Best Business Visa Lawyers in Bang Khen

About Business Visa Law in Bang Khen, Thailand

A Thai Business Visa is usually the Non-Immigrant Visa Category B. It allows foreign nationals to enter Thailand for business activities such as employment, company management, meetings, and setting up or supporting a Thai company. The visa is national in scope, but if you live or work in Bang Khen - a district in northern Bangkok - you will typically handle your in-country immigration matters at the Bangkok Immigration Office located at the Government Complex on Chaeng Watthana Road, which is close to Bang Khen.

There are two common paths. Many applicants obtain a single-entry Non-Immigrant B visa from a Thai embassy or consulate abroad for 90 days, enter Thailand, then apply for a one-year extension of stay and a work permit inside Thailand. Others qualify for a one-year multiple-entry Non-Immigrant B visa issued abroad if their employer and purpose meet consular criteria. After entering Thailand on a Business Visa, most work activities require a valid Thai work permit issued by the Department of Employment. Business activity without the correct authorization can lead to fines, deportation, and re-entry bans.

Special regimes can apply. Board of Investment promoted companies may receive streamlined processing and flexible criteria, often handled at a one-stop service center in Bangkok. Certain highly skilled workers and investors may qualify for a Smart Visa, which carries different benefits and conditions. Your eligibility depends on your role, employer, sector, and supporting documents.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Business immigration rules in Thailand are detailed and document driven. A lawyer familiar with Bangkok procedures can reduce delays and prevent costly mistakes. You may need a lawyer if you are starting or acquiring a Thai company that will sponsor you, you are changing visa type inside Thailand, or you need to convert from a tourist or visa-exempt entry to Non-Immigrant B status. Legal help is also valuable if you have a prior overstay or visa denial, gaps in prior status, or an urgent start date that may require an expedited route.

Other common situations include setting up a compliant payroll and tax structure, meeting the company capital and Thai-to-foreign employee ratio required for sponsoring a work permit, arranging dependent visas for your spouse and children, applying for a re-entry permit before travel, or appealing a refusal. A lawyer can coordinate translations and legalizations, schedule immigration appointments, draft employer letters, verify company records, and represent you at Immigration and the Department of Employment, which is especially helpful if your employer is new to hiring foreign staff.

Local Laws Overview

Thai immigration and employment of foreigners are regulated primarily by the Immigration Act and the Emergency Decree on Managing the Work of Aliens, with implementing regulations issued by the Immigration Bureau and the Department of Employment. Key points that affect applicants living or working in Bang Khen include the following.

Visa and status - You generally need a Non-Immigrant B visa to seek a work permit. A standard single-entry Non-Immigrant B visa allows a 90-day stay. With the right employer documents, you may apply for a one-year extension of stay at Immigration in Bangkok. If you leave Thailand during your extension, you must obtain a re-entry permit before departure to keep your extension valid.

Work authorization - Most work requires a work permit tied to a specific employer, location, and position. Employers usually must meet capital and staffing ratios to sponsor a foreign worker. BOI-promoted entities may have different or more flexible requirements. Short-term urgent work may be possible under a special notification process, but you should get legal advice before relying on it.

Reporting and notifications - Foreigners who remain in Thailand for 90 consecutive days must report their current address to Immigration every 90 days. Landlords or hosts must file a residence notification, commonly called TM30, soon after you first arrive at your residence. Failure to comply can trigger fines and processing delays when you renew or extend.

Tax and social security - If you work in Thailand you are generally subject to Thai personal income tax on Thai-sourced income and must be registered for withholding and social security through your employer. Documented tax and social security compliance is often reviewed during visa extensions.

Penalties - Overstaying your permitted stay is a finable offense that can lead to detention, deportation, and re-entry bans that vary in length based on the period of overstay. Working without a correct permit can result in fines for both the foreign worker and the employer, and can affect future visa eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Non-Immigrant B visa and who needs it

The Non-Immigrant B visa is Thailand’s business visa. It is intended for people who will work, manage a company, conduct business, or provide services in Thailand. Most foreign employees, company directors, and specialists use this visa before applying for a work permit and a one-year extension of stay in Bangkok.

Can I work in Thailand with only a Business Visa

No. The Business Visa lets you enter Thailand for business purposes, but you still need a Thai work permit before performing work or receiving income in Thailand, unless you are specifically exempt under a program such as Smart Visa. Attending meetings or exploring business opportunities without performing work may be allowed, but you should confirm the scope with a lawyer.

Can I apply for a Business Visa inside Thailand

Usually you apply at a Thai embassy or consulate abroad. In certain cases you may convert from another visa or from visa-exempt entry to Non-Immigrant B inside Thailand if you meet strict criteria and apply before your current permission expires. In Bangkok, these applications are handled by Immigration. Legal guidance is recommended because eligibility and timing are critical.

