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Company Registration Checklist for Foreigners in Thailand
Step-by-step document checklist for registering a Thai limited company with foreign shareholders.
Document Checklist
Passport copies of all foreign directors/shareholders
Thai ID copies of all Thai directors/shareholders
Company name reservation (3 proposed names)
Submit through DBD e-Filing system. Names must be unique and in Thai.
Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Minimum 2 promoters required (reduced from 3 by Civil and Commercial Code Amendment Act No. 23 B.E. 2566 (2023), effective 7 February 2023). Filed with DBD.
Articles of Association
List of shareholders (minimum 2 persons/entities — reduced from 3 by Civil and Commercial Code Amendment Act No. 23 B.E. 2566 (2023), effective 7 February 2023)
Registered office address proof
Lease agreement or ownership title. Must be a commercial address.
Map showing office location
Capital payment proof (bank letter)
Minimum 25% of registered capital must be paid up.
Work permit application documents (for foreign directors)
Required if foreign directors will be working in Thailand.
Foreign Business License (FBL) or FBA exemption proof
Required if foreign ownership exceeds 49% for restricted business activities.
BOI promotion certificate (if applicable)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not meeting the 4:1 Thai-to-foreign employee ratio required for work permits.
Insufficient registered capital — minimum 2 million THB per work permit for foreign employees.
Using a residential address as registered office — commercial address required.
Not understanding that majority Thai shareholders must be genuine — nominee arrangements are illegal.
Forgetting to register for VAT if projected revenue exceeds THB 1.8 million annually.
Helpful Tips
Consider BOI promotion — it offers significant tax benefits and relaxed foreign ownership restrictions.
Use a reputable law firm for company formation — the process involves multiple government agencies.
Budget for ongoing compliance costs: accounting, tax filings, social security, and annual audits.
Open a company bank account as soon as registration is complete — some banks have lengthy processing.
Register for e-Filing with the Revenue Department early to streamline tax reporting.
Need professional legal assistance?
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