Thailand Company Registration Cost (2026): Capital, DBD Fees, BOI, Work Permits and Annual Costs

Thailand Company Costs Explained (2026)

Thailand company registration cost is modest: DBD government fees are roughly THB 5,500 per THB 1 million of registered capital, and many foreign founders spend THB 20,000–80,000 on a basic setup. The larger costs come after: THB 2 million of paid-up capital for a foreign-owned company and per work permit, accounting, the annual audit and staff. Our Thailand company formation page explains the process.

The answer depends heavily on:

• Company structure
  
• Foreign ownership model
  
• BOI eligibility
  
• Work permit requirements
  
• Office location
  
• Staffing plans

Many founders focus only on incorporation fees and underestimate the ongoing compliance and operational costs.

In reality, company registration is often the smallest part of the total investment.

This guide explains the full cost structure of operating a Thai company in 2026.

Understanding Thailand Company Costs

Thailand company expenses fall into five categories:

Incorporation Costs

• Company registration
  
• Government fees
  
• Legal documentation

Registered Capital

• Capital requirements
  
• Work permit support capital

BOI Costs

• Application preparation
  
• Advisory services
  
• Compliance obligations

Operational Costs

• Office rent
  
• Employees
  
• Payroll
  
• Utilities

Annual Maintenance

• Accounting
  
• Audits
  
• Tax filings
  
• Compliance

Registered Capital Requirements

The first major cost consideration is registered capital.

A Thai-majority company does not have to pay in all its registered capital at once. A foreign company is different: its minimum capital under the Foreign Business Act must be fully paid up before it starts business, and banks and immigration officers check the evidence.

Minimum Capital for Small Businesses

Many local Thai companies start with:

• THB 50,000
• THB 100,000
• THB 500,000

These levels suit a Thai-majority company without foreign work permits. A company more than 49% foreign-owned is a foreign company under the Foreign Business Act and needs at least THB 2 million of paid-up capital, or THB 3 million where the activity needs a Foreign Business Licence, as most services do.

THB 2 Million Per Work Permit Rule

For foreign-owned businesses, one of the most important practical benchmarks is:

THB 2,000,000 registered capital per foreign work permit

This is a widely applied rule used by authorities when evaluating foreign employee eligibility.

Example

One Foreign Director

Required Capital:

THB 2,000,000

Two Foreign Employees

Required Capital:

THB 4,000,000

Three Foreign Employees

Required Capital:

THB 6,000,000

For many Indian founders, this becomes the largest initial compliance-related requirement.

DBD Registration Fees

Company registration is handled through the Department of Business Development (DBD).

Government registration fees are generally calculated based on registered capital.

Common Fee Benchmark

A frequently cited estimate is:

Approximately THB 5,500 per THB 1 million of registered capital

Actual fees can vary depending on:

• Corporate structure
  
• Filing method
  
• Regulatory changes
  
• Professional assistance used

Typical Incorporation Budget

Many foreign entrepreneurs spend:

Basic Company Setup

THB 20,000–80,000

Including:

• Government filing
  
• Documentation
  
• Registration assistance

Legal and Professional Fees

Many founders use:

• Corporate service providers
  
• Law firms
  
• Accounting firms

Professional fees vary significantly based on complexity.

Typical Range

Standard Foreign-Owned Company

THB 30,000–150,000+

Factors affecting cost:

• Ownership structure
  
• BOI eligibility review
  
• Shareholder arrangements
  
• Industry licensing

BOI Application Costs

BOI (Board of Investment) promotion can be extremely valuable.

However, obtaining BOI approval often involves additional costs.

BOI Expenses May Include

• Business plan preparation
  
• Financial projections
  
• Application support
  
• Translation services
  
• Compliance advisory

Why BOI Is Still Worth Considering

Although BOI adds upfront cost, it may provide:

• Up to 100% foreign ownership
  
• Corporate tax exemption of 3 to 13 years, depending on the activity group
  
• Easier work permit approvals
  
• Import duty exemptions

The tax savings frequently outweigh application expenses.

Work Permit Costs

Foreign entrepreneurs operating in Thailand usually require:

Non-Immigrant B Visa

and

Thai Work Permit

Typical Costs Include

• Government processing fees
  
• Visa application fees
  
• Documentation preparation
  
• Renewal expenses

Costs vary depending on:

• Duration
  
• Nationality
  
• Processing method

Hidden Work Permit Costs

Many founders focus only on application fees.

The real cost often comes from:

• Registered capital requirements
• Compliance obligations
• Local staffing requirements
• Payroll administration

Office Rental Costs in Thailand

Office rental is one of the largest recurring expenses.

Bangkok Office Costs

Bangkok remains Thailand’s primary business center.

Advantages:

• International connectivity
  
• Banking access
  
• Professional services
  
• Talent availability

Disadvantages:

• Higher rental costs
  
• Greater competition

Typical Bangkok Office Range

Small offices may range from:

THB 10,000–50,000+ per month

Premium locations can cost significantly more.

Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Costs

The EEC includes:

• Chonburi
  
• Rayong
  
• Chachoengsao

These regions are increasingly popular among manufacturers.

