Foreign Business License in Thailand

In accordance with the Foreign Business Act (FBA) 1999, companies in which foreigners hold half or more of the shares must obtain certain special permits and licenses to be able to open companies in Thailand in certain sectors. The main license which is required for these types of companies to activate is the foreign business license in Thailand issued by the Department of Business Development (Foreign Business Administration) of the Ministry of Commerce. Our experts in company registration in Thailand can help you obtain this license.

Other certificates required for foreign businesses in Thailand 

Foreign Business Certificates issued by the Director-General of the Department of Business Development could also be required for certain businesses to activate in Thailand, according to the various treaty regulations which Thailand has to abide by. These regulations could include the right of Thai citizens to conduct business in reciprocal countries. Your company might qualify with the protection of these treaties. A Thai company formation advisor can provide full assistance on this matter.

Types of businesses set by the FBA in Thailand

According to the FBA in Thailand, there are three main types of Thai investments which are prohibited for foreigners to open in the country unless a business license in Thailand is issued. These types of businesses are:

•    List 1: Commonly these are businesses entirely prohibited to foreign citizens, except for the cases when there is a special exemption stated by a law or treaty;
•    List 2: Businesses owned by foreign citizens in fields related to national safety or security, arts, culture and local handicrafts, or natural resources and the environment. Foreign-owned businesses cannot be started under this category unless they are issued special permission by the Ministry and approved by the Cabinet;
•    List 3: Is represented by businesses which are similar to those of List 2, except that the foreign business license for foreign citizens who open new companies in Thailand is issued by the Director General and a committee. Exceptions are represented by businesses which qualify for the provisions of the Treaty of Amity and Economic Relations between Thailand and the U.S. 

Apart from obtaining the proper business licenses, foreign investors will also need to follow other requirements, among which VAT registration in Thailand. Our agents can provide more details.

Our experts in company registration in Thailand can provide guidance on obtaining the foreign business license; we invite you get in touch with us.