Key Takeaways
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Company Registration Fees for Foreigners in Thailand: What the Government Charges
The Department of Business Development (DBD) sets fixed registration fees for Thai private limited companies; they no longer depend on registered capital. Businesses pay the fees directly to the agency, and the amounts cannot be negotiated. For a standard incorporation, the combined company registration fees for foreigners are about 6,000 to 8,000 THB before stamp duty on share certificates.
The core company registration fee is 5,000 THB. The Memorandum of Association (MOA) registration requires 500 THB plus 200 THB stamp duty. If Articles of Association are filed separately, these also attract a 200 THB stamp duty. Each company certificate costs 100 THB per copy. The company affidavit costs about 200 THB in total, charged at 40 THB per item. Certificates of registration application documents are charged at 50 THB per page. A director must pay 10 THB stamp duty on a power of attorney if he does not submit the application in person.
Stamp duty on share certificates is 0.1% of the paid-up value. A company with a paid-up capital of 2,000,000 THB incurs 2,000 THB. Reserving a company through the DBD portal is free, and a company seal that’s required for official filings costs 300 to 500 THB.
Refer to the table below for the summary of the direct government charges for the initial registration phase of Thai business registration (private limited companies).
|
Cost Component |
Rate / Calculation |
Fee / Validity |
| Company Registration | Fixed fee | 5,000 THB |
| MOA Registration | Fixed fee | 500 THB |
| MOA Stamp Duty | Fixed per document | 200 THB |
| AOA Stamp Duty (if applicable) | Fixed per document | 200 THB |
| Company Certificate | Per copy | 100 THB |
| Company Affidavit | 40 THB per item | ~200 THB total |
| Document Certification | Per page | 50 THB/page |
| POA Stamp Duty (if applicable) | Fixed | 10 THB |
| Company Name Reservation | Free | 30-day validity |
| Company Seal | Flat fee | 300–500 THB |
| Share Certificate Stamp Duty | 0.1% of paid-up value | Ad valorem |
Minimum Capital Requirements for Foreign-Owned Companies
Foreign-owned companies operating in unrestricted sectors must maintain a minimum registered capital of 2,000,000 THB, fully paid up before the business can legally begin operations. This threshold was consolidated under the 2019 Ministry of Commerce Ministerial Regulation and remains the baseline for any foreign entrepreneur planning a standard Thai business registration.
Companies requiring a Foreign Business License (FBL) for restricted sectors face a higher bar: at least 3,000,000 THB, or 25% of estimated three-year expenses, whichever is higher.
The FBL itself also carries application fees calculated based on registered capital.
- For List 2 businesses (activities related to national safety, arts, culture, or natural resources), the fee is 10 THB per 1,000 THB of registered capital, with a minimum of 40,000 THB and a maximum of 500,000 THB.
- For List 3 businesses (sectors where Thai nationals are deemed not yet fully competitive), the fee is 5 THB per 1,000 THB of registered capital, with a minimum of 20,000 THB and a maximum of 250,000 THB.
Capital is also tied directly to work permits. Sponsoring one foreign employee requires 2,000,000 THB paid-up capital. A team of four expats requires a minimum registered capital of 8,000,000 THB, one of the largest cost multipliers that tend to surprise first-time founders.
Certain bilateral treaties, such as the U.S.–Thailand Treaty of Amity and the Japan–Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement, offer alternative frameworks, though they still require remitting the minimum capital. Treaty-based companies have until August 2029 to fully remit their minimum capital.
Professional and Legal Service Costs
Government fees are only one slice; professional registration services are often the largest expense for foreign entrepreneurs.
Basic registration packages fall between the cost range of 18,000 and 33,500 THB. Mid-range packages bundling VAT registration, accounting setup, company seal, and bank account facilitation range from 30,000 to 80,000 THB. For complex joint venture or Free Zone structures, premium advisory firms charge upwards of 350,000 THB.
Hidden micro-costs can accumulate rapidly.
