Question 1

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Limited Company in Thailand?

Accepted Answer

Under the Foreign Business Act, foreigners are generally restricted to a maximum of 49% ownership in a Thai Limited Company, with Thai partners holding the remaining 51%. Exceptions include US citizens, who can own 100% under the US-Thai Treaty of Amity, and companies granted BOI (Board of Investment) promotion, which permits 100% foreign ownership.

Question 2

What are the requirements to obtain a Work Permit?

Accepted Answer

To sponsor one foreign Work Permit, a standard Thai company typically requires 2 million THB in registered capital, four Thai employees registered for Social Security, and valid VAT registration. If you are married to a Thai national, the requirements are reduced to 1 million THB registered capital and two Thai employees.

Question 3

Can I work as a company director without a Work Permit?

Accepted Answer

No. Signing documents, managing staff, negotiating contracts, or conducting any operational activity constitutes work under Thai law. Even as the company owner, you cannot legally engage in day-to-day operations without a Work Permit. Only attendance at shareholder meetings is permitted without one. Operating without a permit risks deportation and fines.

Question 4

Do I need to deposit 2 million THB in a bank account?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. The 2 million THB is a registered capital liability of the shareholders, not a cash deposit requirement per se. We advise on how to structure the capital registration correctly given your circumstances.

Question 5

How long does the full company and Work Permit process take?

Accepted Answer

The full timeline is typically six to eight weeks: company registration takes approximately one week; VAT and tax ID registration approximately one week; Non-B visa application approximately two to three weeks; and Work Permit issuance approximately one to two weeks. We manage the sequence to minimise overlap and delays.

Question 6

Do I need a physical office to register a company?

Accepted Answer

Yes. VAT registration and Work Permit issuance both require a physical commercial address with signage, photographs, a location map, and the landlord's signed consent. The Revenue Department and the Labor Department will inspect or require documented proof of the premises. Residential condominiums and virtual offices are not accepted.

Question 7

What is the minimum salary I must pay myself?

Accepted Answer

Minimum declared salaries are set by nationality. US, Canadian, and Japanese nationals: 60,000 THB per month. European and Australian nationals: 50,000 THB per month. Most other Asian nationalities: 35,000 THB per month. Personal income tax must be paid on this declared salary.

Question 8

What are the monthly compliance obligations?

Accepted Answer

A Thai company must file monthly: PND Withholding Tax (by the 7th of each month); VAT PP.30 (by the 15th); and Social Security contributions (by the 15th). Annual obligations include a half-year financial filing and a full audit. We provide monthly accounting services to manage all of this on your behalf.

Question 9

Can I get a Non-B Visa without leaving Thailand?

Accepted Answer

Conversion inside Thailand is technically possible but carries high documentation requirements and lower certainty. Most applicants find it more reliable to apply for the Non-B visa at a Thai embassy in a neighbouring country such as Penang or Vientiane, using the document package we prepare.

Question 10

Can my family stay with me on a Business Visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Once you hold a Non-B visa and Work Permit, your legal spouse and dependent children under the age of 20 can apply for Non-Immigrant O Dependent visas. Their status is tied to yours.

Question 11

What happens if I want to close my Thai company?

Accepted Answer

Dissolving a Thai company is a formal process typically taking three to six months. It requires a full audit, settlement of all tax liabilities, and publication of the closure in a newspaper. Simply abandoning a company without formal dissolution will result in your name being flagged by the Revenue Department, which can cause serious complications for future activities in Thailand.

Question 12

Can I get a Work Permit if I am over 50?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Age is not a barrier to obtaining a Work Permit. If you wish to work or operate a business in Thailand, the Business Visa and Work Permit route is available regardless of age. The Retirement Visa strictly prohibits any form of employment, so those over 50 who wish to work must use the Non-B route.

Business Visa
and Work Permit

Operating a Business in Thailand Correctly

The Four Steps to Legal Work

Company Incorporation

VAT and Tax Registration

Non-B Visa and Work Permit

Monthly Compliance

The Four Thai Employees Rule

Client Success Stories

Business Visa FAQ

Ready to Set Up Your Business in Thailand?

Business Visaand Work Permit