Thailand Business

Obtaining a work permit in Thailand can be very difficult as the rules and regulations are in a continual state of flux. There are also prohibited occupations in Thailand that a foreigner may not engage and limits to the type of work being done.

Setting up a company in Thailand is the first process that needs to be completed before you can obtain your work permit. The company will have to have at least 2 million Baht in capital to obtain a single work permit . You also have to employ at least 4 people per work permit. In other words you need to employ 4 Thais for every work permit your company holds. In order to complete the process your company would have to prove that it had paid tax and is registered for VAT.

Once you have your "B" visa or business visa all these documents have to be taken down to the Thai Labour Department to have a work permit issued. Once this is done you need to go to Thai Immigration to extend your visa to the same length as your work permit. As an example you ahve a 3 months "B" visa. Once you have your 1 year work permit, Thai Immigration will extend your Thai visa to the same date as the experation date of your work permit . 

Certain occupations you are not allowed to do. If you are considering farming, then that is a big no! Being a bar tender is out as well as any other 'menial' jobs which a local could clearly do will not be allowed. Occupations with regards to property is also not allowed. As an example you are not allowed to sell property as an estate agent. You are also not allowed to be an attorney and you have no right of appearance in a Thai court of law. Estate agents, lawyers and the like would normally obtain their work permits ont he bases of them being consultants. This of course raises another issue of professional accountability. 

As these professions are not regulated as they are not allowed, always speak to an attorney or consultant at a reputable law firm with an excellent reputation.  Speak to us via our tollfree US or UK telephone numbers, via live chat on our main website or simply visit any of our office in Thaialnd for advice. Do it today!