Company registration and licensing in Thailand: documents, steps and timing
Setting up or licensing a company in Thailand requires a reserved name, an address with proof of use, shareholder and director identification, and objectives matching the intended activity. Registration itself can be quick once papers are correct, but licences such as FDA, alcohol, restaurant or tourism approvals run on their own timetables, commonly several weeks.
Approximate total time: approximately 1–2 weeks for registration; licences vary
Documents to prepare
Reserved company name always required
Reservation is valid for a limited period only.
Registered address with consent of use always required
Landlord consent and house registration are usually requested.
Identification of all shareholders and directors always required
Passports for foreign nationals, ID cards for Thai nationals.
Objectives matching the intended activity always required
A licence application can fail if the objectives do not cover the activity.
Notarised documents for foreign corporate shareholders case by case
Often required with certified translation.
Premises plan and photographs case by case
Requested for FDA, restaurant and alcohol licensing.
Step-by-step process
1. Reserve the name and fix the structure
Confirm shareholding, directors and signing authority before filing.
Duration: about 1–3 working days
2. Prepare incorporation documents
Draft articles, shareholder list and the objectives that support future licences.
Duration: about 2–5 working days
3. File the registration
Submit with identification and address evidence.
Duration: about 1–3 working days
4. Register for tax and, where relevant, VAT
Timing depends on revenue and activity type.
Duration: about 3–10 working days
5. Apply for activity licences
Each licence has its own inspection and documentation requirement.
Duration: several weeks, varies by licence
An adviser, not just a filing agency
Our team has worked on Thai document, translation, legalisation and visa cases for more than 15 years. Before we file anything we review your documents, tell you which route the receiving authority actually accepts, and flag the parts that commonly fail — so you are advised, not just served.
Prefer not to deal with the paperwork? We can run the whole case
- If you want to avoid amending objectives later, we draft them against the licences you plan to apply for.
- Foreign shareholder documents are notarised, translated and legalised in one coordinated flow.
- We track each licence's inspection requirements so the premises are ready before the visit.
Send the details of your case first. We will confirm the exact document list and the realistic timeline before any work starts.
Requirements are based on published rules of the relevant authorities and can change. Always confirm with the receiving party before filing.
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