Changing Visa Type in Thailand

Changing your visa type is possible, but it largely depends on your initial reason for entering Thailand. To qualify, you must hold a valid Tourist Visa (Tourist Visa) or Transit Visa (Transit Visa), such as P30, PP30, or PP90. Additionally, both your visa and passport must be valid to proceed with the visa change.

Applying for a Work Permit After Entering Thailand

After entering Thailand with a Non-B visa, the next step involves applying for a Work Permit through the Department of Employment, Ministry of Labor. The duration of the work permit is typically based on the job’s necessity and the workplace’s performance. While it is generally granted for up to one year per application, in certain cases, it may extend to two years.

Documents Required for Changing Visa Type to Non-B

When you are ready to change your visa type to a Non-B visa, you will need to gather the following documents:

Visa Application Forms

• Form TM. 86 or TM. 87:
  • Form TM. 86 is required if you currently hold a Tourist Visa or Transit Visa and wish to change your visa status.
  • Form TM. 87 is necessary if you do not possess a passport but have been granted permission to stay under P30, PP30, or PP90.

Personal Documentation

• Copy of Passport:
  • Include copies of the pages containing personal information, entry stamps, extension permit stamps (if applicable), and the departure card (TM.6).
• Photo:
  • Additionally, submit one photo (4×6 cm or 2 inches in size).
• Fee:
  • The application fee, which is 2,000 baht, must be paid.

Employment and Company Documentation

• Explanatory Letter:
  • This letter should explain the necessity of hiring a foreign worker. Include the company name, applicant’s name, position, skills, and the reason for requesting the visa change to Non-B.
• Certificate of Employment:
  • The certificate must be in accordance with the Department of Employment’s format.
• Corporate Documents:
  • Provide a copy of the Certificate of Registration of Juristic Person, which must be certified by the Registrar within the last 6 months. Additionally, include the VAT Registration Certificate (P.P.20, P.P.09, P.P.01), Articles of Association, and the List of Shareholders (B.J.5).

Financial and Tax Documentation

• Financial Documents:
  • Submit the latest financial statements along with the corporate income tax list (P.N.D.50). These documents must be reviewed and certified by the Ministry of Commerce or the Revenue Department, with corresponding receipts attached.
• Tax Documents for Thai Employees:
  • Submit a copy of the withholding tax list for Thai employees (P.N.D.1) for the past 3 months, along with a certified list of employees.

Educational and Work Experience Documentation

• Educational and Work Experience Documents:
  • Provide copies of the foreigner’s educational qualifications and work experience. These should be translated into English and certified by both the embassy and the Legal Affairs Division, Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thailand.

Additional Documentation

• Letter of Cooperation:
  • This is required if receiving BOI promotion and should be obtained from the Board of Investment, Industrial Estate Authority, or PTT.
• Company Photos:
  • Provide 6-7 color photos of the company, showcasing the building, company sign, working conditions, desks, or work areas. One of the photos must include the foreign applicant with the company directors, along with a copy of the directors’ ID cards (or passport and work permit if the director is foreign).
• Utility Bills and Lease Agreement:
  • If the P.N.D.50 (page 5, line 3) does not include water and electricity charges, present the lease agreement and the utility bills for the last 3 months.
• Company Map:
  • Attach a detailed map showing the location of the company.
• Certificates from Relevant Agencies:
  • Include receipts for any certification and/or copying fees as required.

Important Notes

Applicants must appear in person for all procedures. Additionally, proof of residence, as required by Section 38, is mandatory. Be sure to sign all pages of the documents. Moreover, company documents must be signed and stamped by authorized directors or managing partners on every page. For convenience, it is advisable to bring all necessary documents to the officer in their original form for faster processing.

Contact Us
RJ-SS provides consultation services by a team of experts to assist you in preparing documents for visas and work permits. You can reach us via the contact form on our website, by calling 02 617 6405, or through Line ID @rjsupply.