The Thailand Non-Immigrant B Visa is mostly for foreign nationals who come to the country to work, do business, or take part in other approved professional activities.
This visa is usually the first step for people who have a job offer in Thailand, want to do business for a company, or need to attend work-related events. But having the visa does not mean you can work right away. Most foreign employees also need to get a Thai work permit.
This guide covers who can apply, what documents you need, how to apply, and how the visa relates to work permits and staying longer in Thailand.
Thailand Non-Immigrant B Visa at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Main purpose | Employment, business and approved professional activities |
| Common visa type | Single-entry Non-Immigrant B Visa |
| Typical initial stay | Up to 90 days |
| Work permitted | Only after the required work authorisation has been granted |
| Main requirement | Supporting documents from a Thai employer, company or business contact |
| Extension | May be available in Thailand if the applicant and employer meet the relevant conditions |
| Application route | Through Thailand’s official e-Visa system, with the application handled by the relevant Thai embassy or consulate. |
| Important point | The visa and work permit are separate requirements |
Who Can Apply for a Thailand Non-Immigrant B Visa?
The Non-Immigrant B Visa may be suitable for:
- Foreign nationals who have accepted a job with a Thai employer.
- Business travellers attending meetings, negotiations or company events.
- People representing an overseas company in Thailand.
- Company directors, investors or employees carrying out approved business activities.
- Teachers and other professionals taking up eligible employment.
Applicants must be able to show that their planned activities match the purpose of the visa. Employment applications normally require support from the Thai employer, while business visitors usually need documents from the companies involved.
Thailand Non-Immigrant B Visa Requirements
The exact requirements depend on whether you are applying for employment, business or another approved professional purpose. In general, applicants must:
- Hold a valid passport.
- Show that the planned visit matches the purpose of the visa.
- Provide supporting documents from the Thai employer, company or organisation involved.
- Show evidence of sufficient funds where required. For business applications, official MFA guidance currently lists 20,000 baht per person or 40,000 baht per family.
- Meet any additional requirements set by the Thai embassy or consulate handling the application.
Employment applicants may also need approval or supporting paperwork related to the future work permit. Business visitors are usually asked for an invitation letter and company documents from the organisations involved.
Requirements can vary depending on the applicant’s nationality, job, and place of application, so the latest document list should be checked before applying.
Documents Needed for a Thailand Non-Immigrant B Visa
The documents required depend on whether the application is for employment, business or another professional purpose. Applicants are normally asked to provide:
- A valid passport.
- A recent passport-style photograph.
- Proof of current location or legal residence.
- Evidence of sufficient funds.
- Documents explaining the purpose of the visit.
- Supporting paperwork from the Thai employer, company or organisation involved.
Employment applicants may also need:
- An employment contract or job-offer letter.
- Company registration and tax documents from the Thai employer.
- Approval or supporting paperwork connected to the work-permit application.
- Evidence of qualifications or professional experience, where relevant.
Business visitors may instead be asked for an invitation letter, details of the planned meetings and documents from the companies involved.
The exact list can vary between Thai embassies and consulates, so applicants should check the current requirements before submitting their application.
How to Apply for a Thailand Non-Immigrant B Visa
Step 1: Pick the Correct Visa Purpose
Decide whether your visit is for employment, business meetings or another approved professional activity. The documents required will depend on the purpose of the visit.
Step 2: Collect the Supporting Documents
Ask the Thai employer, company or organisation involved to prepare the required letters and company paperwork. Employment applicants may also need documents connected to the future work permit application.
Step 3: Submit the Application
Apply through Thailand’s official e-Visa system. Your application will be handled by the Thai embassy or consulate responsible for the location from which you are applying.
Step 4: Upload the Documents and Pay the Fee
Add the requested documents, check that the information matches your passport and pay the application fee. Visa fees are normally non-refundable.
Step 5: Wait for a Decision
The embassy or consulate may ask for additional documents before deciding on the application.
Step 6: Travel to Thailand
Once approved, keep a printed or digital copy of the visa confirmation available when travelling. The immigration officer will make the final decision on entry and the period of stay granted.
How Long Can You Stay on a Thailand Non-Immigrant B Visa?
A single-entry Non-Immigrant B Visa can usually be used to enter Thailand within three months after it is issued. Once you arrive, you are typically allowed to stay for up to 90 days.
The visa’s validity period and the length of stay are different. The validity period tells you when you can use the visa to enter Thailand. The entry stamp in your passport shows how long you can stay.
People who need to stay longer for employment or business may be able to apply for an extension through Thai immigration. Approval depends on the applicant, the employer or company involved and the supporting documents provided.
Check the date on the entry stamp carefully and begin preparing any extension application before it expires.
Extending a Thailand Non-Immigrant B Visa
If you need to stay in Thailand for more than 90 days, you may be able to apply for an extension through Thai immigration.
