Thailand's stratigic location in Asia Pacific along with it low cost of living encourages businesses to set up shop here. The Board of Investment in Thailand (BOI) also has created huge benefits for Foreign companies to consider setting up in Thailand. It is no wonder that there is a high demand for Foreigners to come and live here and start a business. In order to do that a foreigner must apply for and receive a Non Immigrant B (Business) Visa. This visa type also allows the Foreigner to apply for permission to work in Thailand (Work Permit)
What You Need To Know About The Business Visa
The Thailand business visa commonly refered to as a Non-Immigrant B Visa can be valid for either a single entry or for multiple entries. It can be obtained in the Foreigner's home country and in some cases can be obtained in Thailand. It is a long term Thai visa that entitles the holder stay for 1 year periods in Thailand. The visa is renewable every year and the renewal process can be done inside Thailand. The Non B Visa can also be used to obtain a work permit in Thailand. In order for that to happen the Company that sponsors the visa must also sponsor the work permit.
Requirements & Documentation
The application for the Non Immigrant B Visa is usually processed in your country of residency, but it can be process in some other countries. All necessary documents stated below must be submitted to the Royal Thai Embassy or consulate. It is sometimes possible to transfer another visa type to a Non B in Thailand. We can certainly assist you with that process, but you will need to contact us so we can review the circumstances.
The general requirements for a Non Immigrant B visa are:
- A passport with at least 6-month validity from the date of your intended arrival in Thailand.
- An invitation or confirmation letter to clarify the purpose of travel issued by the concerned organization, entity or company from Thailand.
- Applicable Embassy fee.
- Additional supporting documents may be requested by the Royal Thai embassy or consulate. (see Special Notes below)
- Proof of financial funds. (see Special Notes below)
Special Note 1 - Additional Documents - not usually required but it varies from Embassy to Embassy
Special Note 2 - Proof of Funds - This is required if you are coming into Thailand as an investor.
Non B Visa Application Process
Step 1: Preparation of the documents provided to the visa applicants by the person, company or the organization who offered the employment invitation in Thailand.
Step 2: Submission of the required documents to the Thai Embassy or consulate in the applicant's home country by mail or in person.
Step 3: Payment of the embassy or consular fees which can either be by cash, check, or by credit card.
Step 4: Review and processing of the visa application. The processing time usually takes 2 to 10 business days. (Depends entirely on which Thai Embassy or consulate the application was submitted to.
Step 5: Receive your passport with your Non B Visa.
Upon your arrival into Thailand the immigration officer will stamp your visa as used and stamp another visa into your passport which will make your Non B visa valid for 90 days. During this period you should get your work permit and prepare the documentation for the extension of stay for 1 Year.
2 Classifications Of Non B (Business Visa)
The 1 Year Non Immigrant B Visa (multiple-entry) is issued to those who want to conduct business and intend to frequently travel in and out of Thailand. It is a common mistake to assume that you are allowed to stay for 1 year without interruption. The permit to stay is only valid for 90 days and you are required to exit and re-enter Thailand.
The other Non Immigrant B Visa is used for a work permit and is valid for only 90 Days. After the work permit has been received then the Non Immigrant B can be be changed to a Non B Extension of Stay 1 Year. This Non B allows the holder to stay in Thailand uninterupted.
Non B Extension of Stay 1 Year
Once the holder of the 90 Day Non B visa has arrived in Thailand your visa agent should, within 15 days, begin the process to get your work permit. After that the process shifts to obtaining your Extension of Stay for 1 Year.
Requirements:
- copy of the company certificate
- copy of the company shereholder list
- last 3 months on the company's PND 1, 3, 53
- proof of payment for the last 3 months as above
- copies of last 3 months social security payments - proof of 4 employees on the payroll
- applicant's passport
- applicant's work permit
- multiple photos of the applicant at work with staff members
All of these documents must be presented with the application form to the immigration department approximately 2 weeks before the exiration of the 90 Day Visa.
Important Reminders For Holders Of A Business Visa
90-day Reporting
Non B visa holders are required to notify the Immigration Office regarding their current residential address every 90 days. This can be done either by mail, by personal visit to the immigration office, or online. You may also enlist the services of our company to do this on your behalf with a Power of Attorney. If you leave Thailand during a 90-day period you will not have to report your status and your 90 day count will start again from day 1, from the day you re-enter the country.
Re-entry Permit
If you plan to travel in and out of Thailand during the year of your visa validity, you will need a multiple re-entry permit. This will insure that your visa does not get cancelled. In case you find the need to leave the country for whatever reason, you can apply for a re-entry permit at the international airport before leaving the country. Or you can simply contact us and we can get you a re-entry permit in 1 day.
Summary - Non B Business Visa in Thailand
As you can tell obtaining a Non B visa for Thailand may be a little complex. If you are fortunate enough and have obtained a job then the company hiring you will have to provide everything needed for your Non B visa. BUT if you are a company investor and you are trying to do this on your own we strongly suggest that you hire a Visa specialist.
Thailand is now open to travel and to do business. If you need help with any visa issues please consider contacting our knowledgable Visa staff. And remember the 1st consultation is totally FREE so don't hesitate to Contact Us! Simply fill in the form below and we will get back to you. We are looking forward to working with you.
Contact PCS
Our Address
253 Sukhumvit 21 Road (Asoke), 25th Floor
Email Us
contact@pcsthai-1.com
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+66 2 109 5160