Legal 2

Visas and Work Permits

I have recently been asked to clearify the way the Thai system works with visas and work permits if you are opening a company here and would like to have a work permit.

Firstly I must point out that each Thai province does follow slightly different guidelines and my information does in no way substitute you actually having a legal consultation with a reputable lawyer's company if you actually intend to work.

There are those that believe the little they would do in reality would make a work permit hardly worth the trouble. This is a big mistake and one that could cost you more problems than you would believe. The Thai Immigration takes cases of foreigners working without a work permit very seriously and the penalties so harsh. If you are here on tourist visa you cann't in any way partcipate in a job.

So let's have a look at what's actually required to apply for a work permit. Firstly you  need to have a business class visa which in most cases will have to be applied for at a Thai Consulate outside of Thailand. There have recent changes to the system, whereby smaller Thai embassies such as the one in Penang, Malaysia, have stopped issuing multiple entry visas. Initially there were those who whispered that the only way to arrange these multiple entry visas was for the individual in question to return to their home country and obtain the visa from their local Thai embassy.

This however had been proved to be incorrect with the embassy in Kuala Lumpur still issuing multiple entry visas until recently, but currently the situation remains in a state of flux with even legal profession sls unsure as to the long term guidelines. We therefore strongly advise obtaining up-to-date legal advice well in advance of pursuing your visa run, to ensure you are fully equipped with the documentation currently required for your business visa.

Those working in Samui who earn a salary of 50,000 Baht per month however, shouldn't hae to face these visa run hassles, as they're entitled to a business visa that only needs to be renewed once per annum at an immigration office. Further details of this scheme can be obtained via a legal professional or at the local immigration office in Na-Thorn. Either way, once you have the correct visa, you'll be able to apply for or renew your current work permit. Once again, there are procudures required for this, which your legal professional will prepare for you.

This process might seem tedious, but it is nothing unudual, whith every country having its own precdures and legal applications. Thailand is no different and don't be fooled by the laid back adna casual attitude of many Thai people on the island, as this is no reflection of the order required in any formal legal requests such as visa or work permit applications. When it comes to legal matters you need to ensure you follow the correct procudure and can produce the appropriate paperwork. All in all, it is easy to see why the services of a professional and thorough legal company are invaluable, saving you much confusion, stress and potentially time and money.