How to get a Thailand Business Visa?

A Thailand business visa is required for foreigners wishing to work or start a business in Thailand. It is advisable to apply for the visa prior to traveling to Thailand. Furthermore, this visa can be extended to a long-term visa at the regional immigration office in Thailand.

Key Takeaways

• A Thailand business visa is required for foreigners wanting to work or start a business in Thailand, and it can be extended into a long-term visa at the regional immigration office.
• The Non-Immigrant Visa B for business allows for a 90-day stay and can be extended to a one-year visa for multiple entries, but a work permit is necessary for actual employment in Thailand.
• The application process for a Thailand business visa involves contacting the nearest Thai embassy or consulate, and the visa fee varies based on the type of entry and duration.

Thailand has been rapidly growing as a business hub in Southeast Asia, attracting a large number of entrepreneurs, investors, and businesspeople from all over the world. To facilitate travel for these individuals, Thailand offers a variety of visa options, including the business visa. In this article, we will discuss what a Thailand business visa is, who needs it, and how to apply for one.

Here’s what you need to know about the Thailand Non-Immigrant Visa B:

Application Process for a Thailand Business Visa

The application process for a Thailand Business Visa involves several steps:

1. Determine the type of visa: There are different types of business visas available for Thailand, so it is important to determine which one is appropriate for your specific business needs.
2. Gather required documents: The documents required for a Thailand Business Visa typically include a valid passport, visa application form, passport-sized photographs, proof of business activities in Thailand, and a letter of invitation from a company in Thailand.
3. Complete the visa application form: Fill out the visa application form accurately and completely, providing all the necessary information and supporting documents.
4. Submit the application: Once the application form and supporting documents are complete, submit them to the Thai embassy or consulate in your home country. You may need to schedule an appointment for an interview as part of the application process.
5. Pay the visa fee: There is usually a fee associated with applying for a Thailand Business Visa. Make sure to pay the required fee at the time of submitting your application.
6. Wait for processing: After submitting your application, you will need to wait for the visa to be processed. Processing times can vary depending on the embassy or consulate and other factors, so it is important to apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
7. Receive the visa: Once your visa application is approved, you will receive the visa stamp in your passport, allowing you to travel to Thailand for business purposes.

Requirements

• A completed online visa application submitted at least 10 working days before traveling.
• Recent passport-size photographs of yourself.
• A passport with at least 6 months’ validity remaining.
• A letter of invitation or other documents from a relevant company in Thailand, stating the purpose and duration of your business trip.

Visa Categories

• The Non-Immigrant Visa B falls into two distinct categories:
  • Non-Immigrant Visa B for conducting business: This is a two-step process. You begin with a 90-day single-entry visa that you can secure from a Thai embassy or consulate in your home country.
  • Non-Immigrant Visa B for employment: If you wish to work in Thailand, you’ll need additional documents, including evidence of adequate finances, a letter of approval from the Ministry of Labour, and corporate documents from the hiring company.

Validity and Extensions

• The Non-Immigrant Visa B allows you to stay in Thailand for a maximum period of 90 days.
• If you find yourself traveling to Thailand for business frequently, there’s an option to secure a one-year business visa that permits multiple entries. Each entry under this visa allows for a stay of up to 90 days, accommodating extended business activities.

Remember that holding a Non-Immigrant Visa B grants permission to enter Thailand with the intention to work or do business, but it does not automatically allow you to undertake employment. To legally work you will also need a Work Permit.

It is important to note that the specific requirements and procedures for obtaining a Thailand Business Visa may vary depending on your nationality and other factors. It is recommended to check with the Thai embassy or consulate in your home country for the most up-to-date information and guidance on the application process. Begin by creating an account on the Official Website of Thailand Electronic Visa.

What is a Thailand business visa?

A Thailand business visa is a type of visa that allows foreign nationals to enter Thailand for the purpose of conducting business activities. This visa is typically issued to individuals who need to visit Thailand for business meetings, negotiations, conferences, or to explore business opportunities.

The Thailand business visa is usually granted for a specific period of time and may require documentation such as an invitation letter from a Thai company, proof of business activities, and financial statements. The duration of stay permitted on a business visa can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the discretion of the Thai immigration authorities.

