Thanks to its strategic position in Southeast Asia, Thailand serves as a gateway to other destinations. And thanks to its year round tropical weather and beautiful beaches, Thailand has long been recognized as an attractive place to live. When adding up location and lifestyle, thoughts turn to earning a living in paradise. Thailand becomes a great destination to set up a company for business purposes. The Foreign Business Act of Thailand offers a wide variety of business structures, some of which are very suitable for foreigners wanting to do business in Thailand.
Company Registration Services
The most popular corporate structure selected when setting up a company in Thailand is a Thai Limited Company. It is also the easiest one to set up and can be set up rather quickly. Other corporate structures include; Representative Office, Branch Office, BOI Company, Amity Treaty Company, or a 100% Foreign Owned Company.
Thailand offers great business potential to those willing to start a business in Thailand. One of the most common questions we get asked is; what type of business should I start? The answer is to start a business you feel you have the most experience in. Then make a plan and talk to a business consultant. Below you will find some basic information on the various business structures available. PCS provides company registration services for every type of corporate structure we offer. Clicking on the links provided will give you more detailed information.
Setting Up A Thai Limited Company
As mentioned previously, the most common corporate structure used when setting up a company in Thailand is a Thai Limited Company. There are many reasons why it is the most popular corporate structure used and basically it boils down to because, it supports a wide variety of business types. A Thai Limited Company is relatively easy to set up and it can be registered rather quickly. See more details on setting up a Thai Limited Company.
Setting Up A Branch Office
Foreign Companies wishing to operate in Thailand should consider setting up a Branch Office. If they qualify they would be allowed to have 100% Foreign ownership. A Branch Office will be governed by the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (FBA). When approved they would be granted a Foreign Business License (FBL). Follow this link for more information on setting up a Branch Office in Thailand.
Setting Up A Representative Office
A Representative Office allows foreign investors the opportunity to evaluate potential market opportunities in Thailand without the need to establish a subsidiary in Thailand. The services a Representative Office can provide are limited. The entire operation of the Representative Office must be completely financed by the foreign head office. See setting up a Representative Office for more details.
Setting Up a BOI Company
What is a BOI Company? The Board of Investment (BOI), a government body, role in Thailand, is to help investors open businesses in Thailand while providing them with benefits, including tax exemptions (0% Corporate Income Tax for up to 13 years for some business types), 100% foreign ownership, as well as work permits and visa help for qualified individuals. Setting up a BOI company is a complex and time consuming process. Some investors will find this corporate set up worthy of their efforts. Click here for more information on setting up a BOI company
Setting Up An Amity Treaty Company
The Treaty of Amity gives special rights and benefits to American citizens and corporations. Specifically it allows Americans to open an Amity Treaty Company in Thailand and own 100% of the shares of the company. There are some limitation and restrictions as to what activities an Amity Treaty Company can engage in. We suggest that you read our section on setting up an Amity Treaty Company to get more information.
Setting Up A 100% Foreign Owned Company
One of the most frequently asked questions we are asked is whether a Foreigner can own 100% of a company in Thailand. The Foreign Business Act does allow for foreigners to register and operate a 100% Foreign Owned Company. The process can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months to get approval and will require the company to obtain a Foreign Business License (FBL). The 100% Foreign Owned Company may also be restricted in what activities it can engage in. Please read the information on our setting up a 100% Foreigned Owned Company in Thailand.
Summary - Setting Up A Company In Thailand
At Professional Corporate Services, our professional business consultants can listen to your idea(s) and recommend the right corporate structure based solely on your needs. We would explain the process in detail so that you understand from the get go what you are about to get yourself into. Then using our highly trained staff execute the work within a reasonable timeframe and at a fraction of the cost other firms charge.
Contact Us for more information or to consult with a professional at PCS about setting up a company in Thailand. Your first consulation is totally FREE. Please use the contact form below. We are looking forward to serving you.
Contact PCS
Our Address
253 Sukhumvit 21 Road (Asoke), 25th Floor
Email Us
contact@pcsthai-1.com
Call Us
+66 2 109 5160