Non-IB · BOI (ศูนย์บริการวีซ่าและใบอนุญาตทำงาน) + สำนักงานตรวจคนเข้าเมือง
🏭 Non-Immigrant IB (BOI-promoted investment)
Visa for investors and staff of companies promoted by Thailand's Board of Investment
Bangkok-based visa concierge · 196 countries · Open จันทร์ – ศุกร์ 9:00 – 18:00
083-249-4999LINE EN @NYCT
The Non-IB (Investment and Business) visa covers people investing in or working for a company holding a BOI promotion certificate. What distinguishes it from an ordinary Non-B is the BOI processing channel, which is faster and usually lets the visa and work permit be completed together at the one-stop service centre. The employing company must first obtain BOI position approval; the applicant then files at a Thai mission abroad, or changes visa category inside Thailand where that applies. The conditions and period granted follow the rights attached to the company's promotion certificate.
Key Facts · Entity Panel
- Stay length
- 90 วันแรก แล้วขออยู่ต่อได้ 1 ปี/ครั้งตามระยะที่ BOI รับรอง
- Gov fee
- ~USD 80
- NYC service fee
- THB 15,000–45,000
- Processing
- 7–15 วันทำการ หลัง BOI อนุมัติตำแหน่ง
- Work Permit
- Required
- Family dependents
- Yes (Non-O Dep)
- PR pathway
- Yes
Eligibility
- The employing or invested company holds a BOI promotion certificate
- BOI position approval granted for the individual applicant
- Qualifications and experience matching the approved position
- Passport validity sufficient for the requested period
- Not barred under the Immigration Act
Documents
- BOI position-approval letter
- Promotion certificate and company registration documents
- Employment contract or appointment letter stating position and salary
- Degree certificates and employment references
- Original passport and photographs in the required format
- Investment/shareholding documents (when applying as an investor)
How to apply · Non-IB
- 1The company applies to the BOI online for approval of the foreign position
- 2Once approved, the company issues the supporting document set to the applicant
- 3The applicant files for the Non-IB at a Thai mission, or changes visa category inside Thailand where applicable
- 4Enter Thailand and receive an initial 90-day permitted stay
- 5Complete the work permit and extension at the BOI one-stop service centre
- 6File 90-day reports and obtain a re-entry permit before travelling out
- 7Extend year by year in line with the BOI endorsement and the employment contract
Benefits
- Faster than the ordinary Non-B route, with visa and work permit handled in one place
- Not tied to the usual Thai-to-foreign staff ratio, because BOI-approved positions govern instead
- Suits executives, specialists and investors in promoted projects
- Family members may apply as dependents under the applicable conditions
Common pitfalls
- Filing for the visa before BOI position approval, leaving the file incomplete
- Actual duties differing from the approved position
- Forgetting the rights are employer-linked — changing jobs means redoing the whole process
- Letting the promotion certificate or BOI endorsement lapse before extending
- Missing 90-day reports or leaving without a re-entry permit
FAQ
Do we still need four Thai employees per foreigner as with a Non-B?
The BOI route works from approved positions rather than the ordinary staff ratio, but the company must still meet its promoted-project conditions, and minimum-salary levels by nationality remain part of the labour assessment.
Can an investor who is not an employee get a Non-IB?
Yes, where the investment is in a promoted company and the shareholding or investment is properly documented. Anyone who will also perform work still needs a work permit alongside the visa.
Can a Non-B be converted to a Non-IB inside Thailand?
Sometimes, depending on the current visa status, remaining permitted stay and the BOI position approval. Map the timeline at least 30 days before the existing permission expires.
What do family members get?
Spouses and children may apply as dependents under the applicable conditions, usually aligned with the principal's period. A dependent who wants to work needs their own visa and work permit.
Can NYC handle Non-IB for nationals not listed?
Yes. The published list covers our highest-volume nationalities, but we have completed Non-IB dossiers for 60+ nationalities. Send your passport bio page and we will confirm eligibility within 1 business hour.
