Steps to Register a Company in Thailand
Registering a limited company in Thailand follows the Public Limited Companies Act B.E. 2535 and the regulations of the Department of Business Development (DBD), Ministry of Commerce. The process involves the following steps:
- Reserving a Company Name
• Visit the e-Registration system of the DBD (www.dbd.go.th).
• Choose a unique company name and check for availability.
• Once approved, the reserved name is valid for 30 days, and the registration must be completed within this period. - Preparing Registration Documents
The following key documents are required:
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) – Specifies the company name, objectives, registered capital, and promoters’ details.
- Company Registration Form – Includes details of directors, shareholders, registered office, etc.
- List of Shareholders (Form BOJ.5)
- Company Seal (if applicable)
- Copies of the ID cards and house registration of the promoters and directors
- Office location documents (e.g., lease agreement, proof of address)
- Holding the Statutory Meeting
• Promoters must hold a meeting to establish the company structure.
• Approve the Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association.
• Assign shareholders and appoint company directors. - Registering the Company with the Department of Business Development (DBD)
• Submit the required documents to the Provincial Business Development Office or via the DBD online system.
• Pay the registration fee:
• The fee ranges from THB 5,000 – THB 25,000, depending on the registered capital.
• Obtain the Certificate of Incorporation and Company Registration Number. - Registering for Tax and Required Licenses
• Register for Value Added Tax (VAT) with the Revenue Department if the company’s revenue exceeds THB 1.8 million per year.
• Register with the Social Security Office if hiring at least one employee.
• Apply for special business licenses if required (e.g., food and beverage licenses, factory permits, etc.). - Opening a Corporate Bank Account & Bookkeeping
• Open a corporate bank account using the company registration documents.
• Appoint an accountant and ensure compliance with financial reporting and tax obligations.
Summary:
✅ Reserve a company name → ✅ Prepare documents → ✅ Hold a statutory meeting → ✅ Register with the DBD → ✅ Register for tax and necessary licenses → ✅ Open a bank account and operate the business
To simplify the process, businesses may opt for professional accounting or legal services to handle documentation and registration efficiently.