Date: August 12, 2026

Do I actually have to deposit the 2 million baht registered capital?

Not always. Registering a Thai company with THB 2 million in registered capital does not automatically mean you must deposit the full amount into the company’s bank account immediately. However, the capital must be genuinely subscribed, and in some situations you may be expected to show that it has been paid into the company.

What We See In Practice

WHAT CLIENTS ASK US

“I’ve been told I need THB 2 million sitting in a bank account before I can register my company. Is that true?” Usually not. Many foreign investors confuse registered capital with paid-up capital. In many cases, a company can be incorporated without immediately depositing the full registered capital. The important point is that the capital must be genuine and available when the company needs it.

Registered capital is the amount shareholders commit to invest in the company, not necessarily the amount that must be sitting in the bank on the day of incorporation. Thai companies are commonly incorporated with registered capital that is paid up in accordance with the legal requirements, and the funds can then be used for legitimate business expenses once the company is operating. However, the capital should reflect the company’s genuine financial position rather than being an arbitrary figure chosen simply to meet visa or work permit requirements.

The practical question is often not whether you need to deposit the money immediately, but whether you can demonstrate that the company is adequately capitalised when required. For example, banks, the Department of Employment or Immigration may ask for evidence of paid-up capital when opening a corporate bank account, applying for a work permit or supporting other regulatory applications.

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.