A Company Certificate Thailand is more than a registration document: it is your business’s passport to contracts, banking, and legal operations within one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies.

Did you know that, as of 2025, incomplete documentation is the leading cause of new company registration delays in Thailand, often extending startup timelines by weeks?

Company certificate Thailand requirements process benefits

With recent regulatory updates and rising compliance checks, understanding each step is vital to ensure a smooth company launch.

Key Takeaways

  • Verify eligibility before registering: Secure at least two shareholders, one director, and a Thai office address; businesses hiring foreigners or in regulated sectors usually need at least THB 2 million in capital.
  • Prepare complete documentation early: Gather all standard forms, MOA, AOA, company name reservation, director IDs, and lease agreements before submission to streamline approval.
  • Choose the right company certificate: Match your business goals with the correct type, Private Limited, Public Limited, or Partnership, to optimize liability, compliance, and shareholder structure.
  • Account for additional licenses: Certain activities, such as retail, manufacturing, or hiring foreign staff, require sector-specific permits or Foreign Business Licenses beyond standard registration.
  • Follow the official step-by-step process: Reserve your company name, hold a statutory meeting, and submit signed documents online or at the DBD to initiate registration efficiently.
  • Expect typical approval times and costs: Processing usually takes 1-3 weeks; budget for registration fees of 5,000-5,500 THB per 1 million THB capital plus possible legal or translation charges.
  • Complete post-certificate actions promptly: Register for a tax ID within 60 days, open a business bank account, set up VAT and social security if needed to activate operations.
  • Consider professional support for faster setup: Legal consultants minimize errors, navigate complex ownership issues, and communicate with authorities for a smoother, compliant company launch.

Company Certificate in Thailand: Key Requirements

To register a company in Thailand in 2025, you must follow Department of Business Development (DBD) procedures and meet strict eligibility standards.

All registered companies must have:

  • At least two shareholders of any nationality
  • At least one director
  • An approved company name
  • A registered Thai office address (actual or virtual office lease)

Minimum capital is usually THB 50,000. However, if you plan to hire foreign employees or operate in certain sectors, THB 2 million is required.

Local and foreign-owned businesses have different approval requirements, especially under the Foreign Business Act. Sectors like retail, manufacturing, or services with foreign shareholders may need additional clearances or require sector-specific investment thresholds.

If you employ foreign staff, prepare extra documentation for work permits and ensure statutory compliance with local labor laws.

Essential Document Checklist

Prepare the following key documents before company registration:

  • Certificate of company name reservation (from the DBD)
  • Memorandum of Association (MOA)
  • Articles of Association (AOA)
  • Company registration application (Bor.Kor 1)
  • Statutory meeting minutes signed by shareholders
  • List of shareholders (Bor.Kor 2) and director biographies
  • Passport or Thai ID copies for all founders
  • Proof of office address (utility bill, lease agreement, or property title deed)
  • Proof of registration fee payment

Other documents, such as business plans or sector-specific licenses, may be required for some industries or if international shareholders are involved.

For the latest forms, consult the Department of Business Development Thailand directly.

Obtaining a company certificate in Thailand starts with meeting these core requirements; with full preparation, most applications can progress from submission to approval within several weeks, empowering your business with legal standing and market access.

Types of Company Certificates in Thailand

Limited, Partnership & Sector-Specific Certificates

Choosing the right company certificate in Thailand depends on your business structure and industry goals.

The three primary types are:

  • Private Limited Company certificate: Most popular for SMEs and foreign investors. Requires at least two shareholders and one director. Offers limited liability.
  • Public Limited Company certificate: Suitable for businesses seeking to raise capital by public share offerings. Stricter reporting and transparency.
  • Partnership certificates: Available as Ordinary or Limited. Ordinary partnerships offer shared liability, while limited partnerships protect passive partners.

Each type affects compliance, tax obligations, and shareholder responsibilities. For example, limited companies must submit annual financial statements, while partnerships face simpler annual filings.

When Extra Licenses Are Required

Some businesses need more than the basic company certificate to operate legally.

Supplementary certifications or permits are required when:

  • Operating in restricted sectors (retail, trading, manufacturing)
  • Employing foreign staff (Foreign Business License)
  • Dealing in food, import/export, or regulated products

Government scrutiny and documentation demands can increase for certain industries, with timelines and costs rising.

For business-specific licensing regulations, visit Thailand Board of Investment.

Company Registration in Thailand: Step-by-Step 2025

Official Company Registration Process

To obtain a Company Certificate Thailand in 2025, follow these official steps:

  1. Reserve your company name online with the Department of Business Development (DBD).
  2. Draft required documents:
  • Memorandum of Association (MOA)
  • Articles of Association (AOA)
  • Completed registration forms (Bor.Kor 1, Bor.Kor 2, Bor.Kor 3)
  1. Hold a statutory meeting with all shareholders.
  2. Gather supporting documents:
  • Passport or ID copies
  • Proof of address
  • Lease agreement for your Thai office
  • Signed minutes of the statutory meeting
  1. Submit the application and documents to the DBD online.

