How can I start to do the business in Thailand ?
To start a business in Thailand as a foreigner, you need to follow **legal steps and choose the right business structure**. Below is a clear **step-by-step guide**:
---
Step-by-Step: How to Start a Business in Thailand (for Foreigners)
1. **Choose the Right Business Type**
Most foreigners choose:
* **Private Limited Company** (most common and safest)
* **Representative Office** (non-revenue-generating, for parent company support)
* **Branch Office** (extension of a foreign company)
**Private Limited Company** is recommended if you want to run your own business and earn revenue.
---
2. **Check Foreign Business Restrictions**
* Under the **Foreign Business Act**, some business types are **restricted or prohibited** for foreigners (e.g., retail, agriculture).
* If your business is restricted, you may need a **Foreign Business License (FBL)** or **Thai majority partners** (owning 51% or more).
---
3. **Register the Company**
* **Reserve company name** (online with the Department of Business Development – DBD)
* Prepare documents:
* Memorandum of Association (MOA)
* Articles of Association
* List of shareholders (at least 3)
* Register at the DBD office
* **Timeline:** 3–5 business days
* **Capital requirement:**
* Normally 2 million THB if no work permit
* **If you need a work permit**, must show **2 million THB per foreign employee**
---
4. **Open a Thai Business Bank Account**
* Use company documents + authorized director’s ID/passport
* Some banks require a Thai co-signer or work permit (depends on bank)
---
5. **Get Tax ID and VAT Registration**
* Register with the **Revenue Department** within 60 days of operation
* Register for **VAT** if your business income exceeds 1.8 million THB per year
---
6. **Obtain Work Permit and Visa (if you will work in Thailand)**
* Apply for **Non-B Visa** at a Thai Embassy abroad
* Enter Thailand and apply for **Work Permit** at the Department of Employment
* You must have:
* A registered company
* Thai employees (4 Thai employees per 1 foreigner is a general rule)
* Office space with lease contract
---
7. **Comply with Labor and Social Security Laws**
* Register employees for **Social Security**
* Follow Thai **Labor Protection Act** (working hours, holidays, severance, etc.)
---
Pro Tips for Foreigners
* Use a **licensed law or accounting firm** to assist with registration
* Consider **BOI (Board of Investment)** promotion if your business is in tech, manufacturing, or other priority sectors – offers tax holidays and full foreign ownership
* Set up an **auditor** for annual financial reporting
---
Summary: Basic Checklist
| Item | Requirement |
| ------------------------ | --------------------------------------- |
| Company Type | Private Limited Company (Recommended) |
| Thai Shareholders | Minimum 51% (unless BOI promoted) |
| Minimum Capital | 2 million THB per foreign work permit |
| Business License (FBL) | May be needed (check activity type) |
| Non-B Visa & Work Permit | Needed if you actively run the business |
| Office Lease | Needed for registration & work permit |
| Tax and VAT Registration | With Revenue Department |
---
Would you like a **business setup package sample**, or help identifying whether your business idea is **restricted under Thai law**?
