How Much Does It Cost to Register a Company in Thailand? A Clear Breakdown of the Process, Required Documents, and Application Steps-No More Confusion from Intermediaries!

Establishing a Company in Thailand Pricing Is Not Fixed-It Varies According to Company Type, Registered Capital, Shareholder Composition, and Whether Ongoing Compliance Services Are Included.

Market quotations range from RMB 12,000 to RMB 50,000; however, lower prices often conceal significant risks-such as “handing over the file and walking away” after registration-e.g., failure to assist with BOI (Board of Investment) application, neglect of tax registration, or provision of an invalid commercial registered address. Real pitfalls emerge only later-when the company is audited by the Revenue Department or rejected by banks during corporate account opening.

So, how much does it cost to register a company in Thailand?

For a basic private limited company (Co., Ltd.), registration fees fall into three tiers

① “Pure Registration” Service (filing of documents only; issuance of Certificate of Incorporation) Approximately RMB 12,000-18,000;

② Standard Package (includes company registration + tax registration + first-year corporate income tax filing + assistance with corporate bank account opening + one-year lease of a genuine commercial address) RMB 23,000-35,000;

③ Fully Managed Solution (includes all items above, plus pre-approval for BOI/IEAT incentives, foreign-shareholder structure design, support for director/representative visa applications, annual statutory audit, and outsourced social security contributions) Starting from RMB 40,000-50,000.

Important Note There is no legally mandated minimum registered capital. However, we recommend setting registered capital at no less than THB 1 million (approx. RMB 200,000), as significantly lower amounts substantially increase difficulties in opening a corporate bank account-and may also impair eligibility for public tenders and erode client confidence.

What Are the Core Requirements for Registering a Company in Thailand?

① At least three shareholders (all may be foreign nationals; no Thai nominee shareholder required);

② At least one director (must be aged 20 or older, with no criminal record; may be a foreign national);

③ A registered address in Thailand (must be commercially zoned-residential addresses are strictly prohibited; a valid lease agreement and landlord’s written consent are mandatory);

④ Articles of Association (must be prepared in Thai, clearly specifying business scope, shareholding structure, and directors’ powers and responsibilities);

⑤ Notarized and doubly legalized (by both the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Royal Thai Embassy in China) copies of shareholders’ and directors’ passports.

Company Registration Process in Thailand (7 Statutory Steps; Average Timeline 12-20 Working Days)

① Submit proposed company name(s) to the Department of Business Development (DBD) for name availability verification;

② Execute the Articles of Association and Shareholders’ Resolution (bilingual Thai-English execution required);

③ Submit formal registration application to the DBD and pay the registration fee (approx. THB 7,000);

④ Receive the Certificate of Incorporation issued by the DBD;

⑤ Apply to the Revenue Department (RD) for a Tax Identification Number (PP.20 form) and, if applicable, a Value-Added Tax (VAT) registration number;

⑥ Open a corporate bank account (director’s physical presence is typically required; some banks accept video-based remote verification);

⑦ Prepare for the first annual statutory filings (e.g., if applying for BOI promotion, submit the application to the Board of Investment concurrently).

Key Reminders for Company Registration in Thailand

• All document signatures must be executed manually by the signatory in person-electronic signatures or proxy signing are strictly prohibited;

• Corporate bank account opening failure rate exceeds 40%, primarily due to (i) false or non-compliant registered address; (ii) vague or insufficiently detailed business plan; or (iii) failure to disclose and substantiate source of funds;

• If foreign ownership exceeds 49% and the company engages in restricted activities (e.g., real estate brokerage, education services, transportation), a Foreign Business License (FBL) must be obtained prior to registration;

• Tax registration must be completed within 30 days after company incorporation; otherwise, late-registration penalties apply at THB 500 per day.

The above outlines the actual cost structure, mandatory thresholds, statutory procedures, and common pitfalls associated with registering a company in Thailand. We hope this information proves helpful to you.