Learn about the process in this blog post, and discover how ATA Services can help!
In recent years, Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city, has emerged as a vibrant international business hub, attracting a myriad of professionals from around the globe. Whether you’re a multinational corporation seeking to establish a new branch or an entrepreneur looking to tap into the Asian market, one key aspect of expanding your business in Bangkok is understanding the ins and outs of obtaining a work visa and permit.
What is a Work Visa and Permit?
In the simplest terms, a work visa is an endorsement by the immigration authorities, granting foreigners the right to enter, stay, and work in a foreign country for a specified period. In Thailand, a work permit is a legal document allowing foreign nationals to work there. Both are crucial to ensuring that you operate within the legal boundaries of the host nation.
Types of Work Visas in Thailand
Thailand offers several types of work visas, each designed to cater to different circumstances and needs. Understanding which type of visa applies to your situation is paramount in ensuring a seamless transition into the country. Here are some of the most common:
- Non-Immigrant Visa ‘B’ (for business and work): This is the most common type for foreigners seeking employment or wishing to do business in Thailand.
- Non-Immigrant Visa ‘IB’ (Investment and Business Visa): This visa is issued to foreign nationals who intend to invest or perform other related activities in the Kingdom of Thailand.
- Non-Immigrant Visa ‘B-A’ (Business Approved Visa): Issued to foreigners who wish to conduct business in Thailand, this visa requires an endorsement from the Office of the Board of Investment (BOI).
- Non-Immigrant Visa ‘M’ (Media Visa): For foreign journalists or reporters on mission, or film producers who intend to carry out assignments in Thailand.
Obtaining a Work Visa
The process of obtaining a work visa begins in your home country. You need to apply for the appropriate visa at a Thai embassy or consulate.
The basic requirements for a work visa application generally include a valid passport, a completed visa application form, recent passport-sized photographs, and a letter of approval from the Ministry of Labor in Thailand, among others. However, each specific visa category may have its own set of additional requirements, so it’s advisable to check with the Thai embassy or consulate in your home country.
Obtaining a Work Permit
Once you have arrived in Thailand with the appropriate visa, the next step is to apply for a work permit. This application is usually made through the Ministry of Labor. The general requirements for a work permit application include:
- A valid passport with a valid Non-Immigrant Visa.
- Original corporate documents of the hiring company, such as the company’s certificate and objectives, list of shareholders, application for VAT, and financial statements.
- Evidence of adequate finances.
- Medical certificate.
Like the work visa, each work permit category may require additional specific documents.
Work Visa & Permit Services
Given the complexity and critical nature of the visa and work permit process, many companies and individuals opt to use visa & work permit services provided by a reliable agency. These agencies are well-versed in Thailand’s immigration laws and processes, and they provide valuable assistance in preparing the required documents, navigating the application process, and ensuring that all steps are correctly followed.
In addition to providing expertise and peace of mind, using visa & work permit services can save time and resources. They can help avoid costly mistakes or delays that could arise from misinterpreted requirements or missed steps in the application process.
Here are some of the main services that a reputable visa & work permit service provider can offer:
- Guidance on the type of work visa and permit that best suits your needs.
- Assistance in preparing all required documents, ensuring they are correctly filled out and meet the specific requirements of each visa category.
- Liaising with the Thai embassy or consulate in your home country on your behalf.
- Submitting the work permit application to the Ministry of Labor in Thailand.
- Assisting with any required follow-up or additional steps until the work visa and permit are successfully obtained.
- Providing support for visa renewals or changes in visa category as your circumstances or needs change.
Obtaining and renewing work permits and visas for foreign employees often entail a significant amount of administrative work. Additionally, the intricacy of these processes is heightened due to the frequently changing rules and regulations.
Regardless of your company’s size or whether you hold Board of Investment (BOI) certification, ATA Services is equipped with a dedicated team that is fully committed to serving your needs across all relevant government departments. This is our differentiating factor…
Our extensive experience and expertise mean we are well-versed in all the procedures, potential avenues, and required documentation for work permits and visas. We pride ourselves on being always prepared, a quality that invariably saves valuable time!
The procedures can differ based on a number of factors, including:
- Whether or not your company holds BOI certification
- If your employee is already residing in Thailand
- If your employee already possesses a valid work permit and visa from a previous employer
- If your employee has another type of visa in Thailand, such as an Education (ED) visa, spouse visa, retirement visa, etc.
- The nationality of your employee.
The complexity can increase if the employee is accompanied by their family, who will also require visas, and there are considerations around the mandatory 90-day reporting for the employees and/or their families.
But fear not! ATA Services is here to take care of everything.
Don’t hesitate to contact us for your quotation. Our fees are remarkably competitive, and you stand to achieve greater savings with an increasing number of foreign employees.
Another crucial aspect we prioritize is minimizing the time your employee spends at immigration offices, saving them from multiple trips due to missing documents or other issues. We believe in reducing both the time and stress involved in these processes. Your peace of mind is our goal.