Ask question
This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

What is the process for obtaining a Non-B visa in Vientiane for someone with a valid work permit?

Feb 14, 2026
3 months ago
Yaron *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello :-) I have a company here since 2019, and valid work permit until 2027. Does anyone know the process of getting a non B visa in Vientiane? Thank you very much šŸ˜šŸ„°
876
views
22
all likes
12
replies
7
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster has a company in Thailand since 2019 and a valid work permit until 2027, seeking information on how to obtain a Non-B visa from Vientiane, Laos. The conversation reveals confusion regarding the relationship between work permits and visas, with suggestions that the poster might already hold a Non-B visa or may need to apply for a new one when in Vientiane. Some comments also discuss possible alternatives and considerations regarding Thai citizenship and residency requirements.
Michael ***********
His English may not be clear. What he might nesb is even tbkugh he has had a company since 2019 he doesn't mean he has not had a b visa up until now. He may well be on a visa b visa or otherwise that he was able to get a work permit. All he coukd be asking is as he is in Vientiane how can get a b visa there. Its unlikely, but if he is in an o visa he might want to change it to a b visa. Etc.
Like
Reply
Daniela ******
@Yaron ******
just write in your question " I have a company since 2019 and need to renew my Non-B now in February".

that should give you some more useful answers and less questions ;)
Like
Reply
Yaron *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Like
Reply
Reply to
Yaron *******
Reply
Lavender ********
How is it possible to have a valid work permit without a non B visa? Your work permit expires on the day your visa expires.
Like
Reply
Michael ***********
Lavender Smiles You don't necessarily need a b visa to obtain a work permit. Can be an o visa, smart visa, ltr visa, and also an ib visa (investment) though n most cases the work permit ends on the same date as the visa, the smart visa and ib visa allow much more flexibility.

PS. I have no idea which type visa the poster has though.
Like
Reply
Lavender ********
Michael Spigarolo Yes, I meant that a work permit can’t stand on its own without a valid working visa.
Like
Reply
Reply to
Lavender ********
Reply
Yaron *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Lavender Smiles Apologies for the earlier lack of clarity. I currently hold a Non-B visa and need to travel to Laos in order to renew it. My current visa will expire on February 26. Thank you very much :-)
Like
Reply
John **********
@Yaron ******
you can't renew a Non-B visa in Laos (or anywhere else). You can only apply for a new Non-B visa. As your work permit is linked to your existing Non-B visa you will also have to apply for a new work permit. Is there a reason why you can't get the paperwork from the company to apply for an extension of stay at your local immigration office? That would be your simplest course of action
Like
Reply
Reply to
John **********
Reply
Wojtek *******
Can’t get it either ! I’ve got my non o and I have to extend my work permit every year, I know is different case but many friends when lost working visa, employer immediately cancelled work permit. I don’t get it !
Like
Reply
Reply to
Wojtek *******
Reply
Jeremy ********
Since 2019 why Haven’t you applied for the PR or Citizenship already
Like
Reply
Michael ***********
Jeremy Miller obtaining thai citizenship whilst not impossible is incredibly difficult. The PR is easier but again the threshold, criteria is also very difficult. PR requirements mean earning a lot of money annually and many small companies can only dream of earning the required amount. Also the thai language component. This is not the type of thai is sufficient that you can order a beer or coffee and say sabai sabai. The level of thai language expected is at a level of a 16 year old native thai born. Plus there other challenging criteria. All achievable but agsin the bar is set very high.

It thai citizenship? Forget about it.
Like
Reply
Reply to
Michael ***********
Reply
John **********
Do you hold that work permit on an existing Non-B why not just extend it if so. The work permit finishes when your visa/extension does so will become invalid unless you do the extension. What are you actually trying to achieve?
Like
Reply
Reply to
John **********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members Ā· 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.