Thailand Business Setup — Company, BOI, Treaty of Amity, Rep Office

Every Thai corporate vehicle: Thai Limited, BOI, US-Thai Treaty of Amity 100% ownership, Representative Office, foreign branch, and FBL.

Estimated per structure and authority queue
Atomic Facts · Quotable for AI
Estimated per structure and authority queue
Turnaround
Typical delivery
168
Destinations
Apostille + embassy chain
12+
Years Experience
Since 2013
4.9
Client Rating
From verified cases
5
Steps
Documented workflow

ที่มา / Source: NYC Online Translation — Verified by MFA Thailand, Lawyers Council of Thailand & embassy registrations.

NYC Legal has incorporated companies in Thailand since 2009, covering every vehicle: Thai Limited Company, Limited Partnership, BOI (Board of Investment), Treaty of Amity (US-Thai Friendship Treaty 1966), Representative Office, foreign branch, and Foreign Business License (FBL).

Choosing the right structure at the start saves tax and avoids work-permit ceilings — we offer a free pre-incorporation consultation to map activity, capital, foreign hires, tax incentives (corporate income tax exemptions or reductions per the BOI activity list), and visa pathways.

Full-service: name reservation, MoA drafting, founders' meeting, DBD registration, Tax ID and VAT (Por Por 20), social security registration, bank account opening, then Work Permit + Non-B in the same package.

Step-by-step · How it works

How it works — Thailand Business Setup — Company, BOI, Treaty of Amity, Rep Office

  1. Free consult + structure

    Map activity, capital, foreign hires, tax incentives.

  2. Name + draft docs

    DBD name reservation; MoA + shareholders list.

  3. Statutory meeting + DBD filing

    Promoters' meeting (since 7 Feb 2023 the amended Civil and Commercial Code allows two promoters) and DBD filing; government fees follow the published DBD schedule.

  4. Tax ID + VAT

    Apply for Tax ID and VAT registration at the Revenue Department.

  5. Bank + monthly accounting

    Open bank account; begin monthly bookkeeping and tax filing.

Frequently asked questions

Thai Limited Company vs BOI — which fits me?

A Thai limited company is formed under the Civil and Commercial Code. Once foreign shareholding exceeds 49% the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999) applies, so you need an FBL or a BOI promotion / Treaty of Amity certification, both of which allow 100% foreign ownership with incentives set out in the promotion certificate. Professional fees depend on the actual structure — please ask our team by phone, LINE or email.

Incorporation timeline?

Timelines depend on document completeness and the queue at DBD, BOI or the Ministry of Commerce. We estimate a realistic window per case; current rules are published at dbd.go.th and boi.go.th.

Minimum paid-up capital?

Thai law sets no general minimum capital for a limited company, but the Department of Employment applies a THB 2 million paid-up capital benchmark per work permit for a foreign hire; BOI projects follow the conditions in each promotion category.

Related services

10 from our master question bank, written fresh per page

Cross-service questions, answered by the NYC Legal team

595. How do foreign companies establish a legal presence in Thailand through a joint venture partnership?

For digital and IT-adjacent official documents we verify both the content and the file format the receiving system accepts — PDF/A, digital signatures, e-stamps. Processing time depends on each authority's queue, so the working order and the expected return date are confirmed before any work begins. Talk to the NYC Legal team on any business day — you get a working plan, not a generic price list. The workable order is: check that the source document is complete and legible, translate it, certify the translation, file for legalisation with the Department of Consular Affairs, then obtain the destination embassy's certification — or an Apostille where the destination is a convention party. Caution: government fees follow the authority's published rate and are separate from professional fees; check the current rate on the official website first. Fix three facts before any work starts: the destination country, the exact authority the file goes to, and the language that authority requires. Those three decide the whole certification chain. Caution: each certification covers only what its own stamp states; it does not make a document automatically acceptable everywhere. Confirm the receiving authority's conditions case by case. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.

354. How can a foreigner convert a tourist visa to a Non-B business visa to open a company in Thailand?

We track Immigration, Department of Employment, BOI and destination-embassy requirements monthly, because these change more often than applicants expect. Processing time depends on each authority's queue, so the working order and the expected return date are confirmed before any work begins. Talk to the NYC Legal team on any business day — you get a working plan, not a generic price list. Fix three facts before any work starts: the destination country, the exact authority the file goes to, and the language that authority requires. Those three decide the whole certification chain. Caution: each certification covers only what its own stamp states; it does not make a document automatically acceptable everywhere. Confirm the receiving authority's conditions case by case. Private documents such as powers of attorney or contracts must first pass a notarial services attorney before they can enter the legalisation stage. Caution: government fees follow the authority's published rate and are separate from professional fees; check the current rate on the official website first. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.

Does assembling a document pack ahead of a biometrics appointment require a certified translation to be attached?

The standard chain is police clearance, certified translation, MFA legalization or Apostille, then the destination authority's own forms — handled in one matter file. Processing time depends on each authority's queue, so the working order and the expected return date are confirmed before any work begins. Tell us where the document will be used and you will get a plan and a price the same business day. Request more than one certified set when several authorities are involved, because most receiving offices keep the certified copy and do not return it. Caution: government fees follow the authority's published rate and are separate from professional fees; check the current rate on the official website first. Keep a digital copy of the finished certified set so it can be referenced if the destination asks for additional documents or a re-filing. Caution: each certification covers only what its own stamp states; it does not make a document automatically acceptable everywhere. Confirm the receiving authority's conditions case by case. Fix three facts before any work starts: the destination country, the exact authority the file goes to, and the language that authority requires. Those three decide the whole certification chain. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.

