The cost of hiring migrant workers in 2026 (B.E. 2569) falls into 3 main buckets: government fees (work permit, visa, re-entry), health costs (health check, insurance) and identity documents (passport/Certificate of Identity (CI)). The total per worker varies widely depending on the worker group and whether you use an agent.
This article clearly separates which items are confirmed government rates and which depend on the service provider, so employers can set a realistic budget.
Bucket 1: Confirmed government fees
| Item | Rate | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Work permit application fee | 100 THB/person | Cabinet Resolution group of 14 July 2026 (B.E. 2569) |
| Work permit fee | 900 THB/person | Cabinet Resolution group of 14 July 2026 (permitted to work until 11 December 2027 (B.E. 2570)) |
| Visa/extension of stay fee for MOU workers | 500 THB | MOU workers (rate effective since 11 November 2023 (B.E. 2566)) |
| Single re-entry permit | 1,000 THB | Visa holders leaving the country temporarily |
| Multiple re-entry permit | 3,800 THB | Frequent travellers |
| 90-day report (TM.47) | No fee | Everyone who has stayed 90 days |
⚠️ The work permit fee for MOU workers is calculated based on the permitted period, and the rate may differ from the Cabinet Resolution group. Check the Department of Employment (DOE) announcements before setting your budget.
Bucket 2: Health costs
- Health check — screening for prohibited diseases as required, priced at the rates of government-approved hospitals
- Health insurance — workers not yet in the social security system, or still waiting for coverage, must buy health insurance; the price depends on the plan and coverage period
- Social security — for eligible businesses, the employer and employee pay monthly contributions at the rates set by the Social Security Office
Health costs are often the bucket employers underestimate, because they recur with every renewal cycle.
Bucket 3: Identity documents
- Passport or CI (for Myanmar) — fees are set by the country of origin and may change often
- The Cabinet Resolution group must get a passport or CI + visa within 90 days of receiving the document (no later than 30 June 2027 (B.E. 2570)), so set aside budget for this now
Hidden costs often forgotten
- Travel costs and days off work for employees who have to submit documents in person
- Fines for late filing, e.g. a late 90-day report costs 2,000 THB
- Re-entry during holidays — if an employee goes home without a re-entry permit, the visa may end and the process must start over, which costs much more
- Translation and certification fees at some steps
Sample budget (Cabinet Resolution group, 1-year renewal)
| Item | Type |
|---|---|
| Application + permit fee | 1,000 THB (100 + 900) |
| Health check | Per hospital |
| Health insurance (if no social security) | Per plan |
| Passport/CI + visa (within 90 days of receiving the document, no later than 30 June 2027) | Per country of origin rates + Immigration Bureau |
Service fees depend on the number of workers and documents — ask us on LINE for a free quote.
Is an agent worth it?
If you have only a few employees and the time, employers can handle it themselves. But with several employees whose expiry dates don’t line up, the service fee is usually worth more than the opportunity cost of days off, travel, and the risk of late filing and fines.
📋 Quick summary
- 3 cost buckets: government fees, health costs, identity documents
- Cabinet Resolution group: application fee 100 + permit 900 THB
- MOU visa/extension of stay 500 THB / re-entry 1,000 or 3,800 THB
- Health check, insurance and passport prices depend on the provider
- Don’t forget to budget for fines and hidden costs
Want to know the total budget per head for your employees?
Send us the number of employees and their nationalities, and Best Friend Visa will prepare a free quotation.
Chat on LINE — free advice Call 093-541-6444
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Last updated: 17 October 2026 (B.E. 2569) — regulations may change; please check with our staff before proceeding.