Business in Thailand: company law, work permits, and immigration
Starting or running a business in Thailand intersects company law, work permits, tax, and often BOI promotion. TVC handles the immigration layer; this hub links our business guides and partner attorney referrals for entity setup.
If you are also planning a long-term stay, read our Thailand lifestyle guide for visa paths that pair with business ownership.
Department of Business Development handles company registration.
BOI promotion can allow 100% foreign shareholding in promoted activities.
Company registration does not automatically grant employment rights.
We assist with non-immigrant B visas and work permits after company setup.
Guide index
Use these linked guides to walk through structure, registration, BOI, and wind-down in order. Each page goes deeper on one stage of the process.
| Topic | Guide |
|---|---|
| Starting a business | Comprehensive startup guide |
| Company registration | Registration process |
| Business structures | Types of business |
| Other structures | Alternative forms |
| Required documents | Registration documents |
| BOI promotion | Board of Investment |
| Closing a company | Wind-down guide |
| Foreigner taxes | Tax guide |
Immigration essentials for business owners
Company registration at DBD and legal right to work in Thailand are separate processes. Plan both before you relocate staff or sign a lease.
- Non-immigrant B visa before work permit application.
- Four Thais per foreign work permit ratio for standard companies. BOI may waive.
- 90-day reporting for long-stay directors and employees.
- Smart Visa and LTR alternatives for qualifying entrepreneurs.
For work permit detail, see our work permit guide. For entrepreneur visa alternatives, compare LTR visa and business visa guide.
Common mistakes
- Working on a tourist visa: immigration enforcement is real in 2025 and 2026.
- Registering a company without planning the work permit quota.
- Ignoring VAT registration thresholds once revenue grows.
- Assuming DBD registration alone authorises a foreign director to work in Thailand.
TVC's role
We are immigration specialists, not corporate lawyers. We coordinate non-immigrant B visas, work permits, and extension season for directors and employees once your entity exists. For DBD registration, BOI applications, and shareholder agreements we refer to vetted partner attorneys.
Structure and BOI
Corporate counsel confirms entity type, foreign ownership limits, and BOI eligibility for your activity.
Registration
DBD registration produces the company documents TVC needs for visa and work permit applications.
Visas and permits
We file non-immigrant B visas and work permits, then handle 90-day reporting and renewals.
Ongoing compliance
TM30, 90-day reports, and permit renewals must stay current while directors and staff live in Thailand.
Long-stay and lifestyle context
Many readers use this page while scouting Thailand for relocation, visa runs, or extended holidays. Pair hotel planning 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.
Structure first
DBD registration and immigration rights are separate tracks. Confirm entity type, foreign ownership limits, and BOI eligibility before directors relocate on tourist stamps.
Work permits
Non-immigrant B visas and work permits require employer sponsorship and qualifying company metrics. Smart Visa and LTR offer alternate paths for qualifying entrepreneurs.
Lifestyle alignment
Bangkok remains the default hub for company setup, embassy visits, and Chaeng Watthana immigration trips. The lifestyle guide compares cities if you plan operations outside the capital.
TVC role
We coordinate visas and work permits once your entity exists. Corporate registration stays with licensed attorneys, start both timelines in parallel, not sequence.
Practical planning matrix
Use this matrix alongside the sections above before you confirm dates, payment, or visa paperwork tied to this stay.
| Decision | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Entity type | Limited company, BOI promotion, or branch: counsel confirms foreign ownership rules |
| DBD documents | Memorandum, shareholder IDs, registered address, and director appointments |
| Bank account | Corporate account opening may require registered address and director presence |
| Visas | Plan B visa and work permit before hiring foreign staff or relocating directors |
| Tax | Corporate VAT and withholding obligations start after registration, engage accountant early |
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
Q:Do foreigners need a Thai partner to register a company?
A:Most standard limited companies require 51% Thai shareholding unless BOI promotion or another exception applies to your activity. See our business types guide for sector-specific rules.
Q:Can foreigners own 100% of a Thai company?
A:Generally no for most sectors. BOI promotion and treaty structures exist for exceptions. Review the business types guide before you commit capital.
Q:Does TVC register companies?
A:We coordinate visas and work permits. Licensed attorneys handle DBD registration. We refer corporate matters to vetted partners and stay involved on immigration consequences.
Q:What visa do business owners need?
A:Foreign directors and employees typically need a non-immigrant B visa and work permit. Smart Visa and LTR routes exist for qualifying entrepreneurs and professionals.
Q:Does company setup affect my personal tax status?
A:Corporate and personal tax are separate tracks. See our tax hub if you are also a long-stay resident with foreign income.
Q:Where do I start if I am new to Thailand business?
A:Read the comprehensive startup guide, confirm your structure and BOI eligibility, then plan visas and work permits before signing leases or hiring staff.