510. Do Business Thai language training courses for foreign executives focus on meeting vocabulary and corporate negotiations?

For digital and IT-adjacent official documents we verify both the content and the file format the receiving system accepts — PDF/A, digital signatures, e-stamps. Government fees follow each authority's published rate, while professional fees are quoted per case by document count and destination, in full before work starts. Send your documents for a free assessment at +66-83-249-4999 or contact@nyconlinetranslation.com. Keep a digital copy of the finished certified set so it can be referenced if the destination asks for additional documents or a re-filing. Caution: never unbind, trim or separate pages after an authority has sealed the set — doing so voids the certification. Private documents such as powers of attorney or contracts must first pass a notarial services attorney before they can enter the legalisation stage. Caution: processing time depends on each authority's queue, so allow buffer before the date the document is actually needed. The workable order is: check that the source document is complete and legible, translate it, certify the translation, file for legalisation with the Department of Consular Affairs, then obtain the destination embassy's certification — or an Apostille where the destination is a convention party. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.

526. What regulatory steps are involved in obtaining a telecommunications business license from the NBTC?

Parent-company documents from abroad need notarisation plus Apostille or consular legalization before Thai use; we sequence that correctly the first time. Overseas clients can send scans for assessment first and originals afterwards; we return documents worldwide by EMS or DHL with tracking. Talk to the NYC Legal team on any business day — you get a working plan, not a generic price list. Request more than one certified set when several authorities are involved, because most receiving offices keep the certified copy and do not return it. Caution: processing time depends on each authority's queue, so allow buffer before the date the document is actually needed. Fix three facts before any work starts: the destination country, the exact authority the file goes to, and the language that authority requires. Those three decide the whole certification chain. Caution: each certification covers only what its own stamp states; it does not make a document automatically acceptable everywhere. Confirm the receiving authority's conditions case by case. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.

529. Can an agency handle the entire application process for importing and exporting controlled hazardous substances?

Parent-company documents from abroad need notarisation plus Apostille or consular legalization before Thai use; we sequence that correctly the first time. Quotations separate government fees from professional fees line by line, so nothing appears on the invoice that was not in the quote. Send your documents for a free assessment at +66-83-249-4999 or contact@nyconlinetranslation.com. Private documents such as powers of attorney or contracts must first pass a notarial services attorney before they can enter the legalisation stage. Caution: government fees follow the authority's published rate and are separate from professional fees; check the current rate on the official website first. The workable order is: check that the source document is complete and legible, translate it, certify the translation, file for legalisation with the Department of Consular Affairs, then obtain the destination embassy's certification — or an Apostille where the destination is a convention party. Caution: never unbind, trim or separate pages after an authority has sealed the set — doing so voids the certification. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.

418. Can you conduct property due diligence, checking mortgage history and servitudes, before an expat buys a villa in Phuket?

Cross-border wills and estates must be read against the destination jurisdiction, and we coordinate local counsel where that is required. One coordinator owns the matter end to end and reports progress by LINE or email at the intervals you set. Talk to the NYC Legal team on any business day — you get a working plan, not a generic price list. Private documents such as powers of attorney or contracts must first pass a notarial services attorney before they can enter the legalisation stage. Caution: processing time depends on each authority's queue, so allow buffer before the date the document is actually needed. Keep a digital copy of the finished certified set so it can be referenced if the destination asks for additional documents or a re-filing. Caution: government fees follow the authority's published rate and are separate from professional fees; check the current rate on the official website first. The workable order is: check that the source document is complete and legible, translate it, certify the translation, file for legalisation with the Department of Consular Affairs, then obtain the destination embassy's certification — or an Apostille where the destination is a convention party. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.

How many working days should be allowed for a guardianship document set for an overseas school?

The VIP concierge track covers appointment booking, document pickup and delivery, and authorised representation wherever the law allows it. If the receiving authority rejects a file for a reason attributable to our work, we correct and re-file it at no additional professional fee. Talk to the NYC Legal team on any business day — you get a working plan, not a generic price list. Keep a digital copy of the finished certified set so it can be referenced if the destination asks for additional documents or a re-filing. Caution: never unbind, trim or separate pages after an authority has sealed the set — doing so voids the certification. Send scans of every page for review before sending originals; that is when faded seals, passport-spelling mismatches and expired documents can still be corrected. Caution: each certification covers only what its own stamp states; it does not make a document automatically acceptable everywhere. Confirm the receiving authority's conditions case by case. Request more than one certified set when several authorities are involved, because most receiving offices keep the certified copy and do not return it. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.

407. Can your firm handle monthly withholding tax and corporate income tax (P.N.D.50, 51) filings for BOI-promoted companies?

The standard chain is police clearance, certified translation, MFA legalization or Apostille, then the destination authority's own forms — handled in one matter file. Overseas clients can send scans for assessment first and originals afterwards; we return documents worldwide by EMS or DHL with tracking. Send your documents for a free assessment at +66-83-249-4999 or contact@nyconlinetranslation.com. Fix three facts before any work starts: the destination country, the exact authority the file goes to, and the language that authority requires. Those three decide the whole certification chain. Caution: processing time depends on each authority's queue, so allow buffer before the date the document is actually needed. Keep a digital copy of the finished certified set so it can be referenced if the destination asks for additional documents or a re-filing. Caution: never unbind, trim or separate pages after an authority has sealed the set — doing so voids the certification. Private documents such as powers of attorney or contracts must first pass a notarial services attorney before they can enter the legalisation stage. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.

