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What are the requirements and process for setting up a business in Thailand as a foreigner?
Business RegistrationForeign InvestmentThai Business PartnerWork PermitBusiness OwnershipVisa and ImmigrationExpats in Thailand
Mar 5, 2025
a year ago
Ricky ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI 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 🙏🏽🙏🏽😅
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 🙏🏽🙏🏽😅
TLDR : Answer Summary
Setting up a business in Thailand as a foreigner involves specific requirements. Generally, you need a Thai partner who owns at least 51% of the company, while you can own a maximum of 49%. To obtain a work permit, the business must have a minimum capital of 2 million baht and employ at least 4 Thai nationals for every foreign employee. The process can be lengthy and expensive, and it's advisable to consult with a Thai lawyer or agency that specializes in helping foreigners with business setup.
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Braulio *********
why?
Jordee ******
@Braulio ********
To have control over you, does that seem extraordinary to you?Jordi ********
@Braulio ********
Why comment?Reply to
Jordi ********
Reply
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.
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.
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
Paul *******
@John *********
I didn't think that you could work in the majority of businesses. For example serving in a bar, driving, buildingJohn **********
@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 occupationPaul *******
@John *********
thanks. That's what I meant to say. 😀Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Ricky ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
thanks JohnReply to
Ricky ********
Reply
Robert *********
Contact your nearest Thai embassy .
It is a long ,difficult and expensive endeavor .
Not for the faint of heart.
Generally you make
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
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
Ricky ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Robert ********
thanks Rob 👍🏻Robert *********
@Ricky *******
luckReply to
Robert *********
Reply
Brett *****
Take the time to research then ask questions
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 perspectivesMark ********
@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....Tim *********
@Ricky *******
Your question doesn't ask for "perspectives". It asks for facts, quite explicitly. Lazy research = crap businessReply to
Tim *********
Reply
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