We structure your ownership, register a private limited company with the Department of Business Development, and set up tax, banking and payroll so you can start trading.
Most foreign businesses in Thailand operate through a private limited company. Since 2023 it needs at least two shareholders, who can be individuals or companies, and at least one director, who does not have to be Thai. Liability is limited to the unpaid value of each shareholder’s shares.
The company registers its memorandum of association and incorporation with the Department of Business Development at the Ministry of Commerce. Registration itself can be quick once the documents are ready; most of the time goes into getting the structure and paperwork right.
The Foreign Business Act treats a company as foreign if foreigners hold half or more of its shares. Foreign companies may not carry on many business activities, including most services, without permission. That is why ownership is the first decision we make with you.
| Route | Foreign ownership | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Thai-majority company | Up to 49% | Businesses with a genuine Thai investor and no BOI-eligible activity |
| BOI promotion | Up to 100% | Manufacturing, technology, R&D, regional headquarters and other promoted activities |
| Foreign Business Licence | Majority | Restricted services that are not BOI-promoted |
| US Treaty of Amity | Majority | Companies controlled by US citizens, outside excluded sectors |
| Unrestricted activities | Up to 100% | Activities outside the Foreign Business Act lists, such as some manufacturing and export |
There is no single minimum capital for every Thai company, but in practice capital matters. Majority-foreign companies are generally expected to have at least THB 2 million, more for some licensed activities, and the company usually needs THB 2 million of paid-up capital and four Thai employees for each foreign employee it sponsors for a work permit. BOI-promoted companies follow their own, often easier, rules. We size your capital to your hiring plan.
Every Thai company keeps accounts, has its financial statements audited by a Thai certified public accountant each year, holds an annual general meeting, files financial statements with the Department of Business Development and files corporate income tax returns. VAT-registered companies file monthly. We can run all of it for you.
Yes, if the activity is not restricted under the Foreign Business Act, or if the company has BOI promotion or a Foreign Business Licence. US-controlled companies may also qualify under the Treaty of Amity. For restricted activities without one of these, foreign ownership is capped at 49%.
No. Directors can be foreign and can live abroad, but a foreign director who works in Thailand needs a work permit.
Often not for registration itself, as documents can be signed abroad and notarised. Opening a corporate bank account usually needs a director present in person.
Registration can be completed quickly once documents are in order. A Foreign Business Licence or BOI promotion adds a separate approval process of several weeks to months. We give you a realistic timeline at the start.
A free 30-minute structure review. You leave with a recommended ownership route, a realistic timeline and a fixed fee.