Date: August 12, 2026

How much does it really cost to set up a company in Thailand?

It depends on your business and how much help you need. While the official government registration fees are relatively modest, the total cost of setting up a company often includes legal or accounting fees, registered address services, visa and work permit applications, and ongoing compliance costs.

What We See In Practice

I thought company registration only cost a few thousand baht. Why are the quotes so much higher?

WHAT CLIENTS ASK US

The government fees are only one aspect. Most foreign business owners need assistance with company registration, tax registration, accounting setup, visas, work permits and ongoing compliance. Those professional services usually make up the largest part of the overall cost, not the registration fee itself.

The official fees for registering a Thai company are calculated based on the registered capital and are often much lower than people expect. However, incorporating the company is only the beginning. Most businesses also need to register for tax, appoint an auditor, establish accounting systems and, if foreign directors or employees are involved, plan for visas and work permits.

When budgeting for a new business, it is usually more helpful to think beyond the incorporation costs. Ongoing expenses such as accounting, payroll, annual audits, tax filings, registered office services and licence renewals often exceed the one-off cost of registering the company. Understanding those recurring obligations from the outset helps you choose a structure that remains practical as the business grows.

Author: Vincent Birot

Vincent Birot is a French-trained international business lawyer based in Bangkok. He holds a Master’s degree in International Business Law from La Sorbonne and an LL.M in International Commercial Law from the University of Exeter (UK), and has passed the Paris Bar examination. He is the Founder of Belaws, a one-stop platform for legal and corporate matters, facilitating access to trusted legal and business professionals who deliver compliant, practical solutions aligned with local laws and on-the-ground realities. He has advised foreign investors for over 10 years on corporate structuring, BOI promotion, cross-border tax, and regulatory compliance in Thailand. He previously served as Vice President of the Franco-Thai Chamber of Commerce and is a founding member of French Tech Bangkok.