How long does the process take

Consular visa issuance abroad often takes 2 to 10 working days after submission, depending on the consulate. Work permit processing in Bangkok typically takes 5 to 15 working days once complete documents are filed. A one-year extension of stay at Immigration may take 1 to 4 weeks. Timelines vary with your employer’s readiness and whether additional verification is required.

What documents are commonly required

Expect to provide a passport with sufficient validity, photos, degree and professional certificates, police clearance and medical certificate if requested, and an employer support letter. The employer must usually provide company registration documents, shareholder list, list of Thai employees, paid-up capital evidence, tax filings, and financial statements. Translations and legalizations may be required for foreign documents.

What are the company requirements to sponsor my work permit

Standard companies are expected to meet minimum paid-up capital and Thai-to-foreign employee ratio thresholds for each sponsored foreign worker. The exact requirements can vary by company type and promotion status. BOI-promoted companies and certain entities such as representative offices and schools may have different rules. A lawyer can assess your employer’s eligibility before you file.

Can my spouse and children live in Thailand with me

Yes. Dependents typically apply for Non-Immigrant O visas as family members and then obtain extensions based on the principal visa holder’s status. A spouse who wants to work in Thailand must have their own appropriate visa and a work permit sponsored by their employer. Dependent visas do not automatically grant the right to work.

Where do I handle immigration matters if I reside in Bang Khen

Most in-country applications and reporting for Bangkok residents, including those in Bang Khen, are handled at the Immigration Bureau office in the Government Complex on Chaeng Watthana Road. Work permit applications are filed with the Department of Employment at a Bangkok area office or at a one-stop center for eligible BOI cases.

What happens if my application is refused

If refused, you may be able to appeal or reapply with corrected documents. Some decisions have short appeal windows. A lawyer can review the refusal reasons, help you compile stronger evidence, and guide you on whether to appeal, refile, or pursue an alternative visa type.

Can I travel during my one-year extension

Yes, but you must obtain a re-entry permit before leaving Thailand or your extension will automatically cancel when you depart. You can apply for a single or multiple re-entry permit at Immigration in Bangkok or at international airports before departure.

Additional Resources

Immigration Bureau - Handles visa extensions, 90-day reporting, re-entry permits, and change of status. Main Bangkok office is at the Government Complex on Chaeng Watthana Road. Call centers and inquiry counters can provide procedural guidance and appointment information.

Department of Employment - Under the Ministry of Labour. Issues work permits and provides information on employer eligibility, document requirements, and short-term urgent work notifications. Bangkok has several area employment offices as well as central offices.

Board of Investment and One Stop Service Center - For BOI-promoted companies and Smart Visa categories. Offers consolidated processing of certain visa and work authorization steps for eligible applicants.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Oversees Thai embassies and consulates abroad where Non-Immigrant B visas are issued. Check consular requirements for the specific mission where you will apply.

Thai Revenue Department and Social Security Office - Provide guidance on personal income tax registration, withholding, and social security enrollment for foreign employees and their employers.

Bangkok Help Desks - Government hotlines such as the national Government Contact Center and ministry hotlines can route you to the correct office for immigration, labour, and tax issues.

Next Steps

Clarify your purpose of stay, job role, and start date. Ask your prospective employer about their readiness to sponsor a visa and work permit, including company capital, employee ratios, and supporting documents. If you are setting up your own company, consult a lawyer early to build a compliant structure that can sponsor you.

Gather your personal documents, including passport, degree certificates, professional licenses, police clearance, and medical certificate if required. Arrange certified translations and legalizations as needed. Coordinate with your employer to obtain company registration papers, tax records, and sponsorship letters.

Decide on your filing strategy. Many applicants apply for a Non-Immigrant B visa at a Thai embassy or consulate abroad, enter Thailand, apply for a work permit, then file for the one-year extension at Immigration in Bangkok. If you need to convert status inside Thailand or use a BOI or Smart Visa route, get specific legal advice on timing and eligibility.

Plan for compliance after approval. Register for tax and social security, track your 90-day address reports, ensure your landlord files TM30, and obtain a re-entry permit before any trips abroad. Keep copies of all filings and payment receipts. Missing these steps can cause delays at your next renewal.

If you need help, contact a licensed Thai immigration lawyer or a reputable Bangkok-based visa service. Ask about scope, timelines, fees, and who will accompany you to Immigration and the Department of Employment. Bring your passport and any correspondence you have received, and be clear about prior visa history to avoid surprises.

Laws and practice can change. Always verify current requirements close to the time you apply, especially if you plan to file at the Bangkok offices that serve Bang Khen residents.