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What are the requirements and process for setting up a business in Thailand as a foreigner?

Business Registration Foreign Ownership Thai Business Partner Work Permit Immigration Law Thai Company Structure Business Setup Fees Visa Rules

Mar 5, 2025

5 days ago

Ricky ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I know this may sound like I’ve not done my research, but please don’t come for me too hard 😫 

But I’m asking for any advice + information regarding registering/setting up a business in Thailand as a foreigner (British national)

What is the process? Is it possible? Is there set requirements for having a Thai business partner? Or a set amount of Thai people working for the company? Is the process lengthy and filled with fees? 

Again, Thankyou for anyone who takes the time to provide me information and point me in the right direction! Please don’t be mean 🙏🏽🙏🏽😅

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Setting up a business in Thailand as a foreigner, particularly a British national, involves several significant requirements. Foreigners can own a maximum of 49% of the company, with Thai nationals required to hold at least 51%. Additionally, to obtain a work permit, the business must have a minimum capitalization of 2 million Baht and officially employ four Thai nationals for each foreign worker. The process can be lengthy, costly, and requires significant commitment to life in Thailand. It is advisable to consult with a Thai lawyer or business agency for detailed guidance.

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Braulio *********

why?

4 days ago

Jordi ********

@Braulio ********

Why comment?

4 days ago

Reply to

Jordi ********

Chris *******

For a standard Thai company.

51% Thai ownership

Minimum 2 million baht capital and

4 Thai employees to get 1 work permit for foreigners.

Some business is Thai reserved.

Your ability to work even in your own business will be limited.

There are agencies that can guide you and for the right money work arounds.

5 days ago

John **********

Setting up a business is relatively easy but you can only own a maximum of 49%, 51% must be owned by thai nationals. You won't be able to work in the business though without a work permit. To get the work permit the business needs 2m Baht capitalisation and needs to officially employ 4 thais for every 1 work permit. You'd be better speaking to a Thai lawyer

5 days ago

Paul *******

@John *********

I didn't think that you could work in the majority of businesses. For example serving in a bar, driving, building

3 days ago

John **********

@Paul ******

of course there are reserved occupations but whether you can work or not depends on the business. You won't get a work permit for a reserved occupation

3 days ago

Paul *******

@John *********

thanks. That's what I meant to say. 😀

3 days ago

Reply to

Paul *******

Ricky ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

thanks John

4 days ago

Reply to

Ricky ********

Robert *********

Contact your nearest Thai embassy .

It is a long ,difficult and expensive endeavor .

Not for the faint of heart.

Generally you make

*****

0 pounds a year ,by spending

*****

0.

How much time have you spent in Thailand and where ?

Holidaying is not remotely comparable to living and doing business.

First you need to commit to a year living in Thailand with no business .

Many do it ,many many many more try and fail .

Good luck ,it's an amazing country .

I am a bigger fan of working 6 months at home and living 6 months here

5 days ago

Ricky ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

thanks Rob 👍🏻

Robert *********

luck

Reply to

Robert *********

Brett *****

Take the time to research then ask questions

5 days ago

Ricky ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brett ****

give it a rest mate, like I explained in my post, I’m only asking for any further guidance/information. Not for people to state the obvious, I’m currently doing my research, but thought this might be a good way to hear some other perspectives

5 days ago

Mark ********

@Ricky *******

Your being lazy,spend a few days on google. If you can't be arsed to do some research you will fail before you start....

4 days ago

Tim *********

@Ricky *******

Your question doesn't ask for "perspectives". It asks for facts, quite explicitly. Lazy research = crap business

4 days ago

Reply to

Tim *********

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