Registering a company in Thailand is very achievable, but the process has several moving parts. Name reservation, shareholder structure, government filings, tax registration and bank accounts all need to line up. In this guide, the Settlr Global team walks through the typical journey so you know what to expect before you start.
Please note this is general information, not legal advice. Your exact path depends on your business activity, ownership and plans, which is why Settlr Global always starts with a scoping call.
Step 1: Decide your structure
Most foreign founders choose a Thai Private Limited Company. The big question is ownership. Depending on the business activity, foreign ownership can be restricted, so founders often compare a few different structures, including BOI promotion where it applies.
Settlr Global helps you compare these routes based on your industry, capital and long-term plans, rather than pushing a one-size-fits-all answer.
Step 2: Reserve your company name
Your proposed company name is reserved with the Department of Business Development (DBD). It needs to be unique and follow naming rules. Settlr Global usually suggests a few backup options so a rejection does not delay the timeline.
Step 3: Prepare the Memorandum of Association
The Memorandum of Association (MoA) sets out key details such as the company name, business objectives, registered capital and shareholders. Getting the objectives right matters, because they shape what the company is allowed to do and what licences it may need later. Settlr Global prepares the MoA as part of every incorporation package.
Step 4: Hold the statutory meeting and register the company
Next, shareholders approve the articles, appoint directors and confirm share allocations. The company is then registered with the DBD, and you receive your official company registration documents.
Step 5: Register for VAT and set up tax obligations
Next comes tax registration, including VAT registration where it applies to your business. From this point, monthly obligations begin to appear, such as withholding tax filings and, if registered, monthly VAT returns. Settlr Global’s accounting team maps these deadlines onto one compliance calendar.
Step 6: Open a corporate bank account
Thai banks usually ask for company documents, director identification and sometimes an in-person visit. Requirements differ from bank to bank, so Settlr Global coordinates with banks in advance to avoid repeat trips.
Step 7: Register for Social Security and prepare to hire
Once you hire employees, the company must register with the Social Security Office (SSO) and start monthly contributions. If you plan to hire foreign staff, work permit requirements come into play. Settlr Global’s visa desk explains these early so your structure supports your hiring plans.
How long does it take ?
With documents ready, Settlr Global typically completes setup in 2 to 6 weeks. Structures that need licences or BOI promotion can take longer, and Settlr Global gives you a realistic go-live window during the first call.
What is included ?
Settlr Global’s incorporation package covers Memorandum of Association preparation, DBD registration, shareholder structure setup, Tax ID and VAT registration, and live progress tracking on the client platform. Every engagement is scoped to your structure, so you know exactly what is covered before work begins.
Why founders use Settlr Global for incorporation
The biggest advantage is continuity. After registration, Settlr Global can take over bookkeeping, payroll, visas and tax filings from day one, so nothing falls between providers. As one client, Pankaj Sawhney of Redfox, shared, the team handled the MoA and DBD registration without him needing to follow up once.
Ready to start ?
Book a free consultation at https://settlrglobal.com/ and let Settlr Global map the right structure for your business.
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