What steps are required to register a foreign company to do business in Thailand?

Conducting business in Thailand must bring benefits to the country and its people, including investment, employment, technology transfer, and other areas. At the outset,the business must be legal and comply with the Foreign Business Act, which prohibits foreigners from engaging in certain types of business and allows others only with proper licenses or certifications, depending on the case. 

The next step, if a foreign investor is involved, is to determine the type of investment—whether the foreign ownership is up to 49% or 50% or more. If a foreigner holds more than 50% or the majority, additional documentation and registration procedures are required. However, these steps and paperwork become much easier when you consult us—let FDI handle the process for you! 

 Types of company registration with both foreign and Thai shareholders.

Important to know! Company registration requires at least 2 shareholders. 

Read more about applying for FBL and BOI, what you need to know.

For company registration with foreign shareholders, there are two cases: 

1. Foreign ownership up to 49%: In this case, the company is considered Thai-owned and can operate in all business types. A Thai partner must hold the majority of shares. This scenario involves relatively simple registration procedures, as the foreign ownership is less than that of the Thai shareholder.

2.Foreign ownership over 50%: In this case, the company is considered foreign-owned, as foreigners hold the majority of shares. This requires obtaining a Foreign Business License (FBL) or BOI approval, and complying with legal restrictions that prohibit foreigners from engaging in certain business types (or require special permission under Lists 2 and 3 of the Foreign Business Act). However, obtaining BOI promotion can provide additional benefits.

Can a foreigner hold 100% of the shares in a company?

Foreigners cannot hold 100% of shares in a Thai company if the business falls under restricted categories according to the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (FBA). 

However, foreigners can hold 100% of the shares in cases where: 

• They have been promoted by the BOI or
• Investing in areas or businesses that are exempted by law or
• Investing in businesses that are not in restricted categories.

In these cases, the investment requires obtaining permits or submitting applications for special privileges from relevant authorities, such as the Ministry of Commerce or BOI. The process and documentation can be handled with our expert consulting services for direct, in-depth guidance. 

For foreign nationals registering a limited company, it is important to understand FBC and FBL.

Applying for a Foreign Business Certificate (FBC) and a Foreign Business License (FBL) is part of the process for establishing a foreign-owned business in Thailand. The FBC authorizes the company to start business operations, while the FBL permits the foreign company to legally conduct business in Thailand according to the specified business types under the law. Both documents are essential and must be obtained in full compliance with legal procedures..

Sample license – read more here!

 Types of businesses required to apply for a Foreign Business License 

1. Newly established companies with majority foreign shareholders
2. Branch office of a foreign company
3. Companies promoted by the Board of Investment (BOI)

If you want to conduct business in Thailand and are looking for a consultant to assist with license applications and limited company registration in full compliance with legal regulations and the relevant laws, you can contact us for professional advice. With over 30 years of experience, we are experts in company registration in Thailand, ensuring your business operations run as smoothly as possible.

Why Choose Our Services? 

• We provide expert consulting services with experienced professionals, offering precise guidance to save you time in finding the answers you need.
• We have successfully completed the registration of limited companies and business license applications for over thousands of cases, with many clients returning for services and recommending us to others. 
• We offer comprehensive services for business operations. Once company registration is completed, we provide accounting systems, tax planning services, and other support across all business sectors. 
• We deliver services that are fast, complete, and legally accurate. 
• Our pricing is fair and reasonable for the quality of service provided.

Contact Us 

• Facebook : FDI Group – Business Consulting
• @fdigroup
• Phone : 02-642-6866, 02-642-6869, 02-642-6895
• E-mail : infojob@fdi.co.th
• Website : www.fdi.co.th