Date: August 12, 2026

Can a foreign director open a Thai corporate bank account?

Yes, but there are certain strict requirements that must be followed. Thai banks require the foreign director opening the account to visit the branch in person. The bank will also ask for a valid long-term visa, such as a Non-Immigrant B visa with a work permit or an LTR visa, although the exact requirements can vary between banks.

What We See In Practice

I'm the company director, so I can open the bank account myself, right?

WHAT CLIENTS ASK US

Many foreign business owners are surprised to find that opening a company bank account is not as easy as they thought it would be. While foreign directors can open a corporate account, each bank has its own requirements. Banks will ask the director to apply in person and provide a valid long-term visa, such as a Non-Immigrant B visa with a work permit or an LTR visa. Without the right visa, some banks may refuse the application or only allow limited account options, such as an account for depositing the company’s registered capital.

Foreign directors who live in Thailand or are currently in the country can open a corporate bank account for their company in person. However, there are certain requirements that must be followed. Firstly, the foreign director must attend the bank in person, as company accounts cannot be opened online or from overseas. Most banks will ask for the company’s registration documents, board resolution, shareholder information, and identification documents. Secondly, the bank will expect the foreign director to hold a valid long-term visa and a work permit before approving the application.

Another important point that is relatively unknown is the timing. In the past, it was often possible to open a corporate bank account straight after incorporation. However, now banks require a newly incorporated company to have been registered for at least one month before they will accept an application. This is particularly important for businesses that need a corporate account quickly, such as companies applying for BOI promotion where investment funds may need to be transferred into Thailand.

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.