Paid-up capital
At least 2 million THB per foreign employee (1 million THB if married to a Thai national).
Breaking
90-day reporting window opens next week — visa and retirement updates for Pattaya expats
Visa & Immigration
Work Permit
Employment, business setup, and LTR options in Pattaya and Chonburi.
Work legally in Thailand
Working in Thailand without a permit is illegal — including full-time, part-time, and even unpaid volunteer roles. To work or run a business in Pattaya legally, you need a Non-Immigrant Visa (Category B) and a Work Permit together at all times.
Employer & company requirements
Whether you join a Thai company or set up your own in Pattaya.
Thai staff ratio
Four Thai employees per one foreign work permit — verified through social security filings (BOI companies may have exemptions).
Registered & compliant
Valid company registration, VAT where required, filed tax returns, and a real office address that can sponsor permits.
Your document checklist
Personal documents before filing with the Department of Employment.
Valid Non-Immigrant B visa
Obtain the business visa before the work permit application at the Department of Employment.
Role & qualifications
Job description, education, and experience must match Department of Employment standards for your position.
Medical certificate
Thai clinic or hospital form within 30 days, certifying fitness to work.
- Passport with valid Non-Immigrant B visa (business visa must be obtained before applying for a work permit).
- Medical certificate issued within 30 days — certifying no prohibited diseases (e.g. active TB, syphilis stage 3, drug addiction).
- Education certificates, CV/resume, and employment reference letters from previous employers.
- Three passport photos (3×4 cm) for the work permit booklet/card.
Application timeline
What happens first, and how long it usually takes.
- 1
Employer invitation & Non-B visa
Your employer issues an invitation letter so you can apply for a Non-B visa at a Thai embassy abroad — or convert your visa in Thailand if eligible.
- 2
E-Work Permit application
After entering Thailand, the company submits your application through the Department of Employment’s online E-Work Permit system.
- 3
In-person pickup
Processing usually takes 7–14 working days. You must appear in person to receive the digital/physical work permit booklet.
- 4
Renewals & 90-day report
Renew the work permit and visa extension annually; continue 90-day Immigration reporting even with a valid permit.
Crucial rules
Violations can lead to fines, deportation, and future visa bans.
Employer & location locked
Your permit lists the employer, job title, and office address. You cannot work for another company or from unapproved locations — that is illegal.
Reserved occupations
Certain jobs are reserved for Thai nationals only — e.g. taxi driving, tour guiding, and hairdressing/beauty services.
90-day reporting still applies
A work permit does not replace Immigration’s 90-day residence reporting — file on time at Pattaya (Jomtien) or online where eligible.
Pattaya & Chonburi office
Work permits for Pattaya employers are processed through the Chonburi Provincial Employment Office (Department of Employment). Confirm the latest branch address and appointment rules on the official DOL website before visiting.
LTR & remote work pathways
Remote workers and qualifying professionals may use the Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa instead of a classic employer-sponsored permit — separate rules and BOI benefits may apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions — Work permit
Can I volunteer or work part-time without a permit?
No — any paid or unpaid work without a valid work permit is illegal in Thailand.
What is the Thai-to-foreign employee ratio?
Typically four Thai employees per one foreign work permit, verified via social security (BOI firms may differ).
Can I change employers on the same permit?
A new employer requires a new work permit and visa alignment. Working elsewhere without updating is a serious violation.
Can digital nomads use a standard work permit?
Remote work may qualify under LTR or BOI schemes — not a classic employer-sponsored permit.
Do I still need 90-day reporting with a work permit?
Yes — Immigration 90-day reporting is separate and still required in Pattaya (Jomtien) or online.
Chonburi work permit?
Review company ratio, contracts, and Labour Office filings first.