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Company Registration in Thailand

Start your business in Thailand with confidence. Our licensed lawyers handle company incorporation, licensing, and regulatory compliance from start to finish.

Licensed Thai Lawyers

Registered with the Lawyers Council of Thailand

Thai & English Service

Full bilingual support for international entrepreneurs

End-to-End Registration

From name reservation to tax ID and business licensing

OUR SERVICES

Company Registration Services

From initial setup to full compliance, structured legal support at every stage of your business formation in Thailand.

Thai Limited Company

Full incorporation of a Thai private limited company, the most common structure for doing business in Thailand.

  • Minimum 2 shareholders required
  • 2 million THB registered capital (for work permits)
  • Registered office address in Thailand

Foreign Business Setup

Foreign Business License (FBL), BOI-promoted companies, and Treaty of Amity structures for foreign investors.

  • Foreign Business License applications
  • BOI investment promotion
  • US Treaty of Amity companies

Branch & Rep Offices

Establish a foreign branch office or representative office in Thailand for your overseas parent company.

  • Branch office registration with DBD
  • Representative office setup
  • Regional operating headquarters (ROH)

Licensing & Compliance

VAT registration, tax ID, social security, and all operational permits required to legally operate in Thailand.

  • VAT and tax registration
  • Social security enrollment
  • Industry-specific licenses and permits

Company Incorporation 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.

Key Requirements for Company Registration
2026 Update

1

Minimum 2 shareholders — at least one director must be a natural person

2

Thai Shareholder Proof —  3-Month Full Statement (if foreign-linked)

3

Registered office address — a physical office in Thailand is mandatory

4

Business objectives — clearly defined company objectives filed with the DBD

Missing any requirement can delay your registration or result in rejection by the DBD.

WHY LEX BANGKOK

Our Approach to Company Registration

Full Legal Compliance

Every registration is handled in strict accordance with Thai corporate law and DBD requirements.

Fast Turnaround

Standard company registration completed within 5-7 business days after document preparation.

Transparent Pricing

Fixed-fee packages with no hidden costs. You know exactly what you pay before we start.

Ongoing Support

Post-registration assistance with accounting, tax filings, work permits, and annual compliance.

Bilingual Documentation

All documents prepared in Thai and English for your records and international reporting needs.

Strategic Advice

We recommend the optimal business structure based on your investment plans and operational needs.

REGISTRATION PROCESS

How Company Registration Works in Thailand

Thai law follows a structured registration process through the Department of Business Development. Each step must be completed in order.

1

Company Name Reservation

Reserve your company name with the DBD online. The name must be unique and not conflict with existing registered businesses.

2

Memorandum of Association

the basic company structure, including:

  • Company name
  • Registered office address
  • Business objectives
  • Registered capital and share value
  • Names of promoters/shareholders


A Thai limited company now requires a minimum of 2 shareholders and at least 1 director.

3

Registration & Licensing

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.

 

Types of Business Entities in Thailand

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.

 

Thai Private Limited Company

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).

Key Features

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.

BOI Promotion and Foreign Investment

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.

BOI Benefits Include

  • 100% foreign ownership in promoted activities
  • Corporate income tax exemptions (up to 8 years)
  • Import duty exemptions on machinery and raw materials
  • Simplified work permit and visa processing for foreign staff
  • Permission to own land for promoted projects

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.

 

Timeline and Costs

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.

Typical Registration Costs

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.

 

FAQs

How long does it take to register a company in Thailand?

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.

What is the minimum capital required?

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.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Thai company?

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.

How many shareholders do I need?

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.

Do I need a physical office in Thailand?

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.

What is BOI promotion and do I qualify?

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.

What licenses do I need after registration?

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.

Can Lex Bangkok help with work permits after registration?

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.

Contact Lex Bangkok

Whether you need a Thai limited company, BOI-promoted structure, or branch office registration, our legal team is ready to help.

Licensed lawyers. Transparent pricing. Full registration support.