The Non-B visa is the standard entry point for legal employment in Thailand. If you have a job offer from a Thai company, this is your visa. If you are visiting for meetings, you may not need it at all.
Quick Facts
- Visa type: Non-Immigrant B (Non-B)
- Purpose: employment or business activities in Thailand
- Prerequisite for: Thai work permit
- Initial stay: 90 days
- Annual extension: 1,900 THB, tied to work permit
- Health insurance: not required
Do You Actually Need a Non-B Visa?
Nationals of 93 countries (including US, UK, Australia, and most EU) receive a 60-day visa exemption on arrival in Thailand. This covers tourism and short business visits including meetings, negotiations, and conferences. If you are visiting for a business trip of under 60 days, you likely do not need a Non-B visa.
You need a Non-B visa if you are moving to Thailand to work for a Thai employer. The exemption does not cover employment.
Non-B Visa Requirements
Your Documents
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Completed visa application form
- Passport photos
- Employment contract or offer letter from your Thai employer
- Educational credentials relevant to the role
- Visa fee
Your Employer's Documents
- Invitation letter from the Thai company (see Invitation Letter guide)
- Affidavit of company registration from the Department of Business Development (within 6 months)
- List of shareholders
- VAT registration certificate (Por Por 20)
- Financial statements
- Evidence of 4:1 Thai-to-foreign employee ratio
The 4:1 Employee Ratio Rule
Your employer must employ at least 4 Thai nationals for every foreign worker they hire. This is verified at the work permit stage. If your employer does not meet this ratio, the work permit application will fail. Confirm this before investing time in the visa application. BOI-promoted companies are exempt from the 4:1 rule, which is a significant administrative advantage.
How to Apply
- Confirm requirements with your local Thai consulate they vary by country.
- Collect all documents from yourself and your employer. The invitation letter and company documents are the employer's responsibility.
- Submit the application in person at the consulate (most require this). Pay the fee.
- Receive your Non-B visa typically within 3-7 working days. Usually issued as a single or multiple-entry 90-day visa.
- Enter Thailand and begin the work permit process with your employer. See the Work Permit guide for the next steps.
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Single-entry Non-B (consulate) | USD 60-80 equivalent |
| Multiple-entry Non-B | USD 175-200 equivalent |
| Annual extension (immigration) | 1,900 THB |
| Agent or law firm fee | 5,000-20,000 THB |
Alternatives to the Non-B
If you work remotely for a foreign employer, the DTV visa is the appropriate option it requires no Thai employer and explicitly permits remote work. If your company is BOI-promoted, visa and work permits are processed through the faster BOI one-stop service without the 4:1 ratio requirement.