Thailand 2025: Official Websites and Practical Guide for Overseas Companies

This guide compiles the most relevant Thai government and department websites for foreign companies planning to operate in Thailand. It covers company registration, tax filing, labor compliance, visas and work permits, plus related policies and practical steps. Always verify details on the official sites below because procedures and thresholds can change.

Key government portals (quick reference)

Policy trends and interpretations (2024–2025)

Recent years have emphasized digitalization, faster electronic services, and strengthened compliance. Key themes foreign companies should note:

• Digital-first filings: More registrations, tax submissions and social security procedures move to e-platforms — expect e-signatures and document uploads.
• Tax transparency: Authorities prioritize accurate transfer pricing records, timely VAT and corporate tax returns, and cross-border reporting compliance.
• Labor compliance: Stricter scrutiny of employment contracts and benefits; SSO registration and contributions are closely monitored.
• BOI incentives modernization: BOI focuses on high-value sectors (advanced manufacturing, digital, green tech) and often grants visas/work-permit facilitation for qualified projects.

Step-by-step: Company registration (typical path)

1. Choose business structure: private limited company is most common for foreign investors.
2. Name reservation and pre-check with DBD: submit proposed company name(s) via DBD e-service.
3. Draft Memorandum of Association and statutory documents: include Thai-language versions where required.
4. Convene shareholders’ meeting and register the company at DBD: pay registration fee and obtain company registration certificate.
5. Register for tax and VAT at the Revenue Department: obtain a Tax ID (TID); register for VAT if turnover threshold is met (check current threshold on the Revenue site).
6. Register employees with SSO and withhold payroll taxes monthly.

Step-by-step: Corporate tax and VAT filing

1. Apply for Tax ID and register VAT if taxable turnover exceeds the threshold (confirm threshold on rd.go.th).
2. Keep robust accounting records in Thai-required formats; many authorities accept electronic records but retention rules apply.
3. File and pay withholding tax and VAT monthly where applicable; file corporate income tax (CIT) returns and pay installments according to the prescribed schedule.
4. Maintain transfer pricing documentation for related-party transactions and be prepared for audits; consider advance pricing arrangements only in specific cases.

Step-by-step: Hiring foreign staff, visa and work permit

1. Decide visa type: Non-Immigrant B is typical for business visitors; employment requires a valid visa plus a work permit.
2. Apply for work permit through the Department of Employment/MOL; the company usually sponsors the permit and must demonstrate the position, salary and compliance with quotas and local-hiring rules.
3. Secure required documents: company affidavit, passport copies, qualifications (certified/translations), medical reports where requested.
4. Register foreign employees with SSO and ensure payroll taxes and contributions are submitted.

Practical precautions for overseas companies

• Verify all thresholds and fees on the official pages listed above before action — rules are updated periodically.
• Use certified Thai translations and notarizations where authorities require Thai-language documents.
• Keep clear payroll records and timely social security contributions to avoid penalties.
• When hiring expatriates, plan lead time: visa + work permit approvals can take weeks; BOI-promoted projects often move faster but require a complete application.
• Beware of unauthorized advisory services: hire a licensed local lawyer or accountant for filings and compliance checks.

Case examples

Case A: Small fintech branch

A Singapore-based fintech set up a Thai private limited company, registered with DBD, and registered for VAT after exceeding turnover thresholds. It outsourced monthly bookkeeping to a Thai CPA firm, which prevented late VAT penalties during the first year. Lesson: local accounting support reduces compliance risk.

Case B: BOI-promoted tech start-up

An EU firm obtaining BOI promotion qualified for tax holidays and eased foreign-expert visas. The process required a detailed project plan and proof of skilled hires. Lesson: BOI incentives have value but demand strong documentation and sector fit.

Checklist before launch

1. Confirm legal entity type and articles with DBD.
2. Obtain Tax ID and VAT registration if applicable.
3. Set up payroll system and SSO registration for staff.
4. Plan visa/work-permit timelines for foreign hires.
5. Review BOI incentives if your sector qualifies.
6. Prepare certified translations and legalized documents if needed.

For offshore HR, relocation and compliance support, many companies use specialized providers — consider SailGlobal for out-of-sea human services to streamline hiring, onboarding and visa coordination.

Where to get authoritative updates

Always consult the primary agency websites listed above, and engage a licensed Thai attorney or certified accountant for structural changes, tax disputes, or immigration complexities. When in doubt, request written confirmations from the relevant agency.

This guide is a practical starting point to navigate Thailand's administrative landscape in 2025. Use it with professional advice tailored to your company’s industry and scale.