Cost of Living
First Month in Bangkok: Real Budget for New Expats
4 min read
Visa type
Non-Immigrant B
Work and business visits that need a Non-Immigrant B visa and, for employment, a work permit.
· checked against official sources below
Who this is for
People entering to work for a Thai entity, attend business, or take up a role that requires a work permit.
Overview
Non-Immigrant B is the usual visa class for employment and many business visits. A visa alone is not a work permit. Most paid work still requires a permit issued to the employer. First entries are often 90 days, with extensions tied to the work permit and company paperwork.
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single-entry Non-B (embassy) | 2,000–5,000 THB | Converted from the post’s local-currency fee |
| One-year extension (typical) | 1,900 THB | Immigration office fee; employer documents required |
How to do it
- 1
Collect employer or inviting-company papers
WP.3 / WP.8, company documents, and a job description are commonly requested. Requirements differ by embassy. - 2
Enter and complete in-country permits
After arrival, the employer typically files the work permit and a stay extension at immigration.
Documents
- Passport
- Company invitation or employment documents
- Photographs and application forms specified by the embassy
What changed
A Non-B visa is not a work permit. Paid work for a Thai entity still needs the employer’s permit.
Interactive tools
Visa Expiry Calculator
Enter your entry date and permitted stay to see your visa expiry date and days remaining.
Stamp dates, visa conditions, and extension approvals vary. Always check your passport stamp, 90-day reporting obligations, and official immigration records.
Save these dates in your stay record
