Before a foreign employee can legally work in Thailand, the sponsoring company must clear two distinct legal hurdles in the correct order: securing a Non-Immigrant B visa (Non-B visa) for the employee, and then obtaining a Thai work permit. Neither can substitute for the other, and the work permit cannot precede the visa. Understanding what the employer must prepare before a single document is submitted is where most hiring timelines break down. This article covers the full sponsorship chain, including the Thailand Non-B visa requirements, what a compliant sponsoring company looks like, how an employer of record in Thailand fits into the picture, and what to expect on Thailand work permit costs.
- The Non-Immigrant B visa (Non-B) is a common visa category for foreign employees working in Thailand; it must be obtained before a work permit is issued [5].
- The sponsoring company must meet specific structural requirements, including minimum registered capital and a Thai-to-foreign employee ratio, before it can legally sponsor a visa or work permit [6].
- An employer of record (EOR) in Thailand can sponsor the visa and work permit on behalf of a company that does not yet have a Thai legal entity.
- Thailand work permit costs include both a government fee and any service fees charged by a third-party provider; these are separate and distinct amounts.
- Province-specific rules apply: the immigration office where the employee will reside sets its own document requirements, so confirming locally is always necessary.
What Is the Non-Immigrant B Visa and Why Does It Come First?
The Non-Immigrant B visa (commonly called the Non-B visa) is the entry-level authorization that allows a foreign national to enter or remain in Thailand for the purpose of employment or business activity [5]. It is not a work permit. It is the legal gateway that makes a work permit application possible. A foreign hire who arrives on a tourist visa or visa-exempt entry and attempts to apply for a work permit locally is operating in a grey area that Thai immigration does not endorse for standard employment situations.
Eligible applicants for the Non-B visa include foreign nationals who have a job offer from a Thai employer, intend to work in a Thai educational institution, or conduct specific business activities [5]. The visa is typically applied for at a Thai embassy or consulate abroad. When processed through that path, the applicant will initially receive a 90-day Non-B visa, then must come to Thailand using that visa and later extend it to be valid for 1 year.
What Must a Company Have in Place Before It Can Sponsor?
Building on the visa-first logic above, the harder question for most HR teams is whether their company actually qualifies as a legal sponsor. Thai immigration places structural requirements on the sponsoring entity, not just the individual applicant.
Core company requirements include [6]:
- Minimum registered capital: The standard requirement is at least 2 million THB of registered capital per foreign employee. This requirement may be reduced or vary depending on specific circumstances, such as whether the foreign employee is married to a Thai national or whether the company holds special status such as BOI promotion.
- Thai-to-foreign employee ratio: The standard requirement is at least 4 Thai employees for every 1 foreign employee [6]. This ratio requirement may differ depending on specific circumstances, such as whether the foreign employee is married to a Thai national or whether the company holds special status such as BOI promotion.
- Valid business registration and licenses: The company must be properly registered in Thailand, hold valid business licenses, and be in good standing with relevant authorities [4].
- Tax compliance: The company must be current on corporate tax filings and VAT registration where applicable [4].
- Social security compliance: Thai employees must be enrolled in the social security system before immigration will recognise the ratio requirement.
A company that does not meet these thresholds cannot legally sponsor a Non-B visa or work permit for a foreign hire, regardless of how qualified the individual candidate is. This is a company-side prerequisite, and it must be confirmed before any hiring offer is extended to a foreign national.
What Documents Does the Employer Need to Prepare?
Thailand Non-B visa requirements split into two document sets: one for the employee, and one for the sponsoring company [1] [7].
| Document Set | Examples | Prepared By |
|---|---|---|
| Employee documents | Valid passport (6+ months validity), completed visa application form, passport-size photos, educational certificates, employment contract [7] | Foreign hire |
| Company documents | Company registration certificate, list of shareholders, affidavit of company, VAT registration, audited financials, list of Thai employees with social security evidence [2] [3] | Sponsoring employer |
| Work permit addendum | Map of business location, employment contract specifying salary, company's business license for the relevant activity [1] | Sponsoring employer |
Document certification requirements vary by visa type and by the specific Thai embassy processing the application. Each Thai province also sets its own rules for documents required at the work permit stage, so the requirements at Chaeng Wattana in Bangkok may differ from those at the immigration office in Chiang Mai or Phuket. Confirm with the immigration office in the province where the employee will reside.
Where Does an Employer of Record Fit In?
Stepping back from the document detail, a separate concern is what an employer without a Thai legal entity should do. This is where an employer of record (EOR) in Thailand is relevant. An EOR is a third-party company that is already legally registered in Thailand, meets the capital and ratio requirements, and can act as the formal sponsoring employer on behalf of a foreign business that wants to hire talent in Thailand without incorporating locally [4].
Under an EOR arrangement:
- The EOR becomes the legal employer on paper and sponsors both the Non-B visa and the work permit.
- The foreign company retains day-to-day management of the employee's work.
- The EOR handles payroll, social security contributions, and immigration compliance.
