ETHAIVISA — Consulting Services for Business Visas, Work Visas, and Work Permits in Thailand

The rule is clear: the company must have 4 full-time Thai employees for every 1 foreign employee whose visa is being renewed. This is counted from PND.1 income tax filings and social security contributions for at least the past 3 full months.

Immigration focuses on the “latest year’s financial statements” (which should show a profit or demonstrate stable employment), the PND.50/PND.1 tax returns, and social security contribution records (SPS.1-10) for the past 3 months. These documents must be printed from the Revenue Department / Social Security systems and carry a clear barcode.

Yes, significantly. The lease must not have expired, and most importantly, the company address on the lease must match the address in the financial statements, the notes to the financial statements and the VAT registration certificate (PP.20). If they do not match, or if the stamp duty for the rent has not been affixed (1 THB for every 1,000 THB), the documents will be rejected immediately.

It is very different and much more convenient. BOI companies can apply online for visa and Work Permit renewals through the Single Window system. Once approved, the visa can be collected at the Visa and Work Permit Service Center (One Bangkok), without the large stack of documents or the 4:1 Thai staff ratio required of ordinary companies.

Photos must be recent and clear, and should include: 1. the company name sign in front of the building, 2. the office address number, 3. Thai and foreign employees actually working together, and 4. the exterior of the building. The map must be easy to understand, with clear landmarks so officers can conveniently carry out a spot inspection.

This is called an “Under Consideration” stamp. Immigration needs time to verify the company documents and the foreigner’s background. During these 21 days, you may continue to stay and work in Thailand as normal, and you must return on the appointment date to receive the actual full 1-year visa stamp.

You can, but it is “not recommended” as it may affect your case. If you really must travel, you need to obtain a Re-entry Permit first and return in time for your immigration appointment. Otherwise, your case may be cancelled and you will have to start the whole process again.

The chance of a spot inspection is very high, especially for newly established companies or companies whose financial results are borderline. Officers usually visit during the 21-day period while the annual visa is under consideration, to check that the office really exists and that the Thai employees on the list actually work there.

It is usually because something in the accounting or tax documents looks questionable. For example, social security contributions for Thai employees are inconsistent, the foreigner’s salary on the tax records does not meet the minimum for their nationality, or the office photos do not look like a genuine working office. The solution is to promptly provide the correct documents and explanation within the deadline set.

The fee for an extension of stay application (TM.7) is 1,900 THB, the same for all nationalities (excluding agency service fees and the Re-entry Permit fee for travelling abroad).

In general, the same criteria apply: they must hold a Work Permit and receive the minimum salary for their nationality. The advantage is that when certifying company documents, this foreign director can sign to certify the documents for their “own” visa renewal (if they already hold a Work Permit).

We recommend a Multiple Re-entry Permit (unlimited entries and exits) for 3,800 THB. It is far better value and more convenient than a Single permit (1,000 THB each time), as you do not need to stop and apply at the airport every time you travel.

The Non-B visa is tied to the main company that applies for it. However, a second or third company and workplace can be added to the Work Permit. When renewing the annual visa, immigration mainly reviews the documents of the main company that applied for the visa.

Yes. Immigration may consider that the company cannot provide stable employment for foreign workers. However, if the company can explain its business plan, holds sufficient working capital in its bank account, or increases its registered capital, it can still apply. Cases like this need a specialist such as ETHAIVISA to help prepare supporting documents and explanations.

Yes. Immediate family members (a legally registered spouse and children under 20 years of age) can apply for and extend a Dependent Visa, or Non-Immigrant O (Dependent), to stay in Thailand for the same duration as the main visa holder.

For dependants of a company-sponsored Non-B work visa holder, “no bank deposit needs to be shown”. Instead, immigration considers the income and tax records of the main visa holder (the foreign employee on the Non-B) to see whether they earn enough to support the family according to the minimum criteria.

Proof of relationship, such as a Marriage Certificate or the child’s Birth Certificate. If these were issued by a foreign government, they must be translated into Thai or English and legalised (Legalization) by the embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before you apply.

A dependent visa always expires on the same day as the main holder’s Non-B visa. We recommend bringing your family to apply for their extensions on the same day the main holder goes for the annual visa stamp, to avoid making several trips to immigration.

Absolutely not. The Non-O dependent visa is for residence only and does not grant the right to work. If they wish to work, they must first change their visa type to Non-B and obtain a Work Permit in accordance with the law.

When the main holder’s Non-B visa ends (because the termination of employment has been reported), the Non-O dependent visas of all family members end automatically on the same day. The family must prepare to leave the country together or arrange a change to another visa type.