Navigating Thailand's Foreign Business Licence Process

Under the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999), foreigners — including foreign-owned companies — are prohibited from engaging in business activities listed in Annexes 1, 2, and 3 of the Act without a licence or an alternative permission such as Board of Investment promotion. The requirement applies when a company is majority foreign-owned and conducts an activity falling within those lists.

The Ministry of Commerce licensing committee meets at intervals set by regulation, and the decision period following submission is prescribed by the Act. Preparation of a thorough application — with supporting documentation in proper form — takes several weeks. We describe the realistic timeline in full when you engage us, so you can plan your market entry without relying on optimistic estimates.

In some circumstances, yes. Board of Investment promotion carries with it a foreign business operation permit for activities within the promoted scope. Whether your activity qualifies for BOI promotion — and whether that route is preferable to a standalone FBL — depends on the nature of the activity, the investment size, and the conditions attached. The Eligibility and Category Mapping advisory addresses this question directly.

A foreign business licence application requires, among other items, a business plan, financial projections, an organisational chart, details of the shareholders and directors, and information about technology transfer or employment commitments. The Ministry expects these in a particular format and level of detail. Our Application Drafting engagement covers full preparation of this documentation package.

Each engagement has a fixed professional fee: ฿4,500 for the Eligibility and Category Mapping advisory, ฿24,000 for Application Drafting and Submission, and ฿39,200 for the Combined FBL and BOI Promotion Package. Fees cover the scope described on this website. We do not charge additional amounts outside the agreed scope without prior discussion and a written variation.

Yes. Our advisory work is often conducted with founders and operating company representatives who are planning entry from abroad. Initial engagements can be conducted by correspondence and video conference. Where in-person attendance at a Ministry or BOI meeting is required, we attend on your behalf or advise on the most appropriate arrangement.