Opening a company in Thailand appeals to many foreign investors who want a presence in Southeast Asia. You gain access to a growing consumer base, established supply chains, and a stable regulatory environment. The process for company registration in Thailand is structured and predictable, which helps when you are planning budgets, staffing, and timelines. This guide walks you through the key requirements and steps so you can decide how to set up a company that fits your plans.
Business structures for foreign investors
Private limited company
A private limited company is the most common route for setting up a Thailand company. You receive limited liability protections, and the structure suits most small and mid-sized operations. Foreign ownership is capped at 49% for most sectors, although you can reach full ownership through Board of Investment promotions or a Foreign Business License.
Public limited company
A public limited company fits larger businesses aiming for a stock exchange listing. You follow stricter governance measures and reporting standards. This structure gives you a route to higher foreign ownership while meeting capital market requirements.
Branch office
A branch office functions as an extension of your overseas parent company. You can own 100%of the structure. It is not a separate legal entity, and you operate under limits set by the Foreign Business Act. This suits investors who want a direct presence without forming a new company in Thailand.
Representative office
A representative office supports non-revenue activities such as research, sourcing, or supplier engagement. You can hold full foreign ownership, and you cannot earn income. This structure works when you need early insights before committing to full incorporation.
Foreign ownership rules
Thailand regulates foreign ownership through the Foreign Business Act. The Act separates activities into three lists, each with different limits.
- List 1: These activities are fully restricted. Foreigners cannot operate in these sectors. Examples include media and land trading.
- List 2: These activities are restricted but may allow foreign ownership through treaty arrangements. For example, the U.S. Thailand Treaty of Amity can apply in some cases. You still require formal permissions.
- List 3: These are conditional activities. Foreigners can participate, although going beyond 49% ownership requires a Foreign Business License. Construction and tourism are common examples.
Some sectors offer routes to 100% foreign ownership. These include high‑tech activity and green industries promoted by the BOI, as well as certain rights available to U.S. investors under the Treaty of Amity. Penalties apply if nominee structures are used, so you must follow official processes.
Pre-registration considerations
Business activity
Review the Foreign Business Act lists through the Department of Business Development (DBD) or the Board of Investment (BOI). This helps confirm ownership options and licensing requirements.
Visa requirements
Foreign directors typically need a Non‑Immigrant B visa. Some technology‑related roles can use the Smart Visa, which offers up to four years of validity and removes the need for a work permit.
Capital remittance
You must show evidence of funds transferred from overseas when foreigners inject capital. Banks will request these documents before releasing funds into your corporate account.
Location
Bangkok is common for new investments. Other provinces may offer incentives through local agencies or through targeted Board of Investment zones.
Step-by-step Thailand company registration process
1. Reserve a company name
Submit three options through the DBD Biz Regist portal. You may choose Thai or English names. The name must end with “Limited”. Approval normally takes one day.
2. Prepare the Memorandum of Association (MoA)
The MoA outlines your objectives, share capital, and shareholder details. You must notarise the document before submission.
3. Register with the Department of Business Development
Submit your documents online. After review, the DBD issues your Certificate of Incorporation. This confirms your official registration.
4. Obtain a company seal and affidavit
The seal is optional but commonly used. The affidavit summarises your company information and is often required for banking and licensing.
5. Open a corporate bank account
Banks request your incorporation documents, identification, and capital transfer evidence. You will need in‑person signatories depending on the bank’s policy. This step also supports your capital registration.
6. Register for a tax ID and VAT
You must register for a tax ID with the Revenue Department. VAT registration becomes mandatory when revenue exceeds 1.8 million THB a year.
7. Social security registration
Register with the Social Security Office within 30 days of hiring your first employee.
8. Apply for higher foreign ownership if needed
If you plan to exceed 49% foreign ownership, explore BOI promotions or apply for a Foreign Business License. The BOI application takes place before incorporation, and the Foreign Business License follows after incorporation.
BOI application
Prepare your project plan, financials, and proposed activities. Benefits may include tax exemptions, import duty reductions, and relaxed ownership rules.