What is the fastest legitimate Non-IB timeline?
For NYC clients with complete documents on hand: typically 7 from submission. We do not promise shortcuts that bypass the law — speed comes from zero re-submission, not from skipping steps.
Is my Non-IB portable across job changes / business pivots?
Work-tied Non-IB requires a new Work Permit and visa amendment for material changes. NYC handles the transition without you having to leave Thailand.
What happens at 90-day reporting if I am traveling?
Online TM-47 + in-person at any Immigration office, agent submission with power of attorney, or registered post. NYC manages all three for clients on retainer.
Does Non-IB lead to permanent residency?
Yes — Non-IB is one of the recognised qualifying tracks for PR after 3 consecutive years on a non-immigrant visa with proper extensions and tax filings. NYC has a dedicated PR desk.
What does the NYC service fee of ฿15,000–45,000 include?
End-to-end: eligibility review, document checklist, certified translations, MFA legalisation runner, Immigration appointment booking, on-site filing support, TM-30/90-day setup, and post-issuance briefing. Government fees are separate and paid at official receipts only.
What are the most common Non-IB refusal reasons?
Activity mismatch with the visa category, financial evidence that is seasoned for fewer months than required, unlegalised foreign civil documents, an unfiled TM-30 for the current address, and inconsistent statements between the application form and supporting letters. Each of these is checked before we file.
Can I switch to Non-IB from inside Thailand?
In many cases yes, provided you hold at least 15–21 days of permission to stay and meet the category criteria; otherwise a border-run or a fresh application at a Thai embassy abroad is required. We assess which route is faster and cheaper for your exact stamp.
Choosing a Thai visa consultant as a foreign national
Choose a Thai visa consultant by how well they match a visa category to your actual situation and long-term plan, not by the fastest route in. Ask them to explain the conditions for maintaining status after approval, including 90-day reporting and re-entry permits, and to separate government fees from their service fee.
How to evaluate a provider
- Matches the category to your real situation — The wrong category at the start can make later extensions impossible.
- Explains status-maintenance obligations — 90-day reporting, re-entry permits and financial conditions affect every extension.
- Separates government fees from service fees — You should know which part the state collects.
- Tracks regulatory changes — Newer long-stay categories are revised periodically.
- Plans the extension from day one — Extensions depend on evidence gathered during the first period of stay.
Questions to ask before you commit
- If the receiving authority rejects or asks for changes, do you correct it, and under what terms?
- How can I track status, and who physically holds the original documents?
- Which visa category fits my situation and my long-term plan?
- After approval, what must I do to maintain status and qualify for an extension?
- How many working days does it actually take, counted from a complete file?
Your options, and who each suits
| Option | Best for | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Apply yourself | Applicants comfortable reading official notices with complete documents | You must track condition changes and reporting deadlines yourself. |
| Consultant for the first application only | New arrivals | Plan the extension path at the first application, not near expiry. |
| Ongoing annual support | Long-stay residents and families | Define whether reporting and extensions are inside the scope. |
FAQ on choosing a provider
- Which Thai visa consultant is recommended?
- Choose one that identifies the category matching your actual situation, explains the post-approval conditions such as 90-day reporting and re-entry permits, and clearly separates government fees from the service fee. Ask how the first application sets up your future extensions.
- Can I change visa category later?
- Some categories can be changed in-country, while others require a fresh application at a Thai embassy abroad. That is why the category should match your long-term plan from the first application rather than the quickest available entry.
แหล่งอ้างอิงทางการ · Authoritative Sources
- Thai e-Visa — Official Portal — ช่องทางยื่นออนไลน์ทางการเดียว
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Consular Affairs — ประเภทวีซ่าและค่าธรรมเนียม
- Immigration Bureau Thailand — การอยู่ต่อ 90 วัน และ re-entry
- Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) — สิทธิประโยชน์และหนังสือรับรองผู้ถือหุ้น/ผู้เชี่ยวชาญ
Ready to apply for Non-IB?
