Working Legally in Thailand: Visa + Work Permit Real Costs
Taking a Thai salary? You need employer sponsorship plus a work permit. Here's the official fee schedule and the requirements that quietly shape your job hunt.
Official government fees (2026)
| Item | Fee (THB) |
|---|---|
| Non-B visa, single entry (consulate) | 2,000 |
| Non-B visa, multiple entry 1yr (consulate) | 5,000 |
| Work permit application | 100 |
| Work permit book ≤3 months | 750 |
| Work permit book 3–6 months | 1,500 |
| Work permit book 6–12 months | 3,000–3,100 |
| Annual extension of stay | 1,900 |
| Re-entry permit (single) | 1,000 |
| 90-day reporting | Free (mandatory; fine if missed) |
The employer requirements that shape your job hunt
- Registered capital: 2M THB per foreign employee (3M for foreign-majority companies/branches; 1M if married to a Thai national)
- Thai staffing ratio: generally 4 Thai employees per foreigner — this is why most legit offers come from larger firms
- BOI-promoted companies get exemptions and hire differently
Who pays what
The work permit fees are legally an employer obligation. Beware employers asking you to cover them. Employees typically handle personal items: re-entry permits, document translations/legalizations.
Penalty context
Working without a permit: fines up to 5,000 THB and possible imprisonment for prohibited activities up to 5 years/100k THB. Employers face up to 100k THB per worker. Deportation is common in practice.
Remote worker instead of local hire? The DTV exists exactly for you — see our DTV tax guide → and tax calculator.
Official fee schedule as of August 2026; agent/legal service costs vary separately. Educational information.