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The Non-B visa (Non-Immigrant Visa "B") is Thailand's non-immigrant visa for people entering the country to work or do business. The visa alone doesn't give you the right to work: you can only work with a work permit, issued for a specific employer. The Non-B is used for employment with a Thai company, whether you work for someone else's company or your own.
Where the Non-B comes up
The term Non-B comes up whenever employment with a Thai company is involved. A short business trip and actual employment in Thailand are different situations under Thai immigration rules, so check which one applies to you before you travel. Thai diplomatic missions have used the e-Visa platform since 1 January 2025. Applications for a work permit have gone through the e-Work Permit system since 13 October 2025; check the current process with the Department of Employment. We cover the full process in how to get a work permit.
How the Non-B differs from a work permit and DTV
These three terms get mixed up constantly: the visa states your purpose of travel, the permit gives you the right to work, and the DTV has nothing to do with working for a Thai employer at all.
| Document | What it is | Issued for |
|---|---|---|
| Non-B | A visa to enter and stay in Thailand for work or business | Purpose of travel: work or business in Thailand |
| Work permit | Permission to work | A specific employer |
| DTV | A 5-year visa, up to 180 days per entry | Filed only in your country of nationality or permanent residence (Royal Thai Embassy, London); a police clearance certificate is required since 31 August 2026 |
The DTV carries no tax or banking advantages, and it doesn't replace a work permit.
What to check: employer, capital, extensions
The employer has to be a real, operating company, not one with shareholders who exist only on paper. The Department of Business Development (DBD), which registers Thai companies, has tightened these checks since 2026. Capital requirements and the ratio of Thai staff to each foreign employee depend on the employer's type and status; our lawyers check these before filing.
Extensions of stay on a work basis are handled by the immigration office. Check the current requirements and document list with the immigration office before applying; we review them against your situation before every application. The pairing of a work visa with a work permit is explained in full on Non-B visa and work permit support.
What's next
If you're planning to work for a Thai company, your own or someone else's, we can check whether it qualifies for a work permit and explain the process before you file. We agree the cost with you in advance. A similar situation is covered in the typical case Company and work permit in 6 weeks.
