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Thailand Company Formation & Business Services | One Incorp
Thailand Business Setup

Thailand Company Formation & Business Services

Planning to establish or expand your business in Thailand? One Incorp helps entrepreneurs and international businesses understand company registration requirements and coordinate incorporation, accounting, tax, company administration and ongoing compliance support.

✓Thai limited company registration guidance
✓Foreign business requirements
✓Accounting and corporate tax support
✓Company administration and compliance
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Discuss Your Thailand Business Plans

Tell us about your plans so we can help you identify the relevant setup steps and services.

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Company FormationUnderstand registration steps
Official GuidelinesGovernment-source information
Business CompliancePlan recurring obligations
International ExpansionSupport for market-entry planning
Expand into Thailand

Establish Your Business in Thailand with Greater Clarity

Thailand offers several ways to establish a business presence, including a Thai private limited company and, where appropriate, registration of a foreign company. The right option depends on your business activities, ownership structure and expansion plans.

Before incorporating, it is important to review the requirements administered by Thailand's Department of Business Development (DBD), the Companies and Civil and Commercial Code framework, the Foreign Business Act and any sector-specific regulations.

Important: Foreign ownership rules need careful review

Some business activities are restricted to Thai nationals or require additional permission for foreign participation. Company registration alone does not necessarily authorise a foreign-owned business to conduct every activity.

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New Business Setup

Understand the company registration process, promoter and shareholder requirements, company name rules and incorporation documents.

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Foreign Business Expansion

Review foreign ownership considerations and whether a Foreign Business Licence, certificate, investment promotion or other permission may be relevant.

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Ongoing Business Administration

Plan for accounting records, tax filings, annual financial statements, audit requirements and other obligations relevant to your business.

Official Requirements

Thailand Government Guidelines for Company Incorporation

Company registration is administered by the Department of Business Development (DBD), under Thailand's Ministry of Commerce. The requirements depend on the proposed legal structure and whether foreign-business restrictions apply. The following is a general guide for a typical private limited company.

Start with the Official DBD Registration Process

Review your proposed company structure, name, promoters, shareholders, directors and business activities before preparing and submitting the required registration information.

Official DBD Services ↗
01

Choose the Appropriate Company Structure

Choose a structure that suits your intended business activities, ownership and operating plans.

  • A private limited company is a common structure for commercial operations.
  • Other structures may be available depending on the business.
  • Foreign investors should assess ownership and business activity restrictions before choosing a structure.
  • Regulated activities may require separate approvals or licences.

Read the BOI business-startup guide ↗

02

Reserve and Check the Company Name

The proposed company name must comply with the applicable DBD rules and be acceptable for registration.

  • Check the proposed name through the applicable DBD service.
  • Prepare alternative names if required by the process.
  • Follow the applicable name reservation and filing deadlines.
  • Confirm the current requirements through the official DBD platform.

Access DBD online services ↗

03

Identify the Promoters, Shareholders and Directors

Prepare the details required for the proposed company and verify that the persons involved meet the applicable legal requirements.

  • Identify the company's promoters and initial shareholders.
  • Determine the shareholding structure and capital arrangements.
  • Provide director particulars and signing-authority details as required.
  • Check the current statutory requirements for the chosen company type.

Read BOI company formation guidance ↗

04

Prepare the Incorporation Documents

The required information and documents depend on the chosen registration route and the particulars of the proposed company.

  • Approved or reserved company name, where applicable.
  • Memorandum of Association and related registration details, as required.
  • Shareholder, promoter and director information.
  • Registered office and business activity details.
  • Other declarations and supporting documents required by DBD.

Check DBD registration services ↗

05

Review Foreign Business Act Requirements

Foreign ownership and business activities should be assessed before the company begins operating.

  • Check whether the intended activity is restricted under the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999).
  • Determine whether a Foreign Business Licence or Foreign Business Certificate may be required.
  • Review possible BOI investment promotion eligibility where relevant.
  • Do not assume that company registration alone permits all activities.

Read BOI foreign-company FAQs ↗

06

Submit the Application and Pay Applicable Fees

Once the required information is prepared, follow the DBD registration process for the proposed entity.

  • Submit the required forms and particulars through the applicable process.
  • Pay the prescribed registration fees.
  • Respond to requests for additional information if required.
  • Retain the official registration records and documents.

Visit DBD online services ↗

07

Review Tax and Employer Registrations

After incorporation, determine which registrations and reporting obligations apply to the company's actual operations.

