Thailand Business Visa

The Thailand Business Visa, also known as the Non-Immigrant B Visa, is the standard visa option for those looking to launch a business or work in Thailand. There are 2 categories of the Thailand Business Visa:

• 90-Day Non-Immigrant B Visa (Single-Entry): This allows you to stay for up to 90 days in Thailand. If you plan to leave and return to Thailand, you would need to apply for a re-entry permit to avoid canceling your visa.
• 1-Year Non-Immigrant B Visa (Multiple-Entry): This allows you to leave and return to Thailand as often as you please without the need to apply for a re-entry permit each time you leave the country.

Thailand Business Visa (Conducting Business)

If you intend to conduct business or register a company in Thailand, you must first be sponsored by a Thai entity in Thailand before you can apply for one of the Non-Immigrant B Visas mentioned above.

Thailand Business Visa (Employment)

If you intend to work in Thailand, you must first apply for the 90-Day Non-Immigrant B Visa under the employment category from your home country. Your prospective employer will then need to sponsor your visa application and apply for a work permit. Once you’ve obtained a valid Thai work permit, you can apply for the 1-Year Non-Immigrant B Visa extension of stay at a local immigration office.

Alternatively, you can come to Thailand on a different visa to seek employment while in the country. However, should you receive an offer of employment, you would then need to leave Thailand to begin the 90-Day Non-Immigrant B Visa application process from a foreign country with a Thai embassy, and then proceed to get the 1-year visa.

Visa Options

Thailand Business Visa Requirements

To apply for a 90-Day Thailand Business Visa, you need to submit the following documents:

• A passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining
• A completed Non-Immigrant B Visa application form
• A passport-sized photograph in a 4 x 6 cm format (photo must be taken no longer than 6 months prior)
• Proof of funds (20,000 THB per person or 40,000 THB per family)
• Your travel itinerary

There are other documents required for the application, depending on whether you are applying for employment purposes or to conduct business within the country. Because these documents are often difficult to acquire, it's worth consulting with a legal professional for details on what items you need and how to get them.

Any documents from corporations and businesses must be certified by the company’s Board of Directors or a Managing Director. You will also need to be physically present in the country where you’re submitting your application.

It is important to note that all documents you provide will need to be in either Thai or English; any documents in a different language will need to be translated and notarized.

Thailand Business Visa Application Process

After gathering all the required documents, you need to do the following to apply for a Thailand Business Visa:

1. Submit all the required documents to the nearest Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate and apply for the 90-Day Non-Immigrant Visa.
2. Pay the embassy or consulate fees (2,000 THB for a Single-Entry Non-Immigrant B Visa or 5,000 THB for a Multiple-Entry Non-Immigrant B Visa). The acceptable payment methods include cash, credit card, and bank cheque.
3. Apply to extend the 90-Day Non-Immigrant Visa into a 1-Year Non-Immigrant B Visa.

Approval of the Thailand Business Visa usually takes between 5 to 10 business days, depending on where you are applying.

Contact Siam Legal International

If you are looking to work or conduct business in Thailand, retain the services of Siam Legal International to ensure you get the right visa. We are a full-service law firm and visa consultancy with over 20 years of experience in helping foreign clients enter Thailand to find business success and further their careers.

We will help you gather and prepare all the necessary documents and submit them on your behalf, ensuring a swift and stress-free process so you can focus on your professional life in Thailand without worrying about the red tape.

Should you have any further questions regarding the Thailand Business Visa or any other Thai visa, do not hesitate to contact Siam Legal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Once I get a Thailand Business Visa, how do I start a business in Thailand?

If you’re planning on starting a company in Thailand, it is advised that you consult with a corporate lawyer in Thailand to learn what your options are, as there are several ways to open a business in Thailand.

Besides the Thailand Business Visa, what else do I need to work legally in Thailand?

After obtaining a Thailand Business Visa, you would need to apply for and obtain a work permit before you will be able to legally work in Thailand, even if you plan on running your own company.

Are there other visa options for doing business or working in Thailand?

If you want to work in Thailand long-term, the LTR Visa Thailand may be a better fit for you. It comes with a 10-year visa, a multiple-entry permit, expedited immigration processing at airports, and in some cases, special tax benefits. However, if you plan to start a company in Thailand, you can only do so with the Thailand Business Visa.

How often do I have to renew a Thai business visa?

If you are on the 90-Day Non-Immigrant B Visa, you need to renew it after it expires every 90 days. Conversely, if you are on the 1-Year Non-Immigrant B Visa, you need to renew it every year.

Does a Thai business visa help me get permanent residency in Thailand?

Yes, after you’ve held the Thailand Business Visa for 3 consecutive years, you may apply for permanent residency in Thailand.