Working Legally

Visas, Work Permits, Where to Learn More

While jobs are not particularly difficult to come by on Phuket, not all employers or jobs are created equally.  Many jobs come fully sponsored and all the paperwork to make you 100% legal should be provided for you.

Don't let this be you!

However, some occupations such as those in  teaching and sales may, at times, come without work permits.  You are then working illegally.  Or, some employers, burned by the transient workforce, will insist on a probationary period of up to three months or more - so they can see that you intend to stay - before they go through the time and expense of getting the mountain of paperwork done to get you legal.

Start and stay legal.

It's not unusual for people to work for years illegally.  But, it is also not unusual for such people to get arrested, detained, and deported.  Definitely not recommended.

If you arrive in Thailand on a tourist visa, be aware that you will need to leave the country and change your visa to a Non-Immigrant B visa (and possibly other types of visas depending on your individual situation) before you can begin the process to obtain a work permit.

DO NOT under any circumstances avail yourself of the services of so called "visa services" that say they can obtain your visa for you - without you having to leave the country.  Using these services is illegal.  You can find yourself with some fraudulent stamps in your passport - opening yourself up to arrest and deportation.   Owning and operating such a business, however, appears to not be illegal.  If that doesn't make sense to you - then you now understand the common saying,
"This is Thailand."

Check the links on the right side of this page for links to places that specialize in visa and employment issues.

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