The Thailand Business Visa – officially known as the Non-Immigrant Visa Category “B” – is the primary visa for foreigners entering Thailand for business meetings, company employment, or investment activities. Whether you are attending a conference, exploring partnerships, or starting a job with a Thai employer, this visa covers your needs.
This guide walks you through every detail: visa types, fees, required documents, the application process, and the financial rules you need to know before arriving in the Kingdom.
What Is the Thailand Business Visa?
The Non-Immigrant Visa “B” is issued by Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates-General worldwide, and also through the official Thailand e-Visa system at thaievisa.go.th. It is distinct from the tourist visa – while a tourist visa allows sightseeing and short stays, the business visa legally permits you to conduct commercial activities, attend meetings, negotiate contracts, and – with a separate work permit – take up employment in Thailand.
The visa does not automatically grant you the right to work. If you plan to be employed by a Thai company, you must obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Labour after your visa is issued. However, for short-term business visits such as attending meetings, conferences, or exploring investment opportunities, the visa alone is sufficient.
Types of Thailand Business Visa
Thailand offers three main categories of the Non-Immigrant B Visa, each designed for different business needs and travel frequencies.
Single-Entry Business Visa
The single-entry visa is the most common option for first-time business visitors. It allows you to enter Thailand once within the validity period and stay for up to 90 days.
- Validity: 3 months from the date of issuance
- Stay duration: Up to 90 days per entry
- Entries: One
- Fee: 2,000 THB (approximately $55 USD)
This is the standard choice if you are visiting Thailand for a one-time business trip, attending a trade exhibition, or conducting initial market research.
Multiple-Entry Business Visa
For professionals who travel to Thailand regularly throughout the year, the multiple-entry visa offers significantly more flexibility. You can enter and exit the country as many times as needed within the validity period.
- Validity: 1 year from the date of issuance
- Stay duration: Up to 90 days per entry
- Entries: Unlimited within the validity period
- Fee: 5,000 THB (approximately $140 USD)
This visa is ideal for regional managers, consultants with ongoing Thai clients, or business owners who visit their Thai operations frequently. Each entry allows up to 90 days, but you can leave and re-enter as often as you like.
Three-Year Business Visa
The three-year Non-Immigrant B Visa is available for established businesspeople with documented commercial relationships in Thailand. This is the longest-validity business visa Thailand offers.
- Validity: 3 years from the date of issuance
- Stay duration: Up to 90 days per entry
- Entries: Multiple
- Fee: 5,000 THB (same as 1-year multiple-entry)
Eligibility typically requires proof of ongoing business relationships, previous visa compliance, and sometimes a letter from the Board of Investment (BOI) or a Thai government agency. Not all embassies process this visa, so check with your local Thai embassy for availability.
Thailand Business Visa Fees
| Visa Type | Fee (THB) | Fee (USD approx.) | Validity | Entries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Entry | 2,000 | $55 | 3 months | 1 |
| Multiple-Entry | 5,000 | $140 | 1 year | Unlimited |
| Three-Year Multiple | 5,000 | $140 | 3 years | Unlimited |
Fees are payable in local currency at the embassy or consulate where you apply. The e-Visa system accepts credit card payments. Fees are non-refundable, even if your application is denied.
Requirements and Documents
The documents you need depend on whether you are visiting for business activities or planning to work in Thailand.
For Business Visitors
If you are entering Thailand for meetings, conferences, negotiations, or investment exploration (without employment), you need:
- Passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining
- Completed visa application form (available at the embassy or online)
- Recent passport-sized photograph (4 x 6 cm, taken within the last 6 months)
- Financial evidence showing at least 20,000 THB per person (or 40,000 THB per family) for the duration of your stay
- Letter from your employer stating your position, salary, length of employment, and the purpose of your Thailand visit
- Correspondence with Thai business partners (emails, contracts, meeting invitations)
- Invitation letter from a Thai company or business partner
- Corporate documents of the Thai host company, including business registration, shareholder list, company profile, and latest financial statements
For Work Employment
If you are taking up employment with a Thai company, the requirements are more extensive:
- All documents listed above for business visitors
- Letter of approval from the Ministry of Labour – your Thai employer must submit Form WP3 at the Office of Foreign Workers Administration
- Copy of previous work permit (if you have worked in Thailand before)
- Alien income tax return (Por Ngor Dor 91) if previously employed in Thailand
- Additional corporate documents from the hiring company, including balance sheets, tax filings (Por Ngor Dor 50 and 30), VAT registration (Por Por 20), a list of all foreign workers, and a company location map
The work permit application is a separate process from the visa. Your employer handles most of the paperwork on the Thai side, but you must have the visa before the work permit can be finalized.
