Business Visa Extension

A Business Visa extension in Thailand allows holders of a Non-Immigrant B Visa to legally remain in the country beyond the initial 90-day period. This visa category is specifically designed for individuals working or investing in Thai companies. The extension ensures uninterrupted legal stay for business purposes and allows foreign employees and employers to comply with immigration laws. Extensions are governed by the Thai Immigration Act and enforced by the Immigration Bureau. You can read more on the official Thai Immigration Bureau website.

If you entered Thailand with a 90-day Non-Immigrant B Visa for work, business meetings, or corporate missions, you’ll need to apply for a Business Visa extension to remain legally in the country. This includes:

Failure to extend your visa may result in penalties or deportation, as outlined by Thai immigration law.

You should apply at least 15 days before your current Business Visa expires. The processing time is typically 5 business days but can vary.

Do not wait until the last minute. Missing the deadline may force you to leave the country or apply for a new visa from abroad.

The application requires detailed documentation from both the employee and the employer.

Be sure all documents are signed, stamped, and translated (if applicable).

In Thailand, a Business Visa Extension is typically granted for a maximum of one year per application. However, the actual duration may vary depending on key factors such as the sponsoring company’s financial health, compliance with Thai labor and tax laws, the length of your employment contract, and the immigration officer’s discretion. To extend Non-B visa Thailand, your employer must demonstrate continued legal compliance  including up-to-date tax filings, audited financial records, and active business operations. The extension process also requires proof that your role remains valid and essential within the company. Keep in mind that each extension must be renewed annually, and any discrepancies, like unpaid taxes or failure to maintain the required number of Thai employees, may result in rejection. For official procedures and visa policy updates, consult the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand.

Follow these steps to apply for a Business Visa extension in Thailand:

If your Business Visa extension application is currently under review, you are not allowed to leave Thailand until the immigration authorities issue a decision. Doing so without proper authorization will result in the automatic cancellation of your visa extension application. This can jeopardize your legal status in Thailand and force you to start the visa process over from abroad causing delays and potentially affecting your employment. During this waiting period, immigration officials retain your passport while processing the extension, which adds another layer of complexity if you plan to travel. It’s important to plan accordingly and avoid any non-essential travel during this time to maintain legal compliance.

If traveling is absolutely necessary while your Business Visa extension is still valid, you must obtain a Re-entry Permit before exiting the country. This permit protects the validity of your current visa, allowing you to leave and return without voiding your immigration status. There are two types of re-entry permits: single and multiple. Choose the one that best fits your travel needs. Applying for a Re-entry Permit is a straightforward process, usually done at your local immigration office or at the airport (before departure). However, we recommend applying in advance to avoid last-minute complications. Don’t let your work permit expire while extending your visa. Ensure seamless continuation of employment. Download the Work Permit Renewal to stay legally authorized to work in Thailand.

In Thailand, your Non-Immigrant B Visa and your work permit are directly linked. If your Business Visa is not extended in time, your work permit automatically becomes invalid, even if it hasn’t yet expired. This means you will no longer be legally allowed to work, and your employer could also face legal consequences under Thai labor laws. To avoid issues, your Business Visa extension must be processed in coordination with your work permit renewal. Any discrepancy can lead to delays or rejections from the authorities. For official rules and procedures, you can also refer to the Department of Employment Ministry of Labour.

Overstaying your visa can result in:

You must extend your visa before it expires to avoid immigration issues. Thai authorities are strict about visa compliance. If your current visa no longer meets your business or legal needs, switching to the right category can save you penalties and risk. Download the Change of Visa document to legally transition to the most appropriate Thai visa type.

Navigating a Business Visa Extension Thailand isn’t just about paperwork it’s about staying compliant with Thai immigration law at every step. From verifying company tax status to syncing your visa with your work permit and 90-day reporting, even minor errors can lead to serious legal issues. At Themis Partner, our legal team ensures your extension process is handled accurately and efficiently. We offer clear legal guidance, prepare all required documents, and liaise directly with Thai authorities to reduce risks of rejection. Start your extension process today with confidence download your Business Visa Extension Thailand application and let our experts handle the rest.