• Business Visa (Non-Immigrant “B” Visa):

  For foreign nationals who plan to run a business in Thailand.

  Key requirements:

  • Employment or company sponsorship
  • Company documents (if already registered)
  • Proof of funds
  • Valid for 90 days; can be extended
• Work Permit: Required in addition to the visa to perform any work
• SMART Visa: For investors in targeted industries (hospitality not typically included)

Visa rules change frequently. Work with an experienced visa agent or legal advisor.

Foreigners cannot fully own land or majority shares in most Thai companies. Workarounds include:

• Thai Limited Company (Co., Ltd):
  • Requires at least 51% Thai ownership
  • Often structured with nominee shareholders (sensitive under Thai law)
  • Foreigners can be managing directors
  • Minimum capital: THB 2 million for work permit eligibility
• BOI-Approved Company:
  • For specific industries; offers tax and ownership incentives
  • Hospitality businesses rarely qualify

Registration Process Includes:

• Name reservation
• Articles of Association
• Company registration
• Tax ID and VAT registration
• Work permit application

Typical Setup Time: 4–8 weeks

• Restaurant License (food handling, safety, fire regulations)
• Hotel License (if you have more than 4 rooms or 20 guests)
• Liquor License (complex; renews annually)
• Music License (if playing copyrighted music)

Some licenses require environmental impact assessments and can take time.

Hire a local Thai consultant (lawyer/accountant) to streamline the process and communicate with authorities.

• Corporate Tax: 20% (standard)
• VAT: 7%
• Withholding tax may apply to foreign income or service payments
• Personal income tax: Progressive, up to 35%
• Double taxation treaties apply to many countries, including Germany, France, and the UK

Accounting must be handled by a licensed Thai accountant. English-speaking advisors are available, especially in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.

• Minimum Wage (2025): THB 330–370 per day (region-dependent)
• Foreign-to-Thai Employee Ratio: For each foreign employee, 4 Thai employees must be hired (standard model)
• Work Permits: Only certain jobs are open to foreigners; direct kitchen or service work is often restricted
• High staff turnover is common in the sector

Many foreign-run businesses operate with Thai management and expat advisory.

• Foreigners cannot own land
• Long-term lease agreements (up to 30 years + optional 30-year extension) are common
• Commercial leases require registration if longer than 3 years
• Hotel properties: Many listings include turnkey sales or lease-transfer (“key money”) models

Always conduct due diligence - including title search, zoning laws, and license validity.

• Strong tourist flows in key areas: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui
• Seasonal peaks: Nov–March (cool/dry), July–Aug (summer tourism)
• Growing demand for eco-tourism, wellness, and boutique experiences
• International cuisine is well accepted in tourist hotspots
• Social media and Google reviews heavily influence foot traffic

• Thai-Foreign Chambers of Commerce (e.g., German-Thai, British-Thai)
• Local law firms and business consultants for expats
• Co-working spaces with legal startup packages in urban centers
• Expat-focused Facebook groups and networks for practical advice

• Local financing is limited for foreign-owned entities
• Most foreign founders rely on private capital or investors
• Crowdfunding and partnership models are emerging
• Joint ventures with Thai partners are common for larger projects

• BOI Thailand: https://www.boi.go.th
• Thai Ministry of Commerce: https://www.moc.go.th
• Department of Business Development: https://www.dbd.go.th

In Thailand, relationships are everything. Build trust, stay respectful, and don’t rush the process. Patience is not a weakness—it’s a strategy.