Can Foreigners Set Up a Company in Thailand?
Yes — absolutely.
But there are a few key rules you need to know before registering your business.
✅ 1. Thai Limited Company (Most Popular Option)
Foreigners can open a company in Thailand, but legally you must have:
📌 At least 51% Thai ownership
📌 Up to 49% foreign ownership
👉 Even with 49%, you can still maintain control using:
- Shareholder agreements
- Voting rights
- Director authority
This is the standard setup most foreign entrepreneurs choose.
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✅ 2. 100% Foreign Ownership Is Possible
You can fully own your company if:
✔ You qualify for BOI (Board of Investment)
BOI promotions offer major benefits:
- Full foreign ownership
- Tax reductions/exemptions
- Easier work permits
- Import duty privileges
✔ Your business is in a non-restricted category
Some industries don’t require Thai shareholders at all.
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❌ 3. Restricted Business Activities (Without BOI)
Foreigners cannot run these with 100% ownership:
- Trading
- Service-based businesses
- Restaurants
- Construction
- Real estate brokerage
👉 These require 51% Thai ownership unless BOI approved.
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⭐ 4. You Still Need a Work Permit
Owning a company doesn’t replace the need for a legal work permit.
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💰 5. Capital & Hiring Requirements
To employ one foreign worker, a Thai company must have:
- 2 million THB registered capital
- 4 Thai employees per foreign employee
(BOI projects get more flexibility.)
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✅ In summary: Foreigners can set up companies in Thailand.
Full ownership is possible with BOI support.
Without BOI, the foreign share is usually capped at 49%.
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