The Non-B Visa: Thailand's Employment-Based Residency Path
The Non-B visa is Thailand's only legitimate pathway for foreign workers seeking legal employment and long-term residency. Unlike the DTV, which serves remote professionals outside Thai corporate structures, the Non-B is strictly tied to Thai employer sponsorship. If you are working for a Thai company, the Non-B is not optional—it is the baseline legal requirement for every day you spend in Thailand earning income.
The Thai government enforces work permit laws aggressively. Operating without a valid work permit exposes employers to fines of 10,000–50,000 THB per worker per day of violation. For the foreign worker, illegal employment can result in deportation, a 10-year re-entry ban, and criminal charges. The Non-B is not a formality. It is the structural foundation of your legal status as an employed foreigner in Thailand.
Non-B Visa vs. Other Employment-Based Options
Thailand offers a limited set of employment visas. The Non-B stands apart because it is the only option for private sector employees. Here is how it differs from alternatives:
- Non-B Visa: Private sector employment, Thai company sponsorship required, 1-year renewable, annual compliance reporting (90-day notifications and TM.30 address notifications)
- Non-O Dependent of Non-B Holder: Spouse or child of a Non-B employee, also requires employer-sponsored paperwork, renewable annually
- DTV (Digital Nomad Visa): Remote employment by foreign companies only, no Thai employer required, 5-year multiple-entry structure, no annual reporting beyond 90-day notifications
- LTR Visa: Requires BOI endorsement before visa issuance, targets high-net-worth individuals or specialists in priority industries, 10-year framework, annual address reporting
If your employer is a Thai registered company and you are working inside Thailand earning a Thai-sourced salary, the Non-B is your required visa. There are no shortcuts and no exceptions.
Non-B Visa Eligibility: Hard Requirements
Employer Sponsorship (Non-Negotiable)
The Non-B visa requires sponsorship from a registered Thai company. Your employer must meet specific structural and financial criteria set by Thai immigration and the Ministry of Labour.
Employer Requirements:
- Registered with the Department of Business Development (DBD) of Thailand
- Maintain a minimum 4:1 ratio of Thai employees to foreign employees
- Maintain registered capital of at least 2,000,000 THB per foreign employee
- Be VAT-registered with the Thai Revenue Department
- Have proof of prior SSO (Social Security Office) payments for existing Thai employees
- Have a board resolution authorizing the employment of foreign workers
These are structural requirements. If your employer does not meet them, the application will be rejected at the labour department stage—before you ever reach the embassy. There is no flexibility here.
Personal Eligibility
- Age: No explicit minimum age, but practically limited to working-age adults (18+)
- Education/Skill: No formal degree requirement, though some industries and roles may require demonstrated expertise matching the position advertised
- Criminal Record: No criminal conviction in Thailand or the applicant's home country (Thai immigration conducts background checks)
- Health: No medical disqualifications (e.g., untreated tuberculosis, leprosy, or advanced-stage syphilis)
- Bank Balance (for e-visa): Minimum 30,000 THB in your personal Thai or foreign bank account at the time of e-visa submission
The bank requirement is small compared to other visas. The real gating factor is your employer's legal and financial standing.
Role-Based Restrictions
Not all jobs qualify for Non-B sponsorship. Thai immigration and the Ministry of Labour maintain a (largely unpublished) list of positions that are considered "protected" occupations—roles the Thai government wants to preserve for Thai nationals. The rules are opaque, but certain sectors face consistent rejection:
- Teaching primary Thai language and literature
- Domestic work or live-in household employment
- Low-skilled retail or hospitality roles (e.g., cashier, dishwasher)
- Taxi or tuk-tuk driving
- Construction labor without specialized certification
- Agricultural work
Conversely, roles that consistently qualify include: software engineers, project managers, business analysts, executives, marketing directors, financial officers, design specialists, and technical consultants. If your role is specialized, requires demonstrable expertise, and cannot be easily filled by Thai nationals, you have a higher approval likelihood.
