Company registration in Thailand
Registering a company is usually the first legal step for foreigners doing business in Thailand, but registration alone does not solve foreign ownership, visa, or work-permit questions. At Thai Visa Centre in Bangkok, we coordinate immigration pathways while your corporate partners handle DBD registration and structure.
The most common entity is a private limited company. Branch offices, representative offices, and partnerships follow different tracks. Compare all options in our company structures guide.
Private limited company is the standard path for commercial businesses.
Department of Business Development registers companies nationwide.
Working days after submission for standard limited companies.
Company registration and immigration are separate processes.
Types of entities you can register
| Entity | Authority | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Private limited company | DBD | Most commercial businesses |
| Partnership | DBD / provincial | Professional firms, small ventures |
| Branch office | DBD + licence | Foreign company extension |
| Representative office | DBD | Non-revenue liaison |
| Regional office / ROH | DBD + approval | Regional HQ functions |
| Association / Foundation | Registrar | Non-profit, member organisations |
Thai limited company: standard path
Most foreign founders start with a limited company. Detailed guide: Thailand limited company.
Reserve company name
Three proposed names via DBD online system.
Prepare MOA
Memorandum of association with objectives, capital, and shareholder structure.
Statutory meeting
Appoint directors, adopt articles, allot shares.
Register with DBD
Submit MOA, meeting minutes, and director IDs.
Tax ID registration
Revenue Department registration for corporate tax.
Social security and VAT
Register when hiring staff or turnover triggers thresholds.
Corporate bank account
Capital paid up per MOA; foreign remittance evidence for foreign shareholders.
Foreign-owned vs Thai-majority companies
| Structure | Rule |
|---|---|
| Thai majority (51%+ Thai) | Many activities allowed without Foreign Business Act licence |
| Foreign majority | Restricted under FBA unless BOI, Amity, or FBA licence applies |
| 49% foreign with Thai majority | Common structure; must be genuine shareholding, not nominees |
Special routes include BOI promotion, US Treaty of Amity, and branch or representative offices for foreign parent companies.
Registration timeline
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Name reservation | 1-3 working days |
| MOA and statutory meeting | 1-2 weeks (advisor-dependent) |
| DBD registration | 1-3 working days after submission |
| Tax ID | Same day to 1 week |
| Bank account | 1-4 weeks (bank-dependent) |
BOI, FBA, and visa processes run separately and often take longer than DBD registration alone.
Documents commonly required:
- Passport copies of shareholders and directors
- Proof of address (Thailand or home country)
- Registered office address in Thailand
- MOA and articles of association
- Bank certificate for paid-up capital (after registration)
After registration: immigration
Directors and employees who work in Thailand need a non-immigrant B visa and work permit. TVC handles this side. Tax ID registration: tax identification number guide.
Frequently asked questions
General answers for foreigners registering a company in Thailand. Confirm specific requirements with DBD before you invest.
Q:What is the minimum capital for a Thai company?
A:There is no universal high minimum for all Thai limited companies, but foreign-majority businesses and certain licences require higher registered capital, sometimes 2-3 million THB or more. Confirm for your activity.
Q:Can I register a company online?
A:DBD offers online name reservation and registration services. Foreign shareholders often still need in-person steps for bank and immigration documents.
Q:Does company registration include a visa?
A:No. Visa and work permit are separate immigration processes.
Q:Can one person own 100% of a Thai company?
A:A single-shareholder company is possible in some cases, but foreign 100% ownership is restricted outside BOI, Amity, or FBA routes.
Q:What entity types can foreigners register?
A:Limited companies, partnerships, branch offices, representative offices, regional offices, associations, and foundations each follow different registration tracks.
Q:How long does company registration take?
A:DBD registration can complete in days after documents are ready. BOI, FBA, bank account, and visa processes run separately and often take longer.
Q:What happens after registration for immigration?
A:Directors and employees who work in Thailand need a non-immigrant B visa and work permit. Shareholders who do not work may not need a work permit but still need lawful stay status if residing here.
Q:Does registration alone solve foreign ownership?
A:No. Foreign ownership limits depend on the Foreign Business Act, BOI promotion, or treaty protection. Registration is only one step.