How to Register a Thai Limited Company in 2025

How to register a Thai limited company in 2025 just got more efficient: from August, BOI-promoted companies and others must use Thailand’s new online Single Window System, changing how every document is filed and approved.

Are you ready for 100% digital registration and new compliance benchmarks that safeguard your ownership and hiring opportunities? Missing a detail at this stage can mean costly delays, while proactive preparation streamlines every step and sets your business up for success.

With evolving rules affecting capital, foreign shareholding, and document requirements, every decision you make now will impact your company’s foundation and growth in Thailand. Fast, accurate registration has never carried more weight.

Here is how to secure your advantage, avoid the most common pitfalls, and ensure every legal step is met without unnecessary cost or confusion.

Thai Limited Company: Eligibility & Ownership

Who Can Register a Thai Limited Company in 2025?

Registration is open to both Thai and foreign entrepreneurs meeting Department of Business Development (DBD) criteria.

Eligibility hinges on these essentials:

• At least two shareholders (individuals or legal entities), each aged 20 or older
• A minimum of one director, who can also be a shareholder
• An official registered address in Thailand for the business

Corporate applicants must provide valid registration documents.

Disqualifications may result from:

• Industry-specific prohibitions (such as media or defense)
• Criminal convictions related to fraud or bankruptcy
• Incomplete or inaccurate shareholder identification

Two shareholders and one director are the non-negotiable starting point for Thai limited company registration.

Ownership & Capital Rules for Foreigners and Locals

Majority-Thai-owned companies must have:

• At least 51% of shares held by Thai nationals
• No legal restrictions for Thai-only businesses outside sector bans

Foreign-majority structures require:

• A Foreign Business License
• Additional DBD approvals
• Typically higher scrutiny in restricted industries

Capital rules for 2025:

• No official minimum, except when hiring foreigners (2 million THB per foreign work permit supported)
• All share capital must be fully subscribed during setup
• BOI-promoted companies use mandatory digital filing from August 1, 2025

For authoritative guidelines, consult the DBD – Department of Business Development.

By ensuring you meet core eligibility and capital requirements from the outset, you create a strong foundation for smooth registration and future growth in Thailand.

Documents for Thai Limited Company Registration

What Documents Are Needed for Company Registration in 2025?

To register a Thai limited company in 2025, all applicants must submit a complete, digitally prepared set of documents to the Department of Business Development (DBD). Missing or incorrect paperwork frequently leads to costly delays.

Key required documents include:

• Name reservation confirmation
• Memorandum of Association (MOA)
• Articles of Association (AOA)
• Statutory meeting notice and minutes
• List of directors and shareholders, with copies of Thai ID cards or passports
• Director’s signed consent form
• Certificate of business address: office map with photos
• Tax and Social Security application forms (if hiring employees)

DBD requires all files in digital format, with signatures and official company stamps included on each page.

Templates are widely available from both DBD and leading law firms, but ensure all information remains consistent across all documents.

Avoiding Documentation & Application Pitfalls

Avoid common pitfalls by double-checking every document before submission:

• Confirm all names match across every file and identification page
• Ensure all required signatures and company seals are present
• Translate and notarize all foreign language materials, with DBD-compliant certifications
• Scan PDFs at high resolution per DBD’s 2025 digital file standards

If you are registering online, prepare to upload documents as clearly labeled, individual files to avoid confusion and speed up review.

Missing details, mismatched information, or omitted forms are leading causes of DBD rejections; a thorough cross-check saves both time and money.

For international directors or shareholders, secure translations and notarizations before uploading, as these add processing time.

A complete, well-organized set of digital documents remains the single most effective way to streamline your Thai limited company registration and prevent unnecessary rework.

Thai Limited Company Registration Process

What’s the Complete Registration Timeline and Procedure?

Registering a Thai limited company in 2025 involves several structured steps, ensuring full compliance with the Department of Business Development (DBD).

Picture this: entrepreneurs in Bangkok or provincial areas proceed through the same DBD online platform, while companies set up in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) or Special Economic Zones (SEZ) face extra local checks.

Key steps include:

• Reserve your company name online with DBD (must be unique and end with “Limited”).
• File the Memorandum of Association (MOA) detailing objectives, address, and share structure.
• Hold a statutory meeting to adopt Articles of Association and appoint directors and auditors.
• Submit incorporation documents, pay registration fees (about 5,000 THB per 1,000,000 THB capital), and provide an office map.
• Register for tax ID (within 60 days), VAT (for turnover above 1.8 million THB or if hiring foreigners), and social security (if hiring).

A typical registration takes just 5-10 business days after all documents are ready.

2025 Updates: Online “Single Window System”

From August 1, 2025, all BOI-promoted companies must use the Single Window System for registration.

