Visa Service

Non-Immigrant B Visa Application Process and Document Preparation

Visa Service

process steps 1

Detailed Steps for Non-Immigrant B Visa Application Process and Work Permit

To work legally in Thailand, you must hold both a Non-Immigrant B Visa (Non-B) and a Work Permit simultaneously. The primary government agencies involved include:
  • Immigration Bureau
  • Department of Employment
Below are the detailed steps from the initial process to obtaining a 1-year visa.

Step 1: Verify Company Qualifications

Before proceeding, the company’s readiness must be assessed, such as:
  • Legally registered entity
  • Minimum registered capital (generally 2 million THB per 1 foreigner)
  • At least 4 Thai employees per 1 foreigner (general cases)
  • Proper tax filing and financial statements
👉 If the company does not meet these conditions, restructuring may be required first.

Step 2: Prepare Company Documents

Essential documents include:
  • Certificate of Incorporation (issued within the last 6 months)
  • List of Shareholders (BOJ.5)
  • P.P.20 (VAT Registration Certificate)
  • Latest Financial Statements
  • Map of Company Location
  • Photos of Business Premises (in some cases)

Step 3: Issue a Letter of Employment

The company must issue:
  • Letter of Employment
  • Specify position, duties, and salary
  • Signed by authorized director(s)
This document is required for the Non-B Visa application.

Step 4: Applying for a Non-Immigrant B Visa

There are 2 methods for proceeding:
Applying from Abroad

  • Apply at a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate
  • Obtain a 90-day Non-B Visa

Change of Visa Category within Thailand

  • Applicable in certain cases, such as holding an existing visa type
  • Requires complete documentation and sufficient remaining days of stay

👉 Upon approval, you will be granted an initial 90-day period of stay.

Step 5: Entering Thailand (For Applications from Abroad)

After receiving the Non-B Visa, you must enter Thailand within the validity period specified on the visa page.
Upon entry, you will be granted a 90-day stay permit stamp.

Step 6: Applying for a Work Permit

Submit the application to the Department of Employment.
Required Documents:

  • Non-Immigrant B Visa
  • Letter of Employment
  • Company Documents
  • Educational Qualifications / Work Experience

⛔ Do not commence work before the Work Permit is approved.

Step 7: Extension of Stay for 1 Year

Once the Work Permit is obtained, apply for a visa extension at the Immigration Bureau. Additional documents include:
  • Original Work Permit
  • Previous Salary Slips (Pay slips)
  • Personal Income Tax (P.N.D.) records
  • Updated Company Documents
If approved → Granted a 1-year stay permit.

Step 8: 90-Day Notification

Holders of a 1-year visa must report their current address every 90 days.
Methods:

  • In person
  • Through an authorized representative
  • Online (available in certain areas)

Failure to report will result in a fine.

Processing Timeline (Estimated)

StepProcessing Time
Document Preparation3–7 Days
Non-B Visa Application3–10 Business Days
Work Permit Application5–10 Business Days
1-Year Visa Extension1 Day (With complete documentation)