Can I change employers on a work permit?

Not directly. You need to cancel your current work permit, then your new employer must apply for a new one. During the gap, you have 7-30 days to either leave Thailand or have the new application in progress. Many people overlap the process — start the new application before cancelling the old one. This is legally grey but common practice.

Can I freelance or work remotely on a work permit?

A work permit is tied to a specific employer and job. You cannot legally freelance for other clients on a work permit. Remote work for foreign companies requires the DTV visa, not a work permit. Working without proper authorization (even remotely for foreign clients while on a tourist visa) is technically illegal.

How long does the work permit process take?

The entire process from job offer to receiving your work permit typically takes 4-8 weeks. The Non-B visa application takes 1-3 weeks (depending on whether you apply from your home country or a neighboring country), and the work permit itself takes another 1-3 weeks after arrival. Your employer handles most of the paperwork. Start gathering documents (criminal background check, degree certificates, medical certificate) before you arrive.

What are the most common jobs for foreigners in Thailand?

The most common legal jobs for foreigners are English teaching (thousands of positions at government schools, language centers, and international schools), IT and software development (particularly in Bangkok's growing tech scene), management positions at multinational companies, hospitality management at hotels and resorts, and specialized consulting roles. Teaching English requires at minimum a bachelor's degree in any field, with TEFL/TESOL certification preferred. IT roles typically require proven skills and 3+ years experience.

Business12 min min read

Working in Thailand: Work Permits, Non-B Visa & Employment Guide

Thailand Path Team|March 8, 2026

Working legally in Thailand requires a Non-B visa and a work permit, and the process involves both the employer and employee. Thailand also restricts foreigners from many job categories. This comprehensive guide covers every aspect of legally working in Thailand, from finding an employer to maintaining your legal status.

Key Takeaways

1You need both a Non-B visa and a work permit to work legally
239 job categories are reserved for Thai nationals only
3The employer must have 2M THB capital and 4 Thai employees per foreign worker
4Work permits are valid for 1 year and tied to your employer
5Minimum salary requirements vary by nationality ($1,400-4,500/month)

The Process

The process for legally working in Thailand involves multiple steps shared between you and your employer. Step 1: Secure a job offer from a Thai company or an international company with a Thai branch. Step 2: The company app](/visas/non-immigrant-visas-thailand-guide)isas/non-b-business) (business) visa by submitting supporting documents to the Ministry of Labour and the Royal Thai Immigration Bureau. Step 3: You enter Thailand on the approved Non-B visa, which grants an initial 90-day stay. Step 4: Within those 90 days, the company applies for your work permit (tor tor gor) at the Department of Employment. Step 5: Once the work permit is issued, you return to immigration to extend your Non-B visa from 90 days to a full 1-year stay matching the work permit duration. Required documents from the employee include: passport with at least 18 months validity, original educational certificates (bachelor's degree minimum for most positions), a medical certificate from a Thai hospital, criminal record check from your home country (apostilled or authenticated), and a signed employment contract. The employer must provide: company registration documents, corporate tax records, VAT registration, social security documentation, and proof that the company employs at least 4 Thai employees per foreign worker with a registered capital of at least 2 million THB.

Restricted Jobs

Thailand's Foreign Business Act and labor laws reserve many occupations exclusively for Thai nationals. The restricted occupation list includes 39 categories under the Working of Aliens Act B.E. 2551 (2008). Foreigners CANNOT work as: retail shop assistants, tour guides (licensed Thai nationals only), accountants (Thai CPA required), architects (without specific Thai licensing and Thai language proficiency), engineers (without Thai engineering license), lawyers (foreigners can advise on foreign law at international firms but cannot practice Thai law in Thai courts), hairdressers and barbers, bricklayers, carpenters, taxi drivers, agricultural workers, street vendors, stone carvers, or any manual labor including construction and factory work. You CAN legally work in: management and executive positions (C-suite, directors), teaching at schools and universities (requires a bachelor's degree minimum and Thai Teachers Council license or temporary waiver), IT and software development, specialized technical consulting, engineering in specific sectors with proper Thai licensing, and roles requiring specific foreign expertise and language skills that cannot be filled by qualified Thai nationals. The restricted list is updated periodically — always verify current regulations at the Department of Employment website or through your employer's legal counsel.

Salaries & Requirements

Minimum monthly salary requirements for work permit purposes vary significantly by nationality and are designed to ensure foreign workers occupy skilled, professional positions. The current minimums are: 50,000 THB ($1,400) for most Western nationals (US, UK, EU citizens, Australia, Canada, New Zealand), 35,000 THB for Asian nationals from developed economies (Japan, South Korea, Taiwan), and 25,000 THB for ASEAN nationals (Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, etc.). These minimums represent the legal floor — actual salaries for foreign professionals are typically much higher. Teaching salaries range from 30,000-45,000 THB/month at government schools and private language agencies (such as BFITS and Media Kids), 50,000-80,000 at mid-tier international schools, and 80,000-150,000+ THB/month at top-tier international schools (ISB, Bangkok Patana, Shrewsbury, Harrow). IT salaries: 50,000-150,000 THB/month depending on specialization and experience level — developers with skills in React, AWS/cloud architecture, data science, or cybersecurity command the highest rates. Management and executive positions: 80,000-300,000+ THB/month for full expat packages. Many companies supplement base salary with comprehensive benefits including health insurance, visa fee reimbursement, annual flights home, housing allowances, and performance bonuses as part of standard expat compensation packages.