Non-B Visa Application Process: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Pre-Application (Company Preparation)
Your employer must prepare company documentation before you can apply for a work permit. This typically takes 1–2 weeks and is handled entirely by the employer or their legal representative. You should request these documents from HR:
- DBD company registration certificate (current)
- Board resolution authorizing foreign worker employment (wet signature)
- Articles of Association (certified copy)
- VAT registration certificate (PP.01 form)
- Financial statements for the past 2 years (audited, if required)
- SSO contribution proof for at least 1 Thai employee
- Certification that the 4:1 Thai-to-foreign employee ratio will be maintained
If your employer claims these documents "are being prepared" or "will be ready soon," this is a signal the company may not be adequately registered or may lack the financial structure to sponsor you. Proceed with caution.
Step 2: WP.32 Application at Labour Department
Your employer submits a WP.32 pre-approval letter application to the local Labour Department (Ministry of Labour). This is the official permission document allowing you to apply for a work permit before you enter Thailand.
Timeline: 3 working days from submission date
Documents Submitted by Employer:
- WP.32 form (signed by authorized company representative)
- Company DBD registration and VAT certificate
- Job description for your position (in Thai and English)
- Your CV and qualification documents
- Passport copy (first page and current visas/stamps)
- Employment contract (in Thai and English)
If the Labour Department approves, they issue a WP.32 pre-approval letter. This letter is valid for 90 days and is your authorization to proceed to the embassy for the Non-B visa itself.
Rejection at WP.32 Stage: If the Labour Department rejects your application, common reasons are: (1) employer does not meet 4:1 Thai employee ratio, (2) employer's registered capital is below 2,000,000 THB, (3) the position is on the Ministry of Labour's restricted list, or (4) missing or incomplete employer documentation. Do not proceed if rejected here—your employer must remedy the structural issue first.
Step 3: Non-B E-Visa Application (Remote Submission)
Once you have the WP.32 approval letter, you or your employer submits the Non-B e-visa application through the official Thai embassy e-visa portal (https://thaievisa.go.th/).
Timeline: 10–15 business days from submission
Documents Uploaded:
- Completed TM.87 visa application form (downloaded from e-visa portal)
- Passport biodata page (color scan)
- Passport-style headshot photo (4x6 cm, color background)
- Copy of WP.32 pre-approval letter issued by Labour Department
- Employment contract (translated into Thai if original is not Thai)
- Bank statement showing 30,000 THB balance (dated within 30 days of submission)
- Letter of support from your employer (confirming position, salary, start date)
- Proof of address in submission country (e.g., utility bill, rental agreement)
The e-visa is approved as a 90-day Non-B visa sticker. You must enter Thailand within 90 days of approval. The visa itself does not authorize work—it is simply permission to enter Thailand and convert to a work permit inside the country.
Step 4: Medical Checkup in Thailand
After you arrive in Thailand on your Non-B visa, you must undergo a medical examination at an approved hospital within 14 days of entry. Your employer will typically direct you to a clinic they use regularly.
Cost: 1,500–3,000 THB depending on clinic
Documents Required:
- Passport with entry stamp
- Completed TM.7 form (medical certificate form, provided by hospital)
The hospital issues a medical certificate confirming you have no disqualifying conditions (tuberculosis, leprosy, advanced syphilis, or drug addiction). Keep this certificate—you will need it for the work permit application.
Step 5: Work Permit Application at Labour Department
You and your employer apply for the actual work permit at the local Labour Department office (Provincial Ministry of Labour). This is where your legal right to work in Thailand is formally established.
Timeline: 3–5 working days
Documents Required (Applicant's Responsibility):
- Completed TM.1 form (work permit application)
- Completed TM.3 form (employer statement)
- Medical certificate from approved hospital (TM.7)
- Passport and entry stamp page (color copy)
- 3 passport-style photos (4x6 cm)
- Employment contract (Thai translation)
- Bank statement showing salary deposits (if applicable)
Documents Required (Employer's Responsibility):
- WP.46 employment certificate (signed by authorized director)
- Updated company registration and VAT certificates
- Job description (Thai and English)
- Board resolution authorizing the employment
- Proof of SSO enrollment and contributions
Important: You must attend this appointment in person. The Labour Department may conduct brief questioning about your role and responsibilities. Bring all original documents. Your employer should assign an HR representative to attend with you.
