TEFL Requirements in Thailand: Visa, Degree & Certification
Last updated: 2026-08-05 · Data source: aggregated live research (government/consular guidance, industry TEFL guides), see sources below
Bachelor's degree is a hard legal requirement for the Non-B visa; a 120-hour TEFL certificate is the de facto standard schools and the Teachers' Council of Thailand expect, even though it isn't written into immigration law directly.
Visa / work permit route
Teachers work on a Non-Immigrant B (Non-B) visa. The employer secures a WP3 pre-approval letter from the Department of Employment first, then the teacher applies for the Non-B e-visa online, and after arrival registers biometrics at the Provincial Labour Office to get a Digital Work Permit.
Degree requirement
A bachelor's degree in any field is a legal requirement for the Non-B visa and work permit — there's no way around this one, regardless of TEFL certification or experience.
Get the TEFL Hours You Need
Compare accredited 120-hour and 150-hour TEFL courses that meet Thailand's visa and employer requirements — online or with an in-person practicum.
Get Started with TEFL Institute →TEFL certification hours
Thai immigration law doesn't name a TEFL hour minimum directly, but a 120-hour certificate is the effective industry standard, and the Teachers' Council of Thailand (Khurusapha) expects it for the teaching-licence waiver process if you don't hold an education degree.
Background checks & document legalisation
Your original degree and transcripts, plus a police clearance issued within roughly the last 3–6 months, need notarising, authenticating by your home government, and legalising by a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate. Original physical degree documents generally have to be hand-carried into Thailand — scans aren't accepted for permit issuance.
Recent rule changes to know about
Thailand's Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) became mandatory for all foreign nationals from 1 May 2025, replacing the old paper TM6 form — this is confirmed directly by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Industry sources also report a move toward a stickerless e-Visa and a Digital Work Permit via the ThaID app, but we'd recommend confirming those specific points with a licensed visa agent or Thai Immigration before treating them as settled.
As an AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying sign-ups. Links on this page are affiliate links — see our affiliate disclosure.
This page is general information, not immigration or legal advice — always confirm current visa and work permit requirements with the relevant embassy, consulate, or a licensed immigration adviser before booking travel.
FAQs
Do I need a degree to teach English in Thailand?
A bachelor's degree in any field is a legal requirement for the Non-B visa and work permit — there's no way around this one, regardless of TEFL certification or experience.
How many TEFL certification hours do I need for Thailand?
Thai immigration law doesn't name a TEFL hour minimum directly, but a 120-hour certificate is the effective industry standard, and the Teachers' Council of Thailand (Khurusapha) expects it for the teaching-licence waiver process if you don't hold an education degree.
What visa do I need to teach English in Thailand?
Teachers work on a Non-Immigrant B (Non-B) visa. The employer secures a WP3 pre-approval letter from the Department of Employment first, then the teacher applies for the Non-B e-visa online, and after arrival registers biometrics at the Provincial Labour Office to get a Digital Work Permit.
Is a background check required to teach in Thailand?
Your original degree and transcripts, plus a police clearance issued within roughly the last 3–6 months, need notarising, authenticating by your home government, and legalising by a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate. Original physical degree documents generally have to be hand-carried into Thailand — scans aren't accepted for permit issuance.