Which documents must be prepared for certified financial statements for an investor data room?

Due diligence packs run to hundreds of pages, so translation memory keeps contract terminology consistent across every document and keeps the budget predictable. Processing time depends on each authority's queue, so the working order and the expected return date are confirmed before any work begins. Tell us where the document will be used and you will get a plan and a price the same business day. The workable order is: check that the source document is complete and legible, translate it, certify the translation, file for legalisation with the Department of Consular Affairs, then obtain the destination embassy's certification — or an Apostille where the destination is a convention party. Caution: government fees follow the authority's published rate and are separate from professional fees; check the current rate on the official website first. Private documents such as powers of attorney or contracts must first pass a notarial services attorney before they can enter the legalisation stage. Caution: never unbind, trim or separate pages after an authority has sealed the set — doing so voids the certification. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.

Primary sources & verification

Every procedural statement on this page is checked against the issuing authority below. Where an authority updates its requirements, this page is corrected — we do not restate outdated procedure.

Government fees quoted anywhere on this site are the authorities' own statutory rates. Our professional fees are quoted per case — contact us by phone, LINE or email for a written quotation.

12 of 1,600 curated questions · cited to DBD, Revenue Department, BOI, DIP and PDPC · fees quoted on request

1,600 questions on company registration, tax, accounting and corporate documents — answered by NYC Legal

Q326172.How can an adviser pre-check the draft documents before capital increase and share transfer to foreign shareholders is filed?

A private limited company is registered with the Department of Business Development (DBD) under the Civil and Commercial Code, which since 7 February 2023 requires a minimum of two promoters, and filings can be made through the DBD e-Registration system. Where a filing or year-end deadline applies, allow time for corrections and re-certification. Watch out: late or missed financial-statement and tax filings carry statutory fines and can affect financing and other licence applications. Verify current requirements with the DBD (dbd.go.th), the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), the BOI (boi.go.th), the DIP (ipthailand.go.th), the PDPC (pdpc.or.th) and the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th). Professional fees are quoted per case based on scope and documents involved — ask our team by phone, LINE or email. Financial statements and tax documents used abroad should be the auditor-certified version, and the translation must state the currency and the accounting standard applied. Caution: the English company name must be the one registered with the Department of Business Development; a freshly translated name makes the documents read as a different legal entity. Verify corporate records at the Department of Business Development (dbd.go.th), tax matters at the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), and legalisation at consular.mfa.go.th.

Q326316.How does an experienced adviser reduce the risks in capital increase and share transfer to foreign shareholders?

A private limited company is registered with the Department of Business Development (DBD) under the Civil and Commercial Code, which since 7 February 2023 requires a minimum of two promoters, and filings can be made through the DBD e-Registration system. Keep the bundle paired original-to-translation and make sure the English company name matches the registered one on every page. Watch out: inconsistent English spellings of the company name are the most common cause of rejection — keep one spelling throughout. Verify current requirements with the DBD (dbd.go.th), the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), the BOI (boi.go.th), the DIP (ipthailand.go.th), the PDPC (pdpc.or.th) and the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th). Professional fees are quoted per case based on scope and documents involved — ask our team by phone, LINE or email. The corporate bundle destinations usually ask for together is the affidavit or shareholder list, the memorandum of association, the VAT registration (PP.20) and the latest financial statements — prepare them together so they can be translated in one pass. Verify corporate records at the Department of Business Development (dbd.go.th), tax matters at the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), and legalisation at consular.mfa.go.th.

Q326236.How should the destination address and contact details be prepared for capital increase and share transfer to foreign shareholders?

A private limited company is registered with the Department of Business Development (DBD) under the Civil and Commercial Code, which since 7 February 2023 requires a minimum of two promoters, and filings can be made through the DBD e-Registration system. Keep the bundle paired original-to-translation and make sure the English company name matches the registered one on every page. Watch out: using Thai nominee shareholders to disguise foreign ownership is an offence under the Foreign Business Act. Verify current requirements with the DBD (dbd.go.th), the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), the BOI (boi.go.th), the DIP (ipthailand.go.th), the PDPC (pdpc.or.th) and the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th). Professional fees are quoted per case based on scope and documents involved — ask our team by phone, LINE or email. In practice you obtain a current company affidavit and the related registry documents from the Department of Business Development, then send them for translation and certification in the form the destination requires. Verify corporate records at the Department of Business Development (dbd.go.th), tax matters at the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), and legalisation at consular.mfa.go.th.

Q65148.Which Thai authority publishes the current rules for foreign-owned business (Foreign Business Act / BOI / Treaty of Amity), and where do I check them?

Majority foreign ownership in activities listed under the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999) requires a licence or certificate, unless the company qualifies under a treaty (such as the Thailand–US Treaty of Amity) or holds BOI investment promotion. Keep the bundle paired original-to-translation and make sure the English company name matches the registered one on every page. Watch out: receiving parties often accept a company affidavit only if issued within the last three to six months — obtain a fresh extract before use. Verify current requirements with the DBD (dbd.go.th), the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), the BOI (boi.go.th), the DIP (ipthailand.go.th), the PDPC (pdpc.or.th) and the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th). Professional fees are quoted per case based on scope and documents involved — ask our team by phone, LINE or email. In practice you obtain a current company affidavit and the related registry documents from the Department of Business Development, then send them for translation and certification in the form the destination requires. Verify corporate records at the Department of Business Development (dbd.go.th), tax matters at the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), and legalisation at consular.mfa.go.th.

