With the rise of Southeast Asia's economy, coupled with the continuous promotion of China's "Belt and Road" policy, more and more domestic enterprises and investors are casting their eyes on this hot land full of opportunities. With its stable social environment, favorable geographical location, friendly investment policies and perfect free trade network, Thailand has become one of the preferred destinations for Chinese enterprises to go overseas. Whether it is to enter the field of tourism, trade, manufacturing or e-commerce, setting up a company in Thailand is a crucial first step. In this article, we will systematically sort out the complete knowledge of Thailand company registration, covering the core content of Thailand company registration process, registration conditions, application process and required materials, etc., which will help you start your investment journey in Thailand smoothly.

｜Hi~ I am the customer service of Enterprise Finance Group! We provide domestic (Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, etc.) company registration, overseas (Hong Kong, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.) company registration, Hong Kong identity application and renewal services, while covering cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs, such as the whole chain of corporate services. Contact me anytime you need, Tel: 16620947137, WeChat: Qicaiyingjituan (can be added by direct search)

I. Why choose to register a company in Thailand?

1、Government Preferential Policies Plus

The Thai government has launched a series of investment promotion policies for foreign companies, especially in sectors encouraged by the BOI (Board of Investment), where companies can enjoy dividends such as income tax exemptions and tariff preferences, which significantly reduce initial operating costs.

2、Location and market radiation advantage

Located at the center of ASEAN, Thailand is an important hub connecting Southeast Asia with the global market. As a member of ASEAN, setting up a company in Thailand provides easy access to the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), enjoying tariff reductions within the region and access to a market of more than 600 million people.

3. A well-established free trade network

Thailand has signed Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with a number of countries and regions (e.g. ASEAN FTA, Japan-Thailand EPA, Australia-Thailand FTA, etc.), and enterprises in Thailand can take advantage of these agreements to conduct international trade and enhance their competitiveness.

4. Relatively favorable tax environment

Thailand's corporate income tax rate is generally 20% with preferential rates for certain industries and small and micro enterprises. There are also several capital relief and tax subsidy programs for growing businesses.

｜Hi~ I am the customer service of Enterprise Finance Group! We provide domestic (Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, etc.) company registration, overseas (Hong Kong, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.) company registration, Hong Kong identity application and renewal services, while covering cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs, such as the whole chain of corporate services. Contact me anytime you need, Tel: 16620947137, WeChat: Qicaiyingjituan (can be added by direct search)

II. Forms and Options for Thai Company Formation

When investing in Thailand, you will first need to choose the most appropriate legal form of company based on the nature of your business, the size of your capital and your long-term plans. Below is a detailed explanation of the four most common forms of incorporation:

1. Joint Venture Company (Limited)

Target audience: Small and medium-sized investors, as well as businesses engaged in trading, e-commerce, service consulting, tourism and most other industries.

Core requirements::

registered capital: A minimum of 2 million baht is recommended and no immediate capital verification is required at the time of registration.

shareholding structure: Must be held by at least one Thai shareholder with at least 51% of shares and foreign shareholders with a combined shareholding of not more than 49%.

board member: At least one Thai director needs to be appointed.

Key TipsThis is the most common and flexible form of establishment. It should be noted that for every 2 million baht of registered capital and social security contributions for 4 Thai employees, the company can apply for a work visa for 1 foreign employee.

2. Wholly foreign-owned companies (BOI companies)

Target audience: Large-scale manufacturing, high-tech, innovative or in sectors where the Thai government encourages investment.

Core requirements::

registered capital: Typically 10 million to 200 million baht is required, depending on the investment plan, and capital verification is required.

shareholding structure: May apply for 100% to be held by a foreign legal or natural person.

board member: May be held by an expatriate.

Key Tips: Prior application must be made to the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) for an Investment Promotion Certificate, which has a long approval period (about 3-6 months), but offers significant benefits such as corporate income tax exemptions and tariff exemptions.

3. Branch offices (branches of foreign companies)

Target audience: Companies that have established parent companies in other countries and need to conduct the same business as the parent company in Thailand.

Core requirements::

registered capital: At least 3 million baht.

legal status: It does not have an independent legal personality and its legal liability is borne by the foreign parent company.

in the name of: A Thai legal representative must be appointed.

Key Tips: The business scope must be consistent with that of the parent company. If engaged in industries restricted by the Foreign Business Law, a license is still required.

