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 Marius Tollenaere outlines the key 2026 EU Blue Card changes employers must understand to stay compliant and competitive.
Media mentions
Partner Charlotte Slocombe explained options available to Scotland fans whose US ESTAs have been denied or revoked ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses evolving corporate relocation strategies and sustained demand for moves to the Gulf.
Blog post
Partner K. Edward Raleigh analyzes post‑midterm business immigration risks in Part 3 of this blog series, outlining four possible election outcomes and the practical steps employers should take to prepare for increased enforcement and scrutiny.
Media mentions
Partner Natasha Catterson explains how the UK ETA scheme is changing business travel by requiring pre-travel digital approval for many visa-exempt visitors.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh discusses the recent H-1B fee ruling and the potential for further appeals.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper discussed a federal court decision vacating the $100,000 H-1B fee and noted that further legal proceedings are likely to shape the policy’s future.
Blog post
Manager Adela Schmidt examines common misconceptions in German immigration law, including EU Blue Card mobility, short-term work permissions, residence permit extensions and communication with immigration authorities.
Media mentions
Frankfurt Managing Partner Axel Boysen examines Germany's new Section 45c requirements and highlights key compliance considerations for employers recruiting talent from abroad.
Video
Senior Manager Sergio Flores discusses key immigration and travel considerations for individuals planning to visit Mexico during the FIFA World Cup 2026™, including visa waiver status, passport validity, FMM documentation and potential work-related visa requirements.
Media mentions
Partner Audrea Golding discusses how top-funded startups may have greater flexibility in managing H-1B costs amid evolving hiring dynamics.
Video
Manager Mihaela Dumitru discusses the Swiss citizenship process, including the authorities involved, key naturalization routes and why early planning is important.
Media mentions
Partner Marius Tollenaere outlines the key 2026 EU Blue Card changes employers must understand to stay compliant and competitive.
Media mentions
Partner Charlotte Slocombe explained options available to Scotland fans whose US ESTAs have been denied or revoked ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses evolving corporate relocation strategies and sustained demand for moves to the Gulf.
Blog post
Partner K. Edward Raleigh analyzes post‑midterm business immigration risks in Part 3 of this blog series, outlining four possible election outcomes and the practical steps employers should take to prepare for increased enforcement and scrutiny.
Media mentions
Partner Natasha Catterson explains how the UK ETA scheme is changing business travel by requiring pre-travel digital approval for many visa-exempt visitors.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh discusses the recent H-1B fee ruling and the potential for further appeals.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper discussed a federal court decision vacating the $100,000 H-1B fee and noted that further legal proceedings are likely to shape the policy’s future.
Blog post
Manager Adela Schmidt examines common misconceptions in German immigration law, including EU Blue Card mobility, short-term work permissions, residence permit extensions and communication with immigration authorities.
Media mentions
Frankfurt Managing Partner Axel Boysen examines Germany's new Section 45c requirements and highlights key compliance considerations for employers recruiting talent from abroad.
Video
Senior Manager Sergio Flores discusses key immigration and travel considerations for individuals planning to visit Mexico during the FIFA World Cup 2026™, including visa waiver status, passport validity, FMM documentation and potential work-related visa requirements.
Media mentions
Partner Audrea Golding discusses how top-funded startups may have greater flexibility in managing H-1B costs amid evolving hiring dynamics.
Video
Manager Mihaela Dumitru discusses the Swiss citizenship process, including the authorities involved, key naturalization routes and why early planning is important.
