Bangkok Foreign Company Setup Service – Trusted Legal Support for Business Formation in Thailand
Setting up a foreign company in Thailand can open doors to one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic and fast-growing economies. With Bangkok as its bustling commercial hub, Thailand offers unique business opportunities, a strategic location, and a supportive government approach toward foreign investors. However, successfully establishing a foreign company in Bangkok requires navigating complex legal procedures, licensing requirements, and compliance regulations. That’s where we come in.
At The Thailand Lawyer Service, based in Bangkok, we provide professional and reliable legal assistance for foreign entrepreneurs and investors who want to establish a business presence in Thailand. Our experienced legal team guides clients through each step of the foreign company setup process, ensuring full legal compliance and smooth business registration.
Why Set Up a Foreign Company in Bangkok?
Bangkok is Thailand’s economic powerhouse. With a robust infrastructure, skilled workforce, and increasing demand for international goods and services, it offers foreign investors significant commercial potential. Some of the major advantages of setting up a company in Bangkok include:
Access to the ASEAN market
Competitive labor costs
Established banking and financial systems
Supportive foreign investment policies
Availability of BOI (Board of Investment) incentives
Opportunities across sectors like tourism, technology, manufacturing, and services
While the benefits are considerable, foreign business owners must comply with legal frameworks such as the Foreign Business Act (FBA) and understand the options available to legally operate in Thailand.
Types of Business Structures Available for Foreign Companies in Thailand
Foreign investors have several options for structuring their businesses in Thailand. Each structure has specific legal, tax, and ownership implications:
1. Thai Limited Company (with Foreign Shareholding)
This is the most common form for foreign companies. To comply with Thai law, foreign ownership is generally limited to 49%, unless exempted or promoted by the BOI or protected by a treaty. The remaining 51% must be held by Thai nationals. However, through legal structuring, business control can often remain with the foreign investor.
2. Wholly Foreign-Owned Company (via BOI or Treaty)
Under certain conditions, a foreigner can own 100% of a Thai company, particularly when receiving promotion from the Board of Investment or operating under treaties such as the U.S.-Thailand Treaty of Amity.
3. Representative Office
This is suitable for foreign companies that want to explore the Thai market or conduct non-revenue-generating activities like sourcing products or market research. A representative office cannot earn income directly in Thailand.
4. Branch Office
A foreign company may establish a branch to conduct business in Thailand. While branches can generate revenue, they must comply with the Foreign Business Act and may require a Foreign Business License.
5. Regional Office
Intended for foreign companies managing operations across multiple countries in Asia. These offices coordinate, monitor, or provide services to affiliated companies in the region but cannot earn income in Thailand.
Steps to Set Up a Foreign Company in Bangkok
The process of setting up a foreign company involves a series of legal, administrative, and regulatory steps. Our law firm assists clients throughout the process, minimizing delays and ensuring regulatory compliance.
1. Business Planning and Legal Strategy
We begin by analyzing your business goals and recommending the most suitable legal structure based on your operations, desired level of control, and long-term plans. We also review whether you qualify for BOI promotion or other exemptions.
2. Name Reservation
The company name must be reserved with the Department of Business Development (DBD) and must not be identical or similar to existing entities.
3. Preparation of Documentation
Key documents include the Memorandum of Association, Articles of Association, and shareholder agreements. Our legal team ensures that these are properly prepared and submitted in Thai and English.
4. Company Registration
We handle the complete registration process with the DBD, ensuring compliance with company laws, shareholding structures, and capital requirements.
5. Tax and VAT Registration
Upon company registration, the business must register for a tax ID with the Revenue Department. If annual turnover exceeds the legal threshold, the company must also register for VAT.
6. Obtaining a Foreign Business License (FBL)
If your business activity falls under the restricted list of the Foreign Business Act, we assist with applying for a Foreign Business License. This is one of the most crucial and complex steps for foreign business owners.
7. Bank Account and Capitalization
We help with setting up a corporate bank account and ensuring that minimum capital requirements (especially for foreign-owned entities) are met.
8. Work Permits and Visas
Foreign directors and staff will need non-immigrant business visas and work permits. Our immigration team handles the complete application and renewal process.
9. BOI Promotion (if applicable)
For qualifying industries and sectors, we manage the entire Board of Investment application process, helping you secure 100% foreign ownership and tax incentives.
Common Challenges for Foreign Companies in Thailand
Foreign entrepreneurs may face challenges due to language barriers, bureaucracy, and differing business customs. These challenges include:
Understanding the Foreign Business Act restrictions
Navigating BOI promotion criteria and requirements
Securing appropriate work permits and visas
Ensuring Thai nominee shareholders comply with the law
Complying with accounting, audit, and annual reporting obligations
With the support of The Thailand Lawyer Service, these challenges become manageable. Our team ensures that you understand every requirement and remain compliant at every stage.
What Makes Us the Preferred Legal Partner for Foreign Business Setup in Bangkok
At The Thailand Lawyer Service, we offer:
Expert legal advice tailored to foreign investors
In-depth knowledge of Thailand’s business laws and regulatory landscape
Clear communication in English and Thai
Complete assistance with company registration, licenses, visas, and ongoing compliance
Support for BOI applications and international structuring
Ethical legal solutions that protect your business interests
Whether you are setting up a new company, entering a joint venture, or restructuring your current operations, our experienced lawyers are ready to assist.
Post-Setup Legal and Compliance Services
After your company is established, ongoing legal and regulatory obligations must be met. Our law firm provides full-service support to foreign-owned companies, including:
Annual financial reporting
Corporate secretarial services
Visa and work permit renewals
Changes to shareholders, directors, or capital
Business expansion and licensing support
Legal dispute resolution
Start Your Business in Thailand with Confidence
Launching a business in a foreign country involves more than just paperwork—it requires reliable legal guidance, local insight, and proactive support. With The Thailand Lawyer Service, you have a trusted legal partner by your side, ensuring a seamless and compliant foreign company setup in Bangkok.
Whether you are a small entrepreneur, a multinational expanding to Southeast Asia, or an investor entering the Thai market for the first time, our legal team is ready to help you establish and grow your business in Thailand.
Contact Us Today
If you are considering setting up a foreign company in Bangkok or need legal advice on how to expand your business in Thailand, contact The Thailand Lawyer Service for a consultation. Let us help you take the right steps toward successful business registration and long-term success in Thailand’s vibrant market.