Q65096.At which stage of foreign-owned business (Foreign Business Act / BOI / Treaty of Amity) is a power of attorney required, and which authority issues it?

Majority foreign ownership in activities listed under the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999) requires a licence or certificate, unless the company qualifies under a treaty (such as the Thailand–US Treaty of Amity) or holds BOI investment promotion. Keep the bundle paired original-to-translation and make sure the English company name matches the registered one on every page. Watch out: rely on official sources rather than third-party sites, since forms and practice are updated periodically. Verify current requirements with the DBD (dbd.go.th), the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), the BOI (boi.go.th), the DIP (ipthailand.go.th), the PDPC (pdpc.or.th) and the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th). Professional fees are quoted per case based on scope and documents involved — ask our team by phone, LINE or email. In practice you obtain a current company affidavit and the related registry documents from the Department of Business Development, then send them for translation and certification in the form the destination requires. Verify corporate records at the Department of Business Development (dbd.go.th), tax matters at the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), and legalisation at consular.mfa.go.th.

Q65542.At which stage of annual filings and the corporate compliance calendar is a financial statements required, and which authority issues it?

The annual corporate calendar covers closing the accounts, holding the annual general meeting, filing the shareholder list (BorOrJor.5) and financial statements with the DBD, and filing tax returns with the Revenue Department — each deadline runs from the company's own year-end, so confirm dates with the authority each year. A practical order is: settle the shareholding structure and objectives first, gather director and shareholder identity documents, file with the responsible authority, then keep the certified output for the next step. Watch out: receiving parties often accept a company affidavit only if issued within the last three to six months — obtain a fresh extract before use. Verify current requirements with the DBD (dbd.go.th), the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), the BOI (boi.go.th), the DIP (ipthailand.go.th), the PDPC (pdpc.or.th) and the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th). Professional fees are quoted per case based on scope and documents involved — ask our team by phone, LINE or email.

Q210094.Which authority is responsible for registering for VAT, and where can it be filed?

A business whose turnover exceeds THB 1.8 million per year must register for VAT with the Revenue Department, while a juristic person files the half-year (PND.51) and annual (PND.50) corporate income tax returns within the deadlines set by the Revenue Code. A practical order is: settle the shareholding structure and objectives first, gather director and shareholder identity documents, file with the responsible authority, then keep the certified output for the next step. Watch out: inconsistent English spellings of the company name are the most common cause of rejection — keep one spelling throughout. Verify current requirements with the DBD (dbd.go.th), the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), the BOI (boi.go.th), the DIP (ipthailand.go.th), the PDPC (pdpc.or.th) and the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th). Professional fees are quoted per case based on scope and documents involved — ask our team by phone, LINE or email. In practice you obtain a current company affidavit and the related registry documents from the Department of Business Development, then send them for translation and certification in the form the destination requires. Verify corporate records at the Department of Business Development (dbd.go.th), tax matters at the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), and legalisation at consular.mfa.go.th.

Q210208.Can an authorised representative carry out putting a data processing agreement in place with a vendor on someone's behalf?

The Personal Data Protection Act B.E. 2562 (2019) has applied in full since 1 June 2022: controllers need a lawful basis, must give notice of purpose, keep records of processing activities and appoint a Data Protection Officer in the cases the Act specifies, with the PDPC as regulator. A practical order is: settle the shareholding structure and objectives first, gather director and shareholder identity documents, file with the responsible authority, then keep the certified output for the next step. Watch out: late or missed financial-statement and tax filings carry statutory fines and can affect financing and other licence applications. Verify current requirements with the DBD (dbd.go.th), the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), the BOI (boi.go.th), the DIP (ipthailand.go.th), the PDPC (pdpc.or.th) and the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th). Professional fees are quoted per case based on scope and documents involved — ask our team by phone, LINE or email. The corporate bundle destinations usually ask for together is the affidavit or shareholder list, the memorandum of association, the VAT registration (PP.20) and the latest financial statements — prepare them together so they can be translated in one pass. Verify corporate records at the Department of Business Development (dbd.go.th), tax matters at the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), and legalisation at consular.mfa.go.th.

Q65324.At which stage of trademark, copyright and IP with the DIP is a power of attorney required, and which authority issues it?

Trademarks are registered with the Department of Intellectual Property under the Trademark Act B.E. 2534 (1991) for renewable ten-year terms, while copyright arises automatically on creation under the Copyright Act B.E. 2537 (1994) — recordation with the DIP is supporting evidence, not the source of the right. Where a filing or year-end deadline applies, allow time for corrections and re-certification. Watch out: rely on official sources rather than third-party sites, since forms and practice are updated periodically. Verify current requirements with the DBD (dbd.go.th), the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), the BOI (boi.go.th), the DIP (ipthailand.go.th), the PDPC (pdpc.or.th) and the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th). Professional fees are quoted per case based on scope and documents involved — ask our team by phone, LINE or email. In practice you obtain a current company affidavit and the related registry documents from the Department of Business Development, then send them for translation and certification in the form the destination requires. Verify corporate records at the Department of Business Development (dbd.go.th), tax matters at the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), and legalisation at consular.mfa.go.th.

