What gets applications rejected?

Starting to operate before the licence is granted, which carries legal penalties.

What gets applications rejected?

Misclassifying the activity, forcing a refiling and major delay.

What gets applications rejected?

Foreign documents not fully legalised, so the file is rejected at intake.

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.

Filing sequence at a glance

Determine which List applies → file the licence or certificate application with the DBD → the Foreign Business Committee decides (List 3), or the Minister with Cabinet approval (List 2).

Conditions to meet

List 1 activities are absolutely prohibited to foreigners and cannot be licensed.
Minimum capital under the ministerial regulation is generally THB 3 million per licensed activity, and THB 2 million where no licence is required.
A business plan, technology-transfer information and impact on Thai operators must be submitted for consideration.
Where a treaty or international agreement applies, a certificate may be issued instead of a licence.

Documents to prepare

Company affidavit and the latest list of shareholders.
Business plan, income and expense projections, and the Thai employment plan.
Foreign corporate shareholder documents, legalised/notarised and translated into Thai.
Power of attorney with duty stamps, and evidence of the office location.

Step-by-step process

Classify the activity against the Lists annexed to the Act.
Prepare and legalise foreign corporate documents with Thai translations.
File the application with the Foreign Business Administration Division of the DBD.
Provide further clarification as requested by the officer or the Committee.
Receive the licence and comply with the conditions attached to it.

Common mistakes

Starting to operate before the licence is granted, which carries legal penalties.
Misclassifying the activity, forcing a refiling and major delay.
Foreign documents not fully legalised, so the file is rejected at intake.
Assuming the licence covers all activities when it is tied only to the scope stated in it.

Deciding authority

Foreign Business Administration Division, DBD, and the Foreign Business Committee.

Talk to our team

Ask about scope of work, required documents and timing by phone, LINE or email. Approvals are at the authority's discretion — we do not guarantee outcomes and we do not set up nominee structures, but we review your file before submission to reduce the risk of rejection.

Sources

Information current as of August 2026 — reconfirm the latest conditions with the authority before filing.

Other structures

Thai Limited Company (Thai-majority)US Treaty of Amity Company BOI-Promoted Company Branch Office of a Foreign Company Representative Office International Business Centre (IBC)

More: Company registration FAQ · Work permit routes · Thai visa types