Streamlined Company Setup in Bangkok – Expert Legal Support from The Thailand Lawyer Service

Setting up a company in Bangkok, Thailand’s commercial and financial hub, is an attractive choice for both local and foreign entrepreneurs. With a booming economy, strategic location in Southeast Asia, and access to regional and global markets, Bangkok offers promising opportunities for businesses of all sizes. However, the process of establishing a company in Thailand involves navigating through various legal, regulatory, and administrative requirements.

At The Thailand Lawyer Service, based in Bangkok, we specialize in guiding clients through every stage of company formation. Our expert legal support ensures your business is registered efficiently, in full compliance with Thai laws, and with minimal stress.

Why Set Up a Company in Bangkok?

Bangkok is a magnet for investors due to its vibrant economy, skilled workforce, developed infrastructure, and openness to international trade. Entrepreneurs choose to register businesses in Bangkok for reasons such as:

Strategic access to ASEAN markets
Modern infrastructure and logistics
Extensive domestic and international demand
Government incentives for various industries
Access to business-friendly services and facilities

Whether you are a Thai national or a foreign investor, setting up a company in Bangkok allows you to tap into one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic economies.

Business Structures Available in Bangkok

Choosing the right business structure is one of the first steps in the setup process. The most common options for both local and foreign investors include:

1. Thai Limited Company (Co., Ltd.)

This is the most widely used structure for small and medium-sized enterprises. It requires a minimum of three shareholders and one director. Foreign ownership is limited to 49% in most cases unless special exemptions apply.

2. BOI-Promoted Company

Companies eligible for Board of Investment promotion may benefit from increased foreign ownership, tax incentives, and permission to hire foreign staff without the usual capital or ratio restrictions.

3. Representative Office

Suitable for foreign companies seeking to research the Thai market or support their overseas headquarters without conducting revenue-generating activities.

4. Branch Office

A branch of a foreign company may conduct business in Thailand under the parent company’s name. It must comply with Thai tax laws and licensing regulations.

5. Regional Office

This setup allows multinational companies to manage operations in neighboring countries from a central location in Thailand, focusing on non-revenue-generating services.

Key Steps in Company Setup in Bangkok

Setting up a company in Bangkok involves several legal and administrative procedures. At The Thailand Lawyer Service, we provide comprehensive support through each of the following steps:

1. Company Name Reservation

The process starts with reserving your company name with the Department of Business Development (DBD). Three name options are submitted, and approval is typically granted within 1–3 days.

2. Drafting of Company Documents

We assist in preparing essential legal documents, including the Memorandum of Association (MOA), Articles of Association, and shareholder details.

3. Company Registration with the DBD

Once all documents are ready, the company must be officially registered with the DBD. This includes providing the address of the company’s office in Bangkok and submitting all legal forms.

4. Tax Registration and VAT

Newly registered companies must obtain a tax ID number from the Revenue Department. If your annual turnover is expected to exceed the threshold, VAT registration is also required.

5. Social Security Registration

Employers are obligated to register with the Social Security Office once employees are hired. We manage this process on your behalf.

6. Opening a Corporate Bank Account

We assist in preparing the documentation needed to open a business bank account in Thailand, ensuring that your company’s finances are managed in line with local banking regulations.

Foreign Ownership Considerations

Thailand has strict foreign ownership laws. Foreigners may own up to 49% of a Thai limited company, while the remaining 51% must be held by Thai nationals. However, certain industries and business types allow for greater foreign participation through:

BOI Promotion
Treaty of Amity (for U.S. citizens)
Foreign Business License (FBL)

Our legal team will advise you on the best structure for your business model and help you obtain the necessary approvals for foreign ownership where applicable.

Work Permits and Business Visas

For foreign business owners or directors operating a Thai company, a business visa and work permit are essential. We provide full legal assistance to secure:

Non-Immigrant B Visa
Work Permit Application
Visa Extensions and Renewals

We ensure full compliance with immigration laws and coordinate with Thai authorities to handle the necessary paperwork.

Registered Office Requirements

Every company in Thailand must have a registered physical address. This address must be located in Thailand and must be verifiable by authorities. The location will be used for correspondence with government departments, tax authorities, and legal notices.

Our team assists with meeting address requirements and ensuring your registered location complies with all relevant regulations.

Annual Reporting and Compliance

After your company is registered, ongoing compliance with Thai corporate laws is crucial. We provide reliable legal and accounting support for:

Annual General Meeting (AGM) filings
Financial statement submissions
Corporate tax returns
VAT filings
Withholding tax payments

Staying compliant ensures your company avoids penalties and maintains a positive legal standing in Thailand.

Benefits of Working with The Thailand Lawyer Service

At The Thailand Lawyer Service, our team of expert legal professionals provides:

Step-by-step guidance through the registration process
Accurate preparation and submission of legal documents
Foreign ownership advisory and BOI promotion application support
Fast-tracked work permit and visa assistance
Ongoing compliance and legal consulting services

We take the complexity out of company setup in Bangkok so that you can focus on growing your business with confidence.

Industries We Support

Our legal services cover company setup across a wide range of sectors in Bangkok, including:

Technology and IT
Import and Export
Manufacturing
Hospitality and Tourism
Education and Language Services
Consulting and Financial Services
E-commerce and Online Businesses

Each industry comes with its own regulatory requirements, and we tailor our service to ensure compliance with relevant laws and sector-specific licenses.

Start Your Company in Bangkok with Confidence

Setting up a company in Bangkok is a strategic move for both local and international entrepreneurs looking to enter the Thai market. However, the process requires careful attention to legal procedures and regulatory compliance.

The Thailand Lawyer Service is here to simplify your journey. From name reservation to DBD registration, visa processing, and legal consulting, we handle every aspect of your company setup with precision and professionalism.