Rejection at Work Permit Stage: Rare, if earlier steps were completed correctly. Most rejections here result from missing documents or medical disqualifications. If rejected, you have 30 days to reapply after remedying the issue.
Step 6: Work Permit Collection
After 3–5 working days, the Labour Department issues your work permit (a small purple card issued for 1 year). You must collect it in person.
Cost: 3,800 THB (paid at the Labour Department)
This work permit is your legal authorization to work. Keep it at all times. Working without it is a criminal offense.
Step 7: Post-Work-Permit Employer Obligations
After you collect your work permit, your employer has three critical responsibilities:
- SSO Enrollment: Enroll you in the Social Security Office (SSO) system within the month of work permit collection. Your employer deducts 5% of your salary; the employer contributes 5% employer share. This is mandatory.
- Tax Withholding: File PND.1 (monthly withholding tax) and ensure the employer withholds the correct percentage of your salary. Failure to file these forms creates serious tax exposure for you later.
- Work Permit Renewal: 60 days before expiration, your employer initiates the annual work permit renewal process at the Labour Department. Renewal is typically approved automatically if no compliance issues exist.
These are employer obligations, but verify your employer is actually completing them. Ask HR for proof of SSO enrollment and tax withholding confirmation.
Step 8: Non-B Visa Extension (Annual)
Your Non-B visa is issued as a 90-day entry visa. Once you enter Thailand, it must be extended to a 1-year visa. This happens at an immigration office in Thailand.
Timing: Apply between 45–90 days after your entry date
Documents:
- TM.47 visa extension form (downloaded from immigration office)
- Passport and entry stamp page
- Work permit (original or color copy)
- 2 passport-style photos (4x6 cm)
- Employer letter confirming continued employment (wet signature)
- Bank statement showing 10,000 THB minimum balance
Cost: 1,900 THB extension fee
Timeline: 7–10 business days; you collect the extension stamp in person
After extension, you hold a 1-year Non-B visa sticker valid from your entry date. Your work permit and visa are now aligned.
Annual Compliance: What You Must Do Every Year
90-Day Report (TM.28)
Thai immigration requires all Non-B visa holders to report their presence to immigration every 90 days. This is a mandatory, straightforward process.
Timeline: Due within 7 days before or after each 90-day anniversary of your entry
How to File: Submit in person at the local immigration office (Promenada or Thonglor in Bangkok), by mail, or via immigration's online system. Issa Compass offers a 600 THB concierge 90-day reporting service at our Thonglor office for those who prefer to outsource this task.
Documents:
- TM.28 form (90-day report, available at immigration office or online)
- Passport
- Completed notification form with your current address
Missing a 90-day report can result in fines of 400 THB and, in egregious cases, immigration investigation.
TM.30 Address Notification (Landlord/Hotel Responsibility)
When you move to a new residence in Thailand, your landlord or hotel must file a TM.30 notification with the local Immigration office within 24 hours. This is technically your landlord's responsibility, but verify it gets done.
If you rent an apartment, ask your landlord or property management agent to confirm TM.30 filing. Some landlords do this automatically; others require reminding. Confirm in writing that TM.30 has been filed.
Work Permit Renewal (Employer Responsibility)
60 days before your work permit expires, your employer initiates renewal at the Labour Department. Renewal is typically approved automatically if no compliance issues exist. Confirm with HR that renewal is in progress—do not assume it is handled.
Non-B Visa Extension (Annual)
When your 1-year Non-B visa sticker is within 45 days of expiration, you (or your employer's HR) apply for extension at immigration. This is a straightforward annual process. Do not miss this deadline—your legal right to stay depends on it.
Common Non-B Rejection Reasons and How to Avoid Them
Understanding why applications fail prevents costly delays. Here are the most frequent rejection points:
WP.32 Rejection (Labour Department)
- Employer's Thai employee ratio is below 4:1: Employer has 5 total employees, only 1 Thai. Ratio is 5:4 (foreign-heavy). Solution: Employer must hire more Thai staff or reduce foreign headcount.
