The Cost of company registration in Thailand for foreigners usually falls between THB 30,000 and THB 80,000 for professional services and basic government fees. However, work permits can require THB 2 million in fully paid-up registered capital per permit. That capital is not a registration fee. Instead, it remains company money for business operations.
In 2026, the practical starting budget depends on ownership structure, business activity, visa needs and the level of support required. A company with foreign majority ownership may also need a Foreign Business License. Therefore, the initial budget should separate setup fees from capital deposits and recurring operating costs.
Key Update:
- Basic registration and legal fees generally range from THB 5,000 to THB 25,000.
- All-inclusive professional packages commonly cost THB 30,000 to THB 80,000.
- A work permit usually requires at least THB 2 million in paid-up capital per foreign worker.
- Company and visa setup may total THB 65,000 to THB 115,000 or more before capital deposits.
What is the cost of company registration in Thailand for foreigners?
The Cost of company registration in Thailand for foreigners is typically THB 30,000 to THB 80,000 when professional assistance and basic government charges are included. A simpler registration may cost THB 5,000 to THB 25,000 in government and legal fees. However, these figures exclude required operating capital, office expenses and annual compliance costs.
Registered capital affects the basic fee because some government charges are calculated against the declared capital. Consequently, a small company with no immediate work-permit requirement may start closer to the lower range. By contrast, a foreign-owned company seeking visas or permits needs a much larger financial plan.
For context, a local law or accounting firm may manage document preparation, government filings and corporate bank setup under one package. As a result, those services often bring the initial professional budget to THB 30,000–80,000. The exact quote depends on the number of shareholders, business activity and document complexity.
Which setup fees should foreigners expect?
Foreign founders normally face two different fee layers: basic registration charges and professional service costs. The first layer covers official registration and legal work. Meanwhile, the second pays a local firm to prepare documents, coordinate filings and manage practical tasks.
| Cost item | Typical amount | What it generally covers |
|---|---|---|
| Standard registration | THB 5,000–25,000 | Basic government registration and legal fees |
| All-inclusive setup | THB 30,000–80,000 | Documentation, filings and bank setup support |
| Foreign Business License | THB 40,000–500,000 | License fee where foreign-majority ownership requires approval |
A package price is not automatically the cheapest option. Still, it may be efficient when the founder is overseas or unfamiliar with Thai documentation. On the other hand, a founder who already has prepared documents may need fewer services and could receive a lower professional quote.
The Department of Business Development is Thailand’s key government authority for company registration information. Therefore, applicants should confirm current fees and filing requirements before signing a service agreement because these details can change.
When does a Foreign Business License add cost?
A Foreign Business License can add THB 40,000 to THB 500,000 when a business activity falls within Thailand’s foreign business restrictions and the ownership structure is foreign-majority. The applicable amount depends on the business category and the relevant licensing process.
Not every foreign-owned company faces the same requirement. For example, a business may qualify for a different approval route or operate under conditions that do not require an FBL. That assessment should happen before incorporation because changing the structure later can create additional legal and administrative work.
For a closer explanation of this expense, review Foreign business license thailand cost. The main planning lesson is simple: do not treat the company registration fee as the full cost when the business activity itself may require permission.
Consider a small consulting operation. If its planned activity needs an FBL, the license fee can exceed the basic registration package several times over. In contrast, a structure that does not trigger the license may keep the initial professional expense within the THB 30,000–80,000 range.
How much capital is needed for work permits?
Work-permit capital is usually the largest financial requirement. Generally, a company needs at least THB 2 million in fully paid-up registered capital for each work permit sponsored for a foreign employee or owner. However, the amount may be THB 1 million when the foreign applicant is married to a Thai national.
This money is not a government charge. Instead, it must be deposited as corporate capital into a Thai company bank account and should be available for genuine business activity. Consequently, calling it a “fee” can lead to a serious budgeting mistake.
- One standard work permit: generally at least THB 2 million in paid-up capital.
- One qualifying married applicant: generally THB 1 million may apply.
- Two standard permits: the planning baseline may reach THB 4 million.
- Foreign-majority ownership: a baseline of THB 3 million in registered capital commonly applies.
Requirements can depend on the applicant’s immigration status, company structure and current government practice. Therefore, before transferring capital, obtain confirmation from the responsible Thai authorities or a qualified local professional.
A useful way to plan is to create two separate columns. Put registration, legal and license charges in the first. Then, put paid-up capital in the second. This prevents a THB 65,000–115,000 setup estimate from being mistaken for the total cash requirement.
What are the ongoing company costs?
Registration is only the beginning. After incorporation, accounting, audits, office space and tax filings create continuing expenses. For many small companies, monthly compliance costs matter more than the initial filing fee over a full year.
| Ongoing expense | Typical range | Budgeting note |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting and bookkeeping | THB 1,500–17,000 per month | Varies with transaction volume and filing needs |
| Annual audit | THB 25,000–100,000 or more | Usually payable each year |
| Physical office | THB 500–1,000 per square metre monthly | Location and facilities affect the final rent |
For example, a company with only a few monthly transactions may receive an accounting quote near THB 1,500 per month. By comparison, a trading company with many invoices, payroll entries and tax documents may approach THB 17,000 monthly.
Office requirements deserve careful attention. Although a virtual office can reduce initial overhead, it may not satisfy every immigration, licensing or business-activity requirement. Therefore, a physical address may be necessary when officials need to verify the company’s premises.
