Work Visa and Work Permit Services

To work legally in Thailand, foreign nationals must hold both the correct visa category and a work permit issued by the Ministry of Labour. Companies promoted by the Board of Investment (BOI) can apply through the e-Expert system and the One Start One Stop Investment Center (OSOS), which offers a simpler and faster process. However, position approvals are valid for only 90 days, and any document inconsistency or missed deadline at any stage will invalidate the approval and require a fresh application.

Z&X's team of bilingual Chinese–Thai advisors, experienced with the procedures of the Immigration Bureau, the Ministry of Labour and the One Start One Stop Investment Center (OSOS), provides end-to-end support from eligibility assessment and document preparation to government liaison and permit issuance.

· Who it's for: BOI-promoted Chinese companies in Thailand that need business visas, work visas and work permits for expatriate managers or technical staff, as well as BOI companies requiring annual renewals, position changes or dependant visas. This service is currently available to BOI companies only.

· BOI business visa (Non-B): With the BOI position approval letter, apply online through the e-Visa system of Thai embassies and consulates. We prepare the documents, complete the online forms and guide you throughout, with no visit to the Immigration Bureau required.

· BOI work visa and work permit: Position approval through the BOI system, filing in the e-Expert system, and processing of the work permit and work visa at the One Start One Stop Investment Center (OSOS), with in-person accompaniment at the Immigration Bureau and Ministry of Labour and follow-up throughout.

· Annual renewals: Renewal applications and accompaniment before work permits and visas expire.

· Position and information changes: Notifications and refilings for changes in position, employer, address and other details.

· Dependant visas: Visa applications and accompaniment for spouses and minor children.

For BOI companies, the overall process takes about 1–2 months in four steps.

· Step 1 Position approval: 1–2 weeks. The company applies online for the position through the e-Expert system (Single Window for Visa and Work Permit System) and obtains a position approval letter. The approval is valid for 90 days, within which the business visa must be obtained.

· Step 2 Business visa application abroad: Approximately 1–2 weeks, subject to embassy or consulate processing. Using the approval letter, apply online for a Non-B visa through the dedicated BOI channel of the e-Visa system.

· Step 3 Work visa and work permit after arrival: 2–3 weeks. After entering Thailand, the work permit and work visa are processed at the One Start One Stop Investment Center (OSOS).

· Step 4 Interview: Completed on the same day; the applicant must attend in person.

Once the engagement begins, Z&X provides a complete document checklist tailored to the applicant and the company, and follows up on each item. The main categories are:

· Position approval stage: Academic certificates (translated into Thai and certified by a Thai translation agency), proof of at least five years' work experience, a company organization chart showing the position applied for, the employment contract and the company's social security contribution records.

· Personal documents: Original passport and copy (valid for at least six months), photo with white background, proof of education and work experience, and CV.

· Company documents: Department of Business Development (DBD) registration documents, articles of association, financial statements and tax filing records, BOI promotion certificate and position approval letter.

· After arrival: e-Visa page, scan of the passport entry stamp page, electronic arrival card, proof of address (TM30 receipt), residence and workplace details with supporting proof of residence, and a digital ID photo.

· On the interview day: Original passport and the Thailand Digital Work Permit app.

· Thai staff ratio and salary thresholds: Current BOI rules set requirements for the ratio of Thai employees and minimum salaries for foreign staff. As these are adjusted by BOI announcements, please confirm the prevailing criteria with us and assess compliance before applying for a position.

· Approval validity: Position approvals are valid for 90 days. Start the overseas visa application as soon as you receive the approval letter, and allow ample time for the applicant's travel arrangements.

· Translation requirements: All non-Thai documents require certified Thai translations, and the BOI checks the credentials of the translation agency.

· Annual renewal: Work permits must be renewed every year. Visa and work permit expiry dates often differ, so track each separately.

· What are the steps for a BOI company to obtain a Thai work visa and work permit, and how long does it take?

· A BOI position approval is valid for only 90 days. What if it expires?

· What documents are needed for a BOI work visa and work permit?

For import, reconciliation and reporting after BOI approval, see BOI End-to-End Compliance Services.

Planning work visas for expatriate staff? Book a work visa eligibility review →

Articles from our Thailand Investment Guide related to this service:

· 2026 Compliance Self-Check for Chinese Companies in Thailand: 10 Checks to Find Your Risk Zone

· Heavy Penalties for Illegal Employment: Employers Face Fines of Up to THB 100,000 per Foreign Worker

View all guide articles →