- Employer's registered capital is below 2,000,000 THB per foreign employee: Employer has 2 foreign employees but only 3,000,000 THB registered capital. Requirement is 4,000,000 THB. Solution: Employer must increase registered capital through a capital contribution process (1–2 weeks).
- Position is on Ministry of Labour's restricted list: Rare, but certain roles (low-skill retail, domestic work, teaching primary Thai language) are protected. Solution: Reposition the role as a specialized management or technical role, or demonstrate the position cannot be filled by Thai nationals.
- Missing or incomplete company documentation: Employer provides an outdated VAT certificate or missing board resolution. Solution: Provide current, certified copies of all company documents.
Non-B E-Visa Rejection (Embassy)
- Bank statement is dated more than 30 days before submission: Applicant submits a bank statement from 6 weeks ago. Solution: Obtain a bank statement dated within 30 days of e-visa submission.
- WP.32 pre-approval letter is expired (beyond 90 days): Applicant delays the e-visa application. WP.32 was issued 95 days ago. Solution: Request a new WP.32 from Labour Department (resubmit immediately).
- Passport has less than 6 months validity remaining: Some embassies require 18–24 months for a 1-year visa. Solution: Renew passport before submitting e-visa.
- Employment contract is not translated into Thai: Contract is original English only. Solution: Have the contract officially translated to Thai by a certified translator.
Work Permit Rejection (Labour Department, In-Thailand)
- Medical certificate shows disqualifying condition: Applicant has untreated tuberculosis. Solution: Treat the condition and obtain clearance from hospital, then reapply.
- Applicant does not attend the appointment in person: HR tries to submit on behalf without applicant. Solution: Applicant must attend; no proxy submissions accepted.
- Criminal history disclosed or discovered: Background check reveals conviction. Solution: Disclosure requirements vary by country and conviction severity. Consult Issa or a Thai immigration attorney immediately.
The Post-Approval Reality: Long-Term Compliance
Once you have your work permit and 1-year Non-B visa, you are legal. But legal status requires ongoing attention. The Non-B is renewable annually, and Thailand's compliance expectations are strict:
- 90-day reports are mandatory: Miss one, and you face fines and potential investigation.
- Work permit must be carried at all times: Thai police conduct random employment verification checks. If you cannot produce your work permit, you face on-the-spot fines and potential arrest.
- Employer compliance is your compliance: If your employer fails to pay SSO contributions, fails to file tax withholdings, or fails to renew your work permit, you are liable. Verify these things are being done.
- Changing employers requires a new work permit: You cannot simply start working for a new Thai company. You must go through the full work permit application process again with the new employer. Working for an employer whose work permit you do not hold is illegal.
Book a free consultation with Issa Compass if you have questions about your specific employer situation, compliance requirements, or if you are navigating a Non-B application.
Why Issa Compass Simplifies Non-B Applications
The Non-B visa process spans two bureaucracies (Ministry of Labour and Thai Immigration) with seven distinct application stages and dozens of document submission points. Each stage has unique rejection triggers. Missing a single compliance deadline can cost you weeks.
Issa Compass does not replace your employer (you still need employer sponsorship—this is non-negotiable). What we do is systematize the documentation layer and eliminate rejection exposure on your side of the application.
Pre-Screening Your Non-B Pathway
Before your employer submits WP.32, our team audits your employer's legal structure, financial standing, and employee ratio. If structural issues exist, we identify them now—not after an expensive Labour Department rejection. Our pre-screening fee is 18,000 THB; an employer's failed WP.32 application costs weeks of rework and re-application fees (3,000+ THB per resubmission).
Document Standardization
Thai agencies are notoriously strict on document formatting. A bank statement dated one day past the 30-day window, a passport scan that is not color, or an employment contract missing a wet signature can trigger rejection. Issa's legal team reviews every document before submission, ensuring exact compliance with current embassy and labour department requirements.
