Wanted to check specifically about getting a Non-Immigrant O (12 months, multi-entry) visa in Singapore. Invited to Thailand to help with voluntary work. Anyone had success getting such a visa in Singapore?

You’ll never get a one year visa. They’ll give you 90 days but only if your documentation is okay. After 90 days you’ll have to see the Thai immigration for your extension.

Next problem will be that you’ll also have to have a work permit. Why don’t you try to contact the embassy or consulate in Singapore?

Not all applying for a Non-O are under the same circumstances. Guess others might know more about it.

Good luck.

First of all, as noted, you almost certainly will never get a multiple-entry non-immigrant visa in Singapore or any embassy/consulate in Southeast Asia. The standard procedure -- if they issue you one at all -- is that you will given a single-entry (90 days) visa and told to apply for an extension of stay in Thailand.

The question may be, however, is whether you qualify for the visa at all. Who are you doing this volunteer work for?

Non-Immigrant "O" visas can be issued to foreigners who wish to perform duties for the STATE enterprise or social welfare organizations.

To receive one you must present a letter of invitation or acceptance from the concerned companies/ organizations or institutes with business registration or business license.

A Non-immigrant O Visa is generally for people married to a Thai national or with Thai children or dependants; OR for retirees (O-A), or for investors of 10 million baht or more. For those intending to work, a non-immigrant B visa is the preferred route, especially if you need/intend to obtain a work permit.

In the Kingdom of Thailand, the law specifically states that any foreigner who is working in the country whether on a contractual basis, part-time or full-time must obtain a work permit. This technically also applies to volunteers.

You should contact your volunteer organization and inquire about work permit and paperwork needed to properly obtain the correct visa.

Our expert Legal Advisors can provide you a more detailed information about visa requirements, work permit and company legal issues.

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Perth Australia, and Hull UK, are the only places a multi entry 'o' will be issued, unless you are married to a Thai.

As has been said, with a letter from the organisation and maybe a copy of the directors ID-card you should not have to have problems getting a singler non-O in Asia.

For an extension of stay from immigration you will need a work permit and the organisation will need to be an official registered charity, or government entity such a s a school.

Make sure the organisation will apply for a work permit for you. Volunteering without one will not only mean no extensions. It is also a criminal offence.