Thailand Visa: Getting a Work or Volunteer Visa

To secure a Thailand work or volunteer visa, applicants must follow a structured process that involves securing a placement, preparing the required documentation, and completing immigration formalities both before and after arrival.

1. Secure Employment or a Volunteer Placement

Begin by obtaining a confirmed job offer from a Thai employer or a formal invitation from a legally registered volunteer or non-profit organization. The organization must be authorized to host foreign workers or volunteers.

2. Collect Required Documents From Thailand

Your employer or volunteer organization must provide key documents, which typically include:

A signed employment contract or volunteer agreement

Company or organization registration certificates

A WP3 pre-approval letter for work visa applicants

An official invitation or sponsorship letter

These documents are essential for submitting your visa application.

3. Apply for the Appropriate Visa Category

Submit your application at the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country:

Non-Immigrant B Visa – for paid employment

Non-Immigrant O Visa – for volunteer or charitable activities

Ensure the application is completed accurately and supported with all required documentation.

4. Prepare Personal Documentation

Applicants must provide:

A passport valid for at least six months

A completed visa application form

Recent passport-size photographs

Employment or volunteer documents

Financial evidence if requested

Police clearance or medical certificate (if required by the embassy)

5. Visa Processing

The processing time generally ranges from 5 to 10 working days, depending on the embassy and the completeness of your application.

6. Enter Thailand and Apply for a Work/Volunteer Permit

After receiving the visa and arriving in Thailand, your employer or organization must assist you in applying for a work permit (for employment) or volunteer permit through the Thai Ministry of Labour. You may not begin work or volunteer duties until the permit is officially issued.

7. Complete Immigration Requirements

Once in Thailand, you must comply with Thai immigration rules, including:

90-day address reporting

Annual visa extension based on employment or volunteer activity

Notifying immigration of any job or organization changes"