Start your business in Thailand with confidence. Our licensed lawyers handle company incorporation, licensing, and regulatory compliance from start to finish.
Registered with the Lawyers Council of Thailand
Full bilingual support for international entrepreneurs
From name reservation to tax ID and business licensing
From initial setup to full compliance, structured legal support at every stage of your business formation in Thailand.
Full incorporation of a Thai private limited company, the most common structure for doing business in Thailand.
Foreign Business License (FBL), BOI-promoted companies, and Treaty of Amity structures for foreign investors.
Establish a foreign branch office or representative office in Thailand for your overseas parent company.
VAT registration, tax ID, social security, and all operational permits required to legally operate in Thailand.
Setting up a company in Thailand involves registering with the Department of Business Development (DBD), obtaining a tax ID, and securing operational licenses. The process follows a structured legal framework under the Civil and Commercial Code.
At Lex Bangkok, we guide entrepreneurs, investors, and international businesses through every step of company registration in Thailand, from choosing the right business structure to obtaining your final operating permits.
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Missing any requirement can delay your registration or result in rejection by the DBD.
Every registration is handled in strict accordance with Thai corporate law and DBD requirements.
Standard company registration completed within 5-7 business days after document preparation.
Fixed-fee packages with no hidden costs. You know exactly what you pay before we start.
Post-registration assistance with accounting, tax filings, work permits, and annual compliance.
All documents prepared in Thai and English for your records and international reporting needs.
We recommend the optimal business structure based on your investment plans and operational needs.
Thai law follows a structured registration process through the Department of Business Development. Each step must be completed in order.
Reserve your company name with the DBD online. The name must be unique and not conflict with existing registered businesses.
the basic company structure, including:
A Thai limited company now requires a minimum of 2 shareholders and at least 1 director.
Hold the statutory meeting, register the company with the DBD, obtain your corporate seal, tax ID, VAT registration, and all required operational permits and licenses.
Thailand offers several legal structures for foreign and domestic investors. Choosing the right entity depends on your ownership requirements, industry, and investment size.
At Lex Bangkok, we advise clients on the most suitable structure for their goals, whether that is a Thai limited company, a BOI-promoted entity, or a representative office.
The Thai Private Limited Company is the most common business structure used by both Thai and foreign entrepreneurs. It is governed by the Civil and Commercial Code and registered with the Department of Business Development (DBD).
Shareholders: A minimum of 2 shareholders is required at registration. There is no maximum limit. Shares can be held by individuals or corporate entities.
Registered Capital: There is no statutory minimum capital requirement for most businesses. However, a minimum of 2 million THB in registered capital is required for each foreign employee seeking a work permit.
Directors: At least one director must be appointed. The director does not need to be Thai but must have authority to bind the company.
Foreign Ownership: Under the Foreign Business Act (FBA), foreign nationals may not hold more than 49% of shares in certain restricted business categories unless they obtain a Foreign Business License or operate under BOI promotion.
The Board of Investment (BOI) offers significant incentives for qualifying businesses, including permission for 100% foreign ownership, corporate tax exemptions, and streamlined work permit processing.
Not all businesses qualify for BOI promotion. Our team evaluates your business activities against the current BOI eligible activities list and advises on the most effective application strategy.
A standard Thai limited company registration can be completed within 3-7 business days after all documents are prepared and signed. The timeline depends on the completeness of your documents and the responsiveness of government offices.
Government fees for company registration are calculated based on registered capital. Professional service fees from Lex Bangkok cover the full registration process, document preparation, and coordination with the DBD, Revenue Department, and Social Security Office.
Contact us for a detailed fee estimate tailored to your business setup requirements. We offer transparent, fixed-fee packages with no hidden charges.
A standard Thai limited company registration takes approximately 5-7 business days after all documents are prepared and signed. The timeline may vary depending on the completeness of your documentation and government processing times.
There is no statutory minimum capital for most Thai companies. However, if you plan to hire foreign employees who need work permits, a minimum registered capital of 2 million THB per foreign employee is required by the Department of Labour.
Under the Foreign Business Act, foreign ownership above 49% requires either a Foreign Business License (FBL) or BOI promotion. Certain business activities under the US Treaty of Amity also allow 100% American ownership. Our lawyers advise on the best structure for your situation.
A Thai private limited company requires a minimum of 2 shareholders at the time of incorporation. Shareholders can be individuals or corporate entities and can be of any nationality.
Yes. A registered office address in Thailand is mandatory for company registration. The address must be a physical location, not a P.O. box. We can assist with office arrangements if needed.
The Board of Investment (BOI) grants tax incentives and foreign ownership benefits to qualifying businesses in promoted industries. Eligibility depends on your business activity, investment size, and technology transfer. Our team reviews your eligibility and handles the application process.
After company registration, most businesses need a Tax ID, VAT registration (if annual revenue exceeds 1.8 million THB), and social security registration. Industry-specific licenses may also be required depending on your business activities.
Yes. We provide full post-registration support including work permit and business visa applications for foreign directors and employees. Work permit processing typically takes 2-4 weeks after company registration is complete.