4. Representation

Target audience: Only plan to conduct market research, information collection, and product after-sales service in Thailand.non-profit activityof foreign companies.

Core requirements::

registered capital: At least 3 million baht.

Activity Limitations: Strictly prohibited from engaging in direct transactions for profit or entering into sales contracts.

Key Tips: The threshold for establishment is low, but the scope of activities is strictly limited by law to liaison and support.

｜Hi~ I am the customer service of Enterprise Finance Group! We provide domestic (Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, etc.) company registration, overseas (Hong Kong, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.) company registration, Hong Kong identity application and renewal services, while covering cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs, such as the whole chain of corporate services. Contact me anytime you need, Tel: 16620947137, WeChat: Qicaiyingjituan (can be added by direct search)

How to choose?

If you have an extensive business, want a quick start and have limited capital.joint ventureIt is the universal choice.

If you belong to the high-end manufacturing or high-tech sector and plan to invest on a large scale, apply for theBOI Wholly Owned International Inc.can gain a long-term advantage.

If you only need to provide services to support your overseas parent company's market expansion.branch officesmayberepresentation officeIt may be more appropriate.

It is advisable to consult a professional advisor in conjunction with the specific scope of business to ensure full compliance before making a final decision.

Third, Thailand company registration conditions

1. Shareholder requirements

- A limited company requires at least three promoters (natural persons), each holding at least one share.

- The JV must be held by Thai shareholders of at least 511 TP3T and foreign shareholders of not more than 491 TP3T.

- BOI companies may 100% foreign holdings.

2. Directors' requirements

- At least one director, and Thai directors are generally required for joint ventures.

- Directors may be natural persons or foreign companies without legal personality.

3. Registered capital

- There is no absolute minimum capital limit by law, but foreign companies are usually recommended to have no less than 2 million baht.

- The registered capital is required to be paid up to TP251 within 15 days of incorporation and the remaining TP751 should be in place within 3 years.

- The registered capital of a BOI company needs to be determined according to the investment plan and is usually not less than 10 million baht.

4. Registered address

- A valid local Thai business address (which can be rented) must be provided for the receipt and registration of government documents.

5. Scope of business

- The first 22 items of a private limited company are generic business scope, while the 23rd item onwards can be customized.

- Some industries (e.g. finance, tourism, media) require specific licenses.

｜Hi~ I am the customer service of Enterprise Finance Group! We provide domestic (Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, etc.) company registration, overseas (Hong Kong, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.) company registration, Hong Kong identity application and renewal services, while covering cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs, such as the whole chain of corporate services. Contact me anytime you need, Tel: 16620947137, WeChat: Qicaiyingjituan (can be added by direct search)

Fourth, Thailand company registration process step by step details

Step 1: Approval of company name

Submit 1-3 alternative company names (with Thai translation) to the Department of Business Development (DBD) of Thailand for review for duplication with existing companies or violation of naming conventions. After approval, the name is reserved for 30 days.

Step 2: Preparation and Signing of Registration Documents

- Establishment of Articles of Incorporation (including corporate objectives, registered capital, shareholder information, etc.).

- Convene statutory meetings to elect the Board of Directors and adopt the Articles of Incorporation.

- Shareholders sign the relevant registration documents (can be assisted by an agent, no need to come to Thailand in person).

Step 3: Submit Registration Application

Submit the following materials to the Office of Business Development:

• 1. Approval of company name
• 2. Articles of Incorporation
• 3. List of shareholders, list of directors
• 4. Proof of registered address (lease contract + real estate certificate)
• 5. Proof of paid-up registered capital (at least 25%)
• 6. Description of the company's business scope
• 7. Identification documents of shareholders and directors
• 8. Filing of the design of the company seal

Step 3: Submit Registration Application

• Upon approval by the Office of Business Development, a Certificate of Incorporation and Business License will be issued.
• Apply for tax registration at the Tax Office (VAT registration is mandatory if annual revenue exceeds 1.8 million baht).
• Open a company bank account.
• Registration for social security and work permits (if required).

The whole process takes about 25-30 working days, and investors can appoint a professional agent for the whole process without going to Thailand in person.