For employment-based applications, the employer will usually need to provide supporting company documents, and you may need to show a valid work permit or related work-authorisation paperwork.
Applicants are commonly asked for:
- A completed extension application form.
- Their passport and copies of the relevant pages.
- A recent passport photograph.
- Supporting documents from the employer or company.
- Work-permit documents, where required.
- Proof of address in Thailand.
An extension of up to one year may be available when the applicant and employer meet the relevant conditions. Approval is not automatic, and immigration may ask for additional documents.
Thailand Work Permit Requirements
A Non-Immigrant B Visa and a Thai work permit are separate documents. The visa allows the holder to enter and stay in Thailand for an approved purpose, while the work permit gives permission to carry out the authorised job.
Most foreign employees must receive the required work authorisation before starting work. The Thai employer will usually help prepare and submit the application.
Applicants may be asked for:
- Their passport and Non-Immigrant B Visa details.
- An employment contract.
- Evidence of qualifications or relevant experience.
- A medical certificate.
- Recent passport-style photographs.
- Company registration, tax and employment documents from the employer.
The permission is connected to the approved employment. Changes involving the employer or job may require updating the work permit details or submitting a new application.
Can You Change Employers?
Changing employers is possible, but the visa and work-permit details may need to be updated.
A work permit is tied to a specific employer and job. Before starting with a new company, both you and your new employer should check what changes or new applications are needed.
If your previous job has ended, your old employer may need to inform the Department of Employment. Do not assume you can use your current work permit for a new job without checking.
Your permission to stay in Thailand may depend on how it was granted. It is a good idea to talk to Thai immigration and the Department of Employment before changing jobs.
90-Day Reporting and Re-Entry Permits
If you are a foreign national staying in Thailand for more than 90 days in a row, you usually need to report your current address to immigration. This process is called 90-day reporting.
Reporting your address does not extend your permission to stay in Thailand. It is a separate requirement and must be completed again after each further 90-day period spent continuously in Thailand. Some people may be able to report online.
If you have an extension of stay, check if you need a re-entry permit before leaving Thailand. Without it, your current permission to stay could end when you leave.
A single re-entry permit lets you leave and return to Thailand once. A multiple re-entry permit allows you to do this several times while your current stay permission is valid. The permit does not give you extra time; it only keeps your existing permission.
Common Problems and Mistakes
Problems often arise when the visa, work permit and employment documents do not match.
Common mistakes include:
- Starting work before the required work authorisation has been granted.
- Submitting incomplete or outdated company documents.
- Assuming that a Non-Immigrant B Visa is the same as a work permit.
- Changing employer or job duties without checking what must be updated.
- Missing visa-extension, work-permit or 90-day reporting deadlines.
- Leaving Thailand without a re-entry permit when one is needed.
- Continuing to rely on employment-based permission after the job has ended.
Employers and employees should keep copies of their immigration and work-permit documents and check important expiry dates in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Non-Immigrant B Visa the Same as a Work Permit?
No. The visa lets you enter and stay in Thailand for business or work. A work permit is what allows you to actually do the job. Most foreign workers need both documents.
Can You Start Work as Soon as the Visa Is Approved?
Usually, you need to wait until you get your work permit before you start working.
Can You Apply for a Non-Immigrant B Visa Without a Job Offer?
It depends on why you are visiting. If you want to work, you usually need a job offer from a Thai employer. Business visitors can often apply with a letter of invitation and company documents instead.
How Long Can You Stay on a Non-Immigrant B Visa?
A single-entry visa usually lets you stay for up to 90 days at first. You might be able to stay longer if you and your employer meet the extension rules set by Thai immigration.
Do You Need to Report Every 90 Days?
If you stay in Thailand for more than 90 days in a row, you usually have to report your current address to immigration. This is different from extending your visa or stay.
Do You Need a Re-Entry Permit?
If you have an extension of stay, check before you leave Thailand. Without a re-entry permit, your permission to stay could end when you leave the country.
What Happens if Your Employment Ends?
What happens to your work permit and immigration status depends on how you got your stay. Your employer might need to report that your job has ended, and you should check with the Department of Employment and Thai immigration as soon as possible.
Can You Change from Another Visa to a Non-Immigrant B Visa in Thailand?
A change of visa status may be possible in some cases, but it is not guaranteed. Approval depends on the applicant’s current status, supporting documents and the decision of Thai immigration.
Is a Thailand Non-Immigrant B Visa Right for You?
A Thailand Non-Immigrant B Visa is a good option if you plan to work, attend business meetings, or have another approved professional reason for visiting the country.
This visa works best if you already have support from a Thai employer, company, or organisation. Keep in mind that the visa and work permit are separate, and foreign employees will normally need both.
Before applying, make sure the purpose of your visit is clear, your documents are complete and any required work authorisation is arranged before you begin working.
You can also explore our Thailand Visa Guide to compare other visa options.