What kind of visa should you apply for to get work in Thailand?

Thailand is an exotic and beautiful country that is a popular tourist destination. If you love the country and make it your home for a few years, you can think about getting a job and moving there. It is easy to get a Thai work visa, provided you follow the rules and submit the correct documents. Take a look at this article to know more about the type of work visa you should apply for if you seek employment in the country.

The Non-Immigrant B Visa - your permit to work in Thailand

The most common type of visa you need is the Non-Immigrant B Visa. With this visa, you can engage in a variety of jobs and earn a handsome income in Thailand. Some of the employment opportunities include:

1. Teaching English

English teaching jobs are very popular in Thailand. Since the locals don't speak English, there is a huge demand for overseas English teachers for various levels. These include primary and secondary school jobs, corporate training jobs, home tutoring jobs, etc. You can consider this as a career option and look to get a Non-Immigrant B Visa.

2. Specialised work

People engaging in professional arts such as actors and musicians can make use of the Non-Immigrant B Visa and seek employment in Thailand. This category is also applicable to professional athletes, artists and other performers who wish to live and work in the country.

3. Investment opportunities

If you wish to invest in a Thai business or start your very own business in the country, you can do so after getting a Non-Immigrant B Visa. you can seek entrepreneurship in your chosen field of work and become a successful business person in Thailand.

4. Skilled jobs

The Thai government is always looking for skilled employees who can help the nation and its people grow. If you are skilled professional skilled in engineering, medicine, law, etc, you can surely get a lucrative job in Thailand.

Getting the Non-Immigrant B Visa

Now that you know what kind of visa you need to work in Thailand, here's a lowdown on how you can procure the visa:

1. When applying from within Thailand

If you already are in Thailand, either as a tourist or a student, or a spouse and want a work visa of your own, you have to visit the Immigration Office and carry the required documents. In most cases, having a job already makes the process smoother and quicker, so if you already are in the country, actively look for a job and then apply for your work visa.

2. When applying from outside Thailand

If you are currently residing in any other country outside Thailand, you will have to visit the nearest Thai Consulate along with the required documents. Here too, you will get preference if you have a job offer in your hand.

Documents needed for a Thai work visa

As mentioned above, you will need to file your visa application along with the required documents. Unless your paperwork is precise, you may not get the visa. Here is a list of the documents you need when you apply for a visa to work in Thailand:

1. Valid passport

The first and very obvious requirement is that of a valid passport. You need a valid passport to apply for a Thai work visa.

2. Offer letter

As mentioned above, you will get a better chance of landing a Thai Non-Immigrant B Visa if you already have a job offer. Submit the job offer letter along with the other documents and keep your visa quickly.

3. Educational certificates

You will have to submit your educational certificates, including your highest degree certificate, in order to get the visa.

4. Health certificates

The Thailand authorities would ask for a health certificate which states you are healthy and clear of all health-related issues and don't have any serious or life-threatening condition.

Once you submit these documents along with your visa form, your application will be processed. There will be some levels of verification and after everything is found to be in order, your Non-Immigrant B Visa will be issued to you.