｜Hi~ I am the customer service of Enterprise Finance Group! We provide domestic (Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, etc.) company registration, overseas (Hong Kong, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.) company registration, Hong Kong identity application and renewal services, while covering cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs, such as the whole chain of corporate services. Contact me anytime you need, Tel: 16620947137, WeChat: Qicaiyingjituan (can be added by direct search)

V. List of materials required for Thailand company registration

• Main information: shareholders' passport/ID copies (foreigners need notarized certification), list of directors and addresses
• Company information: company name in Thai, business scope, registered capital and share distribution plan
• Proof of address: Lease contract of the registered address in Thailand, a copy of the landlord's real estate license
• Registration Documents: Articles of Incorporation, Minutes of Incorporation Meeting, Registration Application Forms
• Proof of funds: bank payment certificate of 25% of paid-in registered capital (required for foreign enterprises)
• Seal for the record: sample design of the company's official seal (for the record)
• Others: Power of attorney (if proxy), BOI certificate (if applicable)

VI. Introduction to the Thai tax system

Thai taxes are mainly categorized into direct and indirect taxes:

1. Corporate income tax

The general tax rate is 20% of net profit.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (with registered capital of up to 5 million baht and annual revenue of up to 30 million baht) are eligible for preferential tax rates.

2. Value added tax

The standard tax rate is 71 TP3T (tentative, was 101 TP3T).

Annual business revenue exceeding 1.8 million baht must be registered as a VAT payer.

3. Personal income tax

A progressive tax rate of up to 351 TP3T applies.

4. Other taxes

Special Sales Tax, Stamp Duty, Customs Duty, Land and Buildings Tax, etc.

｜Hi~ I am the customer service of Enterprise Finance Group! We provide domestic (Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, etc.) company registration, overseas (Hong Kong, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.) company registration, Hong Kong identity application and renewal services, while covering cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs, such as the whole chain of corporate services. Contact me anytime you need, Tel: 16620947137, WeChat: Qicaiyingjituan (can be added by direct search)

VII. BOI Investment Preferential Policies

Thailand's Board of Investment Promotion (BOI) offers a range of incentives to encourage investment in specific sectors:

Tax Benefits:

Exemption from corporate income tax for up to 13 years.

Exemption from import duties on machinery and equipment.

Exemption from import duties on raw materials used for export production.

Non-tax benefits:

Foreign 100% holdings are allowed.

Land ownership is permitted.

Simplify the processing of work permits and visas for foreign employees.

Remittance of foreign currency is permitted.

Application for BOI preferences requires the submission of an investment plan describing the project's technology, employment contribution, economic benefits, etc. The approval cycle is usually 3-6 months.

｜Hi~ I am the customer service of Enterprise Finance Group! We provide domestic (Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, etc.) company registration, overseas (Hong Kong, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.) company registration, Hong Kong identity application and renewal services, while covering cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs, such as the whole chain of corporate services. Contact me anytime you need, Tel: 16620947137, WeChat: Qicaiyingjituan (can be added by direct search)

VIII. Frequently asked questions

Q1: Do I have to go to Thailand in person to register a Thai company?

No need. The whole process can be entrusted to a professional service organization, and the investor only needs to provide materials and sign documents.

Q2: Must the registered capital of a Thai company be paid up?

Yes, at least 251 TP3T needs to be paid in full within 15 days of registration and the remainder can be phased in over 3 years.

Q3: Can a foreigner be a director in Thailand?

Yes, but in the case of a joint venture company, at least one Thai director is generally required. there is no such restriction in the case of a BOI company.

Q4: What documents will I get after I complete my registration?

• Certificate of Incorporation
• memorandum and articles of association
• tax registration certificate
• company seal
• Register of shareholders and list of directors

｜Hi~ I am the customer service of Enterprise Finance Group! We provide domestic (Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, etc.) company registration, overseas (Hong Kong, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.) company registration, Hong Kong identity application and renewal services, while covering cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs, such as the whole chain of corporate services. Contact me anytime you need, Tel: 16620947137, WeChat: Qicaiyingjituan (can be added by direct search)

concluding remarks

Although Thailand company registration involves a lot of details and compliance requirements, its market potential and policy dividends still attract global investors. Whether you choose the form of joint venture, BOI or branch office, clear process planning and professional service support can significantly reduce the difficulty and time cost of registration.

We hope this guide will provide you with clear guidance. For further information on Thai company registration, tax planning or BOI application, please feel free to contact our professional consultants to help you on your way to the sea.