FBL application
Submit your application to the Ministry of Commerce. You must show that your business brings economic value. Requirements include financial documents, identification, and your business plan.
Summary of requirements
|
Requirement |
Details |
|
Minimum capital |
2 million THB for work permit eligibility. No strict minimum for registration, although at least 25%must be paid up. |
|
Shareholders |
Minimum of two. Foreign ownership of up to 49%unless using BOI or FBL routes. |
|
Directors |
Minimum of one. At least one Thai resident recommended when foreign ownership exceeds 49%. |
|
Authorised director |
At least one director who can sign on behalf of the company. Thai nationals are often preferred for banking. |
|
Registered office |
Physical address required. Some BOI projects allow a virtual address during early stages. |
Required documentation list
- Company name reservation form
- MoA and Articles of Association, signed and notarised
- Identification for shareholders and directors, including passports for foreign participants
- Address proof for shareholders and directors
- Proof of funds for Thai shareholders, following the draft rules planned for late 2025
- Capital remittance evidence for foreign shareholders
- Power of attorney when representatives submit documents
- Business plan and financial projections for BOI or FBL applications
- Thai versions of documents, with translations provided when applicable
Summary of costs
|
Item |
Estimated cost (THB) |
Notes |
|
Name reservation |
Free |
Completed online. |
|
Registration fee |
5,500 per 1 million THB of registered capital |
Reduced rates may apply for small capital amounts. |
|
Notarisation |
2,000 to 5,000 |
For MoA and AoA. |
|
Legal or consulting fees |
20,000 to 50,000 |
Translation fees often included. |
|
Bank account opening |
1,000 to 3,000 |
Varies by bank. |
|
BOI application |
Free |
Advisory fees may apply. |
|
FBL application |
10,000 to 20,000 |
Excludes advisory fees. |
|
Total for a basic private limited company |
30,000 to 70,000 |
Does not include capital. |
Post-registration obligations
Work permits and visas
Apply through the One Stop Service Centre. You must follow the 4:1 ratio of Thai to foreign employees, unless you hold BOI status.
Annual filings
Submit annual financial statements and tax returns. Companies with paid‑up capital above 30 million THB must undergo an annual audit.
Sector-specific licensing
Certain activities need additional permissions. This includes food products, travel services, and other regulated sectors.
E-compliance updates
Digital filing requirements continue to expand. You must follow updated electronic reporting rules as they are released.
Special incentives for foreign investors
BOI promotions
The programme offers several benefits that influence cost planning and ownership decisions. These may include tax holidays for defined periods, reductions in import duties on machinery, and relaxed visa processes for foreign specialists. You may also receive support with land ownership in some cases.
The BOI focuses on sectors such as science-based manufacturing, digital services, advanced electronics, and environmental technologies.
Treaty of Amity
The Treaty of Amity gives qualifying U.S. investors an alternative path to majority or full ownership when opening a company in Thailand. You can operate a private limited company with fewer restrictions in many service sectors.
The treaty does not cover every activity, and areas such as communications and transport remain restricted. You still need to complete a certification process with the U.S. Commercial Service and obtain your Foreign Business Certificate.
Eastern Economic Corridor
The Eastern Economic Corridor focuses on targeted provinces that aim to attract businesses in aviation, medical services, electric vehicles, smart manufacturing, and digital industries. Investors may receive corporate tax reductions, access to developed industrial zones, faster permitting, and support with skilled labour placement.
Conclusion
Setting up a company in Thailand gives you a route into a growing regional market. Once you complete incorporation, your next focus turns to building the right operational setup for the country. This includes payments, compliance workflows, and the systems that support your commercial plans.
Many businesses entering Thailand look for payment infrastructure that aligns with local habits. 2C2P, a subsidiary of Antom, plays a visible role in Thailand’s payments space and supports merchants that want reliable local acceptance alongside cross‑border capabilities. As you refine your go‑to‑market plans, reviewing payment coverage early helps you create a smoother experience for your customers and a more predictable environment for your finance and operations teams.
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