U.S. Treaty of
Amity Thailand
The US-Thailand Treaty of Amity (1966) grants American citizens
and businesses the right to operate in Thailand under
the same conditions as Thai nationals — with full ownership and full control.
Advantages of setting up
a US Amity private limited company.
The Treaty of Amity is one of the most powerful business structures available in Thailand
— but only to those who qualify.
100% Foreign Ownership
- Perhaps the biggest advantage — you can own your company outright with no Thai partner required. The majority shareholder simply needs to be a US national or a US company whose shareholders are US nationals.
Legal Protection
- Amity companies are protected from nationalisation and expropriation of assets by the Thai government. You also have access to international dispute resolution mechanisms, including international arbitration, should a dispute with the Thai government ever arise.
Favourable Conditions
- Companies registered under the Treaty are granted certain privileges and exemptions — including tax reductions — that make Thailand a more attractive and commercially viable base for US-owned businesses.
Streamlined FBL Process
- Foreign-owned companies normally face a lengthy Foreign Business Licence process. Under the Treaty of Amity, the FBL is typically granted within two months — significantly faster than the standard route.
Is this the right
structure for you?
The Treaty of Amity is powerful — but it’s only available to a specific group.
Check if you qualify before we go further.
- RESTRICTED SECTORS
Even with Amity status, the following sectors remain restricted for foreign-owned companies:
- Communications & media
- Agriculture & farming
- Land ownership
- Fiduciary functions
- Banking with deposit-taking
01
You are a US citizen
Individual American citizens can register and fully own a Thai company under the treaty. You’ll need a valid US passport as part of the application.
02
Your company is US-incorporated
A company registered in the United States can use the treaty to establish a Thai entity with full ownership — provided at least 50% of shares are held by US citizens.
03
You want full control, no joint venture
You’re not willing to bring in Thai shareholders just to comply with the Foreign Business Act. The Treaty of Amity is the clean, legal alternative.
04
You're operating in an eligible sector
Most business activities — consulting, trading, services, technology, manufacturing — are eligible. A quick consultation with us will confirm yours.
What we'll need to
get you registered.
The Amity process has a few more steps than a standard Thai company
— we handle every one of them.
STEP 01
US Ownership Verification
Your business must be at least 50% owned by US citizens. We verify this and prepare the supporting documentation for submission.
- Notarized Affidavit of Incorporation (US)
- Shareholder list confirming majority US ownership
- Valid US passport copies of all US shareholders
STEP 02
Thai Company Incorporation
Even under the Treaty, your business must be structured as a Thai Limited Company, registered with the Department of Business Development.
- Company name reservation at DBD
- Memorandum & Articles of Association
- Defined business objectives
STEP 03
Foreign Business Certificate
The FBC is the official document from the Ministry of Commerce that confirms your rights under the treaty. This is mandatory — and is what sets Amity apart from a standard Thai company.
- Application to Ministry of Commerce
- Translated & notarized US documents
- Organizational chart & office address
One price. Everything included.
No hidden fees, no surprises. Government fees are included in your package. What you see is what you pay.
Please note: Foreign Business License (FBL) is not included in this package. Whether your business activity requires one will be confirmed during your consultation.
FULL SETUP PACKAGE
฿ 67,500
- Thai Limited Company registration (DBD)
- Document translation & notarization coordination
- Company seal, share certificates & statutory documents
- Corporate account opening guidance
- WhatsApp support throughout
- Government fee for US Amity and Foreign Business License (FBL) are not included in this package.
Things people
usually ask us.
If you don’t see your question here, just send us a message — we’re happy to answer before you commit to anything.
Do I need to be physically in Thailand to register?
No. The entire process — from consultation through DBD registration and FBC application — can be handled remotely. You’ll only need to be in Thailand for your corporate account opening, which we coordinate and attend with you.
How long does the full process take?
Typically 4–6 weeks from completed documents to FBC issuance. The Thai company registration takes around 1–2 weeks; the FBC application at the Ministry of Commerce takes an additional 3–4 weeks. We track every step and keep you updated throughout.
What is the Foreign Business License (FBL) and do I need one?
The FBL is a separate license required for certain business activities restricted under Thailand’s Foreign Business Act. It is not part of our Amity package — if your business activity requires one, we will advise you and quote it separately. We confirm this upfront during your consultation so there are no surprises.
Can my non-US co-founder be a shareholder?
Yes — non-US shareholders can hold up to 49% of shares. As long as at least 51% is held by US citizens, the company qualifies under the Treaty of Amity. We can structure the shareholder arrangement to meet both the treaty requirements and your business goals.
Is the Treaty of Amity better than BOI?
They serve different purposes. BOI gives tax incentives and is open to all nationalities, but requires your business to qualify under specific promoted activities. The Treaty of Amity gives full ownership rights to US citizens without needing BOI promotion — and there’s no tax incentive attached. Some US-owned businesses use both. We’ll advise which structure fits your situation best.
BOI vs US Amity Treaty
vs Thai Company Limited.
Not sure which structure fits your situation? Here’s a side-by-side to help you decide — or just ask us.
–
Foreign Ownership
Max % without special structure
Who Can Use It
Eligibility
Tax Incentives
Corporate income tax
Legal Protection
Asset & ownership security
Registration Timeline
Approximate
Foreign Business License
FBL requirement
Best For
ypical use case
THAI COMPANY LIMITED
- Up to 49% — Thai majority required
-
Any nationality
-
Standard CIT applies
-
Standard Thai law
- 1–2 weeks
-
Required for restricted activities
- Businesses with Thai co-founders or local partners
US TREATY OF AMITY
- 100% - US citizens only
-
US citizens or US-incorporated companies only
-
Some exemptions under treaty
- Protected from nationalisation & expropriation; international arbitration access
- 4–6 weeks (includes FBC application)
- Streamlined — typically approved within 2 months if required
- US founders wanting full ownership with legal treaty protection
BOI PROMOTION
- 100% — all nationalities
- Any nationality — must qualify under BOI categories
- CIT exemption 3–8 years (activity dependent)
-
Standard Thai law + BOI guarantees
- 3–6 months (BOI approval required first)
-
Not required for BOI-promoted activities
- Businesses in manufacturing, tech, or high-value sectors seeking tax breaks
Own your Thai business the right way.
Start with a free 30-minute consultation — we’ll confirm your eligibility and walk you through every step.