Update – July 2, 2024: The Thai Cabinet approved the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) visa in May 2024. Additionally, they announced that the fee for an individual to obtain or exchange their current visa for an EEC visa will be dependent on the length of validity of the EEC at the rate of THB 10,000 per year.
December 22, 2023: The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Development Policy Committee has announced that starting in January 2024 they will offer EEC visas and work permits to foreign national employees and families of qualified investor companies. Both existing companies and potential investor companies will be able to apply for EEC visas and work permits subject to approval by the EEC. To qualify, the companies must operate within the EEC promotion zone and be approved in one of the 12 targeted industries. Companies investing in eco-friendly industries in the three eastern seaboard provinces of Chachoengsao, Chonburi and Rayong will be able to sponsor four different categories of visas: specialists, executives, professionals and spouses/dependents. Depending on the employment contract with the company, the visa and work permit could have a maximum duration of up to 10 years. The specific requirements and criteria for the company to receive the incentives for its employees, including EEC work permits, visas and 17% personal income tax rate, will be announced in January 2024.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Partner Jill Bloom explains how the new wage-based H-1B selection rule may influence hiring decisions and prompt employers to reassess workforce planning and explore alternative visa options.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh discusses how companies are rethinking their H-1B strategies amid evolving policies.
Awards
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler is recognized by EB5 Investors Magazine as a 2025 Top 25 award recipient, reflecting leadership and long-standing impact in the global investment immigration space.
Blog post
Partners Isha Atassi and Rahul Soni outline key considerations across the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program and the US Gold Card, comparing eligibility, investment structures and risk factors for high-net-worth individuals from the Middle East seeking US permanent residence.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh commented on proposed changes to US entry requirements.
Video
Business Immigration Consultant Marisa Gizzi from Fragomen explains everything about the Schengen C Visa: who needs it, how to apply and key travel tips to stay compliant in the Schengen Area.
Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna discussed Canada’s $1B plan to attract global researchers.
Blog post
Manager Alex Hood, Senior Associate Kimberley Ong and Immigration Paralegal Ataa Rajput explain the final extension and settlement deadlines for UK Tier 1 Investor visa holders and outline who can still qualify and why early action is essential.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh on how the $100K H‑1B fee factors into hiring international talent.
Media mentions
Managing Director Magdalene Tennant and Director Kitty Lo highlight Hong Kong as an attractive destination for global investors.
Blog post
IPM Business Process Manager Hazel Yaman outlines key visa, work authorisation and border considerations for athletes, media, event staff and spectators travelling to Italy for the Milan–Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, including the impact of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System.
Media mentions
Corporate Services Director Elena Caron highlights key considerations for UK nationals moving to the UAE.
Media mentions
Partner Jill Bloom explains how the new wage-based H-1B selection rule may influence hiring decisions and prompt employers to reassess workforce planning and explore alternative visa options.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh discusses how companies are rethinking their H-1B strategies amid evolving policies.
Awards
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler is recognized by EB5 Investors Magazine as a 2025 Top 25 award recipient, reflecting leadership and long-standing impact in the global investment immigration space.
Blog post
Partners Isha Atassi and Rahul Soni outline key considerations across the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program and the US Gold Card, comparing eligibility, investment structures and risk factors for high-net-worth individuals from the Middle East seeking US permanent residence.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh commented on proposed changes to US entry requirements.
Video
Business Immigration Consultant Marisa Gizzi from Fragomen explains everything about the Schengen C Visa: who needs it, how to apply and key travel tips to stay compliant in the Schengen Area.
Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna discussed Canada’s $1B plan to attract global researchers.
Blog post
Manager Alex Hood, Senior Associate Kimberley Ong and Immigration Paralegal Ataa Rajput explain the final extension and settlement deadlines for UK Tier 1 Investor visa holders and outline who can still qualify and why early action is essential.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh on how the $100K H‑1B fee factors into hiring international talent.
Media mentions
Managing Director Magdalene Tennant and Director Kitty Lo highlight Hong Kong as an attractive destination for global investors.
Blog post
IPM Business Process Manager Hazel Yaman outlines key visa, work authorisation and border considerations for athletes, media, event staff and spectators travelling to Italy for the Milan–Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, including the impact of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System.
Media mentions
Corporate Services Director Elena Caron highlights key considerations for UK nationals moving to the UAE.