Set Up a Limited Company in Thailand with Confidence: Professional Legal Guidance from The Thailand Lawyer Service

Setting up a limited company in Thailand is a strategic move for both local and foreign entrepreneurs looking to enter the Southeast Asian market. With its rapidly developing economy, government incentives for business investment, and strong infrastructure, Thailand is an attractive destination for establishing a business. However, navigating the legal and administrative processes involved in company registration can be complex without the right legal support.

At The Thailand Lawyer Service, based in Bangkok, we specialize in assisting individuals and companies in successfully setting up a limited company in Thailand. Whether you’re a first-time business owner or an international investor expanding into the region, our expert team provides tailored, end-to-end legal solutions to make the company setup process efficient and compliant with Thai laws.

Why Choose Thailand for Company Setup?

Thailand is a gateway to the ASEAN market, offering access to more than 600 million consumers. The country has a well-established legal framework that supports business operations and foreign investment. Major benefits of setting up a company in Thailand include:

• 100% foreign ownership available in certain sectors

• Strategic geographic location in Southeast Asia

• Access to skilled workforce and business infrastructure

• Free trade agreements with multiple countries

• Government support and investment promotion opportunities

Establishing a limited company is one of the most common and preferred structures due to its flexibility, liability protection, and credibility.

What is a Limited Company in Thailand?

A limited company in Thailand, also known as a Thai Limited Company (Co., Ltd.), is a separate legal entity that limits the liability of its shareholders to the unpaid amount on their shares. It offers a structure similar to a corporation in Western countries and is recognized as a stable and scalable business format.

A Thai limited company requires at least three shareholders and one director. The company must be registered with the Department of Business Development (DBD) under the Ministry of Commerce. Shareholders can be either Thai nationals or foreigners, depending on the nature of the business and compliance with Thai Foreign Business laws.

Legal Requirements to Set Up a Limited Company in Thailand

When establishing a limited company in Thailand, certain legal requirements must be met. These include:

1. Company Name Reservation
   The first step is to reserve a unique company name through the Department of Business Development. The name must comply with Thai naming rules and should not be similar to existing company names.

2. Preparation of Memorandum of Association (MOA)
   The MOA includes important details such as the company name, registered office address, objectives, capital, and the names of shareholders. It must be submitted to the DBD for approval.

3. Convening a Statutory Meeting
   A statutory meeting must be held to finalize the company’s articles of association, appoint directors and auditors, and approve the allocation of shares.

4. Company Registration with DBD
   After the statutory meeting, the company must be registered with the DBD. At this point, the company becomes a legal entity.

5. Tax Registration
   Once registered, the company must obtain a tax ID and, if applicable, register for Value Added Tax (VAT) and social security.

6. Bank Account Opening
   A corporate bank account in Thailand is essential for operations. The account is opened after the company is legally registered and has a tax ID.

7. Business Licenses (if required)
   Certain business activities require specific licenses or permits. These should be obtained before commencing operations.

Foreign Ownership and Restrictions

Foreign investors can set up a Thai limited company; however, certain industries are restricted under the Foreign Business Act. In such cases, a foreign business license or BOI (Board of Investment) promotion may be required.

Options available for foreign investors include:

• Majority Thai Ownership with foreign directors

• 100% Foreign-Owned Company through BOI or under special treaties

• Joint Venture with Thai partners for market entry flexibility

Each option has specific requirements and benefits, depending on your business activity and long-term goals. Our legal team helps you determine the most effective structure for your company.

Benefits of a Thai Limited Company

Setting up a limited company in Thailand provides numerous advantages:

• Limited Liability Protection – Shareholders are only liable for unpaid share capital.

• Credibility – A registered limited company appears more trustworthy to customers and partners.

• Business Continuity – The company can continue to operate beyond changes in ownership.

• Access to Thai Market – Ideal structure for conducting business with local clients and partners.

• Tax Efficiency – Opportunities for tax planning through corporate structure.

Step-by-Step Process with The Thailand Lawyer Service

Our process ensures a seamless experience for clients wishing to establish a limited company in Thailand. Here’s how we support you:

1. Initial Consultation
   We discuss your business goals and evaluate the best structure for your company.

2. Company Name Reservation
   We handle the name reservation process to ensure your desired name is approved.

3. Document Preparation and Filing
   We draft all required legal documents, including the Memorandum of Association, Articles of Association, and other filings.

4. Statutory Meeting Coordination
   Our team manages the statutory meeting to appoint directors and approve company details.

5. Company Registration
   We file all documents with the Department of Business Development and ensure timely approval.

6. Tax and VAT Registration
   We assist with obtaining a company tax ID and VAT registration where applicable.

7. Bank Account Support
   We guide you through opening a corporate bank account with a Thai financial institution.

8. Post-Registration Services
   We provide ongoing legal services for compliance, licensing, and contract drafting.

Common Business Activities for Limited Companies in Thailand

Some of the most popular industries for limited company formation include:

• Export and import trading

• Digital and IT services

• Restaurants and hospitality

• Real estate development

• Construction and engineering

• Manufacturing and logistics

• Consulting and professional services

Each sector may have different regulations, and our legal advisors are equipped to guide you through the compliance landscape.

Legal Compliance and Reporting

Once your limited company is set up, it must comply with ongoing reporting obligations. This includes:

• Annual General Meetings

• Filing of financial statements

• Corporate income tax filings

• Social security contributions

• Work permit renewals for foreign directors or staff

Our firm ensures your company remains fully compliant with Thai regulations throughout the year.

Why Choose The Thailand Lawyer Service?

As a Bangkok-based legal consultancy, we are trusted by clients locally and internationally to deliver professional, prompt, and personalized legal services. We have deep knowledge of Thailand’s legal system and a proven track record of helping businesses set up and operate successfully.

We handle all legal complexities, so you can focus on building and growing your business.

Get Started Today

If you’re ready to set up a limited company in Thailand, contact The Thailand Lawyer Service today. Our team is ready to guide you through every step of the process—from name reservation to tax registration. With us, you get peace of mind knowing your company is legally compliant and professionally established.

Contact us now for expert legal support with Thai company setup.

Let us take care of your company registration in Thailand, so you can concentrate on what matters most—growing your business.