With the new rules nearly in place and ready to be enforced, it really pays to know how stuff are done legally in the Kingdom for foreigners. One of the reasons that people travel to Thailand is to find work, or go to work as a company has hired them for a job and wants to expatriate them.
Before the New Rules
There’s no denying that Thailand is very welcoming to its foreign visitors. Tourists, for instance, can come in to Thailand without having to apply for a visa beforehand. All they need are proofs of departure from the country like a pre-booked plane ticket, and they can breeze through immigration on their way to their vacation. They can stay in the country for 30 days, after which they will have to apply for an extension on their visa if they want to stay for a few more days.
Sadly, however, some foreigners have abused the tourist route and use it as a means to stay a long time in Thailand to work without having to apply for the requisite work permit. This should change, however, when the new rules are enforced this month by immigration authorities in Thailand.
Since deportation and blacklisting for at least 5 years are meted out towards illegal foreigners who overstay in Thailand under the new regulations, it is best to know how you can legally gain employment in Thailand.
Get a Non-Immigrant Visa
The first step to getting a work permit is to apply for a non-immigrant visa. This visa is what is required to enter the country, and will let authorities know that you’re not going there for leisure or for tourism. There are many types of non-immigrant visas to the Kingdom of Thailand, so make sure to seek out the necessary information and apply for the visa whose provisions are more relevant to your situation in the country.
Once you’ve obtained a visa, it’s time to get your things together. You can now fly to Thailand to your new job.
Apply for Work Permit Once You Get to Thailand
After you’ve arrived in Thailand, it’s time for you and your employer to work towards acquiring you a work permit. As the employee, you will need to prepare the following documents:
• 2×2 photograph
• Letter of employment from your employer
• Certificate of educational degree
• Passport issued by your home country
• Address of residence in Thailand
Your employer has to do their part as well, since it was them who invited you to work in Thailand in the first place. The documents that will be required from them are necessary to ascertain that they are legally incorporated in Thailand. These include:
• Withholding tax documents
• Director’s passport and work permit (if also a foreigner)
• Map indicating the address of the company
• Financial documents
• Agreement of employment accomplished with employee
• VAT application
Things to Remember About Work Visa
When you finally have your work visa, remember to bring it with you when you go to work. You may have to present this just in case immigration authorities decide to check up on who’s working legally and who’s not in Thailand. Take note as well that, if your job description changes, you’ll have to update your work permit as well.
Want more articles like this? Check our Blog site.
Photo credit : GroundHandlingInternational
