Work Permits

To legally work in Thailand, a foreigner must obtain a work permit. This document specifies the foreigner’s position, occupation, and the Thai company they are affiliated with. Additionally, it serves as a license to perform jobs or occupations permitted for foreigners in Thailand.

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Foreigners are not allowed to work in Thailand, regardless of their visa type, unless they have been granted a work permit. To apply for a work permit, the applicant must hold the appropriate visa type.

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The initial step in securing a work permit is obtaining a non-immigrant visa, which must be acquired before entering Thailand.

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Once the non-immigrant visa is issued, the foreigner can proceed with the work permit application. The process typically takes seven business days and is handled by the Ministry of Labor.

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To be eligible for a work permit, a foreigner must:

1. Hold a non-immigrant or resident visa.

2. Have an employer ready to provide the required documents.

3. Ensure that the intended occupation is not restricted for foreigners.