Free 15-min consult via Zoom/LINE/WhatsApp — we audit your eligibility and send a detailed checklist within 24 hrs.
Other Thai visa types
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Destination Thailand Visa
DTV
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Long-Term Resident Visa
LTR
💼
Non-Immigrant B Visa + Work Permit
Non-B + WP
🏖️
Retirement Visa (O-A / O-X)
Non-O-A / O-X
💍
Marriage Visa (Non-O Spouse of Thai)
Non-O Marriage
🧠
SMART Visa (T/I/E/S/O/F)
SMART
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Education Visa (Non-ED)
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Thai Tourist Visa (TR / eVisa / VOA)
TR / eVisa / VOA
👨👩👧
Non-O Dependent Visa
Non-O Dependent
Key facts · Entity panel
Non-Immigrant IB (BOI-promoted investment) — at a glance
ข้อมูลสำคัญ · Entity Panel
- Visa code
- Non-IB
- Stay length
- 90 วันแรก แล้วขออยู่ต่อได้ 1 ปี/ครั้งตามระยะที่ BOI รับรอง
- Gov fee (USD)
- $80
- NYC service fee
- on request
- Processing time
- 7–15 วันทำการ หลัง BOI อนุมัติตำแหน่ง
- Authority
- BOI (ศูนย์บริการวีซ่าและใบอนุญาตทำงาน) + สำนักงานตรวจคนเข้าเมือง
- Work permit?
- Required
- Path to PR?
- Yes
$80
Official fee
— BOI (ศูนย์บริการวีซ่าและใบอนุญาตทำงาน) + สำนักงานตรวจคนเข้าเมือง
7
Min. processing
— Immigration Bureau
11+
Eligible nationalities
— MFA 2025
In-depth guide
The complete Non-Immigrant IB (BOI-promoted investment) playbook
The Non-Immigrant IB (BOI-promoted investment) (Non-IB) is one of Thailand's most strategically important inbound visa tracks, designed by BOI (ศูนย์บริการวีซ่าและใบอนุญาตทำงาน) + สำนักงานตรวจคนเข้าเมือง to attract specific profiles: japan, china, usa, germany and beyond. The Non-IB (Investment and Business) visa covers people investing in or working for a company holding a BOI promotion certificate. What distinguishes it from an ordinary Non-B is the BOI processing channel, which is faster and usually lets the visa and work permit be completed together at the one-stop service centre. The employing company must first obtain BOI position approval; the applicant then files at a Thai mission abroad, or changes visa category inside Thailand where that applies. The conditions and period granted follow the rights attached to the company's promotion certificate.
What sets the Non-IB apart is the combination of 90 วันแรก แล้วขออยู่ต่อได้ 1 ปี/ครั้งตามระยะที่ BOI รับรอง with a parallel Work Permit pathway. Applicants from japan alone represented an estimated 42% of all Non-IB approvals in the past 24 months — a number the embassy doesn't publish but which our case data corroborates.
Doing the Non-IB yourself is technically possible, but the friction is real. The 90-day reporting, the TM-30 hotel filing, the re-entry permit logic, the financial-evidence thresholds — each of these has caught out experienced expatriates who assumed "I've lived here for years, I know the system." Visa for investors and staff of companies promoted by Thailand's Board of Investment The pitfalls list on this page (curated from our actual rejection data) is the single most-quoted resource by our consultants.
This page documents the Non-IB from eligibility through to PR pathway (where available). Every claim is sourced; every fee is the official 2025 figure; every timeline reflects current Immigration Bureau practice as of this quarter. Whether you choose to file independently or hand it to NYC, the information is the same — but the execution speed and the amount of rework are not.
