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Business and BOI screening

Thailand company registration & business setup

Before you register, check what your business can legally do. Get a document and licensing plan for your activity, ownership and hiring needs.

Case review →

Reviewed 13 Sep 2026

Foreign ownership and permission

Describe the actual revenue-generating activity, not just the company name. Foreign ownership may trigger the Foreign Business Act: restricted activities can require an FBL or an applicable FBC route. BOI promotion is available only to qualifying projects and is not automatic. Nominee Thai shareholders are not a lawful shortcut.

DBD incorporation and documents

A private limited company can be formed by at least two promoters. Prepare the name reservation, memorandum, objectives, office evidence, share subscriptions, director powers and statutory meeting records. Confirm paid-up capital evidence and Thai translations or certification with the registrar. Incorporation, commercial registration where applicable, sector licences and tax registration are separate checks.

Typical documents

  • Proposed name, business activities and operating address with occupancy evidence
  • Shareholder and director identities, ownership percentages and authorized signatories
  • Capital and source-of-funds evidence, with beneficial ownership information
  • Business plan, staffing needs and sector-specific evidence for licence or BOI assessment

How the case proceeds

  • Review activity and lawful foreign-ownership options before incorporation
  • Confirm shareholders, directors, office and capital; reserve the name
  • Prepare incorporation records and submit the complete DBD application
  • Complete applicable business licences, tax and employer registrations before operations

Tax registration and ongoing duties

For VAT-taxable activities, annual turnover above THB 1.8 million generally requires VAT registration within 30 days of crossing the threshold; exempt activities need separate assessment. Plan bookkeeping, tax filings, audited annual accounts and employer/social-security duties when hiring. A dormant company can still have filing obligations.

Scope, cost and work authorization

The written quote should separate government fees, translation, incorporation, licences and recurring accounting. Timing depends on complete documents and authority review; no approval date is guaranteed. Shareholding or being a director does not itself authorize work or residence. Review the appropriate visa and work permission separately before starting work.

Important limits

  • No nominee shareholding arrangements or guaranteed BOI approvals.
  • Company registration alone does not provide residence or permission to work.