Thailand work permit guide
Anyone who works in Thailand needs a work permit, and since 13 October 2025 the application is online. This guide explains the order of steps, the employer conditions and the fees. We do not file work permits.
- Legal basis
- Emergency Decree on Foreigners' Working Management B.E. 2560 (2017)
- Online system
- e-Work Permit mandatory from 13 October 2025; existing blue books stay valid until expiry
- Visa first
- Non-B visa, 2,000 THB single entry or 5,000 THB multiple
- Employer conditions
- Typically 2,000,000 THB paid-up capital per foreigner and 4 Thai employees per foreigner (Immigration criteria). BOI companies, LTR and SMART holders: different rules
- Government fees
- Application 100 THB; permit 750 THB (up to 3 months), 1,500 THB (3 to 6 months), 3,000 THB (6 to 12 months)
- Processing
- Sources say 3 to 10 working days for the permit itself and 4 to 8 weeks for the whole process
- DTV
- Holders may not obtain a work permit or work for Thai clients; remote work for foreign employers only
Reviewed 5 October 2026. Immigration and Department of Employment pages were not readable, so the figures come from law-firm and business-news sources. Two sources give different portal addresses, so use the link your employer's HR or lawyer provides.
Sources: ASEAN Briefing: hiring foreign employees · Norcham: new e-Work Permit platform · Royal Thai Embassy Budapest: DTV
Foreigners working in Thailand need a work permit, normally after entering on a Non-B visa. Since 13 October 2025 applications go through the online e-Work Permit system. The employer usually needs 2,000,000 THB of paid-up capital per foreign employee and 4 Thai staff per foreigner. DTV holders may not get a work permit or work for Thai clients.
The process in four steps
- Employer prepares. The Thai company must meet the capital and staff-ratio conditions and register for the online system.
- You enter on a Non-B visa or already hold a qualifying visa such as LTR or SMART.
- Application via the e-Work Permit system, with documents such as passport, degree, employment contract and company documents.
- Collect the permit and extend your stay on that basis. You pay the government fees listed above.
This is the employer's and a licensed lawyer's job. Sabai & Co. does not file work permits and does not act as your employer, sponsor or work-permit agent.
Employer conditions and exceptions
| Condition | Typical rule | Source status |
|---|---|---|
| Paid-up capital | 2,000,000 THB per foreign employee; 1,000,000 THB if you are married to a Thai national (the reduced figure comes from an older source and one 2026 page) | Verified |
| Thai staff ratio | 4 Thai employees registered with social security per foreigner | Verified |
| Minimum salary for extension | About 50,000 THB for Western nationalities (three sources); other tiers differ between sources | Sources differ |
| BOI companies | No staff ratio; BOI sets position-based minimum salaries from 1 October 2025 | Verified |
| LTR and SMART holders | Exempt from the ratio; LTR Work-from-Thailand pays 3,000 THB per year for a digital permit | Verified |
The ratio and salary rules are Immigration administrative criteria rather than part of the Decree, so they can change by order.
Restricted occupations
Dozens of occupations are reserved for Thai nationals, among them tour guiding, legal services, clerical work, hairdressing and Thai massage. Counts range from about 27 to 39 depending on the source and the decree it cites, with exceptions for specialised expertise. Check your exact job against the official list before you accept an offer.
DTV holders and work
Sources
- ASEAN Briefing: hiring foreign employees in Thailand - 15 July 2026
- Norcham: Thailand's new e-Work Permit platform
- Clark Hill: online platform for work permit applications
- ThaiLawOnline: work permit requirements - updated 29 September 2026
- Nishimura: BOI position-based salary minimums - 16 March 2026
- Royal Thai Embassy Budapest: DTV - official
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a work permit to work remotely for a foreign company?
A DTV is designed for that. For other visas the position is not clear in the sources we read, so ask a Thai lawyer.
How long does a work permit take?
Sources give 3 to 10 working days for the permit and 4 to 8 weeks for the whole process including the visa.
Can I change employer?
A 2018 reform reportedly removed the tie to one job and employer. We found one source for this, so confirm before you change.
Does Sabai & Co. apply for work permits?
No. We explain the steps and refer you to a licensed Thai lawyer or your employer's HR.
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