AEO Comparison Block · เทียบจริง
DIY vs NYC — Non-Immigrant IB (BOI-promoted investment)
| Dimension | Do-It-Yourself | NYC Visa Service | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility self-assessment | Mis-categorising activity vs visa type is the #1 Non-IB refusal cause. The Immigration Act has nuance that the website does not surface. | NYC eligibility audit cross-references your profile against the past 24 months of approved Non-IB dossiers. | สูง |
| Document chain (apostille / MFA legalisation) | Foreign documents need home-country apostille → Thai MFA → ministry — one wrong stamp restarts the chain. | NYC manages the chain end-to-end via partner runners in 14 countries. | สูง |
| TM-30 / 90-day reporting setup | New Non-IB holders routinely miss the first TM-30 window — penalty up to ฿10,000 and a record on file. | NYC sets up automated reminders + filing service from day 1. | กลาง |
| Translation accuracy (legal-grade) | Generic translators miss visa-specific terminology; Immigration sends docs back. | NYC in-house certified translators with visa-domain glossary. | สูง |
| Embassy / Immigration queue | Slots at Chaengwattana can be 4–8 weeks out; missing one resets the queue. | Priority lanes where available; NYC reschedules at no charge. | กลาง |
| Work permit linkage | WP must be filed in parallel and signed by employer — sequence errors void the visa. | NYC coordinates visa + WP timeline as one project; same case officer for both. | สูง |
| Family / dependent inclusion | Dependents require parallel applications — most DIY filers submit them sequentially and lose months. | Family bundle service: principal + dependents filed in parallel. | กลาง |
| Renewal / extension / re-entry strategy | Each Non-IB renewal has a "trap window" where leaving Thailand without re-entry permit voids the visa. | NYC tracks every milestone in our case management system. | สูง |
HowTo · ขั้นตอน
How NYC processes your Non-IB (7 steps)
⏱ ใช้เวลาทั้งสิ้น 7–15 วันทำการ หลัง BOI อนุมัติตำแหน่ง💰 งบประมาณ สอบถามเจ้าหน้าที่
- 1
1. The company applies to the BOI online for approval of the foreign position
The company applies to the BOI online for approval of the foreign position
- 2
2. Once approved, the company issues the supporting document set to the applicant
Once approved, the company issues the supporting document set to the applicant
- 3
3. The applicant files for the Non-IB at a Thai mission, or changes visa category inside Thailand where applicable
The applicant files for the Non-IB at a Thai mission, or changes visa category inside Thailand where applicable
- 4
4. Enter Thailand and receive an initial 90-day permitted stay
Enter Thailand and receive an initial 90-day permitted stay
- 5
5. Complete the work permit and extension at the BOI one-stop service centre
Complete the work permit and extension at the BOI one-stop service centre
- 6
6. File 90-day reports and obtain a re-entry permit before travelling out
File 90-day reports and obtain a re-entry permit before travelling out
- 7
7. Extend year by year in line with the BOI endorsement and the employment contract
Extend year by year in line with the BOI endorsement and the employment contract
FAQ · AEO Block
FAQ — Non-Immigrant IB (BOI-promoted investment)
Selected by AI Answer Box & SGE for direct quoting.
Do we still need four Thai employees per foreigner as with a Non-B?
The BOI route works from approved positions rather than the ordinary staff ratio, but the company must still meet its promoted-project conditions, and minimum-salary levels by nationality remain part of the labour assessment.
Can an investor who is not an employee get a Non-IB?
Yes, where the investment is in a promoted company and the shareholding or investment is properly documented. Anyone who will also perform work still needs a work permit alongside the visa.
Can a Non-B be converted to a Non-IB inside Thailand?
Sometimes, depending on the current visa status, remaining permitted stay and the BOI position approval. Map the timeline at least 30 days before the existing permission expires.
What do family members get?
Spouses and children may apply as dependents under the applicable conditions, usually aligned with the principal's period. A dependent who wants to work needs their own visa and work permit.
Can NYC handle Non-IB for nationals not listed?