Q226122.Can a document issued years ago still be used for preparing employment paperwork for foreign executives, and how is that verified?

An employer must register itself and its employees with the Social Security Office within the statutory period after hiring, and foreign staff need the correct visa category plus a work permit under the Royal Ordinance on Managing the Work of Aliens B.E. 2560 (2017), administered by the Department of Employment. Keep the bundle paired original-to-translation and make sure the English company name matches the registered one on every page. Watch out: late or missed financial-statement and tax filings carry statutory fines and can affect financing and other licence applications. Verify current requirements with the DBD (dbd.go.th), the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), the BOI (boi.go.th), the DIP (ipthailand.go.th), the PDPC (pdpc.or.th) and the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th). Professional fees are quoted per case based on scope and documents involved — ask our team by phone, LINE or email. In practice you obtain a current company affidavit and the related registry documents from the Department of Business Development, then send them for translation and certification in the form the destination requires. Verify corporate records at the Department of Business Development (dbd.go.th), tax matters at the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), and legalisation at consular.mfa.go.th.

Q65683.If documents from hiring, social security and work permits for foreign staff must be used abroad, what translation and certification chain applies?

An employer must register itself and its employees with the Social Security Office within the statutory period after hiring, and foreign staff need the correct visa category plus a work permit under the Royal Ordinance on Managing the Work of Aliens B.E. 2560 (2017), administered by the Department of Employment. A practical order is: settle the shareholding structure and objectives first, gather director and shareholder identity documents, file with the responsible authority, then keep the certified output for the next step. Watch out: late or missed financial-statement and tax filings carry statutory fines and can affect financing and other licence applications. Verify current requirements with the DBD (dbd.go.th), the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), the BOI (boi.go.th), the DIP (ipthailand.go.th), the PDPC (pdpc.or.th) and the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th). Professional fees are quoted per case based on scope and documents involved — ask our team by phone, LINE or email.

Q65428.How should a restaurant or hospitality business plan for PDPA compliance and personal-data protection from day one to avoid retroactive fixes?

The Personal Data Protection Act B.E. 2562 (2019) has applied in full since 1 June 2022: controllers need a lawful basis, must give notice of purpose, keep records of processing activities and appoint a Data Protection Officer in the cases the Act specifies, with the PDPC as regulator. Keep the bundle paired original-to-translation and make sure the English company name matches the registered one on every page. Watch out: rely on official sources rather than third-party sites, since forms and practice are updated periodically. Verify current requirements with the DBD (dbd.go.th), the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), the BOI (boi.go.th), the DIP (ipthailand.go.th), the PDPC (pdpc.or.th) and the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th). Professional fees are quoted per case based on scope and documents involved — ask our team by phone, LINE or email. Where the bundle is for overseas use, sequence it as translation, certification, legalisation at the Department of Consular Affairs, then the destination embassy — and count the sets needed for every receiving body. Verify corporate records at the Department of Business Development (dbd.go.th), tax matters at the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), and legalisation at consular.mfa.go.th.

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คำถามที่พบบ่อย

What do you need to start Corporate?
A photo or scan of the original plus the destination country and receiving authority. We review it free of charge and reply with the shortest valid routing.
What does the Corporate fee include?
Professional service fee, government fees at official rates, domestic EMS, and international courier where applicable — each listed separately in the quote.
How long does Corporate take?
Standard turnaround is 5-7 business days; rush is 1-3 business days, counted from receipt of complete originals.
Do I have to visit the office?
No. Send originals by EMS or book a Bangkok pickup; completed documents are returned by domestic post or international courier.

Corporate

Most delays in "Corporate" matters come from re-filing, not from the work itself. Our International Document Services team therefore verifies destination requirements first and only then walks the file through the accepted sequence. We handle files from Bangkok, upcountry, and overseas clients working through a power of attorney. Files are signed off by an attorney registered as a Notarial Services Attorney with the Lawyers Council of Thailand, working alongside Ministry of Justice-recognized translators and our consular liaison desk. Fees are itemized before work begins: professional service fee, government fees, domestic EMS, and international courier (DHL/FedEx). Choose standard turnaround of 5-7 business days or rush turnaround of 1-3 business days.

Corporate — service overview

  • Most delays in "Corporate" matters come from re-filing, not from the work itself. Our International Document Services team therefore verifies destination requirements first and only then walks the file through the accepted sequence.
  • We handle files from Bangkok, upcountry, and overseas clients working through a power of attorney. Files are signed off by an attorney registered as a Notarial Services Attorney with the Lawyers Council of Thailand, working alongside Ministry of Justice-recognized translators and our consular liaison desk.
  • Fees are itemized before work begins: professional service fee, government fees, domestic EMS, and international courier (DHL/FedEx). Choose standard turnaround of 5-7 business days or rush turnaround of 1-3 business days.

Documents required for Corporate

  • Original document required for Corporate (or a freshly issued certified copy within its validity window)
  • Copy of national ID or passport, signed and dated as a true copy
  • Power of attorney (if a representative will handle it) with a 30 THB revenue stamp
  • Destination details: country, receiving authority, purpose, and required deadline

How Corporate runs, stage by stage

  • 1. Send scanned copies of the Corporate source documents via LINE/email for a free initial review.
  • 2. We confirm eligibility and issue a written quote with a committed turnaround.
  • 3. You deliver originals to our office (or book a Bangkok pickup) and pay a 50% deposit.
  • 4. We translate, certify, and submit to each Thai authority in the order the destination accepts.
  • 5. Final documents are scanned and emailed for your review before physical dispatch.
  • 6. We ship by EMS domestically and DHL/FedEx internationally, with tracking numbers.

