How to Sponsor Foreign Employees for Non-B Visas as a Business Owner in Chiang Mai
If you own a business in Chiang Mai and want to hire foreign staff, you will likely need to sponsor them for a Non-Immigrant B Visa. This is the standard visa that allows foreigners to work legally in Thailand.
Sponsoring employees for Non-B visas involves several steps and requires your company to meet specific requirements. While the process can seem complicated, it becomes much easier once you understand the steps and prepare the right documents.
This guide explains everything you need to know as a business owner in Chiang Mai.
Why Non-Immigrant B Visa is Required
Foreigners cannot legally work in Thailand with only a Tourist Visa or DTV. To work legally, they need:
- A Non-Immigrant B Visa (to enter and stay in Thailand), and
- A Work Permit (to actually perform work)
As the employer, your company is responsible for supporting the visa application and applying for the work permit.
Company Requirements to Sponsor Foreign Employees
Before you can sponsor someone, your company must meet these basic requirements:
- Be a properly registered Thai limited company
- Have sufficient registered capital (generally 2 million THB per foreign employee in many cases)
- Maintain a proper Thai-to-foreign employee ratio (commonly 4 Thai employees per 1 foreign employee)
- Have a physical office or business location in Thailand
- Be able to pay the foreign employee a reasonable salary (usually at least 50,000–60,000 THB/month depending on the role)
Note: Companies promoted by the Board of Investment (BOI) have more flexible rules and can hire more foreign staff more easily.
Step-by-Step Process to Sponsor a Non-B Visa
Here’s the typical process:
Step 1: Register or Update Your Company
Make sure your company is properly registered with the Department of Business Development and has the required capital and structure.
Step 2: Hire the Foreign Employee
Sign a proper employment contract with the foreigner. The contract should clearly state their position, salary, and responsibilities.
Step 3: Prepare Company Documents
Your company will need to provide several official documents to support the visa and work permit application (see list below).
Step 4: Apply for the Work Permit
The company (or a representative) applies for the foreigner’s Work Permit at the Department of Employment in Chiang Mai. This can often be done before or after the person enters Thailand.
Step 5: Apply for the Non-Immigrant B Visa
The foreign employee applies for the Non-Immigrant B Visa at a Thai Embassy or Consulate in their home country (or through the e-Visa system). Your company must provide a support letter and other documents.
Step 6: Employee Enters Thailand
Once the visa is approved, the employee can enter Thailand. They will usually receive 90 days permission to stay upon arrival.
Step 7: Extend the Visa and Finalize Work Permit
After arrival, extend the visa for 1 year at Chiang Mai Immigration and complete the work permit process if not already done.
Documents Your Company Needs to Provide
As a business owner, you will typically need to prepare the following:
- Company registration certificate (Bor Or Jor)
- Company affidavit (showing directors and shareholders)
- Business license (if applicable)
- Corporate tax documents and financial statements
- Employment contract with the foreign employee
- Support letter from the company explaining the position and why a foreigner is needed
- Proof of office location (rental contract or property documents)
- List of Thai employees (to show the employee ratio)
- Social security registration documents
Common Challenges for Business Owners in Chiang Mai
- Many small and medium businesses struggle to meet the capital and Thai employee ratio requirements.
- The process can be slow if documents are incomplete.
- Some industries (such as cannabis-related businesses) face extra scrutiny and may need additional licenses.
- Finding reliable staff who understand the visa process can be difficult.
Tip: If your company has limited capital, consider applying for BOI promotion (if eligible) or hiring through a structure that meets the legal requirements more easily.
Practical Tips for Chiang Mai Business Owners
- Start the process early — it can take 1 to 3 months from hiring to full visa approval.
- Use a reputable visa agent or lawyer in Chiang Mai to help prepare documents and avoid mistakes.
- Keep all company documents updated and well-organized.
- Make sure you can genuinely justify why you need to hire a foreigner (immigration wants to see that the role cannot easily be filled by a Thai person).
- Always pay the foreign employee through proper channels and register them for social security.
Is It Worth Hiring Foreign Staff?
For many businesses in Chiang Mai — especially in tourism, wellness, hospitality, education, and international services — hiring foreign staff can bring valuable skills and language abilities. However, it does require time, paperwork, and proper planning.
If done correctly, sponsoring Non-B visas allows you to legally build a strong team for your business.