  • Review tax identification and corporate tax filing requirements.
  • Check VAT registration requirements and thresholds.
  • Review employer and Social Security Office obligations if hiring staff.
  • Confirm any additional registrations required for the business activity.

Visit the Revenue Department ↗

08

Check Licences and Ongoing Compliance

Incorporation does not replace the need to comply with the rules that apply to the company's industry and ongoing activities.

  • Identify sector-specific licences or permits.
  • Maintain accounting and statutory records.
  • Review annual financial statement and audit obligations.
  • Track corporate tax, VAT and other applicable filing deadlines.

Read the BOI business guide ↗

Our Services

Thailand Company Formation and Business Services

Explore the setup and business administration services that may be relevant to your Thailand expansion plans.

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Company Formation

Understand the steps and documentation involved in setting up a Thai company under the applicable registration rules.

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Company Registration

Assistance with understanding the registration process, company particulars and supporting documents required for submission.

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Foreign Business Requirements

Identify the foreign ownership restrictions and permissions that may apply to your proposed activities.

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Accounting and Bookkeeping

Organise accounting records and financial information to support business administration and reporting obligations.

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Corporate Tax Support

Coordinate tax documentation and filing preparation with appropriately qualified professionals where required.

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Audit Coordination

Organise financial records and coordinate with an eligible auditor when an audit is required.

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Annual Compliance

Plan for annual financial statements, applicable filings, record maintenance and statutory deadlines.

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Business Banking Assistance

Understand common bank onboarding requirements and prepare supporting company information. Account opening is subject to bank approval.

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Payroll and Employer Administration

Organise payroll records and understand applicable employer and social security obligations where staff are employed.

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Business Licences and Permits

Identify whether your proposed activity may require additional permissions from the relevant Thai authorities.

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International Expansion

Explore business setup considerations for overseas companies planning to enter the Thai market.

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Company Changes and Closure

Understand the procedures for updating company information or coordinating applicable closure and dissolution processes.

Step-by-Step Process

How to Register a Company in Thailand

A practical overview of the company setup journey. The precise process depends on the entity type and any foreign-business permissions required.

Choose Your Structure

Review the intended activities, ownership structure and whether foreign-business restrictions may apply.

Prepare the Information

Organise the proposed name, promoter and shareholder details, director information, capital and office particulars.

Submit to DBD

Follow the applicable company registration procedure and submit the required documents and fees.

Plan for Operations

Review foreign-business permissions, tax registrations, licences, accounting and ongoing compliance before commencing activities.

Official reference: Department of Business Development online services. Timelines and approvals depend on the application and applicable legal requirements.

For International Businesses

Understand Foreign Business Rules Before You Enter Thailand

Foreign investors should review ownership, activity restrictions and potential approval routes before deciding on a company structure.

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Foreign Business Act Review

The Foreign Business Act restricts certain business activities and establishes conditions under which foreign businesses may operate. The relevant activity must be assessed individually.

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Foreign Business Licence or Certificate

Depending on the activity and circumstances, a Foreign Business Licence or Foreign Business Certificate may be relevant. Confirm the correct route with DBD or qualified Thai advisers.

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Investment Promotion

Some eligible projects may seek investment promotion from the Thailand Board of Investment. Eligibility and benefits depend on the project and applicable criteria.

Visit Thailand BOI ↗

Official reference: BOI One Start One Stop Investment Center – Foreign Company FAQs.

After Incorporation

Important Compliance Areas for Thai Companies

After registration, identify the accounting, tax and statutory obligations that apply to the company's activities and circumstances.

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Accounting Records

Maintain adequate accounting records and supporting documents in accordance with applicable requirements.

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Financial Statements

Prepare and submit financial statements within the applicable statutory deadlines.

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Audit Requirements

Review the applicable audit rules and coordinate with a qualified auditor when required.

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Corporate Tax Returns

Identify corporate income tax return requirements, payment deadlines and supporting documentation.

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VAT and Indirect Taxes

Determine whether VAT registration, returns and other indirect tax obligations apply to the business.

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Employer Obligations

Review payroll, withholding tax, social security and employment-related obligations when hiring staff.

Tax Overview

Understand Corporate Tax in Thailand

Tax obligations depend on the type of entity, its activities, income and eligibility for any applicable preferential treatment.

Corporate Income Tax

Thailand's general corporate income tax rate is 20% of net taxable profits. Qualifying smaller companies may be eligible for different rates, subject to the current legal conditions.

