Welcome to Part 2 of the “Living in Thailand: Legal Guide” series. Last time, we covered the end of Thailand’s de minimis customs exemption. This time, we tackle one of the most misunderstood topics for Japanese residents in Thailand: the difference between a visa, a work permit, and the 90-day reporting obligation — and what happens if you get any of them wrong.
1. Visa vs. Work Permit — Two Completely Separate Things
Many expats confuse visas and work permits. They are entirely different documents issued by different government agencies.
| Visa | Work Permit | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Permission to stay in Thailand | Permission to work in Thailand |
| Issued by | Immigration Bureau | Department of Employment (DOE) |
| Where to apply | Embassy / Immigration office | DOE office / e-Work Permit portal |
Think of it this way: visa = the right to live here; work permit = the right to work here. Both have separate expiry dates. If either one lapses, you are out of compliance — even if the other is still valid.
Common Visa Types for Japanese Nationals
- Non-Immigrant B (Business visa): For employees and business owners. Required before obtaining a work permit.
- Non-Immigrant O (Dependent visa): For spouses and family members. No right to work.
- Non-Immigrant ED (Education visa): For students. Part-time work is generally prohibited.
- Non-Immigrant O-A / O-X (Retirement/Long-stay visa): For those aged 50+. No right to work.
- LTR Visa (Long-Term Resident): 10-year BOI-managed visa with tax benefits.
- Smart Visa: For highly skilled professionals and startup founders.
2. e-Work Permit — The Paper “Blue Book” Is Gone
On October 13, 2025, Thailand’s work permit system underwent a major overhaul. The paper “Blue Book” (the traditional booklet-style permit) has been replaced by a credit-card-sized digital ID card known as the e-Work Permit.
The Application Process (5 Steps)
Step 1 — Employer registers
The employer verifies their identity via the ThaiID app and creates a company account on the portal at eworkpermit.doe.go.th.
Step 2 — Foreign worker creates an account and uploads documents
Upload your passport, visa, employment contract, medical certificate, and other required documents in PDF or JPEG format (max 5 MB each). Note: the medical certificate must be issued within 30 days of the application date.
Step 3 — Submit Form BT.32 online and pay the fee
Work permit fees are as follows:
| Permit Duration | Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 3 months | 750 THB |
| Over 3 months up to 6 months | 1,500 THB |
| Over 6 months up to 1 year | 3,000 THB |
| Application fee (all cases) | +100 THB |
Step 4 — Attend biometric enrollment
Visit a DOE office to register your 10 fingerprints, digital face photo, and iris scan. The process takes approximately 12 minutes.
Step 5 — Receive your digital work permit card
Once approved, you’ll receive a card with a QR code and barcode. Same-day issuance is possible in some cases.
Is Paper Still an Option?
Due to ongoing technical issues with the online system, paper applications have been extended until April 28, 2026 (DOE announcement, February 2026). However, paper applicants must attach a screenshot of the error they encountered on the e-Work Permit portal. As the deadline may be subject to further changes, always check the DOE’s official website for the latest update.
Penalties for Working Without a Work Permit
- Employee: Up to 50,000 THB in fines + potential deportation and a 2-year ban on obtaining a new work permit
- Employer: Up to 100,000 THB per violation
Even if your company is handling the paperwork, it’s worth checking your own work permit’s expiry date — you’re equally responsible.
3. The 90-Day Report (TM.47) — Miss It and Pay 2,000 THB
Alongside your visa and work permit, there’s a third obligation that catches many expats off guard: the 90-day report.
Any foreign national who stays in Thailand continuously for 90 days or more must notify the Immigration Bureau every 90 days. This is tracked separately from your visa expiry date.
How to Report
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Online | Via immigration.go.th — the easiest option |
| By mail | Send documents to the relevant immigration office |
| In person | Visit the immigration office directly |
Online reporting is by far the most convenient. The site can get busy near the 90-day mark, so filing a few days early is recommended.
Deadlines
- Window: Between 15 days before and 7 days after the 90-day mark
- Late self-reporting penalty: 2,000 THB
- Repeated failures can negatively affect your visa renewal process
Leaving Thailand Resets Your Counter
If you exit Thailand and re-enter, your 90-day count resets from the re-entry date. Frequent travelers may find that their trips naturally break the 90-day cycle, eliminating the need to file.
Important: 90-Day Report ≠ Overstay
Missing your 90-day report does not mean you have overstayed your visa. They are separate obligations. The 90-day report is about notifying immigration of your continued presence; overstaying means exceeding the “Permitted to Stay Until” date stamped in your passport.
4. Overstay — This One Is Serious
Staying in Thailand beyond the “Permitted to Stay Until” date stamped in your passport is an overstay. This is a criminal immigration violation.
Penalties
- 500 THB per day (maximum cap: 20,000 THB)
- Self-surrender: Pay the fine and leave
- If caught by authorities: Deportation + blacklisting (re-entry ban)
Re-Entry Ban by Overstay Duration
| Overstay Duration | Re-Entry Ban |
|---|---|
| Under 90 days | No ban |
| 90 days – 1 year | 1 year |
| Over 1 year – 3 years | 3 years |
| Over 3 years – 5 years | 5 years |
| Over 5 years | 10 years |
“Just a day or two won’t matter” is a dangerous assumption. Thai immigration enforcement has become increasingly strict. “I didn’t know” is not an accepted excuse.
5. Accompanying Family and Students
Non-O Visa (Dependent) Holders
If you are in Thailand on a Non-O visa as a dependent of a working spouse, you do not have the right to work. Obtaining a work permit requires a separate Non-B visa application. The 90-day reporting obligation applies to you as well — don’t assume your spouse’s company is tracking it for you.
Non-ED Visa (Student) Holders
Schools typically assist with visa procedures, but ultimately the student is responsible. Visa renewal often depends on attendance records. Part-time and freelance work is generally prohibited under the Non-ED visa.
Children Are Not Exempt
Children staying in Thailand long-term are also subject to the 90-day reporting requirement. A parent or guardian can file on their behalf.
6. Summary — Three Dates to Put in Your Calendar
| Obligation | Timing | How |
|---|---|---|
| Visa extension | Apply from 30 days before expiry | Immigration office |
| Work permit renewal | Apply from 30 days before expiry | e-Work Permit portal or DOE office |
| 90-day report | Within the window 15 days before to 7 days after | Online application recommended |
Setting three calendar reminders on your phone is the simplest way to avoid most of these problems.
Related Articles
- [Living in Thailand: Legal Guide] Part 1: All Online Purchases Now Taxed
- Choosing Your Business Structure in Thailand | KK, BOI, FBA (Work Permit Obligations for Employers)
- Thailand Business Trouble Files Part 5: Visa and Work Permit Pitfalls
This article summarizes general information as of April 2026. Visa and work permit procedures vary depending on individual circumstances. Please check the latest information on the official websites of the Immigration Bureau (immigration.go.th) and the Department of Employment (eworkpermit.doe.go.th). This article is for general informational purposes about Thailand’s legal system and does not constitute legal advice under Thai law. For specific matters, please consult a Thai-qualified legal professional. Our firm works in collaboration with JTJB International Lawyers’ Thai-qualified attorneys.