It’s important to note that the requirements and application process for a Thailand business visa can vary based on the applicant’s nationality and the specific business activities they intend to pursue in Thailand. It is advisable to consult with the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your home country or a professional immigration consultant for detailed and up-to-date information on obtaining a business visa for Thailand.

Who needs a Thailand business visa?

A Thailand business visa is required for individuals who intend to travel to Thailand for business-related purposes such as attending meetings, conferences, or conducting business negotiations. This type of visa is also necessary for those who plan to explore business opportunities, establish partnerships, or engage in trade and investment activities in Thailand. Additionally, individuals who are employed by a company based outside of Thailand and need to work temporarily in the country may also need a business visa. It is important to check the specific visa requirements and eligibility criteria based on the individual’s nationality and intended business activities in Thailand.

How to apply for a Thailand business visa?

To apply for a business visa, the first step is to contact the nearest Thai embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Thailand business visa requirements for a business visa can vary depending on the country of origin, length of stay, and purpose of the visit.

It is important to note that Thailand business visa processing time can take several weeks, so it is advisable to apply well in advance of your planned travel dates. Once approved, the visa will be affixed to your passport and will allow you to enter Thailand for the duration of your stay.

In summary, a business visa is a valuable resource for anyone who plans to conduct business in the country. By obtaining a business visa, entrepreneurs, investors, and businesspeople can enjoy a streamlined entry process and focus on what matters most: growing their businesses. Whether you’re attending meetings, negotiating contracts, or exploring investment opportunities, a business visa can help you achieve your goals in Thailand.

Thailand business visa price Single-entry fee is 2,000 Thai Baht (about USD 65) Multiple-entry Thailand Business Visa fee is 5,000 Thai Baht (about USD 164). Thailand business visa on arrival is not available: the Thailand Visa On Arrival, which is issued to nationals of certain countries, is strictly for tourism purposes. As such, if you intend to conduct business or work in Thailand, you have to get the Non-Immigrant “B” Visa (Thai Business Visa) from a Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country.

The requirements for a Thailand business visa can vary depending on the country of origin, the length of stay, and the purpose of the visit. In general, however, a business visa for Thailand requires a valid passport, a completed visa application form, a recent passport-sized photograph, and a letter from the applicant’s employer stating the purpose of the trip.

It is also common for applicants to need to show proof of sufficient funds for their stay in Thailand, as well as proof of a return ticket to their home country. It is always best to check with the nearest Thai embassy or consulate to determine the specific requirements for a business visa.

Foreign nationals must apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa at one of the Royal Thai Embassies or Royal Thai Consulates-General if they want to work, do business, or invest in Thailand. The Non-Immigrant Visa now offers a number of categories to accommodate the demands and qualifications of various businesspeople. These include business visa categories “B,” “B-A” and “IB,” as well as business and investment visa categories. Before beginning employment, the holder of this type of visa must get a work permit from Thailand. The cost of a visa is 5,000 Baht for multiple entries with a one-year validity and 2,000 Baht for single entry with a three-month validity.

Required Document

• 1. Ordinary passport holder who wishes to enter the Kingdom for conducting business or working is subjected to be granted a Non-Immigrant B Visa.
• 2. Photograph of the applicant, taken within the past six months.
• 3. Letter from a company stating the objective of the visit to Thailand or Document showing correspondence with trading partners in Thailand. (eg. Letter confirming employment details, business registration or business license of a partner company in Thailand).
• 4. Letter of invitation from a trading company in Thailand.

Employment/ Working in Thailand

• 1. Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months. The validity of 18 months is required for one year visa application.
• 2. Photograph of the applicant, taken within the past six months.
• 3. To obtain an Employment Visa, letter of approval from the Ministry of Labour is requested. (To obtain this letter, the prospective employer in Thailand is required to submit Form WP3 at the Office of Foreign Workers Administration, Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour or at a Provincial Employment Office in the respective province. Further information is available at www.doe.go.th/workpermit/index.html).
• 4. Employment contract indicating rationale for employing the applicant as well as his/her salary, position and qualifications. (Document must be signed by authorized managing director and affixed the seal of the company).
• 5. Copy of Work Permit issued by the Ministry of Labour. (Only in case the applicant has previously worked in the Kingdom).
• 6. Copy of educational records of the applicant and letters of recommendation from the prior employers, identifying job description and length of service time.