

    Why it matters: Foreign documents must meet certification requirements.

    How to avoid it: Start translation early — it is the slowest item.

  5. 5. No plan for renewals and change notifications

    Why it matters: Changes of role, workplace or employment must be reported on time.

    How to avoid it: Keep a renewal and notification calendar.

Prefer not to manage these details yourself? Our team has advised on cases like this for more than 15 years — we confirm the correct route first, then handle every step for you. Message us and we will list exactly which documents your case needs.

What the common mistakes actually cost

Almost every failure in supporting documents for visa and permit filings happens during preparation, not at the counter, and the real cost is the TIME needed to repeat the chain. Below is what each mistake comes from, how long it typically adds, and how to avoid it.

MistakeWhy it happensTime costHow to prevent it
Booking the wrong service channel or appointment typeEach channel has its own queue and document conditions; the wrong one means booking again.Typically adds 2–14 working days depending on appointment availability that month.Confirm the service type and the appointment date in advance and keep at least one spare week.
The name in the translation does not match the passport spellingReceiving authorities compare character by character; a single different letter reads as a different person.Typically adds 3–10 working days, because the translation has to be redone and the whole chain repeated.Send the passport page on day one and have the translator take the spelling from the passport, never from the Thai document.
Using an old copy instead of a freshly issued oneMany destinations accept documents issued within the last 3–6 months only, and some require a clean, legibly sealed reissue.Typically adds 5–15 working days for the trip back to the district registrar.Check the destination's freshness rule first, then request several certified copies in a single visit.
Removing staples or separating pages after certificationThe certification is attached to the bound set; once separated the set counts as incomplete.Typically adds 3–7 working days to re-certify the set.Scan first, then keep the originals in a rigid envelope without detaching anything.
Filing an incomplete set — missing an ID copy or a power of attorneyCompleteness is checked at the counter; an incomplete file is not accepted at all.Typically adds 1–5 working days per return trip.Work from a written checklist and re-check it before leaving, including every copy that needs a signature.

Deep timeline: what can run in parallel

The windows below are approximate and depend on each authority's queue. Stages marked as parallel can start alongside the previous stage — that is where the total calendar time is actually reduced.

  1. 1. Read the checklist of the office you will actually file with1 working day

    Checklists differ by application type and by office, so use the one that matches your case.

  2. 2. Collect documents and translate3–7 working dayscan run in parallel

    Reissuing official records and translating can run in parallel — the biggest single time saving.

  3. 3. Certify what the office requires3–12 working days

    Only the listed items need certification; certifying the whole set is unnecessary.

  4. 4. File and follow upper the office's schedule

    The decision period is at the authority's discretion; no document provider can determine the outcome.

Note: all windows are general estimates, not guarantees. Actual timing depends on how complete your file is and on the queues at the authorities involved.

Key terms to know before you file

These are the terms clients most often misread — and a leading cause of rejected documents. Our advisors walk you through them before any work starts.

Cover Letter(Thai equivalent: จดหมายชี้แจง)
A letter explaining the purpose of travel and linking the supporting documents; helps improve approval rates.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)(Thai equivalent: บันทึกข้อตกลง)
A formal agreement between parties; often requires certified translation and notarisation when used abroad.
CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)(Thai equivalent: หนังสือตอบรับ CAS)
An electronic reference issued by a UK sponsor licensed by the Home Office, required to apply for a UK Student visa.
Certificate of Incorporation(Thai equivalent: หนังสือรับรองนิติบุคคล)
An official document evidencing the formation of a legal entity, issued in Thailand by the Department of Business Development.
Schengen Visa(Thai equivalent: วีซ่าเชงเก้น)
A short-stay visa valid across 27 European Schengen countries, allowing up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Board Resolution(Thai equivalent: มติคณะกรรมการ)
An official record of decisions made by a company's board, often required to open accounts or sign cross-border contracts.

Not sure which route your case needs? Send us the documents for a free assessment and we handle every step for you.

View the full glossary

Related services you may need next

Most cases need more than one step. Here is how the surrounding work connects, so you can plan the whole chain instead of discovering a missing certification at the last minute.

Not sure which of these your case actually needs? That is exactly what our advisory team does: with 15+ years on cross-border documents, we map the full chain for your destination first, then handle every step so nothing is filed in the wrong order.

We work as advisers, not only as a document-running agency

Our team has worked on documents, translation and legalisation for more than 15 years, combining notarial attorneys licensed by the Lawyers Council of Thailand with translators the receiving authorities accept. Every case starts with advice on the correct route and only then moves to execution — we do not simply run whatever is handed to us.

Before we start — mapping the document route

We confirm whether your file ends at an Apostille or still needs the embassy, whether a freshly issued copy is required, and which form of translation the receiving authority accepts. This is where most time is saved, because it is where most people choose wrongly and restart.

While preparing — consistency checks

We match the spelling of your name against the passport, check the issue date against the validity window the destination applies, verify stamps and signatures, and confirm the translation matches the original line by line.

While filing — coordination with the authorities

We file in the order each authority expects, follow the queue, and report status as it moves. If an authority asks for more paperwork, you hear about it immediately, together with the options for fixing it.

After delivery — practical guidance

We explain which bodies this set can be filed with, how to store the originals, and how many certified sets to request up front if you expect to use them again, so you do not repeat the whole chain later.

Cases where advice up front changes the outcome

  • Documents have a limited validity window and every item must still be valid on the day of filing.
  • The name on an older document does not match the current passport because of a name change or a different transliteration.
  • Documents are needed for several countries at once, each with a different order of certification.
  • A file was already returned once and the real cause has to be identified before refiling.

If you are unsure which route your case takes, send photos of the documents and name the destination country or authority. We map the sequence and the paperwork first; you then decide whether to run it yourself or hand it over.

Who wrote and checked this page

Written by
NYC Legal work permit & immigration desk
Reviewed by
Advisor on foreign-worker compliance, BOI and Non-B visas
Last reviewed

Over 15 years advising on document certification, official translation and Thai/overseas filings. We are not only a filing agency — every case starts with a consultation so you know the correct route, the exact documents and the realistic timeline before any fee is paid.

Procedures and authority requirements can change. We re-check each page against the responsible authority's current practice; if your case is time-critical, message us to confirm the latest requirement.

Continue with a related service

Most document journeys need more than one step. These are the steps clients most often combine with this page.

Professional fees are quoted per case — ask our team by phone, LINE or email.

Verify with the issuing authority

Each source below is the authority that owns the rule cited on this page. If an authority changes its requirement, this page is corrected.