Q&A: Questions and Answers About Work Permits in Thailand
- knowledgebangkok
- Apr 1
- 4 min read
For those wondering about work permits in Thailand, how to apply for one, renew a work visa, or change the type of work visa, today we will answer all your questions and provide guidance on the necessary steps. Hopefully, this information will be helpful to everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Work Permits
What should foreigners do if they have traveled to Thailand with a Non-Immigrant "B" Visa but do not have a work permit?
Foreigners should contact the Department of Employment under the Ministry of Labor for guidance on applying for a work permit, as there are specific laws and regulations governing foreign employment in Thailand. Before starting work, applicants must apply for a work permit (Bor Tor 25) at the Department of Employment or their local employment office. Working without a valid work permit is illegal and may result in prosecution.
During the COVID-19 outbreak, the Thai government and the Department of Employment temporarily extended the work permit application period, allowing foreigners to apply within 30 days of entering Thailand. However, applicants must have completed the mandatory quarantine period as per government regulations. Additionally, they must provide proof of their quarantine location and a negative COVID-19 test result when applying for a work permit.
What should I do if my work permit is about to expire (with less than 30 days remaining), but my documents are not ready for renewal, or I am not in Thailand?
In this case, the foreigner must notify the authorities of their job termination within 15 days after the work permit expires. If the notification is delayed beyond this period, both the employer and the foreigner will be subject to a fine.
It is not possible to apply for an extension without the original work permit in any circumstance, except in cases where the permit has been lost.
How long is a work permit valid?
The validity of a work permit depends on the employment documents submitted. Authorities may issue a work permit for 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 1 year and 3 months, 1 year and 6 months, or up to a maximum of 2 years per request.
The duration of the work permit may not always match the validity of the visa or the permission to stay in Thailand. It is important to check both the visa and work permit expiry dates to ensure compliance with Thai immigration and labor laws.
How do I renew a work permit? And if the work permit has expired, can I still renew it?
Foreigners or their authorized representatives must apply for a work permit renewal before it expires. To do this, they must first extend their Non-Immigrant "B" Visa at the Immigration Bureau and then submit a BT.25 form for work permit renewal at the Department of Employment.
If the work permit has already expired or the renewal application is submitted late, it cannot be renewed. In such cases, the foreigner must apply for a new work permit using the BT.25 form. The most recent visa must still be a valid Non-Immigrant "B" Visa and must not have expired.
What are the qualifications for foreigners applying for a work permit in Thailand?
Foreigners who wish to apply for a work permit in Thailand must meet the following qualifications:
Valid Immigration Status – Applicants must reside in Thailand or have been granted a temporary entry permit under the Immigration Act (Non-Immigrant Visa). Those entering Thailand on a Tourist or Transit Visa are not eligible to apply for a work permit.
Relevant Skills and Qualifications – Applicants must have the knowledge and ability to perform the job for which they are applying.
Health Requirements – Applicants must not have any of the following conditions:
Mental illness or instability
Leprosy
Tuberculosis in a dangerous stage
Elephantiasis with visible symptoms that are considered socially unacceptable
Severe drug addiction
Chronic alcoholism
Legal Record – Applicants must not have been imprisoned for violating the Immigration Act or the Alien Employment Act within one year before applying for a work permit.
What should I do if my work permit is damaged or lost?
If a work permit is damaged or lost, the foreigner must submit a request for a replacement work permit using Form Tor Tor 4 within 15 days from the date they become aware of the damage or loss. This application must be submitted before the work permit expires, as an expired work permit cannot be renewed.
If a foreigner wants to change employers, what must be done?
Foreigners can change employers in two ways depending on their visa status:
Option 1: Apply for a new work permit within Thailand
Option 2: Apply for a new work permit from outside Thailand
What kind of job positions can apply for a work permit at various employment agencies?
The job position must not be on the list of prohibited occupations for foreigners in Thailand. You can check the list of restricted professions at this link.
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