Navigating the Non-B Visa Process in Thailand: A Personal Perspective

When I first moved to Thailand for work, I quickly learned that things aren’t always as straightforward as they seem. Many companies boast about how easy it is to sponsor a Non-B visa for foreign employees, but in reality, it’s often not that simple. I’ve found that, quite frequently, it’s up to us—the individual employees—to take matters into our own hands and handle the visa application ourselves.

So, let me share what I’ve learned from my experience and research, to give you a clearer picture of how to apply for a Non-B visa on your own.

First, it’s important to understand which jobs qualify for this type of visa. In Thailand, roles like IT specialists, sales and marketing professionals, doctors, engineers, and managerial positions are eligible. If you fit into one of these categories, you’re on the right track.

Now, let’s walk through the process I’ve come to know:

Step 1: Company Applies for Pre-Approval (WP3)

Most of the time, your employer needs to start the process by applying for a pre-approval letter called WP3 from the relevant government office. This isn’t something you do yourself. The company also issues an employment letter, which supports your visa application later on.

Step 2: Applying for the Visa at the Thai Embassy

Once the WP3 is approved, you can take that letter along with your employment documents to the Thai embassy in your home country or the country where you’re currently residing. This is where I hit my first hurdle—your employer can’t stay in Thailand while applying for WP3, so if you’re already here, you might need to wait until you leave the country to start the visa process.

Step 3: Enter Thailand and Get a Work Permit

With your Non-B visa in hand, you can come to Thailand. After arriving, you’ll need to apply for a work permit. It’s worth noting that this visa is only valid for 90 days, but don’t worry—you can extend it for up to a year once you have your work permit.

Step 4: Extend the Visa

After successfully obtaining your work permit, you can apply to extend your Non-B visa for a full year. It’s a bit of a process, but it’s manageable if you’ve prepared all the required documents.

But here’s the catch: Many companies tell foreign employees, “It’s easy to sponsor a Non-B visa,” but the truth is, not every company qualifies. There are strict criteria they need to meet:

• The company must be legally registered and compliant with Thai law.
• It needs to have a clean tax record, paying taxes every year.
• They should submit recent tax documents and payroll records.
• There must be at least four Thai employees for every foreign worker. For example, if you’re planning to bring in two foreigners, the company should have at least eight Thai employees.
• The company’s registered capital should be at least 2 million baht.

There’s an exception for BOI-promoted companies—they don’t need to follow the 4:1 ratio and can have a lower minimum capital of 1 million baht. These companies often enjoy tax benefits and other advantages, making the process a lot easier.

So why do some companies say it’s so easy for you to apply on your own?

The answer is simple: if they meet all the criteria, they’re usually willing to handle the process themselves. But many companies don’t meet these requirements. They might not be registered properly, might not have enough Thai staff, or might not have the necessary capital. In those cases, it’s often easier for the employee to take charge and apply independently.

And there’s one more thing to consider—the employee’s qualifications:

• You generally need at least a bachelor’s degree.
• You should have three years or more of relevant work experience.
• If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree, then you’ll need at least five years of experience.

If you meet these criteria and your employer isn’t stepping up, don’t worry. It’s a long process, but it’s definitely doable if you’re willing to handle some paperwork.

In my experience, understanding the process and knowing the requirements can save you a lot of frustration. Whether your company helps or not, being prepared and informed means you won’t be caught off guard. I’ll share more about the detailed application process and tips soon, but for now, keep these basics in mind—your journey to working legally in Thailand starts with knowing what’s needed and taking control of the process.