How to Register a Company in Thailand: Complete 2025 Guide

Company Registration in Thailand

Did you know that Thailand attracted over USD 15 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2024, with the Board of Investment (BOI) approving more than 2,000 new projects?
The country’s strong economic growth, advanced infrastructure, and digital transformation initiatives have made company registration in Thailand easier, faster, and more transparent than ever before.

However, starting a business in Thailand involves more than filling out forms. It requires an understanding of the different company structures, legal frameworks, and strategic considerations that affect ownership, taxation, and long-term operations.

This guide provides a clear and practical overview of how to register a company in Thailand in 2025—covering everything from business structure options and registration steps to capital requirements and compliance essentials.

 

Why Start a Business in Thailand

Thailand continues to stand out as one of the most attractive destinations for investors and entrepreneurs in Southeast Asia. With its central location, well-developed infrastructure, and government support for foreign investment, the country offers a strategic foundation for business growth and regional expansion.

Strategic Location: Located at the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand serves as a gateway to over 650 million consumers across ASEAN. Its strong connectivity through ports, airports, and cross-border logistics makes it a hub for trade, manufacturing, and regional headquarters.

Stable and Growing Economy: Thailand’s economy has demonstrated consistent growth supported by diverse sectors such as tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, and digital services. The government’s commitment to economic reform and innovation continues to attract both foreign and domestic investment.

Skilled and Competitive Workforce: Thailand offers a large pool of educated, English-speaking professionals at competitive labor costs. This balance between skill and affordability makes it an ideal location for both startups and multinational operations.

Business Incentives and Support: The Board of Investment (BOI) provides generous incentives for qualifying projects, including tax exemptions, import duty reductions, and foreign ownership privileges. These programs are designed to encourage innovation, sustainability, and technology-driven industries.

Quality of Life: Thailand’s combination of modern infrastructure, world-class healthcare, vibrant culture, and affordable lifestyle makes it one of Asia’s most livable destinations for both entrepreneurs and expatriate teams.

 

Thailand Company Registration Structure Options

When you register the company in Thailand, choosing the right structure impacts ownership, taxation, and operations.

Register Limited Company Thailand

Ownership Structure: A Thai Limited Company allows up to 49% foreign ownership, with at least 51% held by Thai nationals for most business activities. However, certain industries may allow greater foreign participation under specific laws or treaties.

Minimum Requirements:

    • At least 2 shareholders (individuals or juristic persons)
    • At least 1 director (can be a foreign national)
    • Minimum registered capital: 1 million THB for general businesses
    • Paid-up capital: At least 25% of registered capital

Best For:
General commercial activities such as trading, services, consulting, or retail operations. This is the most common and versatile business structure for both Thai and foreign entrepreneurs.

BOI-Promoted Company

The Board of Investment (BOI) offers promotional privileges for businesses that contribute to Thailand’s economic development, innovation, or technology transfer.

Ownership Structure: Foreign investors can hold 100% ownership for BOI-approved activities.

Minimum Requirements:

    • Minimum investment varies by project type (typically 10 million THB or more)
    • Must meet specific industry criteria and comply with BOI conditions
    • Ongoing reporting and operational requirements

       

Key Advantages:

    • Up to 8 years of corporate income tax exemption
    • Import duty reductions on machinery and materials
    • Simplified work permit and visa process
    • Full foreign ownership for eligible industries

       

Best For: Manufacturing, technology, agriculture, renewable energy, logistics, and research-based businesses.

Tips: Pre-checking the eligibility activities of business here or contact our consultant for the pre-check.

US Treaty of Amity Company

Under the Treaty of Amity and Economic Relations between the United States and Thailand, U.S. citizens and companies can maintain majority or full ownership of a business in Thailand.

Eligibility:

    • The company must be at least 50% owned by U.S. citizens or U.S.-registered companies
    • Activities must not fall under restricted sectors (e.g., land trading, communications, or transportation)

Benefits:

    • Up to 100% U.S. ownership permitted
    • Equal treatment to Thai nationals in most business sectors
    • Flexibility in management and control

Best For:  Consulting, trading, and service-oriented companies operated by U.S. investors.

Representative Office

A Representative Office serves as a liaison between a foreign parent company and its business partners in Thailand. It cannot generate income locally or sign commercial contracts.

