Buyer guide
Setting up a Thai company as a foreigner
Incorporation steps, capital requirements, banking and annual compliance for a Thai limited company used to hold real estate â with the legal cautions that matter.
Incorporation steps
Setting up a Thai limited company takes roughly one to two weeks: reserve the company name, file the memorandum of association with at least two shareholders, hold the statutory meeting, then register with the Department of Business Development and obtain the tax ID.
Capital and shareholders
There is no fixed minimum capital for a Thai-majority company, but registered capital must credibly match the property purchase â a company buying a āļŋ20M villa on minimal capital invites scrutiny. Foreigners can hold up to 49%, with genuine Thai shareholders holding the balance.
Bank account and VAT
The company opens a corporate bank account, registers for VAT if turnover requires it, and sets up bookkeeping from incorporation. Directors' work-permit status matters if you will actively manage the company â a separate consideration from property ownership.
Annual compliance
Every year the company files audited financial statements, an annual shareholder meeting and corporate tax returns, even when dormant. We always recommend engaging a Thai property lawyer and accountant before incorporation â the wrong structure is far more expensive to unwind than to set up correctly.