Thailand Company Registration | Set Up a Company in Thailand (Thai Limited Company)
Planning Thailand company registration or looking to set up a company in Thailand? The entity foreign investors set up most often is the limited company (Company Limited), registered with the Department of Business Development (DBD). Foreign nationals can hold shares, but once foreign holdings reach half or more, the company counts as a foreigner under the Foreign Business Act. It then needs a Foreign Business License to run restricted businesses, or a Foreign Business Certificate through BOI investment promotion.
The official DBD fees are THB 500 to register the memorandum of association and THB 5,000 to register the company. Corporate income tax is 20%, SMEs pay no tax on net profit up to THB 300,000, and the reduced VAT rate of 7% has been extended to September 30, 2027. Thailand sits at the center of ASEAN, with mature manufacturing supply chains, automotive and EV clusters, and regional logistics. NSS Group (戰國策集團) offers one-stop Thailand company registration, from shareholding and foreign ownership assessment, DBD registration and BOI applications to tax and VAT registration and bank account opening, helping companies get established in Thailand.
Thailand sits at the center of ASEAN. Bangkok and the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) combine a domestic market, ports and regional logistics.
Auto parts, EV, electronics and food processing clusters are well established, and qualifying investments can apply for BOI incentives.
Our team supports you at every step so your company registration is completed smoothly.
The memorandum of association and the company can be registered with the DBD on the same day, with official fees of THB 5,500 in total.
Thailand has long been a key base for foreign investors expanding into ASEAN. Bangkok offers business, finance, retail and services resources, while the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) brings together automotive, EV, electronics, aerospace, smart manufacturing and logistics industries. For companies that need to be close to ASEAN markets, supply chains and ports, Thailand is usually on the shortlist.
Not every business in Thailand is open to foreign investors without restriction, however. Some services, retail, wholesale, engineering, food and beverage, consulting or regulated businesses may involve the Foreign Business Act, a Foreign Business License, a Thai shareholder structure or BOI investment promotion eligibility. Assessing the shareholding, business scope and tax before setup is more efficient than fixing problems later.
When foreign companies enter Thailand, the most common entity is the Thai limited company, registered with the Department of Business Development (DBD), and at least 2 promoters are required. Before setup, you need to confirm the company name, registered address, shareholders and directors, foreign shareholding, articles, capital, business scope and whether a BOI application or Foreign Business License is needed.
Thailand company registration is more than filing documents. You also need to consider whether the company can open a bank account, register for tax, hire staff, get work permits, sign contracts, collect payments and meet annual filing requirements after setup. NSS Group can help you build a complete plan, from the purpose of the company, industry restrictions and document preparation to banking, tax and ongoing maintenance.
First confirm what the Thai company will be used for, where its customers are, whether it will hire local staff, whether work permits are needed, whether a foreign parent company will invest, and whether you plan to apply for BOI. Different purposes affect the shareholding, capital, business scope, tax registration and bank account preparation.
Reserve and check the company name online through the Department of Business Development (DBD) website, avoiding names that are the same as or too similar to existing companies. Once the name is approved, the memorandum of association must be registered within the deadline. If the brand will be used in Thailand for the long term, also review trademarks, domain names, social media accounts and licensing arrangements at the same time.
At least 2 promoters sign the Memorandum of Association, and you prepare the shareholder register, director details, proof of registered address, authorization documents, parent company documents and any required translations. Corporate shareholders usually also need a certificate of incorporation, a board resolution or a power of attorney.
Each share must have a par value of at least THB 5, and at least 25% of the share price must be paid up at incorporation. When foreigners hold half or more of the shares, the Foreign Business Act requires minimum capital of THB 2 million for general businesses and THB 3 million for each listed business. Where BOI, a Foreign Business License or a specific industry license is involved, confirm the capital and shareholding before setup.
Once the documents are ready, register the memorandum of association with the DBD (fee THB 500) and hold the statutory meeting, then register the company (fee THB 5,000). Both can be done on the same day. After registration you receive the company registration documents and can move on to tax registration, VAT, social security, bank account opening and other operating steps.
After incorporation, register for tax with the Revenue Department. VAT registration is required once annual turnover exceeds THB 1.8 million. Also plan for withholding tax, social security, bookkeeping and annual filing (CIT 50 is due within 150 days after the end of the accounting period). If you plan to hire foreign staff, arrange work permits and visas at the same time.
Thailand business environment overview
Thailand sits at the center of the ASEAN market, combining a manufacturing base, a logistics hub, tourism services and a domestic consumer market. Bangkok suits regional operations, brand retail, e-commerce and service offices, while the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) focuses on auto parts, EVs, electronics, smart manufacturing, aerospace and high value-added industries. When you set up in Thailand, the registration process is only one part. You also need to assess foreign ownership limits, BOI investment promotion, tax registration, bank KYC, hiring and visas so the company can actually operate once it is formed.
Why register your Thailand company with NSS Group
We do more than complete the company registration. We combine Thailand company setup, documents, communication with authorities, banking, tax and ongoing operating needs into a practical setup plan.