First-time applicants often encounter delays if documents are incomplete or missing signatures. Double-check all papers and ensure your office address proof is current.

Timeline & Standard Fees

Most company certificates in Thailand are issued within 1 to 3 weeks if all documents are in order.

Expect these typical costs:

  • Registration fee: 5,000-5,500 THB per 1 million THB of capital
  • Name reservation: free via the DBD website
  • Notarial, translation, or legal fees: vary by provider

If urgent, expedited processing may be available for an extra fee, but peak periods can delay approval.

Submitting accurate, complete documents and planning for standard fees help most businesses secure their company certificate in Thailand efficiently. Early preparation can significantly speed up your registration and reduce headaches.

After Certificate Issuance: Compliance Essentials

Immediate Actions After Approval

Receiving your Company Certificate Thailand is the starting point for full business operation.

You must complete these steps right away:

  • Register for a tax ID with the Revenue Department of Thailand (within 60 days)
  • Open a corporate bank account (your certificate is mandatory for this)
  • Register for VAT if exceeding 1.8 million THB in annual revenue
  • Register for social security within 30 days if you hire employees

Without these steps, contracts, supplier relationships, and payroll cannot start.

Ongoing Compliance & Risks

Ignoring post-certification requirements can result in:

  • Monetary penalties for late filings or missed tax registration
  • Delays in activating bank accounts and contract approvals
  • Regulatory investigations that may suspend business operations

Set regular internal checkpoints, such as quarterly tax reviews and annual shareholder updates, to stay compliant.

Access updated government guidelines at the Revenue Department of Thailand.

The most successful companies view compliance as an ongoing responsibility, not a one-time task. Staying proactive after obtaining your company certificate keeps your business active, trusted, and ready for growth.

Hiring Experts for Company Certification

How Professionals Expedite Registration

Hiring a professional for your Company Certificate Thailand process reduces risk, saves time, and improves compliance.

Legal and registration specialists offer targeted benefits:

  • Fast document preparation, reducing errors and delays
  • Guidance through complex ownership, foreign shareholder, or sector-specific situations
  • Up-to-date insight on regulations, DBD requirements, and government updates

For international shareholders or regulated industries, professionals help:

  • Translate and notarize documents correctly
  • Advise on visa, work permit, and business license requirements
  • Liaise directly with the Department of Business Development and other authorities

Choosing the Right Agency

Not every agency delivers trustworthy service. Before signing, watch for these red flags:

  • Lack of transparent pricing or refusal to provide a written scope of work
  • Unlicensed consultants or improper documentation practices
  • Poor knowledge of updates to Thai business law in 2025

Professional support ensures your Company Certificate Thailand is secured accurately, streamlining setup and protecting your investment. Choose transparency, expertise, and verified client testimonials for maximum confidence.

FAQ: Company Certificate in Thailand

Can Foreigners Own 100% of a Thai Company?

Foreigners cannot typically own 100% of a Thai company unless the business is structured under the Board of Investment (BOI) privileges or operates in specific free zones.
Key restrictions are set out in the Foreign Business Act.

Permitted routes may include:

  • Applying for BOI promotion (enables full foreign ownership in approved sectors)
  • Registering as a US Treaty of Amity company (applies to US citizens only)
  • Forming a joint venture with majority Thai ownership

Is a physical office required to obtain a company certificate?

A verifiable Thai office address is mandatory for company registration.

Acceptable proof includes:

  • Commercial lease agreement
  • Property title deed
  • Virtual office addresses with full documentation (accepted for some businesses)

Amending Company Certificate Information

Amendments require submitting a formal application to the DBD, along with supporting documents such as:

  • Updated shareholder or director lists
  • New office details
  • Statutory meeting minutes approving changes

Standard processing for amendments usually takes 1-2 weeks, depending on the complexity.

Using Company Certificate for Banking & Contracts

Yes, your company certificate Thailand is essential for:

  • Opening corporate bank accounts
  • Registering for tax ID and VAT
  • Entering into government or large business contracts

Some sectors may also require sector-specific licenses in addition to the company certificate.

Having your company certificate readily accessible accelerates banking, compliance, and partnership opportunities. Plan for regular updates to keep your business operations seamless and fully compliant.

Conclusion

Securing your company certificate in Thailand is more than a regulatory step. It’s your gateway to legal recognition, new contracts, and sustainable growth in one of Asia’s most vibrant markets.

Take smart action now: prepare your documents meticulously, plan compliance steps from day one, and safeguard your business with proactive, ongoing reviews.

If you want a seamless start, Themis Partner streamlines registration, ensures compliance, and protects your investment, so you can focus on building your vision. Contact us today to set your business up for lasting success in Thailand.