Services · Company formation
Company registration in Thailand in 2026
A private limited company: up to 49% for foreigners, more with a Foreign Business Licence or Board of Investment promotion. We handle structure, documents and registration turnkey.
Thailand is Southeast Asia's second-largest economy, with tourism, manufacturing, logistics and a growing IT sector. Foreigners set up companies here for the local market, tourism and property, export manufacturing and as the basis for a visa and work permit.
Companies are registered by the Department of Business Development (DBD) of the Ministry of Commerce. The key decision before registration is the foreign shareholding: it determines capital, licences and permitted activities. Dollar amounts below use the European Central Bank rate of 5 October 2026, about THB 33.7 per dollar, rounded up.
Foreign shareholding and the Foreign Business Act
| Structure | Foreign share | What is needed |
|---|---|---|
| Thai company | up to 49% | at least 51% held by Thai nationals, genuine Thai shareholders, not nominees |
| Company with a Foreign Business Licence | up to 100% | a Ministry of Commerce licence and capital from THB 3 million, ~$89,100, for restricted activities |
| Company promoted by the Board of Investment (BOI) | up to 100% | project approval, tax and work permit incentives |
| US citizen's company under the Treaty of Amity | up to 100% | a treaty certificate, except in some sectors |
The Foreign Business Act restricts foreigners in most services, trade and several other sectors. Using Thai nominee shareholders who invest no money of their own breaks the law, and we do not build such structures.
How to register a company in Thailand: steps
| Step | What happens | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Structure and name | foreign share, activities, online name reservation | 1-3 days |
| 2. Memorandum | the founding document with capital and shareholders; since 2023 two shareholders are enough | 1-3 days |
| 3. Statutory meeting and registration | approval of articles and directors, filing with DBD | 1-2 weeks |
| 4. Tax number and VAT | the tax number comes with registration; VAT once turnover reaches THB 1.8 million a year | up to 1 month |
| 5. Social security and bank | employer registration, a Thai bank account, paying in capital | 2-4 weeks |
| 6. Foreign Business Licence or BOI approval | only if foreigners need more than 49% | 2-6 months |
How much it costs to open a company in Thailand in 2026
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| DBD fees | from $164, rising with capital |
| Capital for a majority foreign-owned company | from THB 2 million, ~$59,400 |
| Capital with a Foreign Business Licence | from THB 3 million, ~$89,100 |
| Capital per foreign work permit | THB 2 million paid-up |
Capital is the company's money, not a cost, but for work permits it must actually be paid in. Our turnkey packages are in the price table below.
Fees are about $164, but a foreign stake above 49% requires a licence
The law does not forbid registering a company in Thailand on your own. But mistakes cost more than the fees: a structure with nominee Thai partners that the law treats as a violation, capital below the threshold for foreign work permits, a foreign business licence discovered only after registration, reports filed late. We set up a lawful structure, obtain the licence or investment board support, register the company and arrange work permits.
The cost of support depends on the structure and activity; a manager will calculate it in the chat.
What taxes a company pays in Thailand
- Corporate income tax - 20%. Small companies with paid-up capital up to THB 5 million and revenue up to THB 30 million get reduced rates on the first part of profit.
- VAT - 7%: the statutory rate is 10%, but the government extended the reduced rate to 30 September 2027. Registration is mandatory from THB 1.8 million, about $53,500, of annual turnover.
- Dividends - 10% withholding.
- Salaries - employees' income tax and social security contributions.
Work permit and visa
A foreigner working in their own Thai company needs a business visa and a work permit. The usual condition is THB 2 million of paid-up capital and four Thai employees per permit. BOI-promoted companies face softer requirements. We plan capital and staffing for the number of permits you need.
Why registration gets delayed
- Foreign share exceeds 49% without a licence or BOI approval.
- Thai shareholders cannot evidence the source of their money.
- Foreigners' documents lack legalisation and Thai translation.
- The activities fall within the Foreign Business Act's restricted lists.
- Capital is not paid in, so no work permit can be issued.
What we do
We check your activity against the Foreign Business Act, choose a lawful structure - a Thai company, a licence or BOI promotion - prepare the memorandum and articles, register the company, tax number, VAT and social security, and help with the bank account, visa and work permits. After that we handle bookkeeping and reporting. Prices for each service are in the table below.
Fees
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Base package: incorporation + first-year address, secretary, fees, apostilled documents | $5 900 |
| Package with nominee service | $5 900 |
| Package with bank pre-approval: same + bank account pre-approval | $7 100 |
| Stamp duty on articles registration | 400 THB |
| State fee for articles registration | from 500 THB |
| State fee for company registration | from 5 000 THB |
| Company seal production | from 280 THB |
We will calculate online the cost of registering and running your company for the first year.
See also
Business account · Personal account · Investment property · All country programs
FAQ
Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Thailand?
How much does company registration in Thailand cost?
How long does registration take?
What taxes does a company pay in Thailand?
Can Thai nominee shareholders be used?
How much capital is needed for a work permit?
Opening a company in Thailand?
We check whether your activity falls under the foreign business restrictions, choose a lawful ownership structure and register the company in Thailand. The catalogue covers every country.
The Murblz consultant replies straight away in the chat on this page. Describe your situation and we will work it out together.
Free consultation