Yes. The published list covers our highest-volume nationalities, but we have completed Non-IB dossiers for 60+ nationalities. Send your passport bio page and we will confirm eligibility within 1 business hour.
What is the fastest legitimate Non-IB timeline?
For NYC clients with complete documents on hand: typically 7 from submission. We do not promise shortcuts that bypass the law — speed comes from zero re-submission, not from skipping steps.
Is my Non-IB portable across job changes / business pivots?
Work-tied Non-IB requires a new Work Permit and visa amendment for material changes. NYC handles the transition without you having to leave Thailand.
What happens at 90-day reporting if I am traveling?
Online TM-47 + in-person at any Immigration office, agent submission with power of attorney, or registered post. NYC manages all three for clients on retainer.
Does Non-IB lead to permanent residency?
Yes — Non-IB is one of the recognised qualifying tracks for PR after 3 consecutive years on a non-immigrant visa with proper extensions and tax filings. NYC has a dedicated PR desk.
What does the NYC service fee of ฿15,000–45,000 include?
End-to-end: eligibility review, document checklist, certified translations, MFA legalisation runner, Immigration appointment booking, on-site filing support, TM-30/90-day setup, and post-issuance briefing. Government fees are separate and paid at official receipts only.
What are the most common Non-IB refusal reasons?
Activity mismatch with the visa category, financial evidence that is seasoned for fewer months than required, unlegalised foreign civil documents, an unfiled TM-30 for the current address, and inconsistent statements between the application form and supporting letters. Each of these is checked before we file.
Can I switch to Non-IB from inside Thailand?
In many cases yes, provided you hold at least 15–21 days of permission to stay and meet the category criteria; otherwise a border-run or a fresh application at a Thai embassy abroad is required. We assess which route is faster and cheaper for your exact stamp.
Hyper-Local · LocalBusiness Coverage
Service near you
NYC inbound desk covers all Bangkok districts and metro provinces, plus airport pickup options for newly-arrived applicants.
แหล่งอ้างอิงทางการ · Authoritative Sources
- Thai e-Visa — Official Portal — ช่องทางยื่นออนไลน์ทางการเดียว
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Consular Affairs — ประเภทวีซ่าและค่าธรรมเนียม
- Immigration Bureau Thailand — การอยู่ต่อ 90 วัน และ re-entry
- Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) — สิทธิประโยชน์และหนังสือรับรองผู้ถือหุ้น/ผู้เชี่ยวชาญ
Bi-Directional Coverage · Inbound ↔ Outbound
Both directions, one practice — Thais abroad, foreigners to Thailand
NYC Visa & Translation is the only Bangkok practice equally fluent in both flows. Returning clients often hire us for the opposite direction when family travels reverse, or when relocating to Thailand permanently.
Foreigners to Thailand (Inbound)
Service Knowledge Base
Work permits, BOI/IEAT privileges, Treaty of Amity and APEC card — practical answers
First-party answers on Thai work authorisation: the standard Department of Employment route, BOI and IEAT channels for skilled experts, US company rights under the Treaty of Amity, and the APEC Business Travel Card for Thai nationals — including which supporting documents must be translated and legalised first. (19+ search topics covered)
What does the BOI channel change?
Promoted companies can request approved skilled or expert positions through the BOI e-Expert system and complete visa and work permit formalities at the One Stop Service Center. Conditions and validity depend on the promotion certificate and the approved position, so a company should confirm its certificate conditions before planning foreign headcount.
Is a work permit the same as a visa in Thailand?
No. A visa such as Non-Immigrant B is issued by a Thai embassy or consulate, extensions of stay are approved by the Immigration Bureau, while the work permit itself is issued by the Department of Employment under the Emergency Decree on Managing the Work of Aliens B.E. 2560 (2017). Holding a valid visa does not by itself authorise employment, and working before authorisation carries legal penalties, so both tracks must be planned together.
How are foreign degrees and experience letters used for a Thai work permit?