How to Apply for a Thailand Business Visa
Option 1: Apply Online via Thailand e-Visa
The official Thailand e-Visa system allows you to submit your application digitally. This is the recommended method for most nationalities.
- Create an account at thaievisa.go.th
- Select “Business/Investor Visa” as your visa type
- Fill in your personal details and travel information
- Upload scanned copies of all required documents
- Pay the visa fee by credit card
- Wait for processing (typically 5-10 business days)
- Receive your e-Visa approval via email
Option 2: Apply at a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate
For those who prefer in-person applications or whose nationality requires embassy application:
- Contact your nearest Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate-General
- Gather all required original documents
- Submit your application in person (some embassies accept mail-in applications)
- Pay the visa fee in local currency
- Collect your passport with the visa stamp (processing typically takes 3-5 business days)
Important note: Nationals of certain countries are required to apply only at the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in their home country or country of residence. Check with your local embassy before applying elsewhere.
The 20,000 Baht Rule
One of the most frequently asked questions about Thai visas is the financial proof requirement. When applying for a business visa, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Thailand.
- Individual travelers: Minimum 20,000 THB (approximately $550 USD)
- Families: Minimum 40,000 THB (approximately $1,100 USD)
This can be shown through a recent bank statement, a letter from your bank confirming your balance, or proof of salary. The requirement is designed to ensure that visitors can cover their living expenses without becoming a burden on the Thai state.
At the immigration checkpoint upon arrival, officers may also ask to see cash or proof of funds. While this is not always enforced, it is wise to carry evidence of sufficient finances just in case.
Business Visa vs. Work Permit
Many people confuse the business visa with a work permit, but they serve different purposes:
| Aspect | Business Visa (Non-Imm B) | Work Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Enter Thailand for business | Legally work in Thailand |
| Issued by | Thai Embassy / e-Visa | Ministry of Labour |
| Required for | Meetings, conferences, negotiations | Employment, teaching |
| Processed before | Entering Thailand | After visa is issued |
| Can you work? | No (without work permit) | Yes |
The business visa is your entry document. The work permit is your employment authorization. You need both if you plan to work in Thailand. Conducting business activities such as meetings, negotiations, and site visits does not require a work permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a business visa in Thailand?
Apply online through the official Thailand e-Visa portal at thaievisa.go.th, or visit a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your home country. You will need a valid passport (6+ months validity), a letter from your employer, an invitation from a Thai business partner, and proof of at least 20,000 THB in funds.
What is the 3-year business visa in Thailand?
The three-year Non-Immigrant B Visa is a multiple-entry visa for established businesspeople with ongoing commercial relationships in Thailand. It costs 5,000 THB, allows multiple entries with up to 90 days per stay, and is available at select Thai embassies. Eligibility requires documented proof of regular business activity in Thailand.
How much does a 1-year business visa cost in Thailand?
A one-year multiple-entry Non-Immigrant B Visa costs 5,000 THB (approximately $140 USD). This allows unlimited entries into Thailand during the one-year validity period, with each stay lasting up to 90 days.
What is the 20,000 baht rule?
The 20,000 baht rule requires business visa applicants to show proof of at least 20,000 THB (about $550 USD) in available funds per person, or 40,000 THB per family. This demonstrates that you can support yourself financially during your stay. At the airport, immigration officers may also ask to see this amount in cash.
Can I convert a tourist visa to a business visa in Thailand?
Generally, you cannot convert a tourist visa to a Non-Immigrant B Visa while inside Thailand. You must leave the country and apply for the correct visa type at a Thai embassy or consulate abroad. Some immigration offices may allow a change of visa type under exceptional circumstances, but this is not guaranteed.
Do I need a work permit if I only attend business meetings?
No. A work permit is only required if you are performing work or employment activities in Thailand. Attending meetings, conferences, trade shows, and business negotiations falls under the scope of the business visa alone and does not require a separate work permit.
