Thailand BOI Consultancy & Company Setup

Establish Your Business in Thailand with Confidence

Thailand offers significant opportunities for foreign investors through the Board of Investment (BOI), including the possibility of 100% foreign company ownership, corporate tax incentives and facilitated immigration procedures for eligible foreign professionals.

100%

Foreign ownership, eligible activities

13 years

Max corporate tax exemption

40 working days

BOI evaluation, up to 200M THB

Bangkok Sathorn and Silom skyline at blue hour

At Voyage+, we help international entrepreneurs, investors and businesses navigate Thailand's investment environment. From identifying suitable BOI promotion categories to coordinating company formation, preparing investment applications and supporting foreign personnel, we provide tailored guidance at every stage.

Whether you are launching a technology company, establishing a manufacturing operation or expanding your international business into Thailand, the right investment structure can make a substantial difference.

Why Establish a BOI-Promoted Company in Thailand?

Tax and non-tax incentives for selected industries and activities.

For eligible foreign investors, BOI promotion can provide several advantages over establishing a conventional Thai company.

100% Foreign Ownership

Certain BOI-promoted activities permit full foreign shareholding, allowing eligible international investors to retain complete ownership of their Thai company without introducing Thai shareholders solely to meet ordinary foreign ownership restrictions.

Corporate Tax Incentives

Eligible investment projects may receive corporate income tax exemptions for periods of up to 13 years, depending on their approved promotion category and applicable investment conditions.

Visa & Work Permit Support

BOI-promoted businesses may benefit from specific procedures for recruiting eligible foreign executives, technical specialists and skilled professionals, subject to the necessary approvals.

Investment Privileges

Qualifying projects may receive import duty exemptions or reductions on eligible machinery and materials, as well as other investment privileges.

Certain promoted businesses may also obtain permission to own land required for their approved operations.

BOI privileges are not automatic. The benefits available depend on the approved project, applicable legislation and conditions imposed by the Board of Investment.

What Is Thailand BOI Promotion?

BOI promotion assesses a specific investment project, not a company registration.

The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) is the government agency responsible for promoting investment in activities that support Thailand's economic development.

Its investment promotion programmes are designed to attract businesses that contribute to innovation, technology, industrial development, international competitiveness and other national priorities. Unlike ordinary company registration, BOI promotion involves an assessment of a specific investment project.

The BOI considers factors including:

  • The proposed business activity.
  • The nature and value of the investment.
  • The company's ownership structure.
  • Technology and operational processes.
  • Planned employment and professional expertise.
  • Compliance with the applicable promotion criteria.

If approved, the project receives an investment promotion decision setting out its applicable privileges and conditions.

BOI promotion is not the same as registering a company in Thailand. Company incorporation, investment promotion and any required business licences or foreign business authorisations are distinct legal and administrative procedures. At Voyage+, we help investors understand how these requirements interact before selecting their business structure.

Can Foreigners Own 100% of a Company in Thailand?

Full foreign ownership through eligible BOI promotion

Under Thailand's Foreign Business Act, foreign-majority companies face restrictions when conducting certain business activities. Eligible BOI-promoted projects may benefit from more flexible arrangements, allowing 100% foreign shareholding for qualifying activities.

Conventional Thai Company

Foreign ownership: depends on the Foreign Business Act and other applicable regulations.

Incentives: standard corporate tax and customs treatment.

Regulatory obligations: additional licences or authorisations may be necessary for restricted activities.

BOI-Promoted Company

Foreign ownership: an eligible project may benefit from full foreign ownership, subject to BOI approval.

Incentives: tax and non-tax privileges linked to the approved project.

Regulatory obligations: BOI conditions, reporting and project compliance apply in addition to other requirements.

Important: BOI promotion does not automatically remove every restriction on foreign ownership, nor does it authorise business activities outside the approved project. Which structure suits you depends on the project. Voyage+ assists with evaluating foreign ownership options and coordinating appropriate company structuring with authorised local professionals.

Thailand BOI Investment Requirements

How much do you need to invest?

1,000,000 THB

General minimum qualifying project investment, excluding land and working capital. Activity-specific conditions may differ.