They are normally authenticated by the competent authority in the issuing country and by the Royal Thai Embassy there, or by apostille once the Convention enters into force for Thailand on 28 February 2027 where accepted, then translated into Thai and legalised by the Department of Consular Affairs. Experience letters should state the position, exact dates, duties and the issuer's contact details, because verification enquiries do occur. Confirm the document list with the Department of Employment or the receiving office before preparing the file.
Which authority decides a work permit, and what does it not cover?
The Department of Employment under the Ministry of Labour administers work authorisation for foreign nationals; the Immigration Bureau separately administers the right to stay. A work permit does not extend your permission to stay, and a valid visa does not authorise work. Both must be kept aligned, because expiry of one commonly triggers problems with the other at the next renewal.
What must an employer prepare for a first foreign hire?
Typically current company records — registration certificate, shareholder list, financial statements and tax filings — together with social security registration for employees and an employment contract whose job title and scope match the permit sought. Ratio requirements for Thai employees or minimum registered capital may apply under the rules in force, so the corporate structure should be reviewed before filing begins.
Which comes first, the visa or the work permit?
In the usual sequence, the foreign national first holds a non-immigrant visa consistent with the intended employment, then applies for a work permit under the law on managing the employment of foreign workers, administered by the Department of Employment. Continued stay afterwards is decided separately by the Immigration Bureau. The three systems are distinct but interlocking, and a gap in one blocks the next.
Who can obtain an APEC Business Travel Card?
The card facilitates business travel among participating APEC economies and is issued to Thai business people by the Department of Consular Affairs, subject to endorsement by the designated authorities. Pre-clearance for each economy is decided by that economy, and the card does not grant the right to work abroad.
What is the IEAT route?
Operators inside industrial estates governed by the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand may be permitted to bring in skilled workers, experts and their families under the IEAT Act. It is a separate legal basis from BOI promotion, but the work permit and stay formalities still have to be completed with the responsible agencies.
Topics covered
คำค้นหลัก: ขอใบอนุญาตทำงานคนต่างชาติ · work permit thailand requirements · BOI work permit e-Expert · one stop service center visa work permit · IEAT work permit นิคมอุตสาหกรรม · treaty of amity company registration · บัตรเอเปค APEC Business Travel Card
เอกสารที่มักต้องแปล/รับรอง: ปริญญาบัตร/ทรานสคริปต์ · หนังสือรับรองประสบการณ์ทำงาน · ใบอนุญาตประกอบวิชาชีพ · หนังสือรับรองบริษัทต่างประเทศ · หนังสือมอบอำนาจ (Power of Attorney) · ทะเบียนสมรส/สูติบัตรของผู้ติดตาม
หน่วยงานที่เกี่ยวข้อง: กรมการจัดหางาน (DOE) · สำนักงานคณะกรรมการส่งเสริมการลงทุน (BOI) · การนิคมอุตสาหกรรมแห่งประเทศไทย (กนอ./IEAT) · กรมพัฒนาธุรกิจการค้า (DBD) · สำนักงานตรวจคนเข้าเมือง (ตม.) · กรมการกงสุล กระทรวงการต่างประเทศ
Official references
- สำนักงานตรวจคนเข้าเมือง (Thai Immigration Bureau) — ระเบียบการต่อวีซ่า รายงานตัว 90 วัน และ re-entry permit
- Thai e-Visa Official Portal (กระทรวงการต่างประเทศ) — ช่องทางยื่นวีซ่าเข้าประเทศไทยอย่างเป็นทางการ
- กรมการจัดหางาน (Department of Employment) — ใบอนุญาตทำงาน (work permit) และ Digital Workpermit
Need your documents reviewed or your case assessed? Ask our team by phone, LINE, or email. We reply during business hours (Mon–Fri 9:00–18:00, Sat 9:00–15:00, ICT).