Timeline and fees for Corporate

  • Standard turnaround for Corporate: 5-7 business days from receipt of complete originals.
  • Rush turnaround: 1-3 business days (rush surcharge applies).
  • Government fees are charged at official rates with no markup.
  • Domestic EMS at Thailand Post rates; international DHL/FedEx at actual weight-based rates.

Why Corporate filings get rejected

  • Dates that disagree across documents — this must be fixed at the issuing agency; it cannot be corrected at the translation stage.
  • Using a translator without an official seal — the MFA and embassies will not accept it, and the chain restarts.
  • Skipping MFA legalization before the embassy step — this costs multiple trips and several weeks.
  • Name mismatch between the document and the passport — embassies reject these. Correct it at the district office before translating.

FAQ

What do you need to start Corporate?
A photo or scan of the original plus the destination country and receiving authority. We review it free of charge and reply with the shortest valid routing.
What does the Corporate fee include?
Professional service fee, government fees at official rates, domestic EMS, and international courier where applicable — each listed separately in the quote.
How long does Corporate take?
Standard turnaround is 5-7 business days; rush is 1-3 business days, counted from receipt of complete originals.
Do I have to visit the office?
No. Send originals by EMS or book a Bangkok pickup; completed documents are returned by domestic post or international courier.

Corporate Documents and Company Registration in Thailand — In-Depth Guide

Corporate legal advisor and client signing company registration documents in a meeting room
Editorial illustration (AI-generated, editorially reviewed — no real persons or brand logos depicted).

Regulatory & Standards Citations

  • กรมพัฒนาธุรกิจการค้า กระทรวงพาณิชย์การจดทะเบียนนิติบุคคลและการขอหนังสือรับรอง [source]
  • ประมวลกฎหมายแพ่งและพาณิชย์บรรพ 3 ลักษณะ 22 หุ้นส่วนและบริษัท [source]
  • สำนักงานคณะกรรมการส่งเสริมการลงทุน (BOI)หลักเกณฑ์การส่งเสริมการลงทุนและเอกสารประกอบ [source]

Common Pitfalls (From Field Experience)

  • Using a company affidavit older than the receiving party allows.
  • Translating the company name or objectives differently from the DBD registration.
  • Forgetting certified copies of the authorised directors' ID or passport.
  • Having documents signed by someone other than the authorised director named in the affidavit.

Decision Tree

ใช้เอกสารในประเทศไทยเท่านั้น?
Yes → หนังสือรับรองฉบับภาษาไทยจาก DBD เพียงพอ
No → ต้องแปลรับรองและผ่านการรับรองกงสุล
คู่สัญญาต่างประเทศขอเอกสารที่ผ่านการรับรองโดยรัฐ?
Yes → ทำแปลรับรอง → กงสุล → สถานทูตปลายทาง
No → ใช้แปลรับรองโดยผู้ให้บริการแปลได้ตามที่คู่สัญญายอมรับ
โครงสร้างผู้ถือหุ้นมีชาวต่างชาติเกินเกณฑ์ที่กฎหมายกำหนด?
Yes → ตรวจสอบข้อจำกัดตามกฎหมายว่าด้วยการประกอบธุรกิจของคนต่างด้าวและทางเลือก BOI
No → ดำเนินการจดทะเบียนตามปกติ

Options Compared

OptionBest forTimelineCost (THB)
บริษัทจำกัดธุรกิจทั่วไปที่ต้องการโครงสร้างมาตรฐานตามคิวนายทะเบียนสอบถามเจ้าหน้าที่ (โทร / LINE / อีเมล)
ห้างหุ้นส่วนจำกัดกิจการขนาดเล็กที่มีผู้ร่วมทุนน้อยรายตามคิวนายทะเบียนสอบถามเจ้าหน้าที่ (โทร / LINE / อีเมล)
สำนักงานผู้แทน / สาขาต่างประเทศบริษัทแม่ต่างประเทศที่ยังไม่ตั้งนิติบุคคลไทยขึ้นกับการพิจารณาอนุญาตสอบถามเจ้าหน้าที่ (โทร / LINE / อีเมล)

Scope of work: Company registration and corporate filings

Shareholding structure, incorporation, amendments and corporate documents prepared for use in Thailand and abroad.

This service fits you when

  • You want to incorporate a Thai limited company or branch
  • You must amend directors, address, capital or objectives
  • You need translated and legalised corporate records for overseas use
  • Foreign shareholders make the ownership analysis relevant

When another route is the right one

  • Restricted activities may require a foreign business licence or a different structure
  • Projects that qualify for BOI promotion usually gain more than a plain company
  • Short market tests can start with a representative office

What the service includes

  • Structure advice and company-name check before reservation
  • Memorandum, articles and meeting documents drafted
  • Registration filing and tax ID application
  • Corporate document pack with certified translations where needed
  • Post-incorporation duty briefing: accounting, tax and annual meetings

What is not included

  • Government and courier fees charged by the receiving authority (billed at cost, always quoted before we start)
  • Any guarantee of approval by a government office or embassy — that decision stays with the officer in charge
  • Sourcing original documents that only you can request in person

Not sure which route your case belongs to? Tell us the destination and the deadline — our advisers have handled these files for more than 15 years and will confirm the correct sequence and exact documents before you spend anything.

