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

Business Registration Foreign Investment Thai Business Partner Work Permit Business Ownership Visa and Immigration Expats in Thailand

Mar 5, 2025

a month ago

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 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?

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Jordee ******

@Braulio ********

To have control over you, does that seem extraordinary to you?

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Jordi ********

@Braulio ********

Why comment?

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Jordi ********

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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.

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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

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Paul *******

@John *********

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

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John **********

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

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Paul *******

@John *********

thanks. That's what I meant to say. 😀

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Paul *******

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Ricky ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

thanks John

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Ricky ********

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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

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Ricky ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Robert ********

thanks Rob 👍🏻

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Robert *********

luck

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Robert *********

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Brett *****

Take the time to research then ask questions

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Ricky ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

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Mark ********

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....

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Tim *********

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

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Tim *********

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