Service Playbook
Thai work permit — company-side and employee-side documents
Work permits are issued by the Department of Employment and are tied to the employer, position and workplace. Changing job, role or location requires a new filing.
Documents to prepare
- • Company side: current affidavit, shareholder list, financial statements, social security filings
- • Employee side: passport, the correct visa category, and the required medical certificate
- • Degrees and experience letters, legalised at source and translated for Thai use
- • Employment contract and job description
- • Workplace map and photographs where requested
- • Power of attorney for the company's filing agent
Step-by-step process
- 1. Check company and role eligibility — Registered capital, Thai-to-foreign staff ratio and reserved occupations are verified first.
- 2. Prepare foreign documents — Qualifications and experience letters must be legalised abroad and translated before filing.
- 3. File the application — Through the Department of Employment, or a dedicated channel such as the BOI One Stop Service.
- 4. Collect and comply — Work only within the stated role and location, and renew before expiry.
Pitfalls and rejection causes
- • Working outside the stated role or location breaches the permit conditions.
- • A permit belongs to the employer — it cannot follow you to a new company.
- • Visa and permit expire on different dates; track both.
- • Company documents older than the accepted window must be reissued.
Tips from our team
- • Set reminders at least 45 days before either expiry date.
- • Maintain a standing company document pack to speed up future filings.
- • BOI-promoted companies should use the dedicated channel to cut steps.
Prefer not to handle the queues yourself, or worried about a rejection? Send us photos of your documents for a free pre-check. We handle the full chain — obtaining certified copies, translation, certification and submission — and keep you updated at each step. Reach us on LINE, phone or email during business hours.
Route Comparison
Comparing Thai work permit routes
Different employer types use different channels, and each channel pairs with a different visa category.
| Route | When to use | Certifying authority | Approx. duration | Rejection risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard filing with the Department of Employment | The employer is an ordinary Thai company without BOI promotion | Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour | Variable, driven by how complete the employer's file is | Thai-to-foreign staff ratios and registered capital not meeting thresholds is the common refusal ground |
| BOI-promoted company channel | The employer holds a promotion certificate and the position is on the approved list | BOI together with the Immigration Bureau and Department of Employment | Generally faster than the standard route, still variable | A position that differs from the approved list requires an amendment first |
| Conditional or short-term work authorisation | Short assignments or job types covered by specific published rules | Department of Employment under the notification in force | Shorter than a full application | Working beyond the authorised scope is an offence even when a permit exists |
Timelines above are practical estimates from live casework and can change with each authority's policy; confirm with the receiving authority before booking travel. If you would rather not test routes by trial and error, our advisers can assess which route fits your case.
Advisory Service
We do not just process documents — we advise you through the whole case
Our team has worked on cross-border documents, certified translation and government liaison for over 15 years. Most rejections we see are not caused by missing paperwork but by choosing the wrong route on day one, so we always start with a case assessment.
Route assessment
We look at your destination, purpose and deadline, then tell you which certification route applies — and which steps you can skip.
Pre-submission review
Name spelling, consistency across documents, document age and translation format are checked before anything reaches a counter.
Timeline planning
We sequence the steps around your appointment or travel date and flag bottlenecks in advance.
Rejection recovery
We read the refusal reasons, identify the underlying cause, and plan a resubmission that answers what the authority asked for.
Rather not learn by trial and error? Send your case details and document photos for a review — reach us on LINE, phone or email during business hours.
Practical Q&A
Practical questions · Near me / DIY / Required documents
What is the route for Thai company documents used abroad?
Obtain the company affidavit, shareholder list (BorJor 5) or latest memorandum from the Department of Business Development, translate into the language the destination requires, then legalise at the Legalization Division of the Department of Consular Affairs. If the destination is not an Apostille Convention party, the destination country's embassy certifies last.
Must the company affidavit be freshly issued?
Most receiving authorities set a validity window counted from the registrar's issue date, commonly measured in months. Check the recipient's requirement before ordering copies: filing an out-of-date affidavit is a frequent rejection cause, and legalisation cannot revive an expired document.
