Published by Settle in Abroad – Your Relocation Experts in Thailand
Understanding the Non-B Visa and Company Setup
If you plan to live and work in Thailand as a foreign entrepreneur, freelancer, or business owner, the Non-Immigrant Business Visa (Non-B) is the essential visa to have. It allows foreign nationals to establish a Thai company, operate legally, and obtain a work permit.
We help you navigate every step, from registering your company to securing your Non-B Visa and work permit, so you can focus on growing your business rather than wrestling with bureaucracy.
Why Choose Us
Thailand’s company registration and visa requirements can feel overwhelming, especially for newcomers. Our clients choose us because we handle everything from start to finish, offering:
Seamless Company Formation: We manage every aspect of Thai company registration, from name reservation to document filing.
Expert Visa Guidance: Our team ensures your Non-B Visa and work permit are processed correctly the first time.
Tailored Support: Every business setup is unique. We customize solutions for your structure, goals, and timeline.
Timely Service: We prioritize efficiency to minimize delays and keep your process moving smoothly.
Ongoing Assistance: After your company is registered, we offer accounting, tax, and legal support to keep your operations compliant.
Setting Up a Thai Company
The first step toward obtaining your Non-B Visa is forming a Thai Limited Company.
Company Formation Package
Our company formation service includes:
Registering your Thai Company Limited and obtaining your official company stamp
Adding at least two shareholders, including one Thai majority shareholder
Listing you as Company Director, giving you authority to manage your business
Reserving and registering your company name and official business address
We also provide add-on services such as:
Opening a company bank account
Full accounting and tax support
Drafting legal contracts to protect foreign shareholders (shareholder agreements, articles of association, and loan agreements)
Basic Company Formation Requirements
To legally form a Thai company as a foreigner, the following rules apply:
A Thai Limited Company must have at least two shareholders. One of them, a Thai citizen, must hold 51% ownership.
The Thai shareholder must provide proof of sufficient financial holdings (equal to 51% of a capital base of ฿2,000,000).
You must have a registered company address. This can be residential if the homeowner provides consent and documentation.
You must submit three potential company names for reservation.
Once these are complete, your company registration takes approximately one month to finalize.
Applying for the Non-B Visa and Work Permit
Once your Thai company is established, you can begin the process of applying for your Non-B Visa and work permit.
Non-B Visa Services
Basic Visa Requirements
To qualify for a Non-B Visa tied to your company, you must demonstrate that:
The company has ฿2,000,000 in capital per foreign shareholder
You employ at least four Thai employees per foreign shareholder
Each Thai employee earns a minimum salary of ฿11,500 per month
Social Security contributions (5% from employee and 5% from employer) are made for three consecutive months prior to visa submission
You’ll also need a Thai company director to sign visa and work permit documents. This director can later be changed after your visa and work permit are issued.
Step-by-Step Timeline for the Non-B Visa and Work Permit
Step 1: Form your Thai Limited Company (about one month).
Step 2: Register Company in the Social Security System (about one month depending on paperwork of your office landlord)
Step 3: Hire at least four Thai employees and register them under the Social Security system.
Step 4: For three consecutive months, pay each employee the required salary plus social security.
Step 5: After this period, you must exit Thailand for about 30 days while we prepare your WP3 (pre-work permit) and wait for immigration to inspect your office location. All 4 of your staff must be at the inspection. You can be in any country at this time, you just need to stay outside of Thailand.
Step 6: Once the WP3 is received, we help you apply for the 3 month non-b at a Thai embassy online. You must be in that country to apply. Please check with us before booking travel, to confirm the application location options. The 3-month Non-B Visa paperwork takes about 3 weeks depending on the embassy location.
Step 7: Upon re-entering Thailand, we continue processing your 12-month work permit at the local Labor Department.
Step 8: After obtaining your work permit, we assist with your 12-month visa extension. You receive one month first, then Immigration and the Labor Department will inspect your office again. All Thai employees must be present during the visit. After a successful inspection, your full 11-month Non-B Visa stamp will be granted.
Why the Non-B Visa Is Worth It
While the process may seem lengthy, the Non-B Visa offers enormous long-term benefits for business owners who plan to live and operate in Thailand. It allows you to legally work, hire staff, open bank accounts, rent property, and build your business without constant travel or visa changes.
Unlike other short-term visa options, the Non-B Visa is tied directly to your company’s legitimacy and operations, giving you a solid foundation for long-term stability in Thailand.
Start Your Company and Visa Process Today
If you’re ready to take your business to the next level in Thailand, Settle in Abroad will guide you from company setup to visa approval. We ensure every step is handled accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with Thai regulations.