We coordinate with the DBD, BOI, local business resources and professional partners as each case requires, making document preparation and review communication more efficient.
Continuous support from the company name, registration documents, tax registration and accounting to bank account opening, office space, visas and work permits.
For tourism services, food and retail, manufacturing supply chains, technology services, cross-border e-commerce and other sectors, we help you choose the right structure and setup sequence.
If your investment size, technology level or industry fits, we assess the BOI or EEC conditions first so you do not miss possible investment incentives.
We summarize requirements and decision points in Chinese and coordinate in English and Thai, reducing information gaps between your company and local parties.
service
- Company name search and reservation
- Preparation and filing of registration documents
- Drafting of governing documents
- Collection of the registration certificate
- Thailand bank account advice
- Account opening document preparation
- Appointment booking and accompaniment
- Post-opening support
- Registered address
- Company secretary appointment
- Annual filing services
- Document custody and management
- Bookkeeping
- Tax filing and planning
- Financial statement preparation
- Audit arrangement
- Trademark search and assessment
- Trademark application filing
- Trademark maintenance and renewal
- Infringement protection advice
- Company change filings
- Share transfer support
- Company deregistration
- Legal advisory support
To help you sell, we offer a Stripe application consulting service for businesses selling internationally, so your customers can pay you easily and you can win more sales.
Good customer service is key to a successful business. We include a free AI customer service system that answers customer questions in real time and raises customer satisfaction.
A professional, attractive website is your company’s storefront online. We offer full web design services so your site looks good and works well.
Online marketing is a key part of business success today. We offer professional online marketing services, including SEO, social media marketing and content marketing.
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One AI system to run your whole company: 12 core systems, 75+ feature modules and 15 AI tools covering the full business workflow, so a new company can start operating quickly.
- Company name search and registration
- Preparation and filing of registration documents
- Drafting of governing documents
- Registration certificate and company documents
- Registered address service for the first year
Thailand company registration costs depend on the shareholder structure, foreign shareholding, whether you apply for BOI or need a Foreign Business License, the registered address, document translation, bank account opening, VAT, accounting, tax and annual maintenance. NSS Group confirms your needs first, then gives an itemized quote and an estimate for ongoing maintenance.
Official DBD fees are separate: THB 500 to register the memorandum of association and THB 5,000 to register the company, plus stamp duty. Minimum capital for foreign companies follows the Foreign Business Act. See the cost breakdown below.
Thailand company formation cost: official DBD fee breakdown
Setting up a Thai limited company has two stages: registering the Memorandum of Association and registering the company. The official fees are collected by the Department of Business Development (DBD). The items are listed below so you can check each line when you compare quotes.
| Item | Official fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Company name reservation | Online application on the DBD website | Once the name is approved, the memorandum of association must be registered within the deadline |
| Registration of the Memorandum of Association | THB 500 | Plus THB 200 stamp duty |
| Registration of the limited company | THB 5,000 | If Articles of Association are filed, THB 200 stamp duty applies |
| Registration documents | Company certificate THB 40 per item, registration certificate THB 100 | Certified copies THB 50 per page |
| Capital | Par value of at least THB 5 per share, with at least 25% of the share price paid up at incorporation. Under the Foreign Business Act, foreign companies need minimum capital of THB 2 million for general businesses and THB 3 million for each business that requires a Foreign Business License | |
| BOI applications, Foreign Business License, accounting and agent services | Quoted by case; NSS Group gives a written quote after a free assessment | |
Fees follow the DBD guidance on limited company setup procedures, checked in October 2026. In 2026 the DBD consulted on a draft amendment to the ministerial regulation on fees. The latest notice from the authority prevails.
Thailand company tax basics: corporate income tax and VAT
A Thai company files corporate income tax with the Revenue Department and must register for VAT once turnover reaches the threshold.
| Item | Rule | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate income tax | 20% | Charged on net profit; applies to ordinary companies. |
| SME tax rates | Exempt on net profit up to THB 300,000, 15% from THB 300,000 to THB 3 million, 20% above THB 3 million | For companies with paid-up capital of THB 5 million or less at the end of the accounting period, among other conditions. |
| VAT | 7% | The statutory rate is 10%; Royal Decree No. 807 extends the reduced rate to September 30, 2027. Exports and some other supplies are 0%. |
| VAT registration threshold | Annual turnover above THB 1.8 million | Register before starting business or within 30 days after reaching the threshold, and file the previous month's VAT by the 15th of each month (Form VAT 30). |
| Dividend withholding | 10% | On dividends paid to foreign companies not carrying on business in Thailand. |
| Annual filing | Within 150 days after the accounting period ends | File the CIT 50 annual income tax return and pay the tax; half-year tax is prepaid with CIT 51. |
Tax rates follow Revenue Department notices. Ask a Thai accountant to assess how they apply to your structure.
