Thailand Business Visa (Non-Immigrant B)

The Non-Immigrant B visa is Thailand's primary visa category for foreign nationals undertaking business activities, including employment, company establishment, BOI-sponsored work, and business negotiations. It is initially issued for 90 days and then extended to 1 year (tied to the duration of a valid work permit) from inside Thailand. WHO NEEDS A NON-B? Anyone intending to work in Thailand for a Thai or foreign-registered employer — regardless of their role. This includes English teachers, hospitality staff, engineers, corporate secondees, and foreign directors of Thai-registered companies. Note that attending business meetings without receiving remuneration in Thailand may be covered by visa exemption — seek specific guidance for your situation. THE NON-B AND WORK PERMIT PROCESS 1. Secure a job offer or employer confirmation in Thailand. 2. Your prospective employer submits a work permit application to the Department of Employment (DOE). 3. You apply for the Non-Immigrant B visa at a Thai consulate in your home country or current country of residence. The employer provides an invitation letter, company registration documents, and BOI or Ministry of Labour documentation as required. 4. You enter Thailand on the Non-B visa (90-day stay). 5. Your employer collects your work permit from the DOE within the 90-day window. 6. You apply for a 1-year extension of stay at Immigration, linked to the validity of your work permit. BOI-PROMOTED COMPANIES Companies with Board of Investment promotion can process Non-B visas and work permits through a streamlined one-stop service at the BOI. Processing times are generally faster. Smart Visa holders employed by BOI entities follow a separate process — see our Smart Visa page. WORK PERMIT CONDITIONS A Thai work permit specifies the employer, position title, and authorised work location. Working for a different employer, in a different role, or at an address not listed on the permit is a criminal offence under the Foreign Workers Act. If you change jobs, the existing permit is cancelled and a new application must be filed before you begin work. GENERAL GUIDANCE Work permit requirements, Thai-to-foreigner staffing ratio rules, and industry-specific restrictions are complex and change with government policy. The above is general guidance as of June 2025 (source: Department of Employment Thailand, doe.go.th; Thai Immigration Bureau, immigration.go.th). This is not legal or immigration advice. Visa Centre assists with document preparation and coordination — no outcome is guaranteed.