Post-Work-Permit Management
After you are issued your work permit, your compliance obligations do not end—they begin. Issa's app sends alerts for 90-day report deadlines, work permit renewal windows, and visa extension filing dates. We also offer a 600 THB 90-day reporting service at our Thonglor office if you prefer outsourcing this task.
Apply via the Issa Compass app to start your Non-B pre-screening now. Our legal team will review your employer's structure and recommend the strongest pathway.
Frequently Asked Questions: Non-B Visa
Can I apply for a Non-B visa while I am still in Thailand on a Tourist visa?
No. You must be outside Thailand when you submit the Non-B e-visa application. The process is: WP.32 approval (while you are outside), e-visa application from abroad, approved e-visa, entry to Thailand, then work permit application once inside Thailand.
If you are currently in Thailand on a Tourist visa and want to switch to Non-B employment, you must exit Thailand, apply for the Non-B e-visa from abroad, and re-enter. You cannot apply for Non-B while holding another active visa in Thailand.
What if my employer goes out of business or fires me?
Your work permit and Non-B visa are tied to that employer. If employment ends, your work permit becomes void. You have 30 days to either: (1) find a new Thai employer and apply for a new work permit, or (2) switch to a different visa (DTV, Tourist, etc.) and leave employment.
Working for any employer other than the one listed on your work permit is illegal. If you are fired mid-contract, consult an employment attorney or Issa immediately to determine your options.
Do I need a university degree to qualify for Non-B sponsorship?
No formal degree requirement exists. However, your role must be skilled, technical, or specialized. Roles that typically qualify include engineering, software development, management, finance, design, and executive positions. Entry-level or unskilled roles face rejection.
If your position is genuinely specialized and you can demonstrate relevant experience (through portfolio, certifications, or prior work history), you may qualify without a degree. Discuss this with your employer's HR department and Issa before submitting WP.32.
Can my spouse or children get a dependent Non-B visa?
Your spouse and children under 20 can apply for a Non-O dependent visa tied to your Non-B sponsorship. They do not work; they are dependents on your employment visa.
Each dependent requires separate visa processing, bank statements, and documentation. Processing follows the same timeline as your Non-B: WP.32 approval, e-visa application, entry, and extension at immigration.
How long does the entire Non-B process take from start to finish?
From WP.32 submission to holding a 1-year Non-B visa sticker in your passport: approximately 6–8 weeks total.
- WP.32 approval: 3 working days
- E-visa processing: 10–15 business days
- Entry to Thailand and medical checkup: 1–2 weeks (your timing)
- Work permit application and collection: 3–5 working days
- Non-B visa extension at immigration: 7–10 business days
Total realistic timeline: 6–8 weeks. Delays are typically caused by slow employer documentation, missing or incorrect bank statements, or medical appointment scheduling.
What is the salary requirement for Non-B sponsorship?
There is no explicit minimum salary set by Thai immigration. However, the salary must be reasonable and sustainable. Salaries significantly below local market rates may trigger scrutiny, especially if the position is listed as specialized or technical.
As a rough benchmark, a software engineer or manager earning 60,000 THB/month ($1,700 USD) will pass scrutiny; a software engineer earning 25,000 THB/month will face rejection as unrealistic for the role.
Discuss salary positioning with your employer. Issa can advise on realistic salary ranges by profession if needed.
If I am rejected at the e-visa stage, can I reapply?
Yes. If rejected, determine the reason (missing document, expired WP.32, bank statement date outside 30-day window, etc.), remedy it, and reapply. Each e-visa submission is a separate application cycle, so remedying the issue and resubmitting typically takes 1–3 weeks depending on the problem.
Talk to an Issa visa specialist immediately if you have been rejected so we can identify the exact issue and prevent it on resubmission.
Can I hold a Non-B visa and a DTV visa simultaneously?
No. Thai immigration does not permit dual visa holding. When you apply for a Non-B visa, any prior visa becomes invalid upon entry to Thailand on the Non-B.
If you currently hold a DTV and want to switch to Non-B employment, you must let the DTV expire, exit Thailand, then apply for Non-B from abroad.