Thai limited company, BOI company or branch? Entity comparison
When foreign investors set up a company in Thailand, they usually compare a limited company majority-held by Thai shareholders, a majority foreign-owned company with a license, and a company with BOI investment promotion.
| Item | Limited company, foreign holding 49% or less | Majority foreign-owned limited company (Foreign Business Act) | BOI-promoted company |
|---|---|---|---|
| Counts as a foreigner? | Foreign holding below half, so not a foreigner under the Foreign Business Act | Foreign holding of half or more, so counts as a foreigner | Can apply for a Foreign Business Certificate under BOI promotion |
| Restricted businesses | Generally allowed, subject to rules for licensed industries | List 1 prohibited; List 2 needs approval from the Minister of Commerce with Cabinet consent; List 3 needs approval from the DBD Director-General with committee consent | Limited to BOI-approved promoted activities |
| Minimum capital | Based on business needs | THB 2 million for general businesses, THB 3 million for each listed business | Based on BOI promotion conditions |
| Main advantage | Simple setup | Foreign investors can hold control | Corporate income tax holidays of up to 8 years (depending on the activity), plus non-tax incentives for foreign experts, land and more |
| Watch out for | Thai shareholders must actually contribute capital; nominee holdings are not allowed | License review takes longer | Must meet investment size, technology and other conditions and keep meeting its commitments |
These are general principles. Choose based on business scope, investment size and BOI eligibility.
What foreign founders should know about setting up a company in Thailand
- The 49% limit and nominee risk: once foreigners hold half or more of the shares, the company counts as a foreigner under the Foreign Business Act. Using Thai nominees to hold shares and get around the limit is illegal, and the DBD reviews proof of capital contributed by Thai shareholders.
- At least 2 promoters: a Thai limited company needs at least 2 promoters to sign the memorandum of association. Directors can be of any nationality.
- Check which list your business falls under: engineering services, advertising, hotels and similar businesses are on List 3, so majority foreign ownership requires a Foreign Business License. If you meet BOI or industrial estate conditions, you can apply for a Foreign Business Certificate instead.
- VAT at 7% is a reduced rate: the statutory rate is 10%, and the reduction is currently extended to September 30, 2027, so leave room for changes in quotes and contracts.
- Work permits and bank accounts: foreign directors working in Thailand need a separate visa and work permit, and banks usually ask directors to attend in person when opening an account. Plan for both before setup.
- Tax treaties and outbound investment: check whether your country has a double taxation agreement with Thailand and whether your home country requires outbound investment approval or reporting. Keep contracts and records for funds moving in and out.
Further reading
Sources: DBD: Memorandum of Association registration procedure and fees; DBD: limited company registration procedure and fees; DBD: Foreign Business Act annual report 2025; DBD: minimum capital under Section 14 of the Foreign Business Act; Revenue Department: corporate income tax; Revenue Department: VAT; Revenue Department: new legislation (Royal Decree No. 807 extending the VAT reduction); BOI: criteria for granting tax incentives; BOI: Investment Promotion Guide 2025. The latest notices from the competent authorities prevail. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.
How long does it take to set up a company in Thailand?
What documents do I need to register a company in Thailand?
To set up a company in Thailand, you usually need to prepare the company name, registered address, shareholder and director details, shareholding percentages, business scope, capital plan, parent company documents, signing authorizations and any required translations. If the company will apply for BOI, a Foreign Business License, work permits or an industry license, you also need a business plan, investment size, hiring plan and financial information.
- 1. Identity documents for shareholders, directors and ultimate beneficial owners
- 2. Proof of address from the last three months and contact details
- 3. Thailand company name, company type and registered address arrangements
- 4. A description of the business model, main trading regions and source of funds
- 5. Shareholding percentages, director appointments, KYC and required authorization documents
Do I need to be in Thailand in person to set up a company?
Most of the early Thailand company setup work can be done remotely through document preparation, authorized signing and a local agent, so you do not have to be there in person throughout. However, bank account opening, identity checks, work permits, certain licenses or government procedures may require a director, shareholder or authorized person to attend in person, join a video call or provide extra documents. NSS Group confirms which items can be handled remotely and which need you on site before we start.
What tax and filing obligations does a Thailand company have?
- 1. Corporate income tax (20%, with reduced rates for SMEs), VAT (7%) and withholding tax
- 2. Annual filings, company registration upkeep, registered agent or secretarial services
- 3. Accounting records, annual financial statement audit and shareholder register upkeep
What businesses and structures suit a Thailand company?
Who can help me register a company in Thailand?
NSS Group (go.ai.com.tw) can help. We provide one-stop support from pre-setup assessment to post-incorporation maintenance for your Thailand company, reducing the uncertainty of cross-border setup and compliance.
Our main services include:
- 1. Thailand company type and structure assessment
- 2. Company name search, document preparation and registration filing
- 3. Bank account opening, KYC and cross-border payment documents
- 4. Bookkeeping, tax filing and annual compliance
- 5. Changes to shareholders, directors, address, shares and company details
- 6. Trademark registration, contract review and intellectual property planning
- 7. Website build, digital marketing and AI customer service setup
- 8. Ongoing business advisory and cross-border business support
We arrange Thailand company setup, maintenance and ongoing operating support based on your industry, customer locations, banking needs and tax planning, so you can focus on growing your market.