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.
Filing sequence at a glance
Incorporate a Thai limited company first → obtain the US nationality certification from the US Embassy → apply to the DBD for the treaty certificate.
Conditions to meet
- The majority of shareholders and most directors must be US nationals or US entities.
- The treaty excludes reserved sectors such as communications, transport, depository banking, land and natural-resource exploitation, and domestic trade in agricultural products.
- Treaty rights do not automatically confer any right to own land.
- Capital and Thai-employee ratio conditions still apply if work permits are needed.
Documents to prepare
- Thai company affidavit and shareholder list.
- Evidence of US nationality, such as US passports or US incorporation documents.
- Certification issued by the Consular Section of the US Embassy in Thailand.
- Financial statements or proof of share payment, and office address documents.
Step-by-step process
- Incorporate a Thai limited company with the DBD in the usual way.
- Submit the document set to the US Embassy for the US nationality certification.
- File that certification with the DBD to obtain the treaty business certificate.
- Once issued, begin operating within the scope covered by the treaty.
Common mistakes
- Assuming the treaty covers every activity, when explicit exclusions exist.
- Letting US ownership fall below majority after later share transfers, ending the entitlement.
- Failing to update filings after changes of shareholders or directors.
Deciding authority
Department of Business Development together with the Consular Section of the US Embassy in Thailand.
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.
Contact usSources
Information current as of August 2026 — reconfirm the latest conditions with the authority before filing.
Other structures
More: Company registration FAQ · Work permit routes · Thai visa types