Thailand Business and Work Visa (Non-B)

Three kinds of Non-B.

Employment

A job with a Thai employer. Needs the Ministry of Labour's approval letter for the work-permit application (form WP32), or your work permit if renewing. Single entry, 3 months.

Business visit

Meetings and visits, with an invitation letter from the Thai company. Single entry for 3 months, or multiple entry for 1 year.

Teacher or academic staff

Letter from the Ministry of Education, a university or an international school, plus a criminal-record certificate from your country of residence.

The e-Visa portal also lists BOI employment and business visits, a 3-year frequent business visit, non-curricular internships, sports roles, and the New Zealand and Australian working holiday schemes.

What you need.

Passport, and a photo from the last six months.

Proof of where you are now (for example a valid visa or your booking).

Funds of at least THB 30,000, or THB 120,000 for a multiple-entry business visit. Usually 3 months of statements or a sponsor letter.

The letter for your type of Non-B (above).

Embassies can ask for more. Always check the checklist of the embassy handling your application.

No work without the permit.

The Non-B gets you in. You may only start work once the work permit is issued.

Apply to the Department of Employment through e-WorkPermit: your employer's documents (form BT.46), proof of education or experience, and a medical certificate. A Digital Work Permit is issued with it.

Government fees

THB 100 to apply, then THB 750 (up to 3 months), THB 1,500 (up to 6 months) or THB 3,000 (up to 1 year).

Stated processing time

4 working days once your documents are complete; longer if the file is referred for checks.

Jobs foreigners can't do.

A Ministry of Labour notification of 1 April 2020 restricts 40 jobs.

27 are reserved for Thai nationals: for example Thai massage, hairdressing and beauty, tour guiding, clerical and secretarial work, most legal services, driving, street vending and traditional Thai crafts.

Accounting, civil engineering and architecture: only under international agreements. Some skilled or manual jobs: only with an employer.

Other ways to work here.

SMART visa

Founders of a certified tech startup in Thailand can work in their own company without a separate work permit.

LTR visa

Highly skilled professionals and some other categories can apply for a BOI digital work permit.

DTV

Remote work for employers or clients outside Thailand only. Not a Thai work permit.

How we help you work here.

Free eligibility check. About 3 minutes. See which route fits, and any gaps. Preliminary only.
Talk to a lawyer. A 40-minute video call about your case.
Document Review · ฿5,000. Our team checks your documents, and a lawyer signs off. Then you apply yourself.
Full Legal Service · Request a quote. We manage the application. Fixed written quote within 2 business days, before you pay for the service.

Common questions

What is the Thailand Non-B visa?

The Non-Immigrant B is for working for a Thai employer, teaching or business visits. You still need a work permit before you start work.

How much money do I need for a Non-B visa?

The Thai e-Visa portal asks for at least THB 30,000, or THB 120,000 for a multiple-entry business visit, usually shown with 3 months of statements.

Can I start working as soon as I arrive on a Non-B?

No. Only once the Department of Employment has issued your work permit.

Which jobs can foreigners not do in Thailand?

A Ministry of Labour notification of 1 April 2020 restricts 40 jobs, including Thai massage, hairdressing, tour guiding, clerical and secretarial work and most legal services.

Last updated from official sources: 11 October 2026. Preliminary information, subject to lawyer review and the authorities' decision.

Thailand business visa: work, teach or do business.