Work Permit & Minimum Salary in Thailand (2025 Guide)

Thinking of working in Thailand? You’re not alone.

Maybe you visited once, enjoyed the lifestyle, and now you’re exploring what it would take to stay and work here long-term. It’s a common path — and a good one — but it does come with a few legal steps to follow.

One of the most important things to understand is the salary requirement tied to work permits. While there’s no fixed salary needed to get the permit itself, minimum salary thresholds do apply when you want to extend your stay and continue working.

These thresholds vary depending on your nationality, and it’s up to your employer to ensure they’re met to stay compliant with Thai regulations. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

• Types of work permits available
• The minimum salary requirements for foreign workers
• The work permit application process
• Work permit extensions

Let’s get started.

A work permit is issued by the Ministry of Labour, and it’s what gives you the legal right to work here — whether you're joining a company or running your own business. Simply having a visa isn’t enough. If you're earning money from work in Thailand, you need this permit. [1]

That said, getting a work permit is only part of the process. The issue of salary requirements usually comes up when you’re applying to extend your stay. This is where many people get caught off guard.

To be clear:

• There’s no minimum salary required just to get the work permit.
• But when it comes time to renew your visa (so you can continue working and living in Thailand), you’ll need to show that you're earning at least the minimum monthly salary required for your nationality.

This salary threshold is set by Thai immigration authorities, and employers need to make sure it’s met — otherwise, the extension could be rejected, which can cause issues for both you and your company.

In the next sections, we’ll explore who needs a work permit, the different types of work permits and visas available, and how salary requirements impact work permit extensions.

Do You Need a Work Permit to Work in Thailand? 

Foreign professionals must obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Labour before legally working in Thailand. A visa alone does not grant permission to work—a separate work permit is required to comply with Thai labour laws.

Who Needs a Work Permit?

✅ All foreign professionals working in Thailand require a work permit unless they qualify for an exemption.

However, some foreign nationals are exempt from work permit requirements, such as:

• Diplomats and Consular Officials: Those working in embassies or diplomatic missions.
• Representatives of International Organisations: Staff working under agreements with the Thai government.
• Board of Investment (BOI) Approved Professionals: Foreigners hired by BOI-promoted companies, who may qualify for expedited work permit processing.
• Short-Term Assignments (Up to 15 Days): Foreigners on urgent projects may work without a permit but must notify the Ministry of Labour in advance.

Working in Thailand without a valid work permit is illegal and can lead to:

• Fines imposed on both the employer and foreign worker.
• Imprisonment in severe cases of non-compliance.
• Deportation and potential blacklisting from re-entering Thailand.

Employers and foreign workers must comply with Thai work permit laws to avoid these legal penalties.

Types of Work Permits & Visas in Thailand 

Foreign professionals and business owners must obtain both a visa and a work permit to work legally in Thailand. These are separate documents with different functions—a visa allows foreign nationals to enter and stay in Thailand, while a work permit, issued by the Ministry of Labour, grants permission to work.

Below is an overview of the visa types available for foreign professionals.

While these visas allow foreign nationals to stay in Thailand, additional legal considerations apply to ensure compliance with Thai labour laws:

• Work Permit Requirement: A visa alone does not grant permission to work. Foreigners must obtain a work permit unless exempted.
• Legal Compliance: Working without a valid visa or work permit can lead to fines, imprisonment, or deportation.
• Employer Sponsorship: Many work visas require a Thai employer to sponsor the application and ensure compliance with salary and reporting obligations.

Foreign nationals must obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Labour to work legally in Thailand. This document grants legal permission to work, ensuring compliance with Thai labour laws.

The application process depends on the applicant’s visa type and whether their employer is BOI-promoted, as BOI companies benefit from streamlined procedures. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria, submit required documents, and comply with legal requirements.

The next sections outline who qualifies for a work permit, how to apply, and key mistakes to avoid.

Work Permit Requirements for Foreigners

To qualify for a work permit, foreign professionals must meet specific eligibility criteria, including visa type, job category, and employer status. These requirements align with Thai labour laws regulating foreign employment.

BOI-promoted companies follow a different process, often benefiting from streamlined procedures and case-specific exemptions.
The table below outlines key work permit eligibility requirements for both standard and BOI applicants. [2]

Work Permit Application Process (Step-by-Step) 

Applying for a work permit in Thailand requires securing the right visa, submitting necessary documents, and obtaining approval. The process varies between standard applicants and BOI-promoted companies, with BOI applicants benefiting from faster processing and simplified procedures.

