How to setup a company in Thailand is transforming fast: from July 2025, every official step is 100% digital, letting you incorporate online with secure e-signatures and direct approvals, no in-person visits required.

For business owners and professionals, this new process brings unmatched efficiency but also higher expectations for accuracy and real-time compliance.

Start company Thailand 2025 steps requirements costs tips entrepreneurs

This guide gives you practical, stepwise strategies to set up a compliant Thai company in 2025, avoid costly errors, and leverage Thailand’s digital-first legal system for smooth market entry.

Key Takeaways

  • Digital-only company setup is mandatory in Thailand for 2025, with all documents and signatures processed via the DBD Biz Regist platform for fast, secure registration.
  • Minimum requirements include at least 2 shareholders, 1 director of any nationality, and a verified registered office address; capital thresholds range from 100,000 THB for Thai-majority firms up to 5 million THB for BOI-promoted companies.
  • Prepare all documents digitally: Memorandum of Association, Articles of Association, shareholder lists, and proof of address must be submitted with mandatory e-signatures and online identity verification.
  • Select the best entity type for your goals: Private Limited Companies are most flexible for SMEs and startups, while BOI promotion or FBL is needed for majority-foreign ownership.
  • Registration finalizes in 1-2 business days after submission, issuing a digital Certificate of Incorporation and Company Affidavit, no physical visit required for registration.
  • Post-registration compliance means immediately registering for tax ID, VAT (if revenue exceeds 1.8 million THB), Social Security Fund, and establishing a compliant accounting system.
  • Labor and work permit rules require at least 2 million THB capital and 4 local staff per foreign employee, plus written contracts and social security registration for every hire.
  • Budget for setup costs between 5,500-7,000 THB for registration, plus legal, digital, and permit fees; all payments are processed online to streamline transactions and reduce delays.

Company Setup Requirements Thailand 2025

Minimum Criteria for Company Formation

To set up a company in Thailand in 2025, you need:

  • At least 2 shareholders (previously 3)
  • One director (can be of any nationality)
  • A registered office address in Thailand

Minimum capital depends on business type and ownership:

  • Thai majority-owned: recommended minimum 100,000 THB
  • Foreign-owned (non-restricted): minimum 2 million THB
  • Foreign-owned (restricted): minimum 3 million THB
  • BOI-promoted companies: minimum 5 million THB

Thai shareholders in foreign-involved companies must provide bank statements or other financial proof.

Required identification includes:

  • Thai nationals: ID card and proof of address
  • Foreigners: passport, valid visa, and financial evidence

Every new business must show its ownership structure and capital with complete transparency.

For updated legal requirements, visit the Official DBD requirements page.

Required Documents to Prepare

For registration in 2025, prepare:

  • Memorandum of Association (MOA)
  • Articles of Association (internal rules)
  • Shareholder and director lists
  • Registered office proof
  • Signed consents of directors and shareholders

All documents must be submitted digitally:

  • E-signature format is mandatory
  • Digital notarization is accepted
  • Electronic identity verification for all participants

Special rules apply for foreign shareholders or directors, particularly regarding translations and notary requirements.

Refer to the Guide by Board of Investment Thailand for document templates and the latest submission standards.

With these steps and documentation, business owners can confidently begin the registration process while meeting every requirement for compliance in Thailand’s 2025 legal landscape.

Choosing the Right Business Structure

Available Company Types in Thailand

When deciding how to set up a company in Thailand, business owners can select from five main entity types, each suited for different goals:

  • Private Limited Company: The most common, ideal for SMEs, requires at least two shareholders and one director.
  • Public Limited Company: Suitable for public fundraising, strict reporting rules, must have at least 15 shareholders.
  • Partnerships: Include ordinary and limited partnerships, simpler for small ventures but with higher liability risk.
  • Branch Office: Enables foreign parent companies to operate locally but with limited scope; requires substantial registered capital.
  • Representative Office: Handles non-revenue activities only; cannot earn income in Thailand.

Each structure carries unique regulatory, tax, and industry implications, tech and export firms prefer private limited for flexibility, while public or branch structures suit larger or global operations.

Choosing for Foreign vs. Thai Entrepreneurs

Selecting the right structure depends on ownership goals and industry focus.

  • 100% foreign ownership: Only available under Board of Investment (BOI) promotion or the U.S. Treaty of Amity.
  • Foreign Business License (FBL): Essential for most majority-foreign owned companies outside of exempt categories.
  • Fast entry and flexibility: Private limited companies offer swift setup (1-2 days post-application) and work well for startups.

Choosing incorrectly can affect tax incentives, restrict expansion, or trigger compliance risks. Hidden liabilities may arise if licensing or nominee rules are misunderstood.

Learn more about: Legal Risks Facing Nominee Businesses in Thailand.

The optimal company type balances ownership, compliance, and long-term growth potential, use Thailand’s structured options to align with your business ambitions while mitigating risks.

Registration & Digital Filing Process 2025

Complete Process via DBD Biz Regist

Start by reserving your company name through the Department of Business Development (DBD); approval often takes just 1-3 business days.

Prepare required documents for registration, including:

  • Memorandum of Association (MOA)
  • Articles of Association
  • Lists of shareholders and directors
  • Proof of address and all consents

From July 2025, every step occurs online through the DBD Biz Regist platform. Each director’s and shareholder’s identity is verified, signatures are digital, and statutory meetings can be held virtually.

Expect registration to finalize within 1-2 business days after submission. A digital Certificate of Incorporation and Company Affidavit are issued upon approval.

Avoid common mistakes by double-checking e-signature validity, matching passport or ID details, and ensuring all digital files meet DBD’s current submission specifications.