Choosing the right business structure in Thailand depends on your investment goals, ownership requirements, and planned activities. Below is a side-by-side comparison of the four most common options for foreign investors.
| Feature | Thai Limited Company | BOI Promoted | Branch Office | Rep Office |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign Ownership | Up to 49% (or 100% with FBL) | 100% foreign allowed | 100% foreign owned | 100% foreign owned |
| Minimum Capital | 2M THB (with work permit) | 1-3M THB (varies) | 3M THB minimum | 3M THB minimum |
| Setup Timeline | 3-7 business days | 2-4 months (incl. BOI) | 4-8 weeks | 4-8 weeks |
| Gov. Fees | 5,500 - 15,000 THB | 5,500 - 15,000 + BOI fee | 15,000 - 50,000 THB | 15,000 - 50,000 THB |
| Revenue Activity | Full commercial activity | Full activity + tax benefits | Limited to parent scope | No revenue allowed |
| Tax Benefits | Standard 20% CIT | Up to 8 yrs tax exemption | Standard 20% CIT | Withholding tax |
| Work Permits | 1 per 2M THB capital | Flexible, BOI-facilitated | Case-by-case | Limited (1-2) |
| Best For | Most SMEs & startups | Tech, manufacturing, large investments | MNCs with specific projects | Market research only |
Not sure which structure fits your business? Contact our team for a free consultation.
We have helped hundreds of companies register and grow in Thailand. Here are a few businesses that trusted Lex Bangkok with their company formation.
Lex Bangkok handled every step of our company registration with professionalism and speed. From name reservation to BOD registration and tax ID setup, they made it effortless. Their knowledge of Thai business law gave us confidence from day one.
Registered Capital: 5,000,000 THB | Revenue: 82,000,000 THB
We needed a Thai limited company set up quickly to secure a key partnership. Lex Bangkok delivered our full registration, including Ministry of Commerce filing and bank account opening, in under two weeks. Outstanding service for a growing entertainment business.
Revenue: 127,000,000 THB
As a small creative agency, we were worried about the complexity of Thai company registration. Lex Bangkok simplified everything and guided us through shareholder structure, work permits, and tax registration. We have been operating smoothly ever since.
Registered Capital: 1,000,000 THB | Revenue: 8,000,000 THB
Under the Foreign Business Act (FBA), foreigners are generally limited to 49% ownership of a Thai limited company. However, there are legal pathways to full foreign ownership. The most common route is through the Board of Investment (BOI), which grants 100% foreign ownership to companies in promoted industries such as technology, digital services, manufacturing, and food processing. Another option is obtaining a Foreign Business License (FBL) from the Ministry of Commerce, which permits majority foreign ownership in restricted categories. A third route involves the US-Thailand Treaty of Amity, allowing American citizens and companies to hold majority shares in most business sectors.
A Thai private limited company requires a minimum of three shareholders at the time of incorporation. After registration, shares can be transferred, but the company must always maintain at least two shareholders on record. Shareholders can be individuals or corporate entities, and there is no requirement for shareholders to be Thai nationals. However, if foreign shareholders hold more than 49% of shares, additional licenses such as a Foreign Business License or BOI promotion certificate will be required.
There is no legal minimum registered capital for a Thai limited company. However, practical minimums apply. If you need a work permit for a foreign employee, the Department of Employment requires a minimum of 2 million THB in registered capital per work permit. For BOI-promoted companies, the minimum investment varies by activity but typically starts at 1 million THB. Branch offices and representative offices require a minimum operating budget of 3 million THB remitted from the parent company abroad.
A standard Thai limited company registration takes 3 to 7 business days once all documents are prepared and signed. This includes company name reservation (1 day), filing the Memorandum of Association (1 day), statutory meeting and share payment, and final registration with the Department of Business Development. If you also need a tax ID, VAT registration, Social Security registration, and a corporate bank account, the full process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. BOI applications require an additional 2 to 4 months for approval.
Yes, every Thai company must have a registered office address. This address appears on your corporate certificate and all official documents. Virtual office addresses are accepted by the Department of Business Development for registration purposes, and many of our clients start with a virtual office to keep costs low. However, if you plan to apply for a work permit, immigration may require proof of a physical office space with a lease agreement.
A Thai limited company is subject to corporate income tax at a flat rate of 20% on net profits. Companies with paid-up capital of 5 million THB or less and annual revenue under 30 million THB may qualify for the SME reduced rate: 0% on the first 300,000 THB and 15% on profits between 300,001 and 3 million THB. Companies with annual revenue exceeding 1.8 million THB must register for VAT at 7%. BOI-promoted companies may enjoy corporate tax exemptions for up to 8 years.
A representative office cannot be directly converted into a Thai limited company. They are separate legal entities. If you started with a rep office for market research and now want to conduct commercial activities, you will need to register a new Thai limited company as a separate entity. The representative office can then be closed after the new company is operational. Our team regularly assists clients with this transition, ensuring a smooth handover of operations, staff, and contracts.
Whether you need a Thai limited company, BOI-promoted structure, or branch office registration, our legal team is ready to help.