This threshold refers to qualifying project investment. It should not be confused with company registration costs, government application fees or the company's registered share capital.

Certain activities, particularly knowledge-based services, may be assessed using minimum annual expenditure on qualified personnel. Other industries may require substantially higher investment amounts, specialised equipment, technical capabilities or additional operational commitments.

Eligible Business Activity

The project must fall within an activity currently promoted by the BOI and satisfy its specific conditions.

Investment & Capital Structure

The proposed investment must meet the applicable minimum threshold and expenditure requirements, and the company must comply with shareholding, capital, financing and corporate requirements.

For newly established projects, the BOI generally requires a debt-to-equity ratio not exceeding 3:1.

Operational Capability

The investor must demonstrate a credible plan for implementing the proposed activity, including appropriate technology, equipment, processes or professional expertise.

Regulatory Compliance

The business must satisfy any applicable standards, environmental requirements, licensing obligations and ongoing conditions.

Is 1 million THB enough for every BOI application? No. Although it is the general minimum project investment threshold, the actual requirements can be considerably higher depending on the proposed business. An eligibility assessment should identify the relevant BOI activity category before determining the required investment amount.

Is Your Business Eligible for Thailand BOI Promotion?

Tell us about your proposed investment and our team will help you assess the available options.

You will receive a confirmation as soon as your request is submitted.

Request Your BOI Assessment

Please include your country code.

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Thank you. We have received your request and will reply by email with the next step.

Prefer email? Contact info@voyageplustr.com

Which Businesses Qualify for Thailand BOI Promotion?

Thailand's BOI programmes cover a wide range of eligible industries and investment activities.

The following sectors may offer opportunities for qualifying foreign-owned businesses.

Technology & Software Development

Selected software development, digital services, technology platforms and other qualifying digital activities.

Advanced Manufacturing & Electronics

Manufacturing operations involving advanced machinery, electronics, industrial automation, robotics and related technologies.

Automotive & Electric Vehicles

Eligible investments involving electric vehicles, automotive components, battery technologies and related manufacturing activities.

Healthcare, Biotechnology & Research

Qualifying medical technology, biotechnology, research and development and selected healthcare-related industries.

Agriculture, Food & Sustainable Industries

Advanced agricultural technology, qualifying food processing, renewable energy and selected environmentally focused projects.

International Business & High-Value Services

Certain international business centre activities, engineering services, logistics, technical services and other qualifying high-value business operations.

Does every business in these industries qualify?

Not necessarily. BOI eligibility depends on the exact activity carried out by the company, not simply the industry in which it operates. For example, a company using software for ordinary business operations is not necessarily eligible under a software development category.

Likewise, general consultancy, retail, ordinary trading and conventional service businesses should not be assumed to qualify. Voyage+ assesses the proposed activities against the relevant BOI promotion categories before recommending an application route.

Up to 13 Years

Corporate income tax exemptions

Only for qualifying projects. The duration and scope depend on the approved activity and incentive group; certain advanced innovation projects may qualify for up to 13 years, while other promoted activities may receive shorter exemptions, reductions or non-tax privileges instead.

Thailand BOI Tax Incentives Explained

Depending on the approved project, incentives may include:

  • Exemptions or reductions of import duties on eligible machinery.
  • Import duty privileges for qualifying raw materials.
  • Incentives for research and development activities.
  • Additional tax deductions or reductions under applicable promotion measures.

Do BOI companies automatically pay no corporate tax?

No. BOI promotion does not automatically exempt the entire company from corporate income tax. Tax privileges generally apply to qualifying income or activities associated with the approved project, subject to the applicable conditions.

Promoted and non-promoted activities

Companies operating both promoted and non-promoted activities may need to distinguish the income and expenses attributable to each. Professional tax and accounting advice is important when evaluating the financial implications of an investment.

BOI Visas & Work Permits for Foreign Investors

Bringing international expertise to Thailand

BOI-promoted companies may benefit from special administrative procedures for employing eligible foreign executives, specialists and skilled personnel.

Foreign Executives

Management positions needed during establishment and operation of the Thai business.

Skilled Professionals

Technical specialists and qualified personnel for approved positions.

