🇮🇳 India
Thai visas & work permits for Indian citizens
Indian citizens can visit Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism from 15 September 2026. Indian professionals most often move to Thailand with a Non-B visa and work permit, the SMART visa or the LTR visa. India is an Apostille Convention party.
Written by the Thai Legal & Immigration legal team · Last reviewed · Editorial policy
Can Indian citizens enter Thailand without a visa?
30-day visa exemption (tourism)
From 15 September 2026 the former 60-day scheme was revoked. Ordinary passport holders are listed in the 30-day tourism exemption; visa-exempt entries over land are limited to twice per calendar year. Work, study or long stays require the proper visa.
Which Thai visa is best for Indian citizens?
- Business Visa (Non-B)
The standard route for Indian employees and business owners.
- SMART Visa (BOI)
For tech specialists in targeted industries.
- Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR)
For highly skilled professionals.
- Work Permits for Company Directors & Shareholders
For Indian directors of Thai companies.
Work permits for Indian nationals
Indian directors and managers should check the company's capital and Thai-staff ratio before applying. Degree certificates usually need MEA attestation and authentication.
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Do documents from India need an apostille or legalisation?
India is a party to the Apostille Convention. Thailand acceded on 30 June 2026 and the Convention enters into force for Thailand on 28 February 2027 — until then, India-issued documents still need legalisation by the Thai embassy or consulate; from that date an apostille from the competent India authority is expected to suffice.
Read our apostille guideCommon mistakes we see
- Degree certificates without proper attestation.
- Company not meeting capital per foreign employee.
- Using visa-exempt entry for business that counts as work.
Counsel's note
We review company structure first; for Indian-owned businesses the capital and staff ratio usually decide how many work permits are possible.
Service languages: English.
Frequently asked
Do Indian degrees need attestation?
Can I set up a company and work in it?
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Sources & references
- Revision of Thailand's Visa Exemption and VoA Schemes (Government PR Dept., 4 Sep 2026) — checked 2026-11-03
- MFA summary chart – visa exemption & VoA, effective 15 Sep 2026 — checked 2026-11-03
- Department of Employment – work permits — checked 2026-11-03
- HCCH Apostille Convention status table — checked 2026-11-03
General information only, not legal advice. Entry rules change; always confirm with the official sources above. Immigration decisions rest with the Thai authorities.
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