Business Visa Thailand

Non-Immigrant B Visa to Thailand

Foreigners applying for a job or opening a business in Thailand will require a Thai business visa. This can be best applied for before coming to Thailand. In addition, this type of visa can be extended to a long term visa which can be done at the local immigration office in the Kingdom of Thailand.

Categories Under the Thai Business Visa

There are 2 categories in which foreigners can enter under this type of visa.

Non-Immigrant Business Visa (Conducting Business)

Foreigners who wish to setup or conduct business in Thailand should apply for a Thai Non-Immigrant B visa.

• 90 Days Non-Immigrant Visa (Single-Entry)This is an initial visa issued by the Thai embassy or consulate in your home country which allows a stay of 90 consecutive days in Thailand.
• 1-Year Non-Immigrant Visa (Multiple-Entry)This is issued to those who want to conduct business and intend to frequently travel in and out of Thailand. This non-immigrant business visa can be extended to this visa once the work permit is processed.The applicant requires a sponsorship from a Thai entity or company in Thailand.

Non-Immigrant Business Visa (Employment)

• Foreigners who intend to work in Thailand should apply for an initial 90-Day Non-Immigrant B visa from their home country under employment category.
• The prospective employer from Thailand will sponsor the applicant’s visa application.
• The work permit application takes place during the initial 90 days given through the initial visa.
• Once a valid work permit is obtained, the applicant then applies for the 1-Year Non-Immigrant B visa extension of stay at the local immigration office inside Thailand.
• a 90-day address reporting at the Thai Immigration Office is required of the visa holder under this category.
• A re-entry permit is required if the applicant wishes to travel outside of the country.
• Renewal of this visa can be done inside Thailand.

Requirements of Business Visa Application

Applicants for Non-Immigrant Business Visa to Thailand must demonstrate that they are neither a public nor a security threat to the Thai government. Furthermore, applicants must be physically present in the country where they lodge their non immigrant business visa application.

The general requirements for this type of visa are as follows:

• A passport with at least 6-month validity from the date of your intended arrival in Thailand.
• An invitation or confirmation letter to clarify the purpose of travel issued by the concerned organization, entity or company from Thailand.
• Applicable Embassy fee.
• Additional supporting documents may be requested by the Royal Thai embassy or consulate.
• Proof of financial funds and travel itinerary.

The visa applicants are advised to apply for their visa either by mail or in person at the Royal Thai embassy or consulate in their home country.

Initial Non-immigrant Business Visa Application Process

• Preparation of the documents provided to the visa applicants by the person, company or the organization who offered the employment invitation in Thailand.
• Submission of the required documents to the Thai embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country by mail or in person.
• Payment of the embassy or consular fees which can either be by cash, check, or by credit card.
• Review and processing of the visa application. The processing time usually takes 5 to 10 business days which depends with the Thai embassy or consulate where the application is lodged.

The visa applicants are advised to apply for their visa either by mail or in person at the Royal Thai embassy or consulate in their country of nationality or residence.

Additional Information

90-day Reporting
Holders of a Thai Business Visa (Non-Immigrant B Visa) Extension of Stay are required to report their current address to a Thai Immigration Office on or before every 90 days (with the exception of those on a single entry 90-day visa). Reporting can be done by mail, in person at an Immigration Office, or through an agent which holds your power of attorney. If you leave Thailand during a 90-day period you will not have to report your status and your 90 day count will start again from day 1 from the day you re-enter the country.

Re-entry Permit
If you are planning to leave and re-enter Thailand while on a Thai Business Visa Extension of Stay you will need to apply for a re-entry permit from an Immigration Office or at an international airport, prior to leaving the country in order to gain re-entry.

Work Permit
If you are intending to apply for a Thai Work Permit it is advised to first apply for a Non-Immigrant B Visa (single entry). Once you have successfully received this visa and you have entered Thailand, you can then begin your work permit application. Once a valid work permit is obtained, the applicant then applies for the 1 Year Non-Immigrant B visa Extension of Stay inside Thailand.

1 Year Visa vs. Permit to Stay
The 1 Year Non-Immigrant B Visa (multiple-entry) is issued to those who want to conduct business and intend to frequently travel in and out of Thailand. It is a common mistake to assume that you are allowed to stay for 1 year without interruption. The permit to stay is only valid for 90 days and you are required to exit and re-enter Thailand.