Company Registration in Thailand for Foreigners: A Complete Guide

You can register your company name either online (if you’re abroad) or in person at a Department of Business Development (DBD) office in Thailand.

When choosing a company name, follow these key rules:

• The name must be original and not identical or similar to any existing Thai company.

• It must end with the word “Limited”.

• Prohibited terms (e.g. “Investment”, “Finance”, or royal terms) are not allowed. Check the full list on the Ministry of Commerce website before submitting.

✅ Tip: Submit at least three name options to increase your chances of quick approval.

Once approved, the company name is reserved for 30 calendar days. Note: this period cannot be extended, so make sure to complete your registration within that time.

Before submitting the Memorandum of Association (MOA), you must decide on the legal structure of your business. The most recommended form for foreigners is the Private Limited Company, due to its flexibility and alignment with Western corporate models.

In Thailand, a company must have at least three promoters (founders), and for most business types, at least one Thai national must be involved. This requirement ensures local compliance and is a key part of the registration process.

The MOA is a legal document that outlines the company’s basic structure and intent. It must include the following information:

• Company Name

• Registered Address

• Business Objectives

• Declaration of Limited Liability for shareholders

• Registered Capital and share structure

• Full Personal Details of Promoters (must be individuals, not legal entities)

• Number of Shares Subscribed by Each Promoter

Once completed, the MOA must be signed by all promoters and submitted to the Department of Business Development (DBD). This step legally defines the company and is essential for moving forward with the registration process.

The Statutory Meeting can be held immediately after the Memorandum of Association (MOA) is registered. This meeting is mandatory before officially registering the company and is attended by all company promoters.

During this meeting, the following key decisions must be made:

✅ Adoption of the Company’s Articles of Association (internal rules and governance structure)

✅ Approval of Promoters’ Compensation, if any

✅ Determination of Share Distribution – the total number of shares and their allocation

✅ Appointment of Directors and Auditors, and the definition of their authority and responsibilities

For the meeting resolutions to be valid, they must be approved by the majority of the promoters present. These decisions will form the legal and operational foundation of your company in Thailand.

Once the Statutory Meeting has been held, you may proceed to officially register your company with the Department of Business Development (DBD). In some cases, registration can take place on the same day as the submission of the Memorandum of Association (MOA), provided all prior steps have been completed.

⚠️ Important: The company must be registered no later than three months from the date of the Statutory Meeting.

Required documents for company registration:

• ✅ Details of Share Structure – including the total number of shares

• ✅ Proof of Payment – showing capital contributed per share

• ✅ Director Identification – full personal information and copies of ID/passports

• ✅ Registered Office Documents – proof of the company’s legal address in Thailand

Read more: Business Operating License in Thailand

After your company is officially registered in Thailand, you are required to obtain a corporate tax ID from the Thai Revenue Department within 60 days of the registration date (or the date business activities begin).

VAT Registration:

If your company’s annual revenue exceeds 1.8 million THB, you are legally required to register for Value Added Tax (VAT).

VAT applies to most goods and services in Thailand, but certain industries are exempt from VAT and fall under a different regime.

⚠️ Industries subject to Specific Business Tax (SBT) instead of VAT:

• Banking services

• Financial and investment services

• Life insurance

• Sale of securities

Make sure to assess your company’s business model to determine whether you must register for VAT or SBT, as this affects your ongoing tax obligations.

Read more: Guide to VAT registration in Thailand

If your company employs one or more employees, you are legally required to register for Social Security with the Social Security Office (SSO) within 30 days of hiring your first employee.

This applies to both Thai and foreign employees working under your company. Failing to register within the required timeframe may result in fines or legal penalties, as per Thai labor law.

Monthly Employer Obligations:

• Contribute 5% of each employee’s monthly salary to the SSO.

• Submit payments and relevant documentation on time, every month.

Registering for Social Security not only ensures legal compliance, but also provides your employees access to medical coverage, unemployment benefits, and other welfare programs in Thailand.

Why Choose J&E Concierge Pattaya for Company Formation in Thailand

At J&E Concierge Pattaya, we specialize in helping foreign entrepreneurs establish their businesses in Thailand smoothly, legally, and with full confidence. Whether you’re starting a small company or launching a major venture, our expert team will guide you through every step—from choosing the right business structure to completing the full registration process.

With years of experience and deep knowledge of Thai business laws, we act as your local liaison, handling all paperwork, legal requirements, and communication with Thai authorities. We operate in Pattaya and nationwide, ensuring reliable service wherever you choose to set up.

✅ Why clients trust us:

• Personalized business setup consulting

• Fluent English-speaking Thai experts

• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees

• 1000+ successful company registrations for foreign nationals

Ready to start your business in Thailand the right way?
👉 Contact J&E Concierge Pattaya today for a free consultation and discover how we can make your company formation process fast, safe, and fully compliant.

Read more useful articles:

Open a small business in Pattaya, Thailand

Introduction to Thailand’s accounting system

Food Business in Thailand Pattaya