Requirements:

    • Parent company must have been operational for at least 3 years
    • Minimum capital investment of 2 million THB (in tranches)
    • Permitted to perform only non-revenue-generating activities such as market research or quality control

Best For:Foreign companies exploring the Thai market before establishing full operations.

Limitations: Cannot issue invoices, collect payments, or directly provide services in Thailand.

Branch Office

A Branch Office allows a foreign company to conduct revenue-generating activities in Thailand without forming a separate local entity.

Requirements:

    • Parent company must have operated for at least 3 years
    • Minimum capital requirement of 3 million THB
    • Activities must be within the scope of the parent company

       

Best For: Foreign companies seeking to operate in Thailand under their existing corporate structure.

Tax Treatment: Profits are subject to Thai the corporate income tax, and remitted profits may incur an additional the branch remittance tax.

Step-by-Step: How to Register a Company in Thailand

Understanding the process of company registration in Thailand is essential for smooth and compliant business setup. The registration process involves several stages — from reserving your company name to obtaining tax and social security registration. Below is a simplified step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Company Name Reservation (1-2 Days)

Process:

  • Search available names through DBD online system
  • Reserve preferred company name (valid 30 days)
  • Name must be in Thai language with English translation

Requirements:

  • Name must be unique and not similar to existing companies
  • Cannot include restricted words without proper authorization
  • Should reflect business activities

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents (1-2 Weeks)

Shareholder Documents:

  • Passport copies for foreign shareholders
  • ID cards/house registration for Thai shareholders
  • Address proof and contact information

Director Documents:

  • Passport copies and work permit (if applicable)
  • Residential address proof
  • Consent to act as director

Business Documents:

  • Memorandum of Association (MOA)
  • Articles of Association (AOA)
  • Business objectives list (up to 20 activities)
  • Registered office lease agreement

Step 3: Register with the Department of Business Development (3-5 Days)

Submission:

  • File incorporation documents at DBD
  • Pay registration fees
  • Obtain the company registration certificate

Output: Company registration certificate with unique 13-digit identification number

Step 4: Tax Registration (1-2 Days)

VAT Registration (if applicable):

  • Required for businesses with annual revenue over 1.8 million THB
  • Can voluntarily register below this threshold

Corporate Tax Registration:

  • All companies must register for corporate income tax
  • Obtain corporate tax ID number

Withholding Tax Registration:

  • Required if company will have employees or pay certain expenses

Step 5: Social Security Registration (Immediate)

Process:

  • Register with the Social Security Office within 30 days of hiring the first employee
  • Obtain Social Security Fund employer registration number

Contribution Rates:

  • Employer: 5% of salary (maximum 750 THB per employee per month)
  • Employee: 5% of salary (maximum 750 THB per month)

Step 6: Business License (If Required)

Certain business activities require specific licenses beyond basic company registration:

Common Licensed Activities:

  • Import/Export License
  • FDA Registration (food, cosmetics, medical products)
  • Restaurant License
  • Alcohol License
  • Hotel License
  • Factory License

Timeline: Varies by license type (1-6 months typical)

 

Thailand Company Registration Requirements: Capital Considerations

Understanding the capital requirements is one of the most important parts of company registration in Thailand. The amount of registered and paid-up capital affects your eligibility for work permits, taxation, and business credibility — especially for foreign shareholders.

Registered Capital: 

Basic Requirements:

  • Minimum 1 million THB for most businesses
  • Higher capital may be required for regulated sectors (e.g., finance, import/export, or factory operations)
  • For companies employing foreign staff, 2 million THB registered capital per work permit is recommended

Strategic Notes:

  • A higher registered capital can improve your company’s image with banks and government agencies.

  • The capital can be increased later through a shareholder resolution and re-registration process.

Paid-Up Capital

Requirements:

  • At least 25% of registered capital must be paid upon registration.
  • The remaining balance can be called upon by the company later.

Example:
If your registered capital is 2 million THB, you must pay at least 500,000 THB during incorporation.

Best Practice:
Transfer funds into the company’s Thai bank account under each shareholder’s name after registration to ensure transparent accounting and compliance.

Foreign Currency Transfer (FET Form)

Requirements:

  • Use the Foreign Exchange Transaction Form (FET Form) provided by the receiving Thai bank.
  • Keep all FET documentation for future reference — it’s required when:

    • Repatriating dividends abroad
    • Proving foreign ownership to the Bank of Thailand
    • Applying for BOI or work permit processes

Tip:  Ensure that the remittance purpose clearly states “Capital Contribution for Company Registration” to avoid delays in verification.