Visa & Work Permit Coordination

Applications through the Single Window for Visa and Work Permit procedures.

Subject to approval, the relevant procedures may cover:

  • Foreign executive and specialist positions.
  • Immigration documentation.
  • Non-Immigrant visa arrangements.
  • Work permit applications.
  • Extensions of stay and employment authorisation.
  • Changes to approved foreign personnel positions.

Can a foreign shareholder work in their BOI company?

Potentially, yes. However, owning shares in a BOI-promoted company does not automatically provide the right to work in Thailand. The relevant position, individual qualifications, visa status and work authorisation must satisfy the applicable requirements.

At Voyage+, we assist with coordinating the relevant immigration documentation and administrative processes for eligible foreign personnel. Executives planning a long-term stay may also consider the LTR Visa.

Book an Investment Consultation

Our Thailand BOI Consultancy Services

From investment assessment to business establishment

Voyage+ provides coordinated support for investors seeking to establish or expand their operations in Thailand.

01

BOI Eligibility Assessment

We review your proposed activity, investment amount, ownership structure and business objectives to identify potential BOI promotion categories and relevant eligibility conditions.

02

Company Formation & Structuring

We assist with coordinating Thai company incorporation, foreign ownership arrangements, corporate documentation and registered capital planning with the appropriate local professionals.

03

Investment Promotion Application

We help organise the business information and supporting documents for the BOI application, which may include investment plans, financial projections, project descriptions, technical information and employment plans.

04

BOI Application Coordination

We coordinate submission requirements, prepare for project clarification meetings and assist with additional documentation requested during the official assessment.

05

Visa & Work Permit Assistance

We provide administrative support with the applicable immigration and work authorisation procedures for eligible foreign executives and specialists.

06

Post-Approval Support

We assist with promotion certificate documentation, project implementation requirements, administrative updates and ongoing BOI compliance procedures.

Where specific legal, tax, accounting or regulated professional services are necessary, these are coordinated with appropriately authorised professionals.

How to Apply for Thailand BOI Promotion

Your investment journey with Voyage+

1

Consultation & Eligibility Review

We discuss your intended business activity, investment plans and ownership objectives, then assess the potential eligibility of your project.

2

Structure & Document Preparation

We help organise the proposed company structure and prepare the relevant business plan, financial and operational documentation.

3

BOI Application Submission

The application is submitted through the appropriate BOI procedure, generally using the official e-Investment platform.

4

Project Evaluation

The BOI reviews the proposed investment and may arrange a project clarification meeting or request additional documentation.

5

Approval & Promotion Certificate

If approved, the applicant formally accepts the promotion decision and completes the requirements for the investment promotion certificate within the prescribed periods.

6

Operations & Immigration Support

After approvals and registration, the business implements its approved project; we can coordinate foreign personnel and post-approval procedures.

Thailand BOI Application Processing Time & Costs

Official BOI project evaluation periods, calculated from the submission of complete documentation.

40

Working days

Up to 200 million THB investment

60

Working days

Over 200 million to 2 billion THB

90

Working days

Over 2 billion THB

These periods relate to official BOI evaluation of complete applications. They do not include document preparation, company formation, certificate issuance or other regulatory procedures. Following approval, applicants generally have one month to accept the BOI resolution and six months after acceptance to apply for the promotion certificate, which the BOI generally issues within ten working days of receiving the complete documents.

What does a BOI company setup cost?

There is no single package price: the scope depends on the nature of your investment, so Voyage+ provides tailored quotations.

Request a Personalised Consultation →

The overall cost depends on:

  • The type and value of the investment.
  • Company incorporation and capital requirements.
  • Applicable business licences.
  • Accounting and professional services.
  • Document preparation and administrative expenses.
  • Immigration and work permit requirements.

Government charges, third-party costs and consultancy fees should be assessed separately.

What If Your Business Does Not Qualify?

Not every foreign-owned business needs or qualifies for BOI promotion.

Depending on the proposed activity, alternative business establishment routes may be available under Thailand's ordinary company registration and foreign business regulatory framework. These may involve different foreign ownership, licensing, capital and employment requirements.

