The Complete Pillar Guide
Thailand Business Setup Guide:Entities, Timeline, and Costs
Everything a foreign or Thai founder needs to register and launch a company in Thailand: which entity fits your ownership plan, how long registration actually takes, what it costs end to end, and the documents you need before you start.
Compare Thailand entity types
The right entity depends on your ownership target, activity, and how quickly you need to be operational. Most foreign founders choose between a Thai Limited Company, a BOI-promoted company, or Foreign Business License structure.
| Entity | Foreign ownership | Min. capital | Setup time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thai Limited Company | Up to 49% (majority Thai) unless BOI/Amity applies | THB 2M for a foreign work permit | 7–14 days | Local trading, services, joint ventures with a Thai partner |
| BOI-Promoted Company | Up to 100% in eligible activities | Varies by activity, typically THB 1–2M | 3–6 months (approval + registration) | Tech, manufacturing, BCG, and other promoted industries |
| Foreign Business License (FBL) | Up to 100% for restricted activities | THB 3M per restricted activity | 4–6 months | Restricted-list services without BOI or treaty coverage |
| US Treaty of Amity Company | 100% for US nationals/majority-US companies | THB 2M for a foreign work permit | 6–8 weeks | US citizens and US-majority companies avoiding FBA limits |
| Representative Office | 100% (non-revenue generating) | THB 2M capital inflow requirement | 4–6 weeks | Market research, quality control, sourcing liaison only |
| Branch Office | 100% of the foreign parent | THB 3M for restricted activities | 2–4 months | Foreign companies delivering contracted services in Thailand |
Thai Limited Company
BOI-Promoted Company
Foreign Business License (FBL)
US Treaty of Amity Company
Representative Office
Branch Office
The Thai Limited Company registration timeline
A standard Thai Limited Company with a foreign shareholder moves through five stages. BOI and FBL routes add an approval stage before registration.
Reserve your company name with the Department of Business Development (DBD). Names are held for 30 days once approved.
File the MOA covering company name, registered address, objectives, capital, and founding shareholders.
Shareholders adopt the articles of association, appoint directors and auditors, and approve share allotments.
Directors file for registration within 3 months of the statutory meeting. This is the point your company legally exists.
Register for a corporate tax ID with the Revenue Department, apply for VAT if turnover requires it, and open a corporate bank account.
BOI applications add roughly 60–90 days for activity approval before registration begins. FBL applications typically add 90–120 days.
What Thailand company registration actually costs
Government fees are fixed and predictable. Legal, accounting, and compliance costs vary by structure and complexity — budget for the full first year, not just registration day.
- DBD registration feesTHB 5,500–27,500
Scales with registered capital; most SME setups fall under THB 10,000.
- Company seal, forms, notarizationTHB 2,000–5,000
One-time administrative costs at registration.
- Legal & registration service feeTHB 25,000–60,000
Covers document drafting, DBD filing, and registered address support.
- Work permit & visa (per foreign director)THB 20,000–35,000
Non-B visa plus work permit application and renewal support.
- Monthly accounting & tax filingTHB 8,000–25,000/month
Depends on transaction volume, VAT registration, and payroll headcount.
- Annual audit & financial statementsTHB 20,000–45,000/year
Mandatory for every Thai-registered company regardless of size.
Document checklist before you start
Gather these before your first filing appointment to avoid delays.
- Passport copies for all foreign shareholders and directors
- Thai national ID or passport copies for Thai shareholders
- Proof of registered office address (lease agreement or ownership deed)
- Company name options (3 alternatives for DBD reservation)
- Business objectives and planned activities, in Thai
- Shareholder list with shareholding percentages and share values
- Director signatures and specimen signature forms
- Bank reference letter if opening a corporate account immediately
- BOI application form and business plan (BOI route only)
- Capital remittance evidence (Amity and FBL routes)
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to register a company in Thailand?
A standard Thai Limited Company with a foreign minority shareholder takes 7–14 working days once documents are ready. BOI-promoted companies take 3–6 months because of the activity approval stage, and Foreign Business License applications typically take 4–6 months.
Can foreigners own 100% of a Thai company?
Yes, in three main routes: BOI promotion for eligible activities, a Foreign Business License for restricted activities, or the US Treaty of Amity for American nationals and US-majority companies. Outside these routes, foreign ownership is generally capped at 49%.
What is the minimum capital to register a company in Thailand?
There is no statutory minimum for a Thai Limited Company itself, but THB 2 million in registered capital is required to sponsor one foreign work permit, and Foreign Business License activities require THB 3 million per licensed activity.
Do I need a Thai partner to start a business in Thailand?
Not necessarily. You need a Thai partner only if you are staying under the standard 49% foreign ownership cap. BOI promotion, Foreign Business License, and the US Treaty of Amity all allow 100% foreign ownership without a Thai shareholder.
What ongoing compliance is required after incorporation?
Every Thai company must file monthly withholding tax and VAT (if registered), pay Social Security Fund contributions if it has employees, hold an annual general meeting, and submit audited financial statements and corporate income tax returns annually.
Ready to register your Thailand company?
Settlr handles entity selection, DBD registration, tax ID setup, and your first year of compliance from one team — so you can focus on operating, not paperwork.