- Document translation: 800–1,500 THB per page;
- Notarisation: 1,000-5,000 THB;
- Intermediary fee to open a corporate bank account: 6,000–12,000 THB
Every company needs to adhere to laws, regulations, and standards governing business operations to maintain its legal status and operational efficiency. Even dormant companies must file audited annual financial statements. SMEs spend an average of 3,500–5,000 THB for their monthly bookkeeping and 18,000–40,000 THB for annual audits. Thai law prohibits the use of nominee shareholders to circumvent foreign ownership restrictions, so ensure that your shareholding structures reflect genuine beneficial ownership.
Visa and Work Permit Expenses
Foreign executives need both a Non-Immigrant B visa and a separate work permit, each with its own fees and processing costs.
For foreign executives, visa and work-permit costs are separate: a single-entry Non-B visa is about 1,900 THB, a multiple-entry visa is about 3,800 THB, and work permit fees range from 3,100 THB. These figures look modest in isolation, but professional processing fees tell a different story. Expect to pay 35,000 to 40,000 THB per work permit application and another 35,000 to 40,000 THB for the annual visa extension.
Many founders are surprised by the mandatory 4:1 ratio between Thai and foreign employees. Each foreign permit holder must be supported by four Thai employees on payroll (unless BOI-promoted). That means salaries, social security, and welfare costs for four local staff, simply to maintain the work rights of one foreign director.
What Changed in 2026
Two major regulatory shifts have reshaped the Thailand company registration costs landscape over the past year.
DBD launched DBD Biz Regist as the main system for company registration. Applications are accepted online via Biz Regist or in person at DBD offices nationwide. The number of in-person slots is limited, as the DBD encourages online submission. Foreign nationals can use the DBD e-Service app for identity verification. It is true that digital processing reduces delays, but foreign directors may benefit more from professional guidance in navigating localised software.
The Ministry of Commerce implemented stringent anti-nominee regulations effective 1 January 2026. Under the DBD Order No. 2/2568, Thai shareholders in foreign-managed companies are required to submit three months of certified bank statements that demonstrate ownership of share capital. Simple balance certificates are no longer accepted. The statements must show a withdrawal or transfer that aligns precisely with the share capital payment’s amount and date. The practical effect is extended processing periods, increased advisory fees, and mandatory financial audits when forming a company.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to register a company in Thailand as a foreigner?
Government fees: 6,000–8,000 THB (excluding stamp duty). First year budget: 500,000–1,000,000 THB (including capital, legal fees, visa and ongoing compliance). Government fees are only a small part of the overall startup costs.
What is the minimum capital required to start a business in Thailand?
Foreign-owned companies must register with a paid-up capital of at least 2,000,000 THB. Companies operating in restricted sectors under a Foreign Business License need a minimum of 3,000,000 THB. Capital increases proportionally with the number of work permits — 2,000,000 THB for each foreign employee.
Can I register a Thai company with 100% foreign ownership?
Yes, but full foreign ownership activates the Foreign Business Act. You must obtain a Foreign Business License, secure a BOI investment promotion which exempts the company, or form a Thai-majority joint venture with a 49:51 ownership split.
What are the new 2026 rules for Thai company registration?
The DBD now encourages all registrations to go through the Biz Regist digital platform, though in-person submission at DBD offices remains available on a limited basis. From January 1, 2026, Thai shareholders in foreign-managed companies must submit three months of bank statements showing capital ownership. These changes have increased compliance costs and processing times.
Do I need a lawyer to register a company in Thailand?
There is no legal requirement to hire a lawyer, but it is essential for most foreign entrepreneurs. Language barriers, new digital ID checks, and complex compliance requirements make professional guidance a near-necessity. A reliable business registration service typically costs between 30,000 and 80,000 THB for a mid-range package.
Plan for the Real Cost, Not the Headline Fee
The true cost of setting up a company in Thailand goes far beyond government fees. Each step increases the total cost, especially licensing and tax filings. The current regulatory environment demands even more rigorous preparation.
If you are ready to move forward, Reliance Consulting’s business registration service and other corporate services can guide you through every stage. We will handle registration until post-incorporation compliance. Contact us with any questions you may have.