20% General corporate income tax rate
Eligibility-based Preferential rates may apply to qualifying companies

Confirm the applicable treatment for your accounting period.

What Should Your Business Review?

Plan for tax obligations and maintain the supporting records required for the company's reporting.

  • Corporate tax identification and filing.
  • Accounting records and financial statements.
  • Eligibility for any preferential tax treatment.
  • VAT registration and filing, where applicable.
  • Withholding tax and employer obligations, where relevant.
Visit Revenue Department ↗

Official sources: Thailand Revenue Department – Tax overview and Thailand BOI – Tax rates. Verify current rates and eligibility with the relevant authority or a qualified tax professional.

Beyond Registration

Banking, Immigration and Business Licensing

Company registration is separate from bank account approval, permission to work and any sector-specific business authorisations.

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Business Bank Account

Banks conduct their own due diligence and may request company documents, ownership details and information about business activities. Account opening is subject to the bank's decision.

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Immigration and Work Permission

Company ownership does not automatically grant permission to live or work in Thailand. Immigration and work authorisations are separate matters governed by the relevant rules.

Visit Thai Immigration ↗
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Business Licences

Some activities require licences, permits or approvals before operations begin. Check the applicable requirements for your industry and ownership structure.

Explore DBD services ↗
Who We Support

Business Setup Support for Different Needs

Understand the setup and administration services that may be relevant to your company's objectives.

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Entrepreneurs and Startups

Understand company formation steps, documentation and ongoing responsibilities.

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International Businesses

Review market-entry options, foreign ownership rules and registration requirements.

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Growing Companies

Coordinate accounting, tax documentation and ongoing company administration.

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Professional Firms

Identify setup and administrative requirements for clients planning to operate in Thailand.

Why One Incorp

Coordinate Your Business Setup with Greater Clarity

Plan your registration, administrative requirements and ongoing compliance needs in a structured way.

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Clear Process Guidance

Understand the key registration steps and the information needed to plan your business setup.

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Relevant Business Services

Identify the setup and ongoing administration services that match your needs.

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Compliance-Focused Planning

Consider foreign-business permissions, tax filing and sector-specific requirements early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thailand Company Formation FAQs

Answers to common questions about registering and operating a company in Thailand.

What is a private limited company in Thailand?

A private limited company is a commonly used legal structure for commercial operations. It is registered through the applicable Department of Business Development process and must comply with the relevant company laws and requirements. See the BOI guide to starting a business.

Can a foreigner own a company in Thailand?

Foreign ownership may be permitted, but the rules depend on the company's activities and the applicable laws. The Foreign Business Act restricts certain activities and may require a licence, certificate or other permission. Review the specific business activity before proceeding.

What is the Foreign Business Act?

The Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999) sets restrictions and conditions for foreign participation in specified business activities. Whether a licence or certificate is needed depends on the activity and circumstances. Refer to the BOI foreign-company guidance.

What documents are needed to register a company in Thailand?

Requirements depend on the structure and registration route. Common information includes the proposed name, promoter and shareholder details, director information, capital and office particulars, and the required registration documents. Confirm the current checklist with DBD.

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

Processing time depends on the company structure, completeness of the application and any additional approvals required. Foreign-business permissions may involve separate procedures. Check the current DBD process rather than relying on a guaranteed timeframe.

Does company registration automatically allow a foreign business to operate?

No. Depending on the activity and ownership structure, a company may need a Foreign Business Licence, Foreign Business Certificate, investment-related approval or sector-specific licence before beginning certain operations.

What is the corporate income tax rate in Thailand?

The general corporate income tax rate is 20% of net taxable profits. Different rates or treatment may apply to qualifying smaller companies and other eligible categories. Confirm the applicable rules with the Thailand Revenue Department.

Does a Thai company need accounting records and an audit?

Companies must meet applicable accounting and financial reporting requirements. Audit obligations depend on the company's legal status and applicable rules. Confirm the requirements with a qualified Thai accountant or auditor.

Does incorporating a company provide a work visa?

No. Company incorporation and immigration or work permission are separate matters. Eligibility depends on the relevant immigration and employment requirements.

Can One Incorp help with accounting and compliance?

One Incorp can discuss the business administration services relevant to your requirements. Confirm the available service scope, and whether any work must be performed by a qualified Thai professional, before engaging a provider.

Start Planning Today

Planning to Set Up a Company in Thailand?

Speak with One Incorp about your business plans, company registration requirements and the administrative services you may need after incorporation.