Work permit renewal in Thailand
Renewing a Thai work permit typically involves submitting an application and required documents to the Department of Employment before the current permit expires. The process ensures that the individual continues to meet the eligibility criteria for employment in Thailand.
It is generally advisable to begin the renewal process several weeks or even a month before the current work permit's expiry date. This allows sufficient time to gather all necessary documents, secure any required appointments, and account for the processing time by the Department of Employment, which can vary.
Start 30 days ahead
To allow for document preparation, appointment scheduling, and processing time by the Department of Employment.
The process
- 1Verify the expiry date of the current work permit and the associated visa to ensure timely renewal.
- 2Gather all required documents, which typically include the existing work permit, passport, visa, and company-related documents.
- 3Complete the application form for work permit renewal (Form Tor Thor 5 or 'ใบอนุญาตทำงาน ตท.5' or via the E-Work Permit system).
- 4Submit the application and all supporting documents to the Department of Employment or relevant Provincial Employment Office.
- 5Pay the applicable renewal fees.
- 6Await the approval and issuance of the renewed work permit.
- 7Collect the renewed work permit, which will be stamped or updated in the applicant's booklet/online profile.
What to bring
- Original work permit book or previous work permit details (for online renewals)
- Passport with a valid non-immigrant visa and arrival stamp
- Current company registration documents, including business registration certificate and VAT registration (Phor Por 20)
- List of shareholders (B.Or.J. 5)
- Financial statements and income tax forms of the employing company
- Relevant educational certificates or professional licenses (if applicable)
- Photos of the applicant (size and specifications to be confirmed with the authority)
- Power of Attorney letter (if someone else is submitting the application on behalf of the applicant or company)
- Any other documents specifically requested by the Department of Employment based on the type of work or company.
Who handles it
Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour (กรมการจัดหางาน กระทรวงแรงงาน)
The fee for work permit renewal varies based on the duration of the renewal (e.g., three months, six months, one year). Applicants should confirm the exact current fees with the Department of Employment or via their official channels.
What commonly goes wrong
- Submitting the renewal application after the current work permit has expired can lead to penalties and potential legal complications.
- Ensure all company documents are up-to-date and reflect the current status, as discrepancies can cause delays.
- Confirm the specific type of non-immigrant visa (e.g., B, IB) is valid for the work permit renewal and has sufficient validity remaining.
- The requirements can differ slightly based on the type of business, the applicant's nationality, and the specific office of submission (e.g., Bangkok vs. provincial offices, or BOI-promoted companies).
Sources
Other documents in Thailand
Work permit renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
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