Thailand company registration process: required information, steps and 2026 new policy interpretation
Published: 2026-01-26

With the booming market in Southeast Asia, Thailand has become a popular choice for Chinese companies to go overseas due to its strategic location, favorable policies and vibrant economic environment. However, the first step of the registration process to set up a company in Thailand is significantly different from that in China. In this article, we will use a popular science perspective to systematize the complete process of registering a company in Thailand, the list of core information, and interpret the latest policy trends in 2026, to help you start in a compliant manner and avoid risks.

A must know before registration: 2026 Thailand company registration new policy points

Recently, the Department of Business Development (DBD) of Thailand has attracted a lot of attention with the entry into force of its "Decree 2502", which regulates the qualifications of Thai shareholders:

  • Applicable objects: (i) Thai-Foreign Joint Venture Company with foreign shareholding less than 50%; (ii) All-Thai Company without foreign shareholding but with a foreigner as an authorized director with signing authority.
  • Core requirements: The two types of companies mentioned aboveThai shareholdersBank statements for the three months prior to the contribution are required to prove that the ability to make the contribution is derived from legitimate income or assets.The DBD may also request to check the individual's tax documents.
  • Policy Implications: The move is aimed at regulating the long-standing phenomenon of "shareholding", which will enhance market compliance in the long run. For investors, this means that in the future, it is more important to choose a Thai partner that is compliant and has the ability to make real contributions.

If you have domestic company registration (Shenzhen / Guangzhou / Shanghai / Beijing / Hangzhou, etc.), overseas company registration (Hong Kong / U.S. / Japan / Britain / Singapore / Thailand / Vietnam / BVI / Cayman Islands, etc.), Hong Kong identity applications and renewals, cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs and other needs, you can add customer service (WeChat: qcygscszk, cell phone: 18676749275), we will customize your exclusive optimization program to help you comply with the business, save money and increase efficiency!

Second, Chinese people registered Thailand company's common types of choice

In Thailand, foreign companies usually choose the following corporate forms:

  1. Sino-Thai Joint Venture Limited Liability Company:
    • Features: The most common form of landing. According to Thailand's Foreign Business Act, in non-restricted industries, Thai shareholders are required to hold at least 511 TP3T and foreign shareholders a maximum of 491 TP3T.The scope of business is basically unlimited.
    • Applicable Scenarios: Cross-border e-commerce, import and export trade, services and most other industries.
  2. Wholly foreign-owned private limited company:
    • Features: 100% foreign ownership can be achieved by applying for a Board of Investment (BOI) concession or a Foreign Business License (FBL) in Thailand.
    • Applicable Scenarios: Large-scale production and manufacturing, high-tech and other enterprises in line with the BOI's encouragement policy.
  3. Representative offices and branches:
    • Representative Office: No for-profit activities are allowed, only for market research, liaison, etc.
    • Branch: It is an extension of the foreign company, and the legal responsibility is borne by the parent company for specific business scenarios.

If you have domestic company registration (Shenzhen / Guangzhou / Shanghai / Beijing / Hangzhou, etc.), overseas company registration (Hong Kong / U.S. / Japan / Britain / Singapore / Thailand / Vietnam / BVI / Cayman Islands, etc.), Hong Kong identity applications and renewals, cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs and other needs, you can add customer service (WeChat: qcygscszk, cell phone: 18676749275), we will customize your exclusive optimization program to help you comply with the business, save money and increase efficiency!

III. The core process of registering a Thai company (as an example of a joint venture company)

Step 1: Company name approval (about 1 working day)

  • Submit 3-5 alternative English names to the Department of Business Development (DBD), Ministry of Commerce, Thailand for approval. The name format is usually "Trade Name + Industry + Company Limited".
  • Name approval is valid for 30 days after approval.

Step 2: Preparation and signing of registration documents (approximately 1-2 working days)

  • Prepare statutory documents such as Memorandum of Association (MOA), which specifies the purpose of the company, registered capital, and shareholder information.
  • Shareholders and directors sign the relevant documents.

Step 3: Submission of registration and payment of registered capital (about 3-5 working days)

  • Submit a full set of enrollment documents to DBD.
  • Payment of registered capital of at least 25% (registered capital recommended to be not less than 2,000,000 Baht, no capital verification is required up to 5,000,000 Baht).

Step 4: Convene a statutory meeting and complete the registration of the establishment of the company

  • Convene the company's statutory founding meeting to elect directors, appoint auditors, etc.
  • Within three months after the meeting, submit an application for company establishment registration to DBD and obtain a Certificate of Incorporation (equivalent to a business license).

Step 5: Subsequent key registrations (after incorporation)

  1. Tax registration: Apply for a corporate tax identification number (TIN) from the Department of Revenue within 60 days of receiving the certificate. If annual revenue is expected to exceed 1.8 million baht, you need to register for Value Added Tax (VAT, tax code PP20) at the same time.
  2. Social security registration: If you hire employees, you need to register them for social insurance.
  3. Bank account opening: Open a company account at a local Thai bank with the company registration certificate and other documents.

If you have domestic company registration (Shenzhen / Guangzhou / Shanghai / Beijing / Hangzhou, etc.), overseas company registration (Hong Kong / U.S. / Japan / Britain / Singapore / Thailand / Vietnam / BVI / Cayman Islands, etc.), Hong Kong identity applications and renewals, cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs and other needs, you can add customer service (WeChat: qcygscszk, cell phone: 18676749275), we will customize your exclusive optimization program to help you comply with the business, save money and increase efficiency!

IV. List of core information required for registration

To simplify understanding, the main thing you (as the foreign investor) need to prepare:

  1. Company Name: Provide 3-5 alternative English names.
  2. Shareholders' and Directors' Documents:
    • Foreign shareholders/directors: clear scanned copy of passport.
    • If the shareholder is a domestic company, it is necessary to provide notarized and certified documents such as business license and articles of association of the parent company.
  3. Shareholding structure: Clarify the shareholding ratio of each shareholder (including the Thai shareholder).
  4. Registered capital: Determine the amount of registered capital.
  5. Scope of Operation: Formulation of the company's business objectives (as required to be set out in the Articles of Association of the Thai company).
  6. Registered Address: A local registered address in Thailand is required (can be provided by the service provider).

(Typically, a compliant registration service provider will assist with Thai shareholders, registered address, translation and drafting of documents, etc.)


Understanding the process and information of Thai company registration is the first step to successfully land a business. In the face of the new regulations in 2026, compliance is particularly important. Investors are advised to fully understand the regulations at the planning stage and choose reliable service providers and partners to lay a solid compliance foundation for the long-term development of their business in Thailand.

Tags:
  • Thailand Company Registration