If you’re a foreigner and wish to work in Thailand, you must obtain a work permit. Foreigners (with no exception of any visa types) are not allowed to work (even volunteer work) in Thailand without a work permit. Also, to obtain a work permit, you must hold a specific type of visa.
But what is a work permit? It is a legal document containing all the information of the foreigner applicant (his position, current occupation, job, and workplace in Thailand). It is also a form of license that allows a foreigner to work in Thailand.
How can you get a work permit? You cannot get the permit directly. First, you have to apply for an initial visa or non-immigrant visa before entering Thailand.
Once you have obtained a non-immigrant visa, you can apply for a work permit in the Ministry of Labor Office. Once your application is made, it will take about 7-10 business days for the process to complete.
The eligibility criteria for applying for a work permit are to have a non-immigrant or permanent resident visa and an employer who will provide the required documents for the work permit. Also, make sure that the employer is not offering a job or occupation prohibited for foreigners.
What to do if the applicant has been offered a job or start working? The employer or the company advertising the job must request the applicant’s issuance of the non-immigrant visa. Only after this, the employee or the employer can apply for a work permit.
The invitation letter (provided by the company) must contain information about the employee’s moral character, achievements, and abilities and respect Thailand’s laws and policies.
It is highly recommended to request a non-immigrant visa 30-days before you depart from your home country. Also, the Consulate department will request the company to provide copies of the company’s registration documents and financial statements.
To obtain a work permit, you must provide the following documents:
⦁ Your passport, along with copies of every page signed by you
⦁ Non-immigrant Visa
⦁ Three recent photographs of size 5 × 6 cm size with a full face. We suggest you wear a suit and a tie.
⦁ Signed copies of educational degrees
⦁ Signed copy of your transcript
⦁ Signed copies of your certificates and licenses
⦁ Departure card TM.6
⦁ CV with detailed information about your work experience, performance, duration of employment, and employment location.
⦁ Original marriage certificate (if any) along with signed copies. Also, provide signed copies of the ID card (both sides) of your Thai-national spouse, birth certificates of children, and household registration.
Often, Thai officials may require the above documents to be verified by your embassy first. Hence, you are required to take these documents (your educational degrees, license/certificates, and CV) to your embassy to prove that these are original.
This verification requires you to pay a processing fee approved by your embassy. You can also be requested to translate your documents into the Thai language.
