Looking to Start Your Business in Thailand?
- Set up a limited liability company in Thailand
- Own 100% of your business – no local partner needed
- Schedule an initial consultation to discuss your needs with our experts
| 1,400+ companies registered
End-to-end support for your Thai Setup
Setup Guidance
We handle all legal paperwork to get your company officially formed.
Licenses & Permits
Our on-the-ground experts help you secure the essential permits your business needs to operate legally.
Bank Account Opening
Assistance with opening corporate bank accounts and setting up initial financial processes.
Tax & Accounting
Get started right with expert guidance on local tax registration and accounting setup.
Corporate Secretarial
Continuous support for statutory filings and corporate governance requirements.
Fully Online
Manage everything online via the Emerhub App, with our experts just a click away.
Key Formation Requirements in Thailand
General overview of the requirements for setting up a Thai limited company
At least three initial shareholders
- Shareholders can be both individual or corporate
- Foreign owners can hold up to 49% of the total shares
- Once the company is registered, the shareholding can be restructured to just two shareholders.
Commercial address
- Every company must have a registered address in Thailand
- Any address is suitable as long as the landlord is willing to confirm in writing that the company is authorized to use its facilities.
- Emerhub provides virtual addresses for companies that don’t need office space.
Capital requirements
- If the company wants to employ foreigners, it must have a paid-up capital of at least 2 million THB.
- A company must employ at least 4 Thai nationals for every foreigner
Understanding ordinary and preferential shares
- A common practice is to give ordinary shares 10x the voting rights compared to the preferential shares.
- This means that the local majority owners are unable to control the company without consent from the foreign shareholders.
- It’s important to have a professionally made Articles of Association to ensure everything follows Thai laws and your assets are safe.
BOI companies
- If you import innovative technology to Thailand, you may be able to get special permission to own a company 100% from the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI)
- Since a BOI license may take over a year (or longer) to acquire, it’s best to register a Thai-majority company first and then convert to a BOI company once the approval is granted.
Read more about special permits to operate in Thailand.
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How Does it Work with Emerhub
Comprehensive company setup advisory in Thailand
01
Initial consultation
Tell us about your planned activities in Thailand and we will advise you on the most suitable legal entity type and how to protect your investment.
02
Approval of company name and Memorandum of Association
Based on the information you provide us, Emerhub will reserve company name and prepare company documents for government approval. You don’t need to be in Thailand for that.
03
Business address registration
Once your company documents are approved, we will secure your company address either in a physical location or in a virtual office provided by Emerhub.
04
Social Security Office (SSO) registration
This step allows you to start employing employees in Thailand. If you wish to hire foreigners, you must employ at least 4 locals for every foreigner.
FAQs About Company Formation in Thailand
Yes, foreigners can register a company in Thailand. The most common structure is a private limited company, which foreigners can establish subject to certain restrictions on ownership and business activities.
Generally, foreign ownership in a Thai private limited company is limited to 49%. To comply with this, a Thai citizen must hold at least 51% of the shares unless the company obtains a Foreign Business License (FBL) or BOI promotion allowing higher foreign ownership.
Director: There is no legal requirement for a director to be a Thai citizen; foreigners can be directors.
Emerhub will help you meet the necessary citizenship requirements and stay compliant.
To have 100% foreign ownership, the company must either:
- Obtain a Foreign Business License (FBL) if the business is in a restricted sector
- Be promoted by the Board of Investment (BOI), which grants exemptions and incentives including full foreign ownership in targeted industries
- Qualify under specific treaties such as the U.S.-Thai Treaty of Amity for U.S. nationals
You need an FBL if your foreign-owned company operates in sectors restricted under the Foreign Business Act (Lists 2 and 3) and foreign ownership exceeds 49%. If your business is unrestricted or under BOI promotion, an FBL may not be necessary.
Our experts will guide you on specific licenses depending on your planned business activities.
In Thailand, companies must keep proper accounting records, file annual financial statements with the DBD, and submit corporate tax returns. VAT registration and regular filings are required if annual turnover exceeds 1.8 million THB. Businesses must also hold annual meetings, renew necessary licenses, and comply with labor laws, including social security registration for employees.
Key documents required for company registration in Thailand include:
- Company name reservation certificate from the Department of Business Development (DBD).
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Company registration application form signed by shareholders and directors.
- Copies of identification documents of all shareholders and directors.
- List of shareholders and directors.
- Articles of Association/by-laws approved at the statutory meeting.
- Payment of the registration fee based on registered capital.
Schedule a call with an Emerhub consultant in Thailand
Tell us about your plans. We’ll reach out to discuss your needs and how we can help you setup your business in Thailand.
Email Us
info@emerhub.com
Call Us
+66 92 554 5444
Visit Us
Level 30, Bhiraj Tower at EmQuartier, 689 Sukhumvit Rd,
Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
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Emerhub is a consultancy service specializing in assisting clients with company registration and corporate secretarial processes in emerging markets. We are an independent legal entity and not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of any government. By using our services, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.