This mandatory online process brings:

• Centralized e-filing of all company documents in digital format via one secure portal
• Automated compliance checks and electronic director certifications
• Real-time registration progress updates

Imagine reviewing and submitting your incorporation digitally, no more physical paperwork, faster approvals, and less room for costly errors.

Mandatory digital workflows make BOI company registration faster, more transparent, and far less complex in 2025.

For detailed flowcharts and up-to-date requirements, visit the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI).

This structured process empowers business owners to plan with confidence and ensures you stay compliant as regulations evolve.

Costs & Fees for Thai Limited Company Setup

What Are the Registration Fees and Hidden Costs in 2025?

Registering a Thai limited company in 2025 involves predictable government fees, service costs, and often overlooked expenses.

Expect these standard fees and charges:

• Department of Business Development (DBD) fee: Approximately THB 5,000 for every THB 1 million in registered capital, with a THB 250,000 cap
• Specimen signature and stamp duty: Typically THB 100-1,000 per item
• VAT registration: No direct fee, but legal assistance runs THB 5,000-15,000
• Translation and notarization: Ranges from THB 2,000-10,000 for foreign-language documents

Professional legal services and consulting retainers often range from THB 20,000-90,000, depending on company type.

Recurring expenses include:

• Annual accounting: THB 15,000-60,000
• Statutory audit fees: THB 10,000-50,000 for SME-sized businesses

Thai-majority companies usually incur fewer compliance costs than foreign-majority structures.

Saving Money & Avoiding Extra Expenses

Choosing between professional assistance and do-it-yourself registration can impact your total budget and risk profile.

DIY applicants can reduce initial outlay, but common pitfalls include:

• Application rejections due to incomplete paperwork
• Extra costs from document re-filing and translation mistakes

Leverage these cost-saving measures:

• BOI or SME incentives for eligible businesses, which may offset registration or tax costs
• Prepare all documents in DBD-compliant digital formats to avoid costly corrections
• Use government-provided templates to streamline filings

Being informed allows you to manage costs and compliance with confidence, giving your business a strong foundation from day one.

Legal Compliance for Thai Limited Companies

Annual Legal & Tax Obligations

Thai limited companies must meet annual legal and tax obligations to remain in good standing.

In 2025, updated regulations require:

• Filing audited financial statements to the DBD within 1 month of the annual general meeting
• Holding annual shareholder and director meetings with recorded minutes
• Filing corporate income tax returns with the Thai Revenue Department by the end of the fifth month after year-end
• Submitting monthly VAT and withholding tax returns if applicable
• Reporting social security contributions for employees each month

Penalties for late or missed filings can include daily fines, business suspension, or difficulties renewing work permits. Missing a deadline can cost up to 20,000 THB per filing.

A compliance calendar helps keep filings on track and reduces the risk of surprises.

Foreign Business License & BOI Requirements

Certain companies have added compliance steps:

• Foreign-majority ownership may require a Foreign Business License under the Foreign Business Act
• BOI-promoted firms must submit specialized performance reports and use the “Single Window System” for filings as of August 1, 2025

If your company’s business model or shareholding changes, immediately review licensing and reporting requirements.

Stay informed by checking updates at the Thai Revenue Department and the Bank of Thailand.

Sound compliance today ensures smooth business operations tomorrow and keeps you prepared for regulatory changes.

FAQ: Thai Limited Company Registration 2025

How long does it take to register a Thai limited company?

Registering a Thai limited company typically takes 5-10 business days if all documents are in order. Speed depends on completing each requirement efficiently and preparing digital forms to meet Department of Business Development (DBD) standards.

Foreign ownership is possible in a few scenarios:

• Through Board of Investment (BOI) promotion
• With a Foreign Business License
• Most industries require at least 51% Thai ownership

Some steps, such as opening a company bank account, usually require you to be physically present in Thailand. Using a power of attorney can enable remote registration for some stages, but always verify with a local advisor.

What are the requirements to hire foreign employees in a Thai company?

If you wish to employ foreign staff, plan on:

• Minimum 2,000,000 THB in fully paid-up capital per foreign employee
• Maintaining a 4:1 ratio of Thai to foreign staff

Registration fees are approximately 5,000 THB per 1,000,000 THB of capital and capped at 250,000 THB. BOI companies must use Thailand’s online “Single Window System” starting August 1, 2025.

For further details or updates, visit the DBD’s official website. Fast, compliant preparation is the most effective way to secure your business goals and streamline Thai company formation in 2025.

Conclusion

Success in Thai limited company registration starts with clarity, tailored preparation, and confidence in every detail from eligibility to compliance.

Set your business up for growth by preparing digital documents early, verifying all shareholder and director requirements, planning capital for your needs, and using Thailand’s new online systems for streamlined registration.

If you want to remove uncertainty from the process, contact us for precise legal guidance and end-to-end support. Themis Partner simplifies your journey ensuring you meet every requirement, avoid costly missteps, and stay compliant as regulations evolve.