Frequently Asked Questions — Doing Business in Thailand

Yes. The main routes are BOI promotion, the US Treaty of Amity (for Americans), a Foreign Business License (FBL), and export manufacturing in IEAT free zones. Without one of these, foreigners can hold up to 49% of a Thai limited company. BBSC will recommend the best route for your business — the consultation is free.

BOI (Thailand Board of Investment) promotion is a government program that gives approved businesses major benefits: corporate income tax exemption up to 8 years (up to 13 with reductions), 100% foreign ownership, 0% import duty on machinery, land ownership rights, and fast-track visas and work permits.

BOI covers hundreds of promoted activities — software and technology, manufacturing, trade and investment support offices, regional headquarters, logistics and more. Eligibility depends on your activity, investment size and business plan. Send us a short description and we will check it for free.

Usually around 40–90 working days after submission, depending on project size. BBSC prepares the application, presents your project to BOI officers and follows up until approval — then handles post-approval steps like the e-Expert system, visas and machinery import.

A standard Thai Limited Company takes about 15 business days. We handle name reservation, DBD filing, tax ID and VAT registration, and support you with the corporate bank account.

THB 1M is common for a standard Thai company, THB 2M for a Foreign Business License, and THB 2M paid-up capital is needed per foreign work permit. The right amount depends on your structure and visa plans — we will calculate it for your case.

At least 2 shareholders (the law changed in 2023 — previously it was 3). Foreigners can hold up to 49% of a standard Thai company, or up to 100% through BOI, the US Treaty of Amity, an FBL or IEAT free zones.

An FBL is a license from the Ministry of Commerce that allows a majority-foreign-owned company to operate in business categories normally restricted to Thais. The application needs a strong case — BBSC prepares, files and defends it for you.

A treaty between Thailand and the USA that lets American citizens and US-majority companies own up to 100% of businesses in most service and trading sectors. It is usually faster and cheaper than an FBL — but only available to Americans.

Yes — any active work in Thailand needs a work permit, even in your own company. Normally the company needs 4 Thai employees per foreigner and THB 2M paid-up capital. BOI-promoted companies are exempt from the 4:1 ratio and get work permits through the fast One Stop Service Center.

For running or working in a company: Non-Immigrant B visa + work permit. For investors, high earners and retirees 50+: the 10-year LTR visa. For remote workers: the DTV. We assess your situation and process the whole application, including 90-day reporting and renewals.

Corporate income tax is 20% (SMEs with capital ≤ THB 5M pay 0% on the first THB 300K and 15% up to THB 3M). VAT is 7%. Withholding tax of 1–15% applies to certain payments. BOI-promoted companies can be exempt from corporate income tax for 3–8 years.

When annual revenue exceeds THB 1,800,000 — and some activities need it from day one. After registration you file the monthly VAT return (PP.30) by the 15th of the following month. Exports are zero-rated.

Monthly: VAT and withholding tax filings, payroll and social security. Annually: audited financial statements filed to DBD and the corporate income tax return (PND.50) within 150 days of the fiscal year-end. BBSC handles all of this for a fixed monthly fee.

Yes. Every registered Thai company must file audited financial statements every year — even if it had no activity. Missing the deadline brings fines for both the company and the director.

Generally no — but BOI-promoted companies may own land for their business operations. Foreigners can also own condominium units (up to 49% of a building) and lease land for 30 years, renewable.

No. Using Thai nominees to hide foreign ownership is illegal, with serious penalties. BBSC only sets up fully compliant structures — there are legal routes to 100% ownership, so nominees are never needed.

Yes. We prepare the company documents banks require, recommend suitable banks, and guide you through the KYC process after registration.

Usually just passport copies of the shareholders and directors, a Thai address for the company, and a short description of your business activity. We prepare everything else — forms, filings and government submissions.

It depends on the structure and scope, so we do not publish one-size-fits-all prices. The first consultation is free, you get a fixed written quote before any work starts, and there are no hidden fees.

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