Annual audits should also be included in the first-year budget. Otherwise, a company that focuses only on incorporation may face a separate THB 25,000 or higher audit bill several months later.
Is an agency package worth the money?
A local agency can be worthwhile when the founder needs document coordination, bank assistance and visa-related support. User discussions on Thailand Visa Advice commonly describe local agencies as a practical way to streamline the process. Overall, initial company and visa setup often averages THB 65,000 to THB 115,000 or more before capital deposits.
The strongest benefit is coordination. For instance, one provider may track translations, signatures, filings and bank appointments. As a result, that support can reduce delays for founders who live outside Thailand or do not read Thai administrative documents.
| Approach | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Self-managed filing | Potentially lower professional cost and direct control | More paperwork, language challenges and coordination work |
| Local professional firm | Convenience, local process knowledge and bundled support | Higher service cost and quality varies between providers |
| All-inclusive company and visa service | One budget for several connected tasks | May exclude FBL fees, capital deposits or later compliance bills |
Before accepting a package, ask for an itemized quotation. It should state whether government fees, VAT, translations, bank support, accounting, audit work and immigration assistance are included. Otherwise, a low headline price may exclude the most expensive requirement.
How can foreigners control the first-year budget?
The most reliable approach is gradual scaling. Start with the legal structure and business activity that match the real plan. In addition, avoid renting a large office or purchasing unnecessary services before the company has confirmed revenue, staffing and licensing needs.
- Confirm whether the planned activity needs a Foreign Business License.
- Choose the ownership structure before calculating registered capital.
- Separate professional fees from paid-up corporate capital.
- Request at least two itemized quotes from qualified local firms.
- Check whether a virtual office is acceptable for the intended visa and business activity.
- Reserve funds for monthly accounting and the annual audit.
Cost control should not mean cutting legal review. In fact, a poorly chosen structure can create larger expenses through amendments, delayed permits or repeated filings. The practical goal is a clear scope of work rather than the lowest advertised price.
Another useful check is timing. If a founder does not need a work permit immediately, the company may not require the same cash plan as a founder who needs to sponsor employment from the beginning. Immigration goals should therefore be discussed alongside incorporation, not after it.
Common mistakes in cost planning
Many budget problems come from mixing fees with capital. Specifically, a THB 2 million work-permit capital requirement is not equivalent to a THB 2 million payment to the government. The money belongs to the company, although it must be properly paid up and documented.
- Assuming THB 30,000–80,000 covers every requirement.
- Ignoring the possible THB 40,000–500,000 FBL fee.
- Forgetting annual audit costs after incorporation.
- Choosing a virtual office without checking permit or licensing suitability.
- Accepting a package without asking what is excluded.
- Using a foreign-majority structure without checking the THB 3 million capital baseline.
A second common error is relying on an old online price list. Government charges and professional fees can change. For that reason, in 2026 every quote should show its issue date and identify which amounts are estimates.
What should you verify before registering?
Before paying a deposit, verify the proposed company name, shareholders, business objectives, registered capital and intended immigration route. Together, these choices influence both the registration work and the money that must be committed to the company.
Ask the service provider for a written breakdown covering basic registration, legal work, bank setup, FBL assessment, accounting, audit and visa support. Then, confirm whether the professional is licensed or appropriately qualified to provide the promised service.
For legal developments that may affect foreign ownership, the Thailand Foreign Business Act Amendment resource may provide useful background. However, final decisions should rely on current official information and advice that matches the specific business activity.
The figures presented here are planning ranges, not fixed quotations. Therefore, foreign founders should confirm current requirements with Thailand’s Department of Business Development, immigration authorities and a qualified Thai legal or accounting professional before committing funds.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest company registration option for a foreigner in Thailand?
A basic registration may fall between THB 5,000 and THB 25,000 in government and legal fees. However, the final amount rises when professional coordination, banking, licensing or immigration support is added.
How much does a Thai company setup package cost?
All-inclusive professional packages commonly range from THB 30,000 to THB 80,000. Check the quotation carefully because capital deposits, FBL charges, accounting and audit work may sit outside that price.
How much does a Thai company setup package cost?
All-inclusive professional packages commonly range from THB 30,000 to THB 80,000. Check the quotation carefully because capital deposits, FBL charges, accounting and audit work may sit outside that price.
Is work-permit capital a government fee?
No. Work-permit capital is paid-up corporate capital deposited into the company’s Thai bank account. In other words, it is different from registration charges, although the company must use and document it properly.
How much capital is needed for one foreign work permit?
The general planning figure is THB 2 million in fully paid-up registered capital per work permit. However, a qualifying applicant married to a Thai national may fall under a THB 1 million figure.
Does every foreign-owned company need an FBL?
Not necessarily. The answer depends on the business activity and ownership structure. Where an FBL is required, the license fee may range from THB 40,000 to THB 500,000.
What is the expected first-year setup budget?
Company and visa setup commonly averages THB 65,000 to THB 115,000 or more before capital deposits. In addition, add accounting, audit, office rent and any FBL cost for a fuller first-year estimate.
Planning the real cash requirement
The Cost of company registration in Thailand for foreigners is best understood as three separate budgets: setup fees, required capital and continuing expenses. For example, a founder may pay THB 30,000–80,000 for professional setup while also arranging THB 2 million or more in corporate capital for a work permit.
That distinction makes planning clearer. Therefore, obtain an itemized 2026 quotation, confirm the ownership and licensing route, then verify immigration requirements before depositing funds or signing an office lease.
