Knowledge Base 
What documents are required, what timelines to expect, and where the process typically stalls for foreign executives entering Thailand. A work permit cannot exist without a valid Non-B visa, and a Non-B visa is only useful once the company can legally sponsor foreign staff.
Sequence first, paperwork second
Immigration and the Ministry of Labour are different offices with different standards. Most executives need Non-B first, work permit second. Filing out of order, or filing before the company meets capital and Thai-staff ratios, costs weeks rather than days.
Documents that actually stall files
Foreign-issued documents that are not notarized or legalized to the standard the officer expects, employment contracts that do not match the role on the application, and company documents that are out of date. Translation quality matters. We check the package against the specific office before an appointment is booked.
The four-Thai-staff ratio
A standard Thai limited company generally needs four Thai staff per foreign work permit holder, alongside minimum capital thresholds. BOI-promoted and certain treaty companies have relaxed ratios. Confirm the company’s current position before you commit to a relocation date.
After issuance
Annual renewal of both Non-B and work permit, plus 90-day reporting. Missed 90-day reports create fines and renewal problems. Track the calendar for the whole team, not just the first arrival.
