Doing business in Thailand
Foreigners face a different rulebook when setting up or running a business in Thailand. Company structures, foreign ownership limits, visas, and work permits all interact. At Thai Visa Centre in Bangkok, we help you map the immigration side while coordinating with corporate partners on registration and compliance.
A Thai company alone does not give you the right to work or stay long-term. You still need the correct visa and, for most roles, a work permit. Compare structures in our company structures guide.
Corporate income tax on net profits. BOI may reduce or exempt for promoted activities.
On most goods and services when turnover exceeds registration thresholds.
A Thai company alone does not give you the right to work or stay long-term.
Department of Business Development registers companies nationwide.
Why structure matters
Thailand restricts foreign participation in many business categories under the Foreign Business Act. Your structure determines ownership, tax treatment, and how easily you can hire foreign staff. Choosing the wrong structure early often means costly restructuring later.
Main ways foreigners do business
| Structure | Best for | Foreign ownership |
|---|---|---|
| Thai limited company | Most SMEs, services, trading | Often limited without BOI or FBA licence |
| BOI-promoted company | Manufacturing, tech, targeted industries | Up to 100% for promoted activities |
| US Treaty of Amity | US nationals, qualifying activities | Majority American ownership |
| Branch office | Foreign HQ extending operations | 100% foreign with parent liability |
| Representative office | Market research, liaison, no revenue | 100% foreign, limited activities |
| Regional office / ROH | Regional HQ, management, support | Subject to specific licence rules |
Typical setup sequence
Follow this sequence unless your corporate advisor confirms safe parallel steps. Company registration overview: Thailand company guide.
Choose structure
Match business activity to Foreign Business Act, BOI, or treaty options before registering.
Register entity
DBD registration for companies. Separate licence for branch or representative office.
Tax registration
Obtain Tax ID and VAT registration if applicable. Required before first invoice or hire.
Open corporate bank account
Capital injection and remittance evidence for foreign shareholders and BOI applicants.
Apply for BOI or FBA licence
If needed for ownership or restricted activity scope.
Visa and work permit
Non-immigrant B or SMART/BOI-linked categories plus work permit for working directors and employees.
Accounting and compliance
Monthly tax, social security, and annual filings from day one.
Immigration essentials
Working in Thailand without proper authorization is illegal regardless of company ownership. Thai Visa Centre handles visa and work-permit pathways. We connect you with corporate advisors for company registration and BOI.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Non-immigrant B visa | Standard business visa. Apply at Thai embassy before entry for most foreign directors and employees. |
| Work permit | Tied to a sponsoring employer. Required for most roles performed in Thailand. |
| SMART Visa | Alternative for qualifying talent, investors, and startups in targeted industries. |
Tax and accounting: Standard corporate income tax is 20% on net profits. BOI may reduce or exempt. Directors and employees on payroll are taxable in Thailand. Start accounting from day one.
Common pitfalls for foreign founders
- Registering a company before confirming Foreign Business Act or BOI eligibility.
- Nominee Thai shareholders. Illegal and high-risk under Thai law.
- Working on a tourist visa or without a work permit.
- Assuming 49% foreign ownership is always enough without an FBA licence.
- Ignoring monthly withholding tax and social security from day one.
Long-stay and lifestyle context
Many readers use this page while scouting Thailand for relocation, visa runs, or extended holidays. Pair your plans with immigration status that matches how long you actually stay. Tourist exemption and short tourist visas are for trips, not for building a life here.
See our Thailand lifestyle guide for visa paths, city choices, TM30, 90-day reporting, and compliance habits that keep long-stay holders out of trouble at immigration.
Bangkok hub advantage
Roles linked to Doing Business in Thailand: Practical Overview for Foreigners (2026) are concentrated in Bangkok where TVC, embassies, and Chaeng Watthana immigration are within reach. Remote-first applicants should confirm work-authorisation rules before relocating on tourist stamps.
Visa alignment
Employment in Thailand requires Non-Immigrant B visas and work permits unless your role qualifies for LTR or Smart Visa. Tourist exemption does not authorise paid work, including remote jobs billed to foreign employers in many cases.
Professional licensing
Legal, immigration, and corporate roles may require Thai bar membership, BOI promotion, or employer sponsorship. Confirm eligibility before resigning overseas positions.
Lifestyle fit
Compare Bangkok versus Chiang Mai cost bands and immigration office access in the Thailand lifestyle guide before you treat a job posting as a relocation decision.
Practical planning matrix
Use this matrix alongside the sections above before you confirm dates, payment, or visa paperwork tied to this stay.
| Decision | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Work authorisation | Confirm B visa and work permit path with employer before arrival on tourist stamp |
| Tax residency | Long stays may trigger Revenue Department filing duties. Coordinate with HR and accountants |
| 90-day reporting | Many visa holders must file quarterly unless Elite or LTR annual reporting applies |
| TM30 | Landlords must register your address. Verify reporting before signing a lease |
| Family relocation | Spouse and children need separate visa categories. Plan before school enrolment |
TDAC reminder: Every Thailand entry requires a fresh Digital Arrival Card within 72 hours of landing, including return trips on Elite, LTR, retirement, or marriage visas. Keep your confirmation offline in case airport Wi-Fi fails.
For entry documents and first-arrival checklists, see our Thailand entry requirements.
Frequently asked questions
General answers for foreigners considering business setup in Thailand. Confirm specific requirements with the relevant authority before you invest.
Q:Can I own a Thai business as a foreigner?
A:Yes, in many structures, but restricted activities require an FBA licence, BOI promotion, or treaty protection. Pure land ownership by foreigners remains limited outside BOI exceptions.
Q:Do I need to live in Thailand to run a company?
A:Not always, but directors who work in Thailand need proper visas and work permits. Passive ownership from abroad follows different rules.
Q:How long does setup take?
A:Company registration can take several weeks. BOI, FBA licences, bank accounts, and visas add months. Plan sequentially unless your advisor confirms parallel steps are safe.
Q:Can one person hold company shares and work legally?
A:Shareholding does not exempt you from visa and work-permit rules if you perform work in Thailand.
Q:What is the Foreign Business Act?
A:Thailand restricts foreign participation in many business categories under the Foreign Business Act. Your structure determines ownership, tax treatment, and how easily you can hire foreign staff.
Q:Does a Thai company give me a visa?
A:No. Company registration and immigration are separate tracks. You still need the correct visa and, for most roles, a work permit to work in Thailand.
Q:What tax rates apply to Thai companies?
A:Standard corporate income tax is 20% on net profits. BOI may reduce or exempt. VAT is 7% on most goods and services when turnover exceeds registration thresholds.
Q:Where do I register a Thai company?
A:Companies register with the Department of Business Development. Branch and representative offices follow separate registration pathways.