Corporate document process and required documents

Company documents for overseas use start with freshly issued DBD records, then certified translation and consular or apostille certification.

Step-by-step process

  1. 1Obtain fresh DBD recordsCompany affidavit, shareholder list, MOA and financials as the destination requires.
  2. 2Verify signing authorityWe confirm the signatory is authorised in the affidavit and add a power of attorney when delegated.
  3. 3Certified legal/business translationEntity terms, director names and capital figures are kept exact.
  4. 4Certify for overseas useNotary + consular department + embassy, or an apostille set depending on destination.
  5. 5Package for deliveryAssembled to the bank's, partner's or authority's format with backup copies.

Documents you need to prepare

  • Company affidavit issued within 6 months
  • Shareholder list (BOJ.5) and memorandum of association
  • Latest financial statements if requested
  • Authorised director's ID/passport and a power of attorney

Common pitfalls to avoid

  • Records older than the destination's limit are rejected.
  • The English company name must match the registered form.
  • Signature by an unauthorised person voids the whole set.

Prefer not to handle the queues, forms and re-submissions yourself? Our team has run these files for more than 15 years — we advise on the right route first, then complete every step for you end to end. Message us and we will confirm the exact documents for your case.

Compare the options before you decide

Thailand's notarial attorney vs a foreign Notary Public

Thailand has no Notary Public office in the international sense. Equivalent work is performed by a Notarial Services Attorney licensed by the Lawyers Council of Thailand.

AspectThailand: notarial attorneyAbroad: Notary Public
Who is authorisedAn attorney licensed for notarial services by the Lawyers CouncilA notary appointed by the state or a court
ScopeSignature certification, true copies, affidavits and translations where the law allowsVaries by jurisdiction
Usual next stepFile with the Department of Consular Affairs, then Apostille or embassyUsually the country's own central authority
In-person requiredYes — you sign in front of the certifying attorneyGenerally yes

Where the receiving body uses its own terminology, follow that wording rather than claiming an equivalent title.

Apostille route vs embassy legalisation route

The destination country decides whether a file ends at an Apostille or still needs the embassy. Confirm the country's convention status first: the two routes use a different order and different paperwork.

AspectApostille routeEmbassy legalisation route
When it appliesDestination is a party to the Apostille ConventionDestination does not accept an Apostille
Final authorityDepartment of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign AffairsThe destination country's embassy or consulate in Thailand
Typical number of stepsFewer — the chain ends at the central authorityMore — central authority first, then the embassy
Approximate timeframeShorter, still subject to the authority's queueLonger, because the embassy appointment queue is added
Common rejection causeTranslation does not match the original, or the copy was not issued by the authorityThe embassy's own form or language requirement was not followed

Verify the current convention status and embassy conditions before filing.

Filing it yourself vs letting NYC run the chain

Every step can be done alone. This table compares the real workload of each option so the decision rests on time and rejection risk rather than marketing claims.

AspectDo it yourselfNYC handles it
Checking destination rulesRead each authority's notice yourself and confirm by phoneChecked before you start, with the order the receiving authority accepts
TravelSeveral agencies with queues that rarely line up in one dayDocuments move by courier or online except where the law requires you in person
Rejection riskOne mismatch — a name spelled differently from the passport — restarts the chainNames, dates and stamps are cross-checked before every filing
Status trackingYou follow up with each authorityStatus updates at each stage, and we handle the fix if a file is returned
Advisory roleNo one to compare options when your case falls outside the manualYou get advice on the options before work starts, not just execution

Government fees and timeframes change; ask for an assessment of your own case before you start.

5 company registration and corporate document mistakes

Errors at incorporation follow through into accounting, tax and licensing.

  1. 1. Company objectives too narrow for the real business

    Why it matters: It affects licences, bank accounts and contracts.

    How to avoid it: Cover the next 2–3 years of business plans.

  2. 2. Shareholding structure ignoring sector restrictions

    Why it matters: Some sectors restrict foreign shareholding.

    How to avoid it: Check restrictions before designing the structure.

  3. 3. Loosely defined signing authority

    Why it matters: It creates risk or blocks transactions.

    How to avoid it: State signing conditions clearly in the affidavit.

  4. 4. Registered address without a consent letter

    Why it matters: Evidence of permission to use the premises is required.

    How to avoid it: Prepare the consent letter and property documents.

  5. 5. No plan for post-registration obligations

    Why it matters: Filings, tax and social security have fixed deadlines.

    How to avoid it: Set a compliance calendar from day one.

Prefer not to manage these details yourself? Our team has advised on cases like this for more than 15 years — we confirm the correct route first, then handle every step for you. Message us and we will list exactly which documents your case needs.

What the common mistakes actually cost

Almost every failure in legal instruments and drafting happens during preparation, not at the counter, and the real cost is the TIME needed to repeat the chain. Below is what each mistake comes from, how long it typically adds, and how to avoid it.

