Company Formation with Office Address

How a Thai limited company is formed

A Thai limited company requires promoters, a memorandum of association, a statutory meeting appointing directors and an auditor, and registration with the Department of Business Development. Online filing has shortened the cycle considerably when the file is complete.

There is no general minimum capital, but capital affects credibility, some licences and the capital-per-foreign-employee ratio applied to work permits, so it should be planned alongside hiring.

From name reservation to a funded bank account

1. Reserve the name: Submit three names; approval has a limited validity so the filing should follow immediately
2. Draft the memorandum: Name, head office, objectives, capital and promoters
3. Hold the statutory meeting: Adopt articles, appoint directors, fix signing authority, appoint the auditor
4. Register with the DBD: File with the address pack; a 13-digit registration number is issued on approval
5. Register for tax: Obtain the tax ID, register for VAT if applicable, and register as an employer when hiring
6. Open the corporate account: Banks generally want a recent affidavit, board minutes and all authorised directors present

Common mistakes and how we avoid them

More questions we are asked

How long does incorporation take?

Name reservation takes about a day and registration three to seven working days once documents are signed. Bank account opening usually adds one to three weeks.

How much can foreigners own?

Generally up to 49% in restricted activities. Majority foreign ownership requires a Foreign Business Licence, investment promotion or a treaty route.