What types of companies can foreigners establish in Thailand? (Private Limited Company, BOI, FBL)
CJ C.
Detail topic
I set up a private limited company myself, with a registered capital of 1 million Thai Baht. Hiring an accounting firm to handle it costs about 10,000 Thai Baht. Among the three types, this has the lowest threshold, and most foreigners start their first company this way.
1. Private Limited Company: Foreigners can hold up to 49% of shares, and Thai nationals must hold 51%. To apply for a work permit, the minimum registered capital is 2 million, and you must hire 4 Thai employees with social security. The real hassle is finding Thai shareholders; I found trusted friends, but not everyone has suitable candidates.
2. BOI (Board of Investment): After approval, foreigners can hold 100% of shares, corporate income tax can be exempted for up to 8 years, and work permits are not subject to the 4:1 employee ratio restriction.
Only industries promoted by the government can apply, such as technology, digital, medical, etc. A business plan must be submitted, and the review takes about 2 to 3 months. I am currently considering switching to BOI mainly to bring in foreign partners and hire foreign employees, as the private limited company structure is too restrictive.
3. FBL (Foreign Business License): Needed only if the business type is restricted under the Foreign Business Act list and does not go through BOI.
Minimum registered capital is 2 million, the review is strict, and approval rates are low. Very few around me actually go this route.
Finally, about accounting firms, I have changed three. Those who speak Chinese are usually not the accountants themselves but more like salespeople and don’t understand the details well. If you are okay with English or Thai, I recommend finding a local firm.