VISA SERVICES · VOLUNTEER
Volunteer visa (Non-O)
The volunteer visa is a Non-immigrant O visa for unpaid work with a registered Thai foundation or association, a government agency, or an approved foreign organisation. You enter on a 90-day visa and can extend for up to a year with government certification. A work permit is generally required, even though the work is unpaid.
At a glance
Unpaid work only
The role must be voluntary, with no salary.
Registered host
A Thai foundation, association or approved organisation.
90 days, then a year
Extendable in Thailand with government certification.
Work permit
Generally required, even for unpaid roles.
Who can host you?
Your host organisation must be recognised in Thailand. There are three main types.
Foreign NGOs
A foreign foundation with permission to operate in Thailand.
Best for: international charities
Not sure yours qualifies?
We'll check your host's paperwork and tell you honestly whether it meets the rules.
Best for: anyone with an offer
A foundation or association registered in Thailand.
Best for: charity and community projects
Thai foundations
Government agencies
A Thai government agency or state enterprise.
Best for: public-sector programmes
What you'll need
Passport
Valid for at least six months, with a recent passport photo.
Host letter
From your organisation, confirming your unpaid role.
Registration proof
The organisation's registration and the signatory's ID.
Proof of funds
Recent bank statements. The amount varies by embassy.
Government letter
Where required, certification from the relevant Thai agency.
What it costs
Our service fee is THB 19,500. Work permit processing is THB 18,000. The embassy fee is paid separately.
How it works
​1
Free consultation
A 45-minute online call to check your host and your role.
​2
Host documents
We collect and check your organisation's paperwork.
​3
Your 90-day visa
We prepare and submit your application through the Thai e-Visa system.
4
Work permit and extension
We prepare your work permit and extension file once you arrive.
Volunteer visa questions
No. The visa is for unpaid work only.
Generally yes, even when the work is unpaid. We'll confirm what applies to your role.
90 days on entry, then up to a year with government certification.
Apply at least 30 working days before you travel. Including the work permit, allow two to three months.
READY TO APPLY?
Book a free call and we'll check your volunteer placement.
Our visa team is led by Savannah.
Related services: Visa Services · Property Rentals · Official Translations
What’s new in 2026
No major changes to this visa. No major changes have been announced for 2026. Requirements can still differ between embassies and immigration offices, so we check the current list for your case.
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Visa-free entry is now 30 days. Since 15 September 2026, visitors from 60 countries and territories can stay up to 30 days without a visa, extendable once by up to 30 days for THB 1,900. It is no longer a practical way to start a long stay.
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TDAC before you fly. You still need to complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card online within three days before you arrive.
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Last updated: September 2026
Doing it yourself vs with Solutions Thailand
You can apply for the Volunteer Visa on your own. Here is what changes when we handle it with you.
ON YOUR OWN
Work out whether you qualify and which rules apply to your nationality and where you apply.
Keep up with requirements that differ between embassies and change often.
Prepare, translate and check every document yourself.
Handle any questions from the embassy or immigration office on your own.
WITH SOLUTIONS THAILAND
Free consultation. On Google Meet, to confirm the right route and your costs.
Personalised document checklist. Tailored to your case and updated in real time as Thai immigration requirements change. Embassies can ask for extra items at any stage; we track policy changes so you don’t have to.
Dedicated customer support. A real person from our English-speaking support team stays with you on WhatsApp from start to finish, as your link to our Visa Services Team.
Experienced Visa Services Team. Seasoned specialists review every document, complete every form and submit for you, so you know your application is in safe hands.
HOW WE HANDLE EVERY VISA
Personalised checklist. Sent by email and WhatsApp the moment your payment is confirmed, based on your consultation and where you are applying.
Documents in. Send what’s on your list, such as your passport and a head-and-shoulders photo (a selfie against a white wall works). Our automated system files each document to your case and alerts the team as soon as it arrives.
Ongoing review. Our AI checks each file’s metadata, as the embassy does, then a team member reads every line of every page. If anything needs fixing, you hear straight away and Customer Support helps you sort it.
Senior sign-off. When your file is complete, a senior member of our Visa Services Team rechecks everything and signs it off, usually within 24 to 48 hours.
Embassy submission. We let you know when it’s time and submit to the Thai embassy or consulate on your behalf. Customer Support helps you set up the account, so the outcome is emailed straight to you.