Thailand 2025: A Pro-Business Environment for Global Investors
Thailand remains one of ASEAN’s most dynamic destinations for foreign entrepreneurs.
Whether you’re launching a trading company, tech startup, or manufacturing venture, the Thai government — through the Department of Business Development (DBD) and the Board of Investment (BOI) — has streamlined company registration and foreign ownership procedures.
As of 2025, most businesses can be incorporated within 2–4 weeks, provided that documentation and compliance requirements are properly prepared (DBD, 2025; BOI, 2025).
1. Choosing the Right Business Structure
The most common legal structures available to foreigners are:
For high-value or export-driven sectors, BOI promotion is often the best route — providing ownership flexibility and tax privileges (BOI Investment Guide, 2025).
2. Step-by-Step Legal Process for Company Registration
Step 1: Company Name Reservation
Submit three preferred names to the Department of Business Development (DBD).
Approval usually takes 1–3 business days and is valid for 30 days.
(DBD, 2025)
Step 2: File Memorandum of Association (MOA)
The MOA outlines company objectives, capital, and registered address.
A minimum of three shareholders and one director are required.
Step 3: Hold Statutory Meeting
Shareholders adopt the company’s articles, appoint directors, and issue shares.
Paid-up capital must be deposited in a Thai bank account under the company name.
Step 4: Company Registration with DBD
Submit all signed documents (MOA, company bylaws, shareholder list, address proof).
Processing time: 3–5 business days once complete.
Step 5: Apply for Tax ID & VAT Registration
Obtain a Tax Identification Number from the Revenue Department within 60 days of starting operations.
If annual turnover exceeds THB 1.8 million, VAT registration is mandatory (Thai Revenue Department, 2025).
Step 6: Obtain Business Licenses (If Applicable)
Specific industries (e.g., food, education, import/export, or manufacturing) require additional licenses from relevant ministries.
Step 7: Register for Social Security
Employers must register with the Social Security Office within 30 days of hiring employees.
3. Legal Requirements for Foreign Ownership
Under Thailand’s Foreign Business Act (FBA), foreigners may not own more than 49% of a company unless:
- The business is BOI-promoted or
- It falls outside the restricted list of activities.
BOI-approved entities can enjoy 100% foreign ownership, plus other privileges such as land acquisition rights and relaxed visa processes (Ministry of Commerce, 2025).
4. Estimated Costs for Setting Up a Company in Thailand (2025)
Estimated Total Initial Cost: THB 80,000 – 150,000 (USD 2,200 – 4,200) depending on business type and size.
5. Timelines and Key Compliance Points
6. BOI Promotion for Foreign Companies
If your business falls under BOI target industries — such as tech, renewable energy, smart electronics, or healthcare — you can apply for promotion to enjoy:
- Up to 8 years of corporate tax exemption
- 100% foreign ownership
- Permission to own land
- Access to Smart Visa privileges (BOI, 2025)
7. Ongoing Compliance After Registration
Once incorporated, companies must comply with annual requirements:
- File annual financial statements and auditor reports
- Renew business licenses as needed
- Maintain proper accounting records for 5 years
- File monthly VAT and withholding tax returns
Non-compliance can result in fines or suspension of operations (Thai Revenue Department, 2025).
Summary: Key Takeaways for 2025
✅ Company registration in 2–4 weeks
✅ Foreign ownership up to 100% (with BOI promotion)
✅ Minimum paid-up capital: THB 2 million for most foreign companies
✅ Setup costs from THB 80,000–150,000
✅ Full access to long-term investor visas and Smart Visa
Why Work with Thai Investment Visa
Setting up a company in Thailand involves several legal and administrative steps.
At Thai Investment Visa, our consultants handle the entire process — from legal registration and document filing to BOI promotion strategy and visa support.
We help foreign investors establish their presence smoothly and compliantly.
Planning to launch your business in Thailand?
Let Thai Investment Visa manage your company registration, BOI application, and visa process — so you can focus on growing your venture.
👉 Contact our business advisory team today:
📩 hello@thaiinvestmentvisa.com | 📞 +66 2407 1499
🌐 www.thaiinvestmentvisa.com
References
- Department of Business Development – Company Registration Procedures 2025: https://www.dbd.go.th/
- Thailand Board of Investment – Investment Promotion Handbook 2025: https://www.boi.go.th/
- Ministry of Commerce – Foreign Business Act & Regulations (2025): https://www.moc.go.th/
- Thai Revenue Department – Tax & VAT Registration Guidelines 2025: https://www.rd.go.th/
- World Bank – Thailand Ease of Doing Business Report (2025): https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/thailand
