Overview of Thailand's Work Permit System for Foreigners
A work permit is a permit for foreigners. It’s an important document. In the event that foreigners have to travel to work in other countries to do business, do business, or go as employees This work will be done for a specified period of time. This work permit is requested by employers in each country for their employees, subject to approval from the Ministry of Labor of that country. to be able to accept foreign employees.
The work permit has an expiration date. When it expires, it must be renewed immediately. and if the employee changes workplace or changes employer The new employer must proceed to request However, having a work permit does not mean that you can work anywhere in that country. But having a work permit is an advantage in applying for a job because it will indicate that the owner of the permit is fully qualified and knows the procedures and requirements. This makes it easy for new employers to take action and also increases their confidence in getting that person into the job.
- In Thailand, there are three types of work permits, as follows:
Work permit WP. 11 blue book Used for investors, skilled workers, professionals or skilled workers, imported workers under the MOU, and workers who pass the nationality check. Including workers in fish processing enterprises who must use this document along with a 3-nationality alien worker card. - Work permit WP. 15 is a yellow sheet used for round-trip or seasonal workers.
- Work permit WP. 11, orange book, is used only for all groups of workers in the sea fishing industry. Except sea fishermen
Requirements for Applying for a Work Permit in Thailan
Foreigners who can apply for a work permit in Thailand must have the following qualifications:
- Foreigners must have a residence in Thailand or have permission to enter Thailand temporarily under the law on immigration or non-immigrants. but must not be permitted to enter Thailand as a tourist or transit traveler.
- have the knowledge and ability to work according to his or her permission.
- not insane, having mental instability, not sick with leprosy, late-stage tuberculosis, Lymphatic filariasis at the stage when the symptoms are disgusting to society severe, drug addiction, Alcoholism and stage 3 syphilis
- never been sentenced to imprisonment under the immigration law or the law on working of aliens within 1 year prior to the date of applying for permission.
If foreigners are fully qualified, they can apply for a work permit at the Department of Employment, Ministry of Labor. Within 90 days after the foreigner has arrived in Thailand, according to the law allowing him to stay in Thailand temporarily,
The Cost and Timeline of Obtaining a Work Permit in Thailand
The cost and duration of applying for a work permit may vary because of many factors, such as the type of permit or the applicant’s own circumstances.
Expenses for obtaining a work permit include fees and expenses as follows:
- Fee for obtaining a work permit Will be charged depending on the duration and nationality of the applicant, usually from 1,000 to 7,600 baht.
- Visa renewal fee If you want to extend your visa to stay in Thailand for the duration of the work permit, There will be additional costs involved as well.
- Medical examination fee check-up by a licensed medical facility or clinic The cost of this part will be between 500 and 1,500 baht.
- Processing fee for applying for a work permit, which will be paid to the Ministry of Labor This cost will be charged depending on the type of permit and the length of time you want to apply for it.
- Other expenses such as document translation fees, document notary fees, and legal fees from agencies or private companies, etc.
Timeframe for obtaining a work permit in Thailand This can take anywhere from several weeks to a few months, depending on factors such as the completeness of the documentation. operations of government agencies or factors relating to the applicant individually, etc.
The applicant must gather and prepare important documents for obtaining a work permit, such as a passport, education certificate, labor contract, and company certificate. Once the documents are prepared, they must be submitted to the Department of Employment. The Ministry of Labor takes about 2–3 weeks to review this document once the request is considered valid. and the applicant is fully qualified. The applicant will receive a work permit letter.
If you want to extend your visa too, an application must be submitted to the Immigration Office. This process will take anywhere from a few days to a week.
The time period presented by the author is only a general estimate. In practice, the length of time required for various procedures may vary depending on the case or may change due to the policy of the Immigration Office. The author therefore recommends that in applying for this work permit, the operator should seek advice from various agencies or a company that provides assistance in this area so that the requester will receive accurate and clear information and the permit as he or she wants.
Options For Long-Term Career Opportunities & Investment Possibilities In Thailand
Thailand offers a number of attractive long-term career opportunities and investment possibilities for foreigners. Here, the author would like to present three things as follows:
Firstly, employment opportunities, that is, Thailand’s economy are growing. It creates employment opportunities in various sectors such as finance, tourism, industry, technology, and education. There are many multinational companies investing in Thailand, creating employment opportunities for foreigners with talent. expertise in various fields But working in Thailand is legal. Must have a work permit.
Second, the opportunity to become an entrepreneur and invest in business Thailand is very welcoming to foreign investors, and the Thai government has set up various incentives and programs that can attract foreign investors, such as the National Board of Investment (BOI) investment promotion program. provide tax benefits. Work Permit Facilitation, including other benefits for types of businesses that meet the criteria of the Thai government However, to do business in Thailand, investors should study information or seek advice from a lawyer before investing.
Finally, educational and teaching opportunities There is a huge demand for English language teachers in Thailand. Therefore, it is an opportunity for foreigners who want to come and teach English as a second language. For Thai people, there are language schools. international schools and many universities There is a need to hire a foreign English teacher, but those who want to teach English in Thailand must have qualifications and a teaching license. Which must be submitted to the employer or the Ministry of Education of Thailand.
In addition to the authors mentioned here, there are many opportunities for foreigners working in Thailand, such as opportunities in the healthcare sector. Opportunities in the tourism business, business opportunities in technology, etc. However, before foreigners decide to work or invest in Thailand, The foreigner is advised to study the relevant laws or regulations and seek advice from a lawyer or investment professional. And consider the working culture and investment environment of Thailand first.
In summary, a work permit is a professional permit for foreigners who will come to work in Thailand. Applying for this work permit The applicant must have the qualifications required by law. and must submit an application to the Ministry of Labor. In doing this part, there will be various costs. and will take time. From a few weeks to a few months, however, Thailand has many opportunities for foreigners who want to work or invest in Thailand.
Contact : Siam Center Law Group by calling +66(0) 2 648 5041, +66(0) 2 648 5042
