🇯🇵 Japan
Thai visas & work permits for Japanese citizens
Japanese citizens can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism from 15 September 2026. Most long-term Japanese residents hold a Non-B visa and work permit through a Japanese company in Thailand, often BOI-promoted. Retirement visas and the LTR visa are also common.
Written by the Thai Legal & Immigration legal team · Last reviewed · Editorial policy
Can Japanese 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From 15 September 2026 the former 60-day scheme was revoked.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 Japanese citizens?
- BOI Work Permits (Single Window)
Most Japanese manufacturers in Thailand hold BOI privileges.
- Business Visa (Non-B)
The standard visa for employees of Japanese subsidiaries.
- Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR)
For highly skilled professionals and wealthy pensioners.
- Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant O / O-A)
Popular with Japanese retirees in Chiang Mai.
Work permits for Japanese nationals
Japanese expatriate assignments are usually handled through BOI's One Stop Service Center. Dependants of the assignee need their own Non-O visas.
Get a plan for your Japanese passport
Get a Free Preliminary Eligibility Review from our licensed team.
Do documents from Japan need an apostille or legalisation?
Japan 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, Japan-issued documents still need legalisation by the Thai embassy or consulate; from that date an apostille from the competent Japan authority is expected to suffice.
Read our apostille guideCommon mistakes we see
- Koseki documents without certified translation.
- Late 90-day reports after a business trip.
- Changing roles inside the group without amending the work permit.
Counsel's note
For Japanese companies we coordinate with HR so every transfer, promotion and address change is reflected in the work permit and immigration records.
Service languages: English; Japanese documents with translation.
Frequently asked
Does my family need separate visas?
Can a BOI company speed up a work permit?
Why clients choose us
Six licensed Thai attorneys
Including Notarial Services Attorneys registered with the Lawyers Council of Thailand.
77 provinces covered
Offices in Bangkok and Khon Kaen with field representatives nationwide.
Your passport stays with you
We work from copies and only handle originals for filings you approve.
Honest assessment first
A Free Preliminary Eligibility Review tells you your options before any engagement.
Build your preliminary document checklist →
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
- LTR Visa – BOI official portal — 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.
Start with a Free Initial Case Assessment
Share your goal and documents. A licensed coordinator reviews eligibility and replies with next steps and a formal quotation.