BOI application procedure flow chart
BOI promotion follows a defined sequence from activity matching through operation start-up, and each step has deadlines. At Thai Visa Centre in Bangkok, we help investors align visa and work-permit timelines with BOI milestones so key staff can enter Thailand legally.
This guide maps the ten-step flow from confirming your promoted activity to ongoing compliance. For background on incentives, start with our BOI overview guide and promoted activities list.
Under 2 billion THB projects typically take 60 working days. Larger projects take about 90 working days.
You must accept BOI promotion within one month of approval notification or forfeit the package.
Operation start-up certificate is usually issued within 10 working days after post-approval documents are complete.
Applications submit through the BOI e-investment portal online.
The ten-step BOI procedure
Follow this sequence in order. Skipping steps or starting revenue operations too early creates compliance gaps that delay visas and tax benefits. Submit applications through the BOI e-investment portal.
Confirm promoted activity
Match your business to a current BOI activity code before company registration or capital transfer. Activity descriptions must reflect what you will actually operate.
Register Thai company
Most applicants use a Thai limited company. BOI may permit 100% foreign ownership for promoted activities. Register with the Department of Business Development.
Prepare application package
Compile project plan, capital evidence, manpower plan, company documents, and technology or franchise agreements if applicable.
Submit via e-investment portal
File through the BOI e-investment portal. Ensure activity descriptions match your planned operations exactly.
BOI review period
BOI reviews the application within 60 or 90 working days depending on project size. The clock may pause if BOI requests additional documents.
Accept or decline promotion
If approved, accept promotion within one month. Declining forfeits the offered incentive package.
Post-approval compliance
Submit capital injection proof, updated company documents, and any conditions stated in the approval letter before requesting the operation start-up certificate.
Operation start-up certificate
Benefits typically apply from this stage forward, not from the initial approval date alone. Certificate issues within about 10 working days once requirements are satisfied.
Visa and work permit
Foreign executives and specialists need a non-immigrant B visa from a Thai embassy and a work permit from the Department of Employment. BOI does not issue visas directly.
Ongoing obligations
Operate only within approved promoted activities. File BOI progress and annual reports. Maintain minimum investment and employment commitments. Notify BOI of material changes.
Application package documents
Prepare these documents before submitting through the e-investment portal. Incomplete packages trigger clarification requests that pause the review clock.
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Project plan | Activity description, timeline, and market analysis |
| Capital evidence | Planned investment amount and source of funds |
| Manpower plan | Thai vs foreign staff, salaries, and training commitments |
| Company documents | Registration certificate, MOA, and shareholder list |
| Technology agreements | Franchise or technology transfer documents if applicable to the project |
BOI review timelines
Review periods depend on total investment size. BOI may pause the clock to request clarifications. Respond promptly to avoid delays beyond these standard windows.
| Project size | Review period |
|---|---|
| Under 2 billion THB | Approximately 60 working days |
| 2 billion THB and above | Approximately 90 working days |
Visa coordination: BOI does not issue visas. Foreign directors and employees need a non-immigrant B visa from a Thai embassy and a work permit from the Department of Employment. TVC coordinates this immigration track while your corporate team manages BOI reporting.
Common timeline mistakes
These errors appear repeatedly in BOI projects involving foreign executives. Most are preventable with sequential planning and early immigration coordination.
- Booking flights before the non-immigrant visa is issued. Immigration remains a separate track from BOI approval.
- Starting revenue operations before the operation start-up certificate. Benefits and compliance milestones attach to this stage.
- Missing the one-month acceptance window after BOI approval notification.
- Treating BOI approval as a substitute for Foreign Business Act compliance on non-promoted activities.
- Responding slowly when BOI requests clarifications during review, extending the timeline unnecessarily.
Frequently asked questions
General answers for foreign investors navigating the BOI application procedure. Confirm specific requirements with BOI before you invest or submit an application.
Q:Can I apply for a visa while BOI is still reviewing?
You can, but visa support letters are stronger after BOI approval. Plan executive arrivals after acceptance or operation start-up unless your corporate advisor advises otherwise.
Q:What if BOI requests more documents during review?
The review clock may pause. Provide complete responses quickly to avoid extending the timeline beyond the standard 60 or 90 working day period.
Q:Is the flow different for US investors?
US nationals may also use the Treaty of Amity for certain business structures. BOI and Amity can interact. Get structure advice before applying.
Q:When do tax holidays start?
Typically from the operation start-up certificate or first revenue date as specified in your BOI approval letter. Confirm the exact date in your approval documents.
Q:Do I need a Thai company before applying?
Most applicants register a Thai limited company first or follow a clear pre-incorporation pathway. Speak with BOI or your corporate advisor on timing for your project.
Q:What happens if BOI does not approve my application?
You may revise and resubmit or pursue an appeal pathway depending on BOI guidance. Non-promoted activities still follow standard company law and Foreign Business Act rules.
Q:Does BOI issue work permits automatically?
No. BOI promotion may streamline parts of the work permit process, but you still need a non-immigrant B visa and a work permit from the Department of Employment.
Q:Where do I submit the BOI application?
Applications file through the BOI e-investment portal online. Paper submissions are no longer the standard pathway for most investment promotion projects.