How to Procure a Thailand Non-B Visa

Thailand, the so-called Land of Smiles, is home to many breathtaking beaches, and is an irresistible temptation to many. It lures and enchants tourists not only because of its beauty, but also for its vast and diverse economic opportunities.

Contrary to what others perceive, traveling to Thailand is not especially difficult. The only thing that complicates it is the confusion in choosing the appropriate visa. The Non-B visa might be the one you are looking for.

Non-B or Non-Immigrant Visa Category B is perfect for those who want to:

1) Work in Thailand

2) Conduct business in Thailand

Non-B visa requirements for conducting business

For those who are seeking business opportunities in Thailand, here are the necessary documents required:

1) The Thailand one year visa requires you to submit a travel document or passport. These documents should have at least six months remaining in the validity period.

2) Complete and signed application form.

3) Passport photo (4x6) cm. Your photo must have been taken within six (6) months. Evidently, older pictures are not accepted.

4) Financial statements and taxation records showing that you have sufficient funds of at least 20,000 baht for individuals and 40,000 baht for families. Said amounts guarantee your capacity to sustain your stay in the country.

5) A company letter showing the applicant’s position, length of employment, salary and purpose of visit in Thailand.

6) Letters or documents of correspondence between the applicant and the business partner.

7) If the applicant is self-employed, evidence showing the individual’s financial status must be presented.

8 ) Invitation letters from Thai partners or associates.

9) Corporate documents of Thai associates and partners such as the following:

a) Business registration and business license
b) Shareholder’s list
c) Company profile
d) Business operation details
e) Maps that outline the company’s location
f) Balance sheets, income and business taxes
g) Value-added tax registrations

In submitting company documents, such should be signed by the Board of Directors and have the company seal stamp. Also, explanation letters should be given in instances wherein certain papers cannot be furnished. Documents that are in foreign languages must be translated and notarized by the applicant’s consular mission. Holders of this particular Non-B visa can stay in Thailand for 90 days. For extensions, the applicant simply needs to file his or her request at the Office of the Immigration Bureau.

Non-B visa requirements for employment

If you are going to Thailand for employment, these are the requirements that you need to prepare:

1) Passport or travelling documents that have at least six months remaining in the validity period.

2) Visa application form. The form should be completed and signed.

3) Passport photo (4x6) cm. Photo should not be taken beyond six months.

4) Financial records indicating that you have enough funds to stay in Thailand. Again, the amount required is 20,000 baht
for individuals and 40,000 for families.

5) Ministry of Labour’s Letter of Approval. This can be obtained once the employer submits Form WP3 at the Office of Foreign Workers.

6) Work permit and alien income tax.

7) Corporate documents of the employer or hiring company as follows:

a) Business registration and business license
b) Shareholder list
c) Company profile
d) Business operation details
e) Employee or worker list that indicate the latter’s names, nationality and job position
f) Map showing the company’s location
g) Balance sheets as well as tax and business income statements
h) Value-added tax registration

Working in Thailand is only possible if the applicant has a working permit. Without the permit, the employee could be sanctioned and penalized.

This article was provided by Siam Legal, an international law firm with offices in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Pattaya, Phuket, and Samui. Siam Legal publishes guides to applying for Thailand visas on its website.

Siam Legal International
Interchange 21 Building, 23rd Floor, 399 Sukhumvit Road
North Klongtoey, Wattana, Bangkok 10110
Tel: 662 259-8100