WORK PERMIT
The Alien Occupation Act, adopted in 1973, updated in 1978, and amended almost yearly, requires all foreign nationals working in Thailand to obtain a work permit prior to starting work in Thailand. Note that the definition of work applies to voluntary, unpaid work as well as paid work.
Section 8 of the Act stipulates that while a prospective employer may file an application on the foreign national's behalf in advance of commencing work, the work permit will not be issued until the foreign national has entered Thailand in accordance with the immigration laws. The work permit is initially valid only for the period that the foreign national's non-immigrant visa permits them to remain in Thailand.
The work permit is subject to renewal in accordance with the renewed or extended visa. For foreign nationals who are holders of a Residence Permit, the work permit can be renewed annually. The Labour Department will in principle grant an initial duration of one year for the work permit. A work permit must be renewed before its expiry date or it will automatically lapse. Applicants for work permits may not enter the Kingdom as tourists or transients. Work permit applications must be
made with proper care and attention to maximize the chances of a permit being granted and to minimize delay.
team ASCEND ADVISORS have extensive experience in the application and maintenance processand have an excellent working relationship with the Labour Department, ensuring a very high success rate.
FAQ's WORK PERMIT
Question:
Are foreigners allowed to work in Thailand?
Answer:
Yes. However a foreigner must obtain a work permit prior to commencing work in Thailand, unless
exempted.
Question:
In case a foreigner works in Thailand but his salary is paid by the
parent company outside Thailand, is he still required to have a work permit?
Answer:
Yes. A work permit is required regardless of where the salary is paid.
Question:
Is a foreigner allowed to work right after he has filed a work permit application?
Answer:
No, only when the work permit has been granted.
Question:
How long does it take to get a work permit?
Answer:
Usually, 2 to 3 weeks
Question:
What type of visa is required, if a foreigner wishes to work in Thailand?
Answer:
A Non-Immigrant "B" (Business) Visa.
Question:
How long is a foreigner allowed to live and work continuously in Thailand?
Answer:
A foreigner can live and work continuously as long as applicable permits are renewed.
Question:
Are foreigners allowed to work in Thailand?
Answer:
Yes. However a foreigner must obtain a work permit prior to commencing work in Thailand, unless
exempted.
Question:
How can a foreign company apply for work permits for its employees?
Answer:
It cannot be done. Only a legal entity registered in Thailand is eligible to apply for work permits.
Question:
In case a Thai company wishes to have a foreign technician to install
machinery and to teach their Thai staff for 1 - 2 weeks how to operate
the machinery, would this foreigner be required to apply for a work permit?
Answer:
In case of necessary and urgent work to be carried out over a period of not more than 15 days, a]work permit is not required. However, a notification needs to be filed with the respective authorities.
Question:
What type of visa is required, if a foreigner wishes to work in Thailand?
Answer:
A Non-Immigrant "B" (Business) Visa.