Date: August 12, 2026

How long does BOI approval take and what does it cost?

Most straightforward BOI applications are approved within approximately three to six months, although the exact timeline depends on the project’s size, complexity, and investment value. There are no official government application fees for obtaining BOI promotion, but businesses should budget for professional fees and the investment required for their chosen promotion category.

What We See In Practice

Someone told me BOI approval only takes a month. Is that realistic?

WHAT CLIENTS ASK US

In practice, no. The biggest delays usually come from incomplete business plans, choosing the wrong promotion category, or responding to follow-up questions from the BOI. A well-prepared application can often be approved within around three months, whereas poorly prepared applications can take much longer due to repeated follow up questions or requests for information from the BOI.

A successful application usually involves choosing the correct promotion category, preparing a detailed three-year business plan, gathering all the required supporting documents, and attending an interview with the BOI. Once the application has been formally accepted, the BOI aims to issue a decision within around 40 working days for projects investing less than THB 200 million. Larger or more complex projects, particularly those requiring input from other government agencies, will usually take longer. However, if the application has not been properly prepared, the BOI will often raise follow-up questions, which can significantly delay the process.

Another thing that often surprises investors is that the BOI doesn’t charge an official application fee. In most cases, the main costs come from professional help with preparing the application and the investment needed to meet the requirements of your chosen promotion category. It’s also worth noting that approval isn’t the final step. Once you receive the approval letter, you’ll need to accept the promotion within 30 days and complete the remaining requirements before the BOI Promotion Certificate is issued.

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.