This is a legitimate and commonly used structure, particularly for companies testing the Thai market before committing to a full entity setup. It is not a shortcut around Thai law; it is a compliant path that uses an entity that already satisfies Thai law.
What Should Employers Know About Thailand Work Permit Costs?
Thailand work permit costs have two components that must never be conflated: the government fee paid directly to the Department of Employment, and any service fee charged by a third-party provider such as an EOR or visa services platform. When working with a service provider, always ask for a breakdown of both figures separately so you understand what is going to the government and what is going to the provider.
The government fee for a work permit varies based on the duration requested. Contact Issa Compass or the Department of Employment for the current fee schedule, as amounts are subject to change and should not be estimated without a current source.
Additionally, employers should account for the time cost: the Non-B visa and work permit process is sequential, not simultaneous. Processing timelines vary by embassy and visa category, with some embassies processing more slowly than others. For current processing estimates, check the Issa Compass app or contact Issa Compass directly. Hiring timelines should be built around this sequencing to avoid situations where a foreign employee has arrived in Thailand but cannot legally start work because the work permit is still being processed.
What Is the Best-Practice Strategy for Multi-Branch Companies?
A related but distinct question is how companies with multiple offices across Thailand should handle foreign employee transfers. The recommended approach is to apply for both the visa and the work permit through the company's head office rather than a branch office. Once both are issued under the head office, the foreign employee can be assigned to and physically work at any of the company's branch locations without requiring a separate transfer process for the visa or work permit. This is the cleanest path for HR teams planning workforce mobility across Thai provinces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a foreign employee start work while the work permit is being processed?
No. A foreign national must hold a valid work permit before commencing employment in Thailand. Starting work before the permit is issued exposes both the employee and the employer to legal penalties.
Can a company sponsor a Non-B visa before it has four Thai employees on payroll?
The 4:1 Thai-to-foreign employee ratio is a requirement for the work permit stage. Social security contributions for those Thai employees must also be paid consistently for at least 3 months before becoming eligible to apply. Specific embassy requirements for the initial Non-B visa application may differ, but the ratio must be met by the time the work permit is applied for. Confirm the current threshold with the relevant immigration office or a qualified provider [6].
Can a foreign employee convert a tourist visa to a Non-B visa inside Thailand?
Generally, a Non-B visa for employment purposes is obtained by applying outside of Thailand at a Thai embassy or consulate, with a job offer already secured. The standard process involves receiving a 90-day Non-B visa abroad, entering Thailand on that visa, and then extending it. Consult Issa Compass for guidance on your specific situation before making any travel decisions.
Does the Non-B visa allow the employee to work immediately upon arrival?
No. The Non-B visa authorises entry for employment purposes, but a separate work permit must be obtained before the employee can legally perform paid work in Thailand. The Non-B visa is applied for after a job offer has already been secured, and upon arrival the employer then files for the work permit [5].
Is an employer of record arrangement legally recognised in Thailand?
Yes, provided the EOR entity itself is properly registered in Thailand, meets all capital and ratio requirements, and is in full compliance with Thai labour and immigration law [4].
Do document requirements differ across Thai provinces?
Yes. Each Thai province sets its own rules and document requirements for visa applications and work permit processing. Always confirm with the immigration office in the specific province where the employee will reside and work.
How long does the Non-B visa and work permit process take?
Processing timelines vary by embassy and visa category, with some embassies processing more slowly than others. For current processing estimates specific to your application, check the Issa Compass app or contact Issa Compass directly.
About Issa Compass
Issa Compass is a software-automated visa services platform for Thailand, built to simplify the immigration process for individuals and businesses alike. The platform's AI-powered verification engine checks every document and requirement against a comprehensive rules database before submission, helping employers avoid costly rejections. For businesses hiring foreign talent, Issa Compass provides end-to-end corporate services covering Non-B visa sponsorship, work permit applications, and ongoing compliance management. Every pre-qualified application is backed by the Issa Guarantee: a full refund of both the government fee and the service fee, or a free reapplication, if the application is rejected.
Ready to ensure your international hire in Thailand is fully compliant?
Issa Compass specializes exclusively in Thailand visa application services, from confirming company eligibility to submitting a fully verified application. Visit www.issacompass.com to get started or speak with the team directly.
References
- How To Get a Visa in Thailand - A Guide for Companies Hiring International Talent | NES Fircroft (www.nesfircroft.com)
- Overseas Workforce: Essential Thailand Business Visa Information and Application Process for Overseas Employers | ChaadHR (www.chaadhr.com)
- Thai Majority Company Setup for Visa and Work Permit: What You Need to Know (www.Thai-co.com)
- Thailand Work Permits & Visas: Types & How to Sponsor (www.playroll.com)
- Consular Services - Non-Immigrant Visa "B" (Business and Work) (www.thaiembassy.at)
- Non-B business visa in Thailand 2025: application process explained (dda-realestate.com)
- Non-Immigrant Visa B (for Business and Work) - (www.mfa.go.th)