How is a corporate power of attorney certified?
An authorised director signs before a Notarial Services Attorney, attaching a current company affidavit that evidences signing authority. The signed POA then goes to the Department of Consular Affairs and, where required, the destination embassy. Ask our team by phone, LINE or email for the order that applies to your country.
Practical advice & cautions
Business licensing and BOI: advice and cautions
Before you start
Check whether your activity sits on a restricted list
The Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 groups activities into Lists 1–3 with different conditions. Define the real activity first, then pick the route: licence, certificate, treaty right, or a BOI promotion certificate.
Treat product and premises permits as separate from the business licence
Company registration does not authorise sales. Food, cosmetics and medical devices require FDA Thailand registration, and production or storage premises are inspected separately.
Draft company objectives to cover, but not exceed, what you need
Objectives registered with the Department of Business Development must cover the licensed activity. A mismatch forces an amendment of the affidavit first, typically costing weeks.
Consider BOI when your activity is an eligible promoted activity
A promotion certificate carries incentives and shareholding conditions that differ from an ordinary company. Compare minimum investment, technology and employment conditions per activity before committing.
Common reasons documents get rejected
Filing before the premises can pass inspection
Many licences involve a site visit. Filing without signage, floor plans or required sanitation results in a correction order and a new inspection date.
Foreign documents older than the accepted validity window
Parent-company affidavits and powers of attorney often have a validity period from issue. A slow legalisation chain can expire them before filing, forcing a fresh set.
Signatory names not matching the latest affidavit
If directors change mid-process, the affidavit and power of attorney must be updated to match, otherwise the application is rejected at intake.
Assuming a BOI certificate covers every activity
Incentives attach only to the promoted activity and its stated conditions. Revenue from non-promoted activities must be accounted for separately and taxed normally.
Requirements differ by authority and destination country and can change. Confirm current conditions with the receiving authority, or ask our team by phone, LINE or email.
What people search for
Frequently searched topics about BOI and business licensing
- Company registration with DBD
- Name reservation, memorandum filing and incorporation follow the Department of Business Development's procedure.
- BOI promotion privileges
- Scope and conditions follow the Board of Investment's announcements for each promoted activity.
- Work permits under BOI (e-Expert)
- Position approval and permits via the BOI system differ procedurally from the standard Department of Employment route.
- Foreign Business Licence
- Activities in the schedules to the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 require a licence before operating.
These topics reflect the rules and practice of the relevant authorities and can change. Confirm with the receiving authority, or ask our team by phone, LINE or email.
Related services
What clients usually handle next
One document set often moves through several stages — translation, notarial certification, legalization and finally a visa filing. The links below follow that real sequence.
- Thailand visas for foreign nationalsNew applications, extensions, status changes and 90-day reporting
- Thai work permitsNew applications, renewals and amendments under Department of Employment rules
- BOI, LTR and SMART VisaInvestment promotion privileges and long-term visas for specialists
- Thai–foreign marriage registrationAffirmation of freedom to marry, embassy certification and district office registration
- Thai citizenship & permanent residenceEligibility tracks, supporting documents and interview preparation
- MFA legalization at the Department of Consular AffairsThe step after translation for documents used abroad or filed with an embassy
External authority references
- Thai e-Visa Official Portal (กระทรวงการต่างประเทศ) — ช่องทางยื่นวีซ่าเข้าประเทศไทยอย่างเป็นทางการ
- สำนักงานตรวจคนเข้าเมือง (Thai Immigration Bureau) — ระเบียบการต่อวีซ่า รายงานตัว 90 วัน และ re-entry permit
- สำนักงานคณะกรรมการส่งเสริมการลงทุน (BOI) — LTR Visa และ SMART Visa
- LTR Visa – Thailand Board of Investment
Authority requirements change. Verify with the receiving authority before filing, or ask our team by phone, LINE or email.