Regulatory Licensing Service
How to Apply for a Recruitment / Employment Agency License in Thailand
We assist businesses in obtaining the appropriate Recruitment / Employment Agency License in Thailand so they can legally provide recruitment and workforce placement services in compliance with labour regulations.
Introduction
Businesses that provide recruitment or employment agency services in Thailand must obtain a Recruitment / Employment Agency License from the Department of Employment (DOE), Ministry of Labour before offering such services.
This license is required for companies that match employers with job seekers, recruit workers for domestic employment, or provide workforce placement services. Recruitment agencies involved in sending Thai workers abroad must obtain a separate license specifically for overseas employment services.
The licensing framework is governed by the Employment and Job Seeker Protection Act B.E. 2528 (1985) and related regulations. These laws are designed to ensure fair recruitment practices, protect job seekers, and regulate employment agencies operating in Thailand.
UnionSPACE Corporate Services assists businesses in preparing and submitting the application for a Recruitment / Employment Agency License, ensuring compliance with all legal requirements set by the Department of Employment.
The Scope
Business eligibility and license type assessment
We review the company’s recruitment activities and business model to determine the appropriate license type and regulatory pathway for the intended services.
Corporate structure and capital requirements
We assess the company’s structure, minimum capital, office location, management appointments, and readiness to meet Department of Employment requirements.
Preparing and submitting the license application
We assist in preparing the required licensing documents, completing government forms, and submitting the application to the Department of Employment while coordinating with officials during the review stage.
License approval and registration
Once approved, the company receives the official Recruitment / Employment Agency License and may lawfully operate recruitment and placement services in accordance with Thai labour regulations.
Common recruitment agency categories
Domestic employment agency
Recruitment services for employers and job seekers within Thailand for local workforce placement.
Overseas employment agency
Agencies recruiting Thai workers for employment opportunities abroad, subject to separate licensing requirements.
Specialized recruitment services
Recruitment agencies focusing on particular industries, executive roles, technical positions, or professional placements.
Corporate structure and capital requirements
Registration of a company in Thailand
The applicant should generally be a properly registered company in Thailand before applying for the recruitment license.
Minimum registered capital
The company must meet the capital requirement prescribed by the Department of Employment for the relevant license type.
Qualified agency manager
An appropriate agency manager responsible for recruitment operations must generally be appointed for the licensed business.
Physical office location
The company should maintain a business office location suitable for licensed recruitment activities and regulatory inspection.
Compliance with labour regulations
Authorities will assess whether the company’s operations, structure, and management are aligned with employment and labour law requirements.
What we typically need from the client
Company registration documents
Company registration documents issued by the Department of Business Development and related corporate records.
Company affidavit and shareholder list
Corporate affidavit and shareholder information confirming the legal structure and ownership of the company.
Identification documents of directors and representatives
Identification documents of directors, authorized representatives, and other persons involved in the application.
Office lease agreement or proof of ownership
Premises documents confirming the company’s office location for licensed recruitment operations.
Office layout and location details
Office layout, business address details, and operational premises information for licensing review.
Business plan describing recruitment services
A business plan explaining the proposed recruitment services, target sectors, and operational model.
Identification documents of the agency manager
Identification and supporting records for the agency manager who will be responsible for recruitment operations.
Evidence of capital and financial capacity
Supporting information showing the company’s financial readiness and ability to meet the required capital threshold.
Additional documents may be required depending on the scope of recruitment services.
Deliverables
Recruitment / Employment Agency License
Official license issued by the Department of Employment authorizing the business to conduct regulated recruitment activities.
Authorization to legally provide recruitment services
Approval enabling the company to provide recruitment and employment placement services in Thailand in accordance with the law.
Guidance on operational compliance and licensing requirements
Practical guidance on post-license obligations, operating standards, and continuing regulatory compliance.
Ongoing Compliance
Maintaining transparent recruitment procedures
Licensed agencies must operate with clear, fair, and transparent recruitment practices for employers and job seekers.
Protecting job seekers from unfair practices
Agencies must comply with laws designed to protect job seekers from abusive, deceptive, or unfair recruitment conduct.
Keeping records of recruitment activities and placements
Proper records of job placements, recruitment transactions, and related documentation should be maintained as required.
Renewing the license as required
The license must be maintained and renewed in accordance with the Department of Employment’s regulatory requirements.
Complying with labour laws and employment regulations
Recruitment agencies must continue operating in line with Thai labour law, job seeker protection rules, and related regulations.
Failure to comply with these regulations may result in fines, suspension, or revocation of the license.