How to Move to Thailand
Thailand splits work authorisation into two steps: a Non-Immigrant "B" visa (entry permission for business/work purposes) and a separate work permit (actual permission to work), both required together. Employers must maintain a 4:1 Thai-to-foreign staff ratio and minimum capital requirements. Students use the widely accessible Non-Immigrant "ED" visa, which — unlike many countries — has no minimum financial threshold.
How to use this guide
Pick the visa type below that matches your plan (work, study, etc.).
Tap it to open and read the simple steps and the papers you need.
Apply yourself on the official website. It's free — no agent needed.
Stay safe: never pay anyone who promises a "guaranteed" visa. Real applications are made on official government sites. Rules can change, so always double-check on the official website before you apply.
Thailand embassies in Africa — addresses & directions
Thailand has embassies in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa, covering West, East and Southern Africa respectively.
Tap “Open in Google Maps” to see the exact location, get directions, and confirm the current address & opening hours.
Villa 25, Um Shoom Avenue, Block 333, Abuja
+234 803 172 2702 Open in Google Maps248 Hill Street (corner Pretorius Street), Arcadia, Pretoria 0083
+27 12 342 5470 Open in Google MapsDon’t see your country? Thailand has more missions across Africa — find the nearest one on the official locator.
Non-B visa: several days to weeks. Work permit: often issued within 7 business days once submitted.
Non-Immigrant B visa ~฿2,000 (~$60) + work permit ~฿3,000 (~$90).
Typically 1 year, renewable annually alongside your employer's registration.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- A confirmed job offer from a registered Thai company.
- Employer meets the 4:1 Thai-to-foreign staff ratio and minimum capital requirements (THB 2–3 million per foreign worker).
- Valid passport and, for some roles, a degree/relevant qualification.
What to do, step by step
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1
Get a job offer
Secure an offer from a Thai employer that meets the staffing-ratio and capital requirements.
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2
Apply for the Non-Immigrant B visa
Apply via the e-Visa portal or your nearest Thai embassy before travelling — this visa alone does not permit work.
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3
Travel to Thailand
Enter Thailand on your Non-B visa.
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4
Employer applies for your work permit
Your employer submits the work permit application to the Ministry of Labour — this is separate from the visa and required before you can legally start work.
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5
Renew annually
Both the visa extension and work permit are renewed together each year.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Never work in Thailand on just the Non-B visa — you legally need the separate work permit too, or risk fines, deportation and a re-entry ban.
- BOI-promoted companies (investment-board approved) can get work permits issued in under 6 hours — worth asking if your employer qualifies.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your Thailand e-Visa account first
Create your account on the official Thailand e-Visa portal to apply for most visa categories online. You must apply from outside Thailand. After entry, work permits are handled separately through the Ministry of Labour, not the e-Visa system.
Create accountStart your Non-Immigrant "B" visa & work permit application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationSeveral days to a couple of weeks via e-Visa.
Visa fee ~฿2,000 (~$60); no minimum bank-balance requirement (unlike most countries' student visas).
Tied to your course; renewable with proof of 80%+ attendance.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Acceptance letter from a Thai Ministry of Education-licensed institution.
- This covers university degrees, Thai language schools, and vocational/training courses.
- From 2026, schools must report your attendance monthly — falling below 80% can cancel your visa.
What to do, step by step
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1
Get admitted
Apply to a licensed Thai institution (university, language school, or training programme).
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2
Apply for the ED visa
Submit your application via thaievisa.go.th with your acceptance letter and school licence copy.
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3
Travel & attend
Enter Thailand and begin your course, maintaining at least 80% attendance.
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4
Renew as needed
Extend your visa with proof of continued enrolment and attendance.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- This is one of the most accessible long-stay visas in Asia — no minimum bank balance required, unlike most countries.
- Keep your attendance above 80% — new 2026 monthly reporting rules mean schools must flag absences, which can get your visa cancelled.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your Thailand e-Visa account first
Create your account on the official Thailand e-Visa portal to apply for most visa categories online. You must apply from outside Thailand. After entry, work permits are handled separately through the Ministry of Labour, not the e-Visa system.
Create accountStart your Non-Immigrant "ED" visa (student) application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationSeveral days to a couple of weeks.
Visa fee ~฿2,000 (~$60); funds requirement ~20,000 THB/person or ~40,000 THB/family.
Typically 1 year, renewable while the relationship and sponsor's status continue.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Sponsor holds valid Thai residence status (work permit holder, Thai citizen, etc.).
- Proof of the family relationship (marriage/birth certificate).
- Proof of funds.
What to do, step by step
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1
Confirm sponsor status
Your sponsor must hold valid Thai residence or citizenship.
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2
Gather relationship documents
Prepare marriage or birth certificates proving the relationship.
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3
Apply for the O visa
Submit your application via thaievisa.go.th or your nearest Thai embassy.
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4
Travel & register
Enter Thailand and complete any local registration required.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Confirm exactly which sub-category of the O visa applies to your situation — Thailand has several O-visa variants for different family relationships.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your Thailand e-Visa account first
Create your account on the official Thailand e-Visa portal to apply for most visa categories online. You must apply from outside Thailand. After entry, work permits are handled separately through the Ministry of Labour, not the e-Visa system.
Create accountStart your Non-Immigrant "O" visa (family) application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationMost Thailand work visas need a job offer first
Browse visa-sponsored and remote jobs open to Africans, then build a CV tailored to Thailand — both completely free.
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Questions about Thailand visas
How much does the Thailand Non-Immigrant "B" visa & work permit cost?
The Thailand Non-Immigrant "B" visa & work permit costs: Non-Immigrant B visa ~฿2,000 (~$60) + work permit ~฿3,000 (~$90). These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Thailand Non-Immigrant "B" visa & work permit take?
Processing for the Thailand Non-Immigrant "B" visa & work permit takes non-B visa: several days to weeks. Work permit: often issued within 7 business days once submitted. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Thailand Non-Immigrant "B" visa & work permit valid for?
The Thailand Non-Immigrant "B" visa & work permit is valid for typically 1 year, renewable annually alongside your employer's registration. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Thailand Non-Immigrant "ED" visa (student) cost?
The Thailand Non-Immigrant "ED" visa (student) costs: Visa fee ~฿2,000 (~$60); no minimum bank-balance requirement (unlike most countries' student visas). These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Thailand Non-Immigrant "ED" visa (student) take?
Processing for the Thailand Non-Immigrant "ED" visa (student) takes several days to a couple of weeks via e-Visa. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Thailand Non-Immigrant "ED" visa (student) valid for?
The Thailand Non-Immigrant "ED" visa (student) is valid for tied to your course; renewable with proof of 80%+ attendance. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Thailand Non-Immigrant "O" visa (family) cost?
The Thailand Non-Immigrant "O" visa (family) costs: Visa fee ~฿2,000 (~$60); funds requirement ~20,000 THB/person or ~40,000 THB/family. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Thailand Non-Immigrant "O" visa (family) take?
Processing for the Thailand Non-Immigrant "O" visa (family) takes several days to a couple of weeks. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Thailand Non-Immigrant "O" visa (family) valid for?
The Thailand Non-Immigrant "O" visa (family) is valid for typically 1 year, renewable while the relationship and sponsor's status continue. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
Fees and processing times last checked against official government sources on 1 June 2026. Always confirm on the official portal before paying anything.