Business Structures for Operating in Thailand — 7 Options
Each page sets out who the structure suits, the capital and shareholding conditions, the documents required, the filing sequence, the deciding authority and the mistakes that get files rejected. Content follows the Civil and Commercial Code, the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999) and published guidance from the DBD, the Revenue Department and the BOI. Every licence or promotion is granted at the authority's discretion.
Thai Limited Company (Thai-majority)
Investors operating in Thailand with Thai shareholders holding at least 51%, so the company is not a "foreigner" under the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999).
Foreign Business Licence (FBL)
Entities with 50% or more foreign shareholding that wish to operate a business listed in List 2 or List 3 of the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542.
US Treaty of Amity Company
US nationals or US-majority entities seeking up to 100% ownership in most activities under the 1966 Treaty of Amity and Economic Relations.
BOI-Promoted Company
Investors in activity categories eligible for promotion by the Board of Investment, such as manufacturing, digital, R&D and high value-added services.
Branch Office of a Foreign Company
Foreign companies wishing to operate in Thailand under the same legal entity without forming a separate Thai company.
Representative Office
Foreign companies wanting a Thai office solely for activities supporting the head office, with no revenue earned in Thailand.
International Business Centre (IBC)
Multinational groups establishing a Thai company to provide managerial, technical, support or treasury services to affiliated enterprises in Thailand and abroad.
Not sure which structure fits?
Tell our team your business activity, shareholder nationalities and hiring plan by phone, LINE or email and we will compare the conditions of each route with you. We do not set up nominee shareholding structures.
Contact usInformation current as of August 2026 — reconfirm conditions and official fees with the DBD before filing.
Read the FAQ: Company registration FAQ · Work permit routes