Thailand's Non-B Business Visa is not just a tourist stamp. It's a work visa that requires a Thai company, a labor certificate from the Department of Labour, and proof that you're running a legitimate business. In 2026, immigration scrutinizes business visas heavily. This guide covers everything: Thai company setup, work permit requirements, step-by-step process, and costs.
Non-B Visa requires: (1) Thai registered company with you as Managing Director, (2) Work Permit from Labour Department, (3) Labour Certificate, (4) Evidence of business activity (bank statements, contracts). Cost: 50k-200k THB (company setup + visa fees). Process: 2-4 weeks. Ongoing compliance: 90-day reports every 90 days, quarterly tax filings, annual work permit renewal. Only practical if running a real business. Freelancers and remote workers should use DTV instead.
What is the Non-B Business Visa?
The Non-B is Thailand's primary work visa. It ties your legal right to stay to a specific Thai company. You cannot work remotely for a foreign employer on a Non-B (that's hidden employment and grounds for deportation). You must be employed by or own a Thai entity.
Two Non-B Routes
- Managing Director (Self-Employed): You own and operate a Thai Limited Company. You are the MD and sole or primary shareholder. This gives you full control but requires active business operation and regular compliance filings.
- Employee of a Thai Company: Someone else owns the company, and they sponsor your work permit and Non-B visa. Less paperwork for you, but you're dependent on the employer's cooperation and must work for them full-time.
Non-B Visa Requirements: The Full Checklist
| Document / Requirement | Details & Timeline |
|---|---|
| Thai Limited Company | Registered at Ministry of Commerce. Must be active (filed taxes, board minutes). Cost: 5,000-10,000 THB setup via accountant. Takes 1-2 weeks. |
| Work Permit (TM.7) | Issued by Department of Labour. Requires proof of Thai staff (4+ employees, unless exempt). Takes 3-5 business days. |
| Labour Certificate | Confirms you are legally employed. Obtained from Department of Labour concurrently with work permit. Free, takes 1 day. |
| Bank Statements (6 months) | Prove business activity and financial legitimacy. Immigration wants to see inflows/outflows consistent with your stated business. |
| Business Contracts / Invoices | Demonstrate real business (sales contracts, invoices to customers, supplier agreements). Immigration must be convinced work is legitimate. |
| Passport & TM.30 | Standard requirements. TM.30 must be current (within 90 days) at time of Non-B application. |
| Non-B Visa Fee | 2,000 THB (initial visa). Extensions are 1,900 THB every 90 days (4x per year). |
Step-by-Step Process: Thai Company to Work Permit to Non-B
- Register Thai Limited Company (Week 1): Use an accountant or company registration service. Cost: 5,000-10,000 THB. You need Thai shareholders (you can be 100% owner) and a Thai office address (can be a co-working space or agent address).
- Open Company Bank Account (Week 1-2): Banks require company registration documents. Some require minimum 100,000 THB initial deposit (returned after account opening). Bring company certificate, passport, TM30.
- Establish Business Activity (Week 2-3): Conduct at least one business transaction (invoice, receive payment, sign contracts). Immigration will verify real business activity via bank statements.
- File Work Permit (TM.7) at Labour Department (Week 3): Requires: passport, work contract (between you and company), company registration, board minutes approving your employment, TM30. If you have 4+ Thai staff, process is faster. If not, explain why (professional role, specialized skill).
- Obtain Labour Certificate (Week 3-4): Issued same day or next day once work permit is approved. This confirms you are legally employed in Thailand.
- Apply for Non-B Visa at Immigration (Week 4): Bring work permit, labour certificate, company documents, bank statements, TM30, passport. Fee: 2,000 THB. Approval takes 1-3 business days.
- Receive Non-B Visa (Week 4): You get a 90-day stamp in your passport and a one-year Non-B entry valid. You are now legal to work.
- File 90-Day Extension (Every 90 days thereafter): Return to immigration with TM47 (90-day report), passport, TM30. Cost: 1,900 THB. Must do this every 90 days for the entire duration of your stay.
- Annual Renewal (Year 2+): Work permit must be renewed annually (Department of Labour). Non-B visa is extended for another year. Cost: 1,900 THB (visa extension).
Some agents offer to set up a "guarantee company" (shell company) for you to use as a Non-B sponsor. You pay 10,000-20,000 THB and they handle everything. This is legal but risky. If the company is audited or flagged for dormant accounts, your work permit can be revoked mid-year. Build your own real business instead, even if it takes 4 weeks. It's safer long-term.
Non-B Visa Costs & Timeline
| Expense | Cost (THB) |
|---|---|
| Company Registration (via agent) | 5,000-10,000 |
| Work Permit Application (TM.7) | 3,000-5,000 (if via agent) |
| Non-B Initial Visa Fee | 2,000 |
| Bank Account Setup | 0 (some banks charge 500-1,000) |
| First Year Total | 10,000-18,000 (initial setup) |
| 90-Day Extension (x4 per year) | 1,900 x 4 = 7,600/year |
| Annual Work Permit Renewal | 3,000-5,000 (if via agent) |
| Ongoing Annual Cost | 10,600-12,600/year |
When NOT to Use Non-B: DTV is Better
- Remote Work / Digital Nomads: If you work for a foreign company or are a freelancer, use DTV visa instead. Non-B is for employees of Thai companies only.
- Short-Term Stay: If you are only staying 6-12 months, the compliance burden (quarterly taxes, annual filings) is not worth it. Use ED visa or DTV instead.
- No Real Business: If you don't have actual customers, contracts, or revenue, immigration will deny your application. Non-B requires proof of legitimate business.
FAQ: Business Visa & Work Permit
Q: Can I have multiple Thai companies for one Non-B?
A: No. You can only hold one work permit and one Non-B visa. If you own multiple companies, choose one as your sponsoring company.
Q: What if I don't have 4 Thai staff?
A: You can still apply, but you must explain why (professional/specialized role, company size, etc.). Immigration is stricter for companies with no Thai staff. Hire at least 1-2 Thai employees if possible.
Q: Do I need to physically work in Thailand every day?
A: The work permit requires you to be "employed" by a Thai entity, but immigration doesn't typically verify daily presence. However, if you are absent for months and then apply for a visa extension, immigration may question your employment legitimacy.
Q: Can I leave Thailand on a Non-B without a re-entry permit?
A: No. Buy a re-entry permit (1,000 THB single / 3,800 THB multiple) before you leave. Without it, your Non-B is cancelled and you will need a new visa to return.
Q: How much do I need in the company bank account?
A: No minimum requirement by law. However, immigration reviews 6 months of bank statements. Your account should show consistent business activity (deposits/withdrawals). A completely dormant account will raise red flags.
Need Help Setting Up Your Non-B Visa?
CMLocals assists with Thai company registration, work permit applications, and immigration approvals. We have relationships with accountants, labour department contacts, and immigration officers in Chiang Mai. Message us today.
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Last verified: May 2026 by CMLocals. Thai company requirements, work permit process, and immigration rules verified with Chiang Mai Labour Department and Immigration Office. Rules change regularly. Confirm all requirements before applying.