Date: August 12, 2026

Can my own company sponsor my work permit?

Yes. Your own Thai company can sponsor your work permit, as long as it meets the eligibility requirements. These include minimum registered capital, a minimum number of Thai employees, and evidence that the business is operating genuinely. Different rules apply to BOI-promoted companies, foreign nationals married to a Thai citizen, and holders of the Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa.

What We See In Practice

I own the company, can I give myself a work permit?

WHAT CLIENTS ASK US

Owning a company does not automatically allow you to have a work permit. Your company is the sponsor of your work permit, so it must meet the relevant requirements before an application can be approved. The good news is that many foreign entrepreneurs successfully obtain work permits through their own companies.

A foreign national can apply for a work permit through their own Thai company, whether they are a shareholder, director, or both. However, the company must satisfy the relevant work permit requirements. For a regular Thai limited company, this means having at least THB 2 million in registered capital and four Thai employees for each foreign work permit. The applicant must also have a genuine role within the business, and the position should be appropriate for the company’s activities.

There are also some important exceptions to these requirements. For example, a foreign national married to a Thai citizen only requires THB 1 million in registered capital and two Thai employees. BOI promoted companies are exempt from the standard Thai employee quota and instead follow the Board of Investment’s requirements. Holders of the Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa are also eligible for a digital work permit as part of their visa benefits, meaning the usual registered capital and Thai employee requirements do not apply.

Author: Vincent Birot

Vincent Birot is a French-trained international business lawyer based in Bangkok. He holds a Master’s degree in International Business Law from La Sorbonne and an LL.M in International Commercial Law from the University of Exeter (UK), and has passed the Paris Bar examination. He is the Founder of Belaws, a one-stop platform for legal and corporate matters, facilitating access to trusted legal and business professionals who deliver compliant, practical solutions aligned with local laws and on-the-ground realities. He has advised foreign investors for over 10 years on corporate structuring, BOI promotion, cross-border tax, and regulatory compliance in Thailand. He previously served as Vice President of the Franco-Thai Chamber of Commerce and is a founding member of French Tech Bangkok.