EEC Advantages

• Lower property costs
  
• Industrial infrastructure
  
• BOI support
  
• Logistics connectivity

For manufacturing companies, EEC locations are often substantially cheaper than central Bangkok.

Employee Costs

Thailand remains cost-competitive compared to many developed markets.

However, skilled labor costs continue to rise.

Employer Obligations Include

• Salary
  
• Social security contributions
  
• Payroll administration
  
• Benefits (where applicable)

Social Security Contributions

Employer contribution:

Approximately 5%

This must be factored into hiring budgets.

Accounting Costs

Every company requires proper bookkeeping.

Typical services include:

• Monthly accounting
  
• VAT reporting
  
• Tax filings
  
• Payroll support

Expected Annual Accounting Cost

Small companies often spend:

THB 20,000–100,000+

Larger businesses can spend significantly more.

Annual Audit Costs

Every Thai limited company must have its annual financial statements audited by a Thai licensed auditor and filed with the DBD, even in a quiet year.

Audit Cost Factors

• Revenue level
  
• Transaction volume
  
• Industry complexity
  
• BOI status

Typical Annual Audit Range

THB 15,000–100,000+

Complex structures may incur higher fees.

Annual Compliance Costs

Businesses must budget for:

• Tax filings
  
• Accounting
  
• Audit
  
• DBD reporting
  
• Social security filings
  
• BOI reporting (if applicable)

Estimated Annual Maintenance Budget

Small Company

THB 40,000–150,000+

Medium Company

THB 150,000–500,000+

BOI-Promoted Company

Potentially higher due to additional reporting obligations.

Cheapest Way to Set Up a Thai Company

Many founders ask:

“What is the lowest-cost legal structure?”

The answer depends on business goals.

Lowest-Cost Approach

Typically involves:

• Standard Co Ltd
  
• No BOI application
  
• Limited foreign staffing
  
• Small office footprint
  
• Outsourced accounting

However, Beware

The cheapest structure is not always the best structure.

A company that saves THB 50,000 today may lose millions in:

• Tax inefficiencies
• Ownership restrictions
• Missed BOI incentives

Thailand vs Vietnam Cost Comparison

Thailand and Vietnam are often compared by foreign investors.

Thailand Advantages

• Better infrastructure
  
• Larger automotive ecosystem
  
• Stronger logistics network
  
• BOI incentives

Vietnam Advantages

• Lower labor costs
  
• Lower factory costs in some regions
  
• Rapid manufacturing growth

Which Is Better?

Thailand

Best for:

• Automotive
  
• Electronics
  
• Regional headquarters
  
• Logistics

Vietnam

Best for:

• Labor-intensive manufacturing
  
• Export-oriented factories

The decision should be based on business model rather than headline costs.

Cost Scenarios for Indian Entrepreneurs

Scenario 1: Small SaaS Startup

Expected Initial Budget:

THB 100,000–500,000+

Including:

• Company formation
  
• Office setup
  
• Accounting
  
• Banking

Scenario 2: BOI Technology Company

Expected Initial Budget:

THB 500,000–2,000,000+

Depending on:

• Staff hiring
  
• Capital requirements
  
• BOI compliance

Scenario 3: Manufacturing Company

Expected Initial Budget:

THB 2,000,000+

Often much higher depending on:

• Facilities
  
• Machinery
  
• Licensing
  
• Workforce size

Common Cost Mistakes

Foreign founders frequently underestimate:

• Compliance expenses
  
• Audit requirements
  
• Work permit capital needs
  
• Office costs
  
• BOI reporting obligations

As a result, many budgets become unrealistic after incorporation.

How to Budget Properly

Before registering a Thai company, prepare separate budgets for:

One-Time Costs

• Incorporation
  
• Legal support
  
• Banking setup

Annual Costs

• Audit
  
• Accounting
  
• Compliance

Growth Costs

• Employees
  
• Work permits
  
• Office expansion

This provides a much more accurate picture of actual operating expenses.

Final Thoughts

Thailand remains one of Southeast Asia’s most attractive destinations for international expansion.

Company formation itself is relatively inexpensive.

The real costs arise from:

• Registered capital
  
• Work permits
  
• Office space
  
• Staffing
  
• Compliance

For most Indian entrepreneurs, the most important financial decision is whether to pursue a standard company structure or a BOI-promoted structure.

BOI approval may involve higher upfront costs, but the long-term tax savings and ownership benefits can be substantial.

A well-planned budget should cover incorporation expenses and the total cost of operating the business over the first three to five years.

That approach leads to better decisions and fewer surprises.

Costs on the India side

Your Thai company is Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) under FEMA. Your AD Category-I bank reports it on Form FC and obtains a UIN before any capital leaves India. After that you file the Annual Performance Report (APR) by 31 December each year, and the FLA return to RBI by 15 July if an Indian company or LLP is the investor. Resident individuals can remit up to USD 250,000 per financial year under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), which limits how much capital one founder can send. Budget for your AD bank’s charges and for professional help with these filings alongside the Thai costs.

Frequently asked questions