e-Work Permit Thailand

Thailand has introduced a mandatory digital work permit system for foreign employees. This article outlines key procedures, requirements, and compliance considerations. 

There has recently been a significant change for foreigners who work or want to work in Thailand. Since October 13, 2025, the e-Work Permit has been mandatory for all new applications from foreign workers. This new, fully digital system has been designed to make the process faster, more transparent, and more modern. This article provides an overview of the new features, the process, and the differences compared to the old paper-based system.

What is the new e-Work Permit?

The e-Work Permit is a digital platform that allows employers and employees to apply for, manage, and renew their work permits online without having to visit the Department of Employment at the Ministry of Labor in person. Applications can now be submitted around the clock. The necessary documents, such as company affidavits, shareholder list, balance sheet, employment certification, passport copies, colored photo and medical certificates, are uploaded digitally. After digital submission, a short on-site appointment at one of over 40 service centers is required to capture biometric data (fingerprints, face, iris) and pick up the plastic work permit card. This new card replaces the previous “Blue Book” and contains a QR code and barcode, which makes verification much easier.

Rationale behind the new e-Work Permit

The introduction of the e-Work Permit is part of a broader digitalization initiative by Thailand’s Ministry of Labor. The goal is to reduce bureaucracy, shorten processing times, and increase data security. In addition, the system promotes centralized administration, with all information stored in an integrated database. This is intended to improve transparency, monitoring, and cooperation between authorities.

Processing Times

Most applications are completed in about 7–12 working days, subject to provincial differences. For companies receiving Board of Investment (BOI) support through the Single Window System, processing can be completed in just 1 to 3 working days.

How does the new e-Work Permit application process work?

1. Registration

Employers register on the e-Work Permit portal (eworkpermit.doe.go.th) and verify their identity, e.g., via the ThaiID application.; the platform will not accept submissions without this confirmation.

Documents Required from Employer:

• Company affidavit
• Shareholder lists
• Operating licenses
• VAT payment (Phor Phor 30) in the previous 3 months
• Social Security Payment Filing (in the previous 1 month)
•  Balance Sheet (last year)
• Company Tax Return for Last Year (PND.50) – including the payment receipt.
• Company VAT Registration – Form PP.01 and PP.09 (if there are any changes).
• Power of Attorney (POA) along with ID card or Work Permit of all committee members.

Note: All application forms must still be completed and duly signed by the committee members, and all corporate documents are required for submission.

Documents Required from Foreign Individuals:

• Original passport, along with copies of the Non-Immigrant visa page, most recent entry stamp, and biodata page
• Copies of work experience certificates from previous employers
• Copies of educational certificates or degrees must be in English
• A medical certificate (Form TMC No. 2), issued within 30 days preceding the application (Indicating the applicant’s blood type and certifying that they are in good mental and physical health, free from leprosy, active tuberculosis, elephantiasis, drug addiction, alcoholism, and stage III syphilis.)
• Three 3 × 4 cm photographs, taken within the last six months
• Application Form
• POA if needed
• address in Thailand

2. Application & Government Fees

The application (e.g., form BT.32, ) is completed online and the required documents (employment certification documents, passport, medical certificates, etc.) are uploaded digitally. Government fees are set at 3,000 THB for a 12-month work permit, 1,500 THB for longer than three months but does not exceed six months., and 750 THB for permits under 3 months. An additional application fee of 100 THB applies to all. All payments are handled via the platform’s electronic system.

Note: all materials meet the technical requirements: files must be in PDF or JPEG format, each under 5MB, with clear and legible scans.

3. Automatic verification

The system automatically checks the submitted documents. Status updates and inquiries are sent via email, SMS, or the official LINE channel. Once everything is in order, an appointment can be booked for biometric data collection.

4. Biometrics & card issuance

Fingerprints, facial scans, and, if necessary, iris scans are taken on site at one of the Work Permit Service Centers. The physical work permit card is then issued immediately. From our previous experience, this process takes no longer than 1 hour.

5. Extension & Administration

An extension of the e-Work Permit must be applied for at least 30 days before expiry via the same portal. If you change jobs or are transferred, you may need a new permit, as the permit may be tied to your position and province.

Foreign workers employed by companies supported by the BOI already benefited for many years from a special digital system called the “Single Window System.” This platform offers various benefits to existing users of the digital work permit application, including faster processing times (1–3 business days) and support from the Thailand Investment and Expat Services Center for in-person verification. However, it should be noted that BOI companies and their foreign employees will also be gradually transferred to the new e-Work Permit system, as this will become the national standard procedure in the future. Currently, however, the BOI system remains fully functional and will continue to be used for submission, processing, and renewal.

Transitional Regulation & Support

As the system is new, there will be a transitional phase: companies that have problems with the digital portal or are not yet familiar with it may continue to submit paper applications on a temporary basis until January 28, 2026. In such cases, screenshots of error messages should be taken. These will be accepted by local employment offices. A hotline run by the Ministry of Labor is available for support.

Consequences of Non-Compliance with Work Permit Regulations in Thailand

Under Thailand’s E-Work Permit system and the Royal Ordinance on the Management of Employment of Foreign Workers B.E. 2560, hiring a foreign national without valid work authorization is strictly prohibited.

• Employer Penalties: Employers can face fines of up to THB 100,000 per violation, with higher penalties possible for multiple workers or repeated offenses and in some cases criminal liability may apply.

• Employee Penalties: Foreign employees working without proper authorization may be fined up to THB 50,000 and could face deportation. These penalties apply even if the employer acted in good faith.

Potential Problems

While the new e-Work Permit System is intended to make applying for a work permit faster, more convenient, and more secure, it also comes with potential problems. There have already been several technical difficulties when accessing the online portal, which made it impossible to submit applications. For this reason, too, the exemption for paper applications remains in place.

Key Considerations

1. Ensure high-quality documents. Submitting blurry, incomplete, or poorly scanned documents is a common reason for application rejection. Make sure every document is clear and legible.
2. Employer and employee coordination is crucial. With the new digital system, your employer or authorized signatory must complete identity verification and have all corporate documents ready. Any oversight can cause delays or rejection.
3. Monitor all notifications closely. Updates from the system — such as requests for additional documents or scheduling of appointments — may arrive via email, SMS, or other channels. Missing a notification can delay your application
4. Keep medical certificates up to date. Some applications require a valid medical certificate. Expired or outdated certificates can result in delays or rejection.
5. Deadlines and permit rules. Work permits must be renewed on time. Missing deadlines can lead to delays, rejection, or legal issues

Our recommendations for employers and employees

• Register now: Employers should register on the portal early and verify their accounts.
• Have documents ready: Provide high-quality digital copies of employment contracts, passports, and medical certificates.
• Schedule a biometrics appointment: Once approved, book an appointment at a service center as soon as possible.
• Document errors: If technical problems arise, take screenshots and use the paper option if necessary.
• Renew early: Remind your employees to submit their new application 30 days before expiration.

Conclusion

With the launch of the e-Work Permit, Thailand is taking the next step toward digitalization and more efficient labor migration. The new system promises significant improvements, such as faster processing, greater transparency, and increased security. At the same time, however, a period of adjustment is necessary, during which users and authorities can work together to fully exploit the potential of this digital tool.

We recommend that companies and employees take advantage of this opportunity and familiarize themselves with the new portal at an early stage. This will help you avoid potential pitfalls and reap the benefits of the new e-Work Permit.

If you have any questions regarding the e-Work Permit Thailand. Please feel free to contact us at [email protected]