Learn the step-by-step process here: How to Register a Business with DBD Online.

Key Post-Registration Steps

After approval, register for a tax ID (issued instantly for Bangkok-based firms). VAT registration is mandatory if annual revenue exceeds 1.8 million THB or if your company will employ foreign nationals.

Register employees with the Social Security Fund and set up a compliant accounting system.

To open a corporate bank account, provide:

  • Digital Certificate of Incorporation
  • Company Affidavit
  • Lists of directors and shareholders
  • Proof of registered address

Account approval can take between 1-7 days, depending on the bank. Leading Thai banks for business accounts include Bangkok Bank, Kasikornbank, and SCB, each offering secure online banking for companies.

Obtain special business licenses if your industry requires them (such as FBL for certain foreign-owned companies).

Digital registration in 2025 gives you speed, safety, and full control from anywhere. Completing each step digitally streamlines the setup, lets you track every approval, and prepares you for Thailand’s evolving business compliance landscape.

Ongoing Compliance and Reporting

Directors and company secretaries must ensure timely filing and accurate records to maintain the company’s good standing.

Tasks include:

  • Submitting annual audited financial statements via the digital DBD portal
  • Filing corporate income tax returns and, where applicable, VAT filings
  • Responding promptly to DBD queries and compliance requests
  • Tracking submission deadlines to avoid late fees (notably, all filings are digital from July 2025)

Missing a reporting deadline may result in penalties or temporary business suspension.

Applicable Taxes and Optimization Tips

All Thai companies must pay corporate income tax (generally 20 percent), file annual returns, and register for VAT if revenue exceeds 1.8 million THB.

Key compliance points:

  • BOI-promoted firms may enjoy tax holidays and reduced rates
  • Double-taxation treaties reduce total tax burden for many foreign ventures
  • Deductibles include expenses for operations, salaries, rent, and certain technology upgrades

Common risks include late filings, underreported income, or missed deadlines.

Learn more about current corporate tax rates and incentives on the Thai Revenue Department site.

With required filings fully online, monitoring dates and leveraging available tax incentives are crucial steps to keep your Thai business compliant and efficient.

Hiring, Work Permits & Formation Costs

Rules for Hiring Staff and Work Permits

Hiring in Thailand requires strict adherence to labor laws regarding fair conditions and documentation.

Key rules include:

  • Minimum daily wage rates, updated annually, benchmark local salaries
  • Written Employment Contracts in Thai or English, covering job scope and benefits
  • Social security registration is required for all employees, ensuring access to healthcare

Foreign staff need a valid work permit and appropriate visa.

To qualify:

  • Your company must maintain at least 2 million THB in registered capital per foreign employee
  • At least four local staff must be hired for each foreign work permit
  • Required documents: company registration, tax details, employment contracts, passport, and educational qualifications

Planning workforce quotas and meeting document standards reduces delays during onboarding.

Don’t miss our latest guide: Hiring Employees in Thailand 2025.

For ongoing updates, see the Ministry of Labour website.

Company Setup Costs in 2025

Setting up a company in Thailand in 2025 involves both government and administration costs.

Expect these initial and recurring expenses:

  • Company registration: 5,500-7,000 THB (paid online)
  • Legal and consulting fees: 15,000-50,000 THB, depending on complexity
  • Digital platform charges: 500-1,000 THB per submission
  • Work permit fees: 3,000-10,000 THB, plus visa costs per foreign worker
  • Accounting/audit fees: 10,000-30,000 THB per year

BOI-promoted companies also budget for additional capital and specific license fees, though enjoy significant tax breaks.

Updates in 2025: All payments are digital, and audit costs may decrease as e-filing streamlines compliance.

Effective hiring and cost management depend on planning for both legal requirements and evolving digital processes in Thailand’s 2025 business landscape. Reviewing new quotas, using online filings, and consulting up-to-date government resources ensure smoother company establishment and ongoing compliance.

FAQ: Company Registration Thailand 2025

Setting up a company in Thailand in 2025 is now a fully digital process, making it more accessible for business owners worldwide. The DBD Biz Regist platform allows company registrations online using digital signatures, eliminating the need for paper forms or in-person submissions.

Online Company Setup Essentials

  • Since July 2025, all Thai company registrations are processed through DBD Biz Regist.
  • Digital signatures are mandatory for incorporators, directors, and shareholders.
  • No physical visits are required for registration, but some banks or government offices may still ask for in-person verification to open company accounts or receive special licenses.

Common setup timelines:

  • Company name reservation and official registration: usually 2-3 business days.
  • Full setup, including tax, VAT, and bank account: typically two weeks.

Key Regulatory Updates for 2025

Compliance updates for 2025 include:

  • Full shift to digital-only registration for all companies.
  • New financial proof requirements for Thai shareholders in foreign-involved companies to comply with nominee laws.
  • Strict digital recordkeeping and anti-fraud protocols enforced by the DBD.

Digital-only company setup in Thailand (2025) offers global business owners efficient, secure registration with minimized physical paperwork. This streamlined system empowers you to establish your presence in the Thai market at a pace suited to your business plan.

Conclusion

Navigating Thailand’s fully digital company setup process in 2025 positions you for agile growth and seamless compliance, giving you a clear pathway from vision to operation in one of Asia’s most dynamic markets.

Start by defining your ownership structure, preparing digital documents, and registering online; clarify your tax duties, secure essential business permits, and onboard your team with confidence.

Contact us for step-by-step guidance, access to expert legal support, and tailored solutions. Themis Partner ensures every detail is handled, from digital filings to ongoing compliance.