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Business Visa & Work Permit in Chiang Mai

Non-Immigrant B visa for employment, company directors, and business owners in Thailand.

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Overview

The Non-Immigrant B (Business) visa is the standard visa for anyone working in Thailand — whether as an employee, company director, or business owner. It's also required for teachers at Thai schools and universities. The Non-B visa is typically issued as a 90-day single-entry visa at a Thai embassy abroad, then extended to a 1-year visa at Thai immigration.

MJ & Co handles the full Non-B visa process, from initial application at an embassy to annual extensions at Chiang Mai Immigration. We coordinate between your employer, the labour office (for work permits), and immigration to ensure everything is processed correctly and on time.

If you're starting a new company in Thailand, we can manage both your company registration and your Non-B visa + work permit in a coordinated process, saving time and avoiding common pitfalls.

Business Visa Requirements

  • Valid passport with at least 12 months remaining
  • Job offer or employment contract from a Thai company
  • Employer's company registration documents
  • Employer's tax returns and financial statements
  • Company shareholder list showing Thai-to-foreign ratio
  • Invitation letter from the Thai employer
  • Degree certificate or proof of qualifications
  • Completed visa application form and passport photos

Business Visa Process

  1. 1Consultation to confirm eligibility and employer readiness
  2. 2Document collection from you and your Thai employer
  3. 3Preparation of embassy application package
  4. 4Application at Thai embassy or consulate (Laos, Malaysia, or home country)
  5. 5Entry into Thailand on 90-day Non-B visa
  6. 6Work permit application at Chiang Mai Labour Office
  7. 790-day visa extension to 1-year stay at Chiang Mai Immigration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a business visa and a work permit?
A business visa (Non-Immigrant B) is your immigration permission to stay in Thailand for work purposes. A work permit is a separate document from the Labour Ministry authorizing you to perform specific work. You need both to work legally — they're applied for separately but linked.
Can I apply for a business visa inside Thailand?
The initial Non-B visa must be obtained at a Thai embassy or consulate outside Thailand. Once in Thailand on a Non-B visa, you can extend it annually at immigration. Popular nearby embassies include Vientiane (Laos) and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).
How long is a business visa valid?
The initial Non-B visa from an embassy is typically 90 days single-entry. Once in Thailand with your work permit, it can be extended to a 1-year visa at immigration. Annual renewals are done domestically without needing to leave Thailand.
My employer is not in Chiang Mai — can MJ & Co still help?
Yes. While our office is in Chiang Mai, we assist clients whose employers are based elsewhere in Thailand. We coordinate with employers remotely for document collection and handle the Chiang Mai-based immigration and labour office processes locally.

Ready to Get Started with Your Business Visa?

Chat with MJ & Co to discuss your case. We'll give you an honest assessment and a clear path forward.

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