How Much Does It Cost to Open a Company in Thailand? (2026 Guide for Foreigners)
Quick answer: With D PROMPT ACCOUNTING, setting up a standard Thai Limited Company starts at THB 35,000 plus roughly THB 7,000 in government fees (excluding 7% VAT). A BOI-promoted company starts at THB 180,000. Budget separately for monthly accounting (from THB 6,000/month), the annual audit, and any visa and work permit.
In this guide
- Setup cost by company structure
- Registered capital: what you actually need
- Ongoing costs in your first year
- Example first-year budget (small service company)
- How to keep costs down
Setup cost by company structure
| Structure | Our fee (THB, excl. VAT) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Thai Limited Company | from 35,000 + govt fees (~7,000) | Most small and medium businesses |
| BOI-promoted company | from 180,000 + govt fees | Tech, digital, manufacturing — 100% foreign ownership and tax incentives |
| Treaty of Amity (US citizens) | from 95,000 + govt fees | US-owned businesses |
| Foreign Business License | from 120,000 | Restricted activities needing majority foreign ownership |
| Branch / Representative Office | from 80,000 | Overseas companies entering Thailand |
A standard Thai Limited Company typically takes 7–14 business days once documents are ready. See the full fee table →
Registered capital: what you actually need
- Capital is not a fee — it is money that belongs to your company.
- Companies that are majority foreign-owned generally need at least THB 2 million of capital under the Foreign Business Act, and THB 3 million when a Foreign Business License is required.
- If you plan to hire foreigners on a Non-B visa and work permit, immigration and labour rules usually expect THB 2 million of paid-up capital and four Thai employees per foreign work-permit holder (BOI companies follow different rules).
The right capital level depends on your structure and hiring plan — we check this before you register.
Ongoing costs in your first year
- Monthly accounting & tax filing: from THB 6,000/month (up to 30 transactions).
- Payroll & Social Security: from THB 450–800 per employee per month (minimum THB 4,000/month).
- Annual audit: every Thai limited company must have its financial statements audited by a Thai CPA. Our coordination fee starts at THB 25,000; the auditor’s own fee is quoted separately.
- Non-B visa + work permit: from THB 25,000 per person, excluding government fees.
Example first-year budget (small service company)
| Item | THB (excl. VAT) |
|---|---|
| Company setup (Thai Limited Company) | 35,000 |
| Government registration fees (approx.) | 7,000 |
| Accounting & tax, 12 months | 72,000 |
| Annual audit coordination | 25,000 |
| Non-B visa + work permit (1 director) | 25,000 |
| Indicative total | ~164,000 + auditor’s fee + government visa fees |
This is an illustration, not a quote. Bundling setup, accounting and visa services typically saves 10–15%.
How to keep costs down
- Choose the right structure first — switching later costs more than getting it right.
- Avoid nominee shareholder arrangements; they are illegal and expensive to unwind. Why nominees are a red flag →
- Keep clean monthly records so the annual audit is faster and cheaper.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to register a company in Thailand?
With D PROMPT ACCOUNTING, a standard Thai Limited Company starts at THB 35,000 plus about THB 7,000 in government fees, excluding 7% VAT.
How long does company registration take in Thailand?
Typically 7–14 business days once all documents are ready. BOI promotion approval typically takes 40–90 business days.
Do I need a Thai partner to open a company?
Not always. BOI promotion, the US Treaty of Amity or a Foreign Business License can allow majority or 100% foreign ownership, depending on your activity.
Is there a yearly audit cost?
Yes. Every Thai limited company needs its annual financial statements audited by a Thai CPA, so budget for the auditor’s fee in addition to accounting.
General information current as of October 2026, not legal or tax advice. Thai rules and government fees change; we confirm current requirements for your case in a free 30-minute consultation.