4. Capital Planning for Work Permits

Thailand’s work permit allocation system is linked to company capital and local employment ratios.

Standard Requirements:

  • 2 million THB registered capital per foreign employee
  • 4 Thai employees per foreign employee (general company)

  • Exceptions: BOI-promoted companies enjoy more flexibility with lower capital or employee ratios

Recommendation: If your business expects to hire foreign directors or specialists, plan your registered capital strategically to meet future staffing needs.

 

Shareholding Structure Planning

When setting up a company in Thailand, understanding shareholding structure and ownership limits is crucial for compliance and operational control. The Foreign Business Act (FBA) regulates the extent of foreign participation in most business sectors.

1. Foreign Ownership Limitations

A standard Thai Limited Company allows a maximum of 49% foreign ownership, meaning at least 51% of shares must be held by Thai nationals. Certain business activities — such as retail, service, and trading — are restricted unless additional permissions are granted (for example, through a Foreign Business License or BOI promotion).

2. Strategies for Foreign Control

Even with minority shareholding, foreign investors can maintain management control through structured planning:

  • Preference shares: Thai shareholders hold non-voting or limited-voting shares. We have published the article of the difference between Oridinary shares vs Preferred Share read here
  • Shareholder agreements: Define clear management rights, profit distribution, and decision-making authority.
  • Director appointments: Assign executive authority to foreign directors to oversee daily operations.

3. BOI and Treaty Exemptions

Companies approved under the Board of Investment (BOI) or registered under the U.S. Treaty of Amity are allowed up to 100% foreign ownership, depending on the business category. These structures provide greater flexibility for international investors.

Post-Registration Requirements

After incorporation, businesses in Thailand must complete several post-registration tasks to become fully operational and compliant.

1. Corporate Bank Account

To begin operations, open a corporate bank account under the company’s registered name.

Requirements:

  • Company registration certificate and DBD documents
  • Director’s passport and visa (if applicable)
  • Proof of registered business address
  • Company seal (if required by the bank)

Note: Some banks have stricter policies for companies with majority foreign ownership; preparation of full documentation will help avoid delays.

2. Work Permits for Foreign Employees

Foreign nationals working in Thailand must hold a valid Non-B Visa and Work Permit.

Eligibility Requirements (general companies):

  • 2 million THB registered capital per foreign employee
  • At least 4 Thai employees per work permit

 BOI companies benefit from a simplified visa and work permit procedure through the BOI One Stop Service Center.

3. Visa Options for Business Owners and Staff

  • Non-B Visa: Standard business visa for directors or employees.
  • LTR (Long-Term Resident) Visa: For highly skilled professionals or investors meeting financial criteria.
  • DTV (Digital Talent Visa): For remote workers and digital entrepreneurs.

Each visa category has different documentation and renewal requirements, which should be reviewed in advance of business operations.

4. Accounting and Tax Compliance

Once your company is active, maintaining accurate accounting and timely tax filing is mandatory under Thai law.

Key Obligations:

  • Monthly VAT (Form PP.30) and Withholding Tax (Form PND.1, 3, 53) filings
  • Annual audited financial statements and tax returns
  • Social Security and payroll submissions for all employees

Tip: Using a professional accounting and compliance service ensures accuracy and avoids penalties from the Revenue Department.

 

Professional Support and Final Thoughts

Setting up a company in Thailand is an exciting opportunity to tap into one of Asia’s most dynamic and fast-growing economies. With its strategic location, robust infrastructure, and strong government support for investment, Thailand provides a solid foundation for long-term business success.

However, navigating local regulations, ownership rules, and compliance requirements can be complex, especially for foreign entrepreneurs new to the Thai business environment. A well-structured company formation plan, combined with professional guidance, helps prevent costly mistakes and ensures your business operates legally and efficiently from day one.

Engaging experienced advisors can provide significant value in areas such as:

  • Choosing the right business structure for your goals
  • Preparing accurate legal documentation for registration
  • Applying for BOI promotions, work permits, and licenses
  • Maintaining compliance with tax, labor, and immigration laws

By understanding the process and working with reliable professionals, your company can enjoy a smooth and compliant start,  ready to grow confidently in Thailand’s expanding market.

At Act & Align Advisor, our team assists entrepreneurs and international investors through every step of company registration in Thailand , from selecting the ideal structure to ensuring full legal compliance and long-term success.

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