Thailand: Visa and immigration

Do I need a visa and/or work permit?

Non-nationals who wish to work in Thailand will require a visa and a work permit. When entering Thailand on a tourist visa, you are not allowed to take up employment. Failure to observe this rule can lead to arrest and deportation.

There are several categories of non-immigrant visa. For those wishing to work, the most commonly held is type B. Once you have this non-immigrant visa you will then be able to apply for a work permit. You will not be allowed to work if you do not have a permit. If you wish to study in Thailand, you would probably select the ED visa.

Foreigners residing in Thailand for more than 90 days are also required to register their address with the Immigration Bureau (Thailand) . For further information, contact the Visa Office at the Royal Thai Embassy in the UK .

How do I apply for a visa and/or work permit?

A visa entitles the holder to travel to Thailand and apply for admission; it does not guarantee entry into the country. Eligibility for admission is determined by immigration on entry into Thailand. To obtain a visa from the UK you can apply in person to the Royal Thai Embassy or by post from one of the Royal Thai Consulates in Birmingham, Hull, Liverpool, Glasgow and Cardiff. Application forms are also available online at the Royal Thai Embassy in the UK .

If you are not a UK national, contact the Thai embassy in the country where you are currently residing about how to obtain visas and work permits. If you are living in the UK, go to the Royal Thai Embassy in the UK.

You might also find it helpful to contact your ministry of foreign affairs (or your own embassy if you are not living in your home country) to ask whether there are any issues to be taken into account when considering working in Thailand.

How do I apply for permanent residency?

Permanent residency is possible, although annual quotas are usually restricted in number. Applications are made to the Royal Thai Immigration Commission. Income, assets, knowledge, vocational ability and family status in terms of connection with Thai nationals are all taken into account. There are several categories under which applications for a resident permit can be made, such as investment, employment, humanitarian reasons and expertise. There is also provision for those who have stayed in the country for three consecutive years. Up-to-date information of requirements for permanent residency applications can be found at Royal Thai Embassy in the UK.