Non Immigrant Type B Visa Thailand: Complete 2026 Business Visa Guide
The Non Immigrant Type B visa Thailand — also known as the Thailand business visa — is the standard route for foreigners who want to work for, attend meetings with, or set up a Thai-registered business. Unlike the DTV (which authorises remote work for foreign clients) or the LTR (which targets high-income or high-skill profiles), the Non-B is the workhorse visa for everyday employment in Thailand.
This guide explains every 2026 requirement: who applies, who pays, what the employer must provide, and how the work permit fits into the picture.
What Is the Non Immigrant Type B Visa?
The Non-B is a single-purpose category of the broader Non-Immigrant visa group. It allows the holder to enter and stay in Thailand for activities related to business, employment, or commercial transactions. Two key flavours exist:
- Non-B (Business) — for board members, traders, business meetings, attending conferences.
- Non-B (Employment) — for full-time employees of a Thai-registered company.
A Non-B visa alone does not authorise paid work. To legally earn a salary in Thailand, you must combine the Non-B with a Work Permit issued by the Ministry of Labour.
Validity and Cost
- Single-entry Non-B: 90 days from issue — costs around 80 USD at consular rate.
- Multiple-entry Non-B: 1 year — costs around 200 USD.
- Extension to 1 year: Available from inside Thailand once the work permit is issued; immigration fee 1,900 THB.
The Non-B is renewable indefinitely as long as you remain employed by a qualifying Thai entity.
Who Can Apply?
Two parallel sets of conditions apply: one for the foreign worker, one for the Thai sponsoring company.
Foreign worker
- Valid passport (6+ months remaining)
- Education credentials and CV
- Job offer from a Thai-registered employer
- Clean criminal record
- Visa application form, photos
- Work permit application form (TM.1)
Thai sponsoring employer
- Registered capital of 2 million THB per work permit issued (or 3 million THB for some sectors)
- At least 4 Thai employees for every foreign worker sponsored
- Up-to-date tax filings (Por Ngor Dor 50, 51, 1)
- Recent VAT and social-security registrations
- Company affidavit and shareholder list
- Sponsorship letter on company letterhead
These employer requirements are the most common source of refusal. Many small businesses cannot meet the 4 Thai-employee rule and try to hire on a tourist stamp — which is illegal and increasingly enforced.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1 — Job offer and employer documents
The employer compiles the company affidavit, financial statements, list of Thai employees, sponsorship letter, and copy of the registered Thai company stamp.
Step 2 — Foreign worker submits Non-B application
From outside Thailand, apply via the Royal Thai e-Visa portal or the nearest consulate. Provide your CV, education credentials, employment contract, and supporting employer documents.
Step 3 — Receive the 90-day Non-B
Processing time: 5–10 business days for e-Visa, up to 4 weeks for paper.
Step 4 — Travel to Thailand and start work permit process
Once in Thailand, the employer files the TM.1 work permit application at the Ministry of Labour. The foreign worker provides medical certificate, passport copy, and 6 photos.
Step 5 — Receive the work permit
The blue work permit booklet is issued within 7–14 business days.
Step 6 — Extend the Non-B to 1 year
With the work permit in hand, the foreign worker visits the local immigration office to extend the Non-B from 90 days to 1 year. Fee: 1,900 THB.
Step 7 — Annual renewal
Each year, employer files renewal documents. The visa and work permit run on parallel 1-year cycles.
Compliance Obligations
Non-B visa holders must:
- File 90-day reports to confirm address (online or in person; 2,000 THB fine if missed).
- Apply for re-entry permits before international travel (1,000 THB single, 3,800 THB multiple).
- Pay personal income tax on Thai-source salary (progressive scale up to 35%).
- Keep the work permit physically updated — change of role, address, or employer requires a Ministry of Labour notification.
Failure to maintain compliance can void both the visa and the work permit.
Non-B vs LTR vs DTV vs Smart Visa
| Feature | Non-B | LTR (HSP/WFTP) | DTV | Smart Visa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Validity | 90 days–1 year | 10 years | 5 years | 4 years |
| Work permit | Required separately | Included | Not authorised for Thai work | Included |
| Employer threshold | 2M THB capital, 4 Thai employees | None (BOI verified) | N/A | BOI/SDC certified |
| Income threshold | None | 80K USD/yr | 14K USD savings | Varies by category |
| Best for | Standard employment | High-income remote / S-curve experts | Remote workers, freelancers | Tech/innovation experts |
For most foreigners hired by a Thai SME, the Non-B remains the only realistic route. Senior professionals at multinationals usually qualify for the LTR Highly Skilled Professional category, which offers the same work right with fewer compliance burdens.
Common Mistakes That Cause Rejection
- Employer below the 2 million THB capital threshold. Always verified by Thai immigration.
- Insufficient Thai staff ratio. A small startup with 2 Thai employees cannot sponsor a foreign worker.
- Generic employment contract. Officers expect a position-specific job description with salary in THB.
- Mismatched job title vs work permit. The work permit must list the exact position approved by the Ministry of Labour.
- Tourism stamp before applying. Some applicants try to start work on a tourist stamp; this voids the file.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Non Immigrant Type B and Thailand business visa?
They are the same product. "Non Immigrant Type B visa" is the official name; "Thailand business visa" is the marketing label.
Do I need a work permit on the Non-B visa?
Yes if you are receiving a salary or actively performing duties for a Thai company. No if you are only attending meetings or board sessions for less than 90 days.
Can my Thai company hire me without 4 Thai employees?
No. The 4-Thai-to-1-foreigner ratio is a hard rule. Some BOI-promoted companies are exempt; check the BOI certificate first.
Can I switch employer on a Non Immigrant Type B visa?
Yes, but the new employer must file a new work permit and the immigration office must transfer the Non-B. Plan a 2–4 week paperwork window.
How long does it take to get a Non-B visa for Thailand?
e-Visa: 5–10 business days. Paper at consulate: up to 4 weeks. Once in Thailand, the work permit and 1-year extension take another 2–4 weeks.