Here is a step-by-step guide to obtaining a work permit in Thailand.

1️⃣ Obtain a Non-Immigrant “B” Visa

2️⃣ Prepare Required Documents for Work Permit Application

3️⃣ Submit the Work Permit Application

4️⃣ Pay Applicable Fees

Work permit fees depend on duration:

• Up to 3 months: THB 750
• 3 to 6 months: THB 1,500
• 6 to 12 months: THB 3,000

5️⃣Attend an Interview (If Required)

Some applicants may be asked to attend an interview or provide additional documents before approval.

6️⃣ Receive the Work Permit

• Once approved, applicants must collect their work permit in person.
• The work permit must be renewed before expiration to avoid penalties.

7️⃣ Maintain Compliance

• Always carry a copy of the work permit.
• Report any employment changes (e.g., new job, address update) to authorities.
• Ensure timely renewal before the permit expires.

Work Permit Fees & Processing Time 

Understanding work permit fees and processing times is essential for both standard applicants and those applying through BOI-promoted companies. 
Costs vary based on permit duration, processing channels, and whether legal services are used, while BOI applicants benefit from faster approvals under certain conditions. [3]

Extending a work permit in Thailand is essential for foreign professionals continuing their employment beyond their initial permit period. The process involves meeting salary thresholds, eligibility criteria, and submitting the required documents within the designated timeline.

Work Permit Minimum Salary & Extension Requirements in Thailand

Extending a work permit in Thailand requires meeting specific eligibility criteria, with minimum salary thresholds playing a key role. These requirements vary based on nationality and employer type, ensuring compliance with Thai labour laws. [4]

1️⃣ Minimum Salary Requirements by Nationality

The Immigration Bureau stipulates minimum monthly salary requirements for foreign nationals seeking visa extensions, which are essential for work permit renewals. [5] The salary thresholds are categorized by nationality as follows:​

2️⃣ Additional Eligibility Criteria

Beyond the salary requirements, applicants must satisfy the following conditions:

• Valid Visa Status: Possess a Non-Immigrant "B" Visa or other appropriate visa category.​
• Employment with a Registered Thai Entity: Be employed by a company legally registered and operating in Thailand.​
• Compliance with Thai Labour Laws: Ensure that both employer and employee adhere to regulations, including maintaining the required ratio of Thai to foreign employees.​

3️⃣ Required Documentation for Work Permit Extension

Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:

Work Permit Extension Process (Step-by-Step)

Extending a work permit in Thailand involves following specific steps to ensure compliance with Thai labour and immigration laws. Below is a structured guide to completing the process successfully.

1️⃣ Check Your Eligibility & Timing

Apply at least 15 days before expiration to avoid legal or employment disruptions.

• Standard applicants must submit their application before their work permit expires.
• BOI-promoted employees should apply early to accommodate processing delays.
• While early applications (over 90 days before expiry) may be allowed, they often require additional justification.

2️⃣ Submit the Application (Online & In-Person Options)

Foreign professionals can apply for a work permit extension either online or in person, depending on employer type and eligibility.

Option 1: Online Submission (BOI-Promoted Companies Only)

Option 2: In-Person Submission (All Applicants)

Where to Apply?

• Non-BOI Companies → Ministry of Labour (Department of Employment) or Provincial Employment Office
• BOI-Promoted Companies → One Stop Service Center (OSOS), Bangkok

Application Steps:

• Gather Required Documents (See Required Documentation for Work Permit Extension section).
• Apply in Person – Third-party authorisation is not allowed for non-BOI companies.
• Submit TM.7 Form (BOI applicants may require additional forms).
• Pay the fees at the submission office. (Fee details covered below.)

3️⃣ Processing Time & Renewal Fees

Processing Time:

• Standard Applicants – Processing times vary based on workload & documentation completeness.
• BOI-Promoted Applicants – Expedited processing at OSOS.

Renewal Fees:

Work permit approvals depend on proper planning and compliance with Thai regulations. Ensure your salary meets the required threshold, gather all necessary documents, and submit your renewal on time. Staying ahead of deadlines helps avoid complications and ensures a smooth process.