Where BOI promotion is not appropriate, Voyage+ can help you understand the available alternatives and coordinate further assessment with the relevant professionals.

Our objective is to help you identify a suitable and legally compliant business structure, rather than recommend BOI promotion where the proposed investment does not meet the applicable criteria.

Why Choose Voyage+ for Thailand BOI Consultancy?

A practical approach to business expansion in Thailand

Foreign ownership rules, investment conditions, licensing requirements, corporate documentation and immigration procedures must be considered together.

Project-Specific Assessment

We evaluate the actual proposed activity and its eligibility rather than assuming that every foreign-owned company can obtain BOI promotion.

Structured Application Preparation

We focus on preparing clear, consistent and relevant business and investment documentation.

Coordinated Company Formation

We help organise the administrative steps involved in establishing a Thai company and obtaining the necessary approvals.

Immigration & Employment Support

We assist with the relevant visa and work permit procedures for eligible foreign executives and specialists.

Ongoing Administrative Assistance

We provide support with applicable BOI-related requirements beyond the initial investment promotion decision.

From Assessment to Operation

From the initial assessment to post-approval coordination, we help you approach your Thailand investment with a clearer understanding of the requirements and options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thailand BOI

Foreign ownership, minimum investment, tax exemptions, timing and work permits.

Still have a question? Contact us →

Can a foreigner own 100% of a BOI company in Thailand?

Yes, full foreign ownership is permitted for certain BOI-promoted activities. However, eligibility depends on the applicable activity category, foreign business regulations and any conditions imposed by the BOI.

What is the minimum investment for a BOI company?

The general minimum qualifying project investment is 1 million THB, excluding land and working capital. Some activities have different minimum investment or personnel expenditure requirements.

Can a small business or startup apply for BOI promotion?

Potentially. Eligibility depends on the proposed activity and its specific conditions. Being a startup does not automatically establish eligibility or exemption from the investment requirements.

Can a software development company receive BOI promotion?

Certain software development, digital platform and technology activities may qualify. Requirements vary according to the exact business activity, personnel, technology and expenditure conditions.

Do all BOI companies receive tax exemptions?

No. Tax privileges depend on the approved activity and incentive category. Some projects receive corporate income tax exemptions, while others may qualify for different tax or non-tax benefits.

Can a BOI company sponsor visas and work permits?

Eligible BOI-promoted companies may obtain approvals for qualifying foreign executives and specialists. Separate approvals and immigration or work authorisation procedures are required.

Must I register a Thai company before applying for BOI promotion?

Not necessarily. Depending on the application circumstances, BOI assessment may begin before incorporation. The required corporate registration and supporting documents must be completed at the appropriate stage before the promotion certificate is issued.

How long does BOI approval take?

The BOI publishes project evaluation periods of 40, 60 or 90 working days, depending on investment value. The total timeline can be longer when document preparation, company formation and certificate issuance are included.

Can an existing company apply for BOI promotion?

Yes. Existing businesses may be eligible to apply for qualifying new investment projects, expansions or relevant investment promotion measures, subject to the applicable conditions.

Does BOI approval replace company registration or business licensing?

No. BOI investment promotion, corporate registration and any applicable business authorisation are distinct processes. The company must satisfy all relevant legal and regulatory requirements.

Can I open a restaurant or ordinary trading company under BOI promotion?

Ordinary restaurant, retail and trading activities should not be assumed eligible for BOI promotion. The exact proposed activity must be assessed against the official list of eligible investment activities and any available special measures.

Still have a question? Contact us →

Ready to establish your business in Thailand? Build your investment on the right foundation.

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Important Information

Last reviewed: October 2026.

Voyage+ is an independent business, visa and immigration consultancy and is not affiliated with the Thailand Board of Investment or the Royal Thai Government.

BOI eligibility, tax incentives, foreign ownership privileges, immigration arrangements and approval conditions are determined by the applicable laws and relevant Thai authorities. Professional consultancy does not guarantee BOI promotion, company licensing, visa issuance or work permit approval.

For official information, visit the Thailand Board of Investment and review the Investment Promotion Guide 2026. Related services: Thailand LTR Visa · Thailand DTV Visa · Thailand Retirement Visa.