If you will work for a Thai company, including your own, you normally need two things. One is a visa that lets you stay; the other is a work permit that lets you work. The LTR and SMART S combine them. The DTV is for people who work remotely for employers or clients outside Thailand.
Pick your route#
| You are… | Usual route | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Employed by a Thai company, or a director of your own | Non-B visa with a work permit | Non-B, Work permit |
| A high earner, a skilled professional, or working for a large foreign company | LTR (10 years, digital work permit) | LTR |
| Founder of a qualifying startup | SMART S | SMART visa |
| Working remotely for employers or clients abroad | DTV | DTV |
Employer rules that decide most cases#
Under the standard rule, each foreign worker needs 2M THB of paid-up capital and 4 Thai employees on social security. BOI-promoted companies and LTR holders are exempt. See the work permit guide and payroll and social security.
What changed in 2025–2026#
| Date | Change | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| 13 Oct 2025 | e-WorkPermit online system: applications 24/7, one in-person biometric visit | Work permit |
| 31 Aug 2026 | DTV applicants must provide a criminal-record certificate (validity required varies by embassy) | DTV |
| 15 Sep 2026 | Visa-exempt entry reduced to 30 days, for tourism; the 60-day scheme was revoked. Business meetings on exemption entry are a grey area | Non-B |
| 2026 | SMART visa: only SMART S (startup) remains open to new applicants | SMART visa |
Costs and timelines at a glance#
| Route | Main eligibility test | Validity | Typical time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-B + work permit | Thai employer meeting 2M capital / 4 Thai staff per foreigner (unless BOI) | 90 days, extendable yearly | Work permit about 7 working days after a complete file |
| LTR | Income or assets tests by category (e.g. USD 80,000/yr for most professionals) | 10 years (5 + 5) | About 20 working days for BOI endorsement |
| SMART S | BOI-endorsed startup | 6 months first, then up to 2 years once funded | About 3 + 20 working days at BOI |
| DTV | 500,000 THB funds + remote work or soft-power activity | 5 years, 180-day stays | Varies by embassy; fee about 10,000 THB |
Check the guide for each route before relying on these figures. The guides cite the official sources.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work on a tourist visa or a DTV for a Thai client?
No. Work for Thai companies or Thai customers needs a work permit.
Does my own company need 4 Thai staff to employ me?
Under the standard rule, yes. BOI promotion and the LTR remove that requirement.
I'm changing employer. Is there a grace period?
There is no automatic grace period. The employer must notify the Department of Employment within 15 days, and any extra stay is at Immigration's discretion. See Non-B visa.
Can I attend meetings in Bangkok without a visa?
Visa-exempt entry is officially for tourism. For anything more than short meetings, get a Non-B visa.