MistakeWhy it happensTime costHow to prevent it
Self-translating, or using a translator the destination does not recogniseSome countries accept only registered translators, others only translations certified by a Thai government body.Typically adds 4–10 working days for a fresh translation and a restarted chain.Ask the destination exactly which form of translation it accepts, then match the translator to that form from the start.
Planning without allowing for public and embassy holidaysEmbassies close on both Thai and home-country holidays, so the real calendar is shorter than it looks.Typically adds 3–9 working days around a long holiday period.Check the holiday calendar of every body involved before fixing a travel or filing date.
The name in the translation does not match the passport spellingReceiving authorities compare character by character; a single different letter reads as a different person.Typically adds 3–10 working days, because the translation has to be redone and the whole chain repeated.Send the passport page on day one and have the translator take the spelling from the passport, never from the Thai document.
Removing staples or separating pages after certificationThe certification is attached to the bound set; once separated the set counts as incomplete.Typically adds 3–7 working days to re-certify the set.Scan first, then keep the originals in a rigid envelope without detaching anything.
Using an old copy instead of a freshly issued oneMany destinations accept documents issued within the last 3–6 months only, and some require a clean, legibly sealed reissue.Typically adds 5–15 working days for the trip back to the district registrar.Check the destination's freshness rule first, then request several certified copies in a single visit.

Deep timeline: what can run in parallel

The windows below are approximate and depend on each authority's queue. Stages marked as parallel can start alongside the previous stage — that is where the total calendar time is actually reduced.

  1. 1. Advisory call to fix scope and form1–2 working days

    Parties, delegated powers, and the intended effect are settled before drafting to avoid later rewrites.

  2. 2. Drafting and professional review2–5 working days

    Wording, signing authority, and annexes are checked against what the destination requires.

  3. 3. Execution and certification1–3 working days

    Signatories appear with original identity documents and the instrument is certified in the required form.

  4. 4. Translation and legalisation for overseas use3–15 working dayscan run in parallel

    Possible once the original is fully executed; timing depends on destination and queues.

Note: all windows are general estimates, not guarantees. Actual timing depends on how complete your file is and on the queues at the authorities involved.

Key terms to know before you file

These are the terms clients most often misread — and a leading cause of rejected documents. Our advisors walk you through them before any work starts.

Certificate of Incorporation(Thai equivalent: หนังสือรับรองนิติบุคคล)
An official document evidencing the formation of a legal entity, issued in Thailand by the Department of Business Development.
Work Permit(Thai equivalent: ใบอนุญาตทำงาน)
A permit issued by Thailand's Department of Employment authorising a foreign national to work in the Kingdom.
Department of Business Development (DBD)(Thai equivalent: กรมพัฒนาธุรกิจการค้า)
The Thai government department responsible for company registration and corporate records.
Affidavit(Thai equivalent: คำให้การสาบาน)
A sworn written statement signed before a notary, used as evidence in courts and government authorities abroad.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)(Thai equivalent: บันทึกข้อตกลง)
A formal agreement between parties; often requires certified translation and notarisation when used abroad.
Notarial Services Attorney(Thai equivalent: ทนายผู้ทำคำรับรอง)
A Thai lawyer licensed by the Lawyers Council of Thailand under His Majesty's Patronage to perform notarial acts equivalent to a foreign Notary Public.

Not sure which route your case needs? Send us the documents for a free assessment and we handle every step for you.

View the full glossary

Related services you may need next

Most cases need more than one step. Here is how the surrounding work connects, so you can plan the whole chain instead of discovering a missing certification at the last minute.

Not sure which of these your case actually needs? That is exactly what our advisory team does: with 15+ years on cross-border documents, we map the full chain for your destination first, then handle every step so nothing is filed in the wrong order.

We work as advisers, not only as a document-running agency

Our team has worked on documents, translation and legalisation for more than 15 years, combining notarial attorneys licensed by the Lawyers Council of Thailand with translators the receiving authorities accept. Every case starts with advice on the correct route and only then moves to execution — we do not simply run whatever is handed to us.

Before we start — mapping the document route

We confirm whether your file ends at an Apostille or still needs the embassy, whether a freshly issued copy is required, and which form of translation the receiving authority accepts. This is where most time is saved, because it is where most people choose wrongly and restart.

While preparing — consistency checks

We match the spelling of your name against the passport, check the issue date against the validity window the destination applies, verify stamps and signatures, and confirm the translation matches the original line by line.

While filing — coordination with the authorities

We file in the order each authority expects, follow the queue, and report status as it moves. If an authority asks for more paperwork, you hear about it immediately, together with the options for fixing it.

After delivery — practical guidance

We explain which bodies this set can be filed with, how to store the originals, and how many certified sets to request up front if you expect to use them again, so you do not repeat the whole chain later.

Cases where advice up front changes the outcome

  • The name on an older document does not match the current passport because of a name change or a different transliteration.
  • The applicant is upcountry or abroad, so the power of attorney and courier plan must be arranged carefully.
  • The destination only says "certified translation" without stating which form of certification it accepts.
  • Documents have a limited validity window and every item must still be valid on the day of filing.

If you are unsure which route your case takes, send photos of the documents and name the destination country or authority. We map the sequence and the paperwork first; you then decide whether to run it yourself or hand it over.

Who wrote and checked this page

Written by
NYC Legal company registration desk
Reviewed by
Company registration (DBD) and corporate documents advisor
Last reviewed

Over 15 years advising on document certification, official translation and Thai/overseas filings. We are not only a filing agency — every case starts with a consultation so you know the correct route, the exact documents and the realistic timeline before any fee is paid.

Procedures and authority requirements can change. We re-check each page against the responsible authority's current practice; if your case is time-critical, message us to confirm the latest requirement.

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Most document journeys need more than one step. These are the steps clients most often combine with this page.

Professional fees are quoted per case — ask our team by phone, LINE or email.

Verify with the issuing authority

Each source below is the authority that owns the rule cited on this page. If an authority changes its requirement, this page is corrected.