Belaws Thailand
  • thailand
  • legal
    • Legal
      • All Legal services
      • Urgent. Same day advice
      • Immediate legal consultation
      • Document Review
    • Our expertise
      • Employment Law
      • Merger & Acquisitions
      • Restructuring & Insolvency
      • Banking & Finance
      • Real Estate
      • Startups Services
      • Blockchain Expertise
      • Energy, Mining & Infrastructure
      • Intellectual Property
      • Tax Expertise
      • Telecommunication, Media & Technology
      • Commercial Transactions
      • Family Law
      • Download your free copy of our guide, 'Starting a Business in Thailand for Foreigners,' featuring essential insights for successfully establishing a business in Thailand.
  • incorporation
    • Incorporation
      • All Incorporation services
      • Business feasibility check
      • Market research
      • Entry strategy
    • Companies type
      • BOI Company
      • Limited company
      • Branch Office
      • Representative Office
      • U.S Treaty of Amity company
      • Startups Services
    • Business Licenses
      • Foreign Business License
      • E-commerce License
      • Factory License
      • Important License
      • Restaurant License
      • See all Licences
  • Accounting & secretary
    • accounting & secretary
      • All Accounting & Secretary services
      • Urgent. Same day advice
      • Immediate consultation
      • Document review
    • corporate
      • Draft minutes
      • Changing directors
      • Share transfer
      • Registered address change
      • Capital increase
      • Meetings AGM
      • Meetings (EGM)
      • Closing a company
    • Legalisation
      • Notarisation and legalisation
      • Translation document
    • accounting
      • Bookkeeping & tax filings
      • Annual audit
      • Payroll
      • Payroll outsourcing
      • Tax
      • VAT Registration
      • Corporate Income Tax
      • Personal income tax
  • Corporate
    • accounting & secretary
      • All Accounting & Secretary services
      • Urgent. Same day advice
      • Immediate consultation
      • Document review
    • corporate
      • Draft minutes
      • Changing directors
      • Share transfer
      • Registered address change
      • Capital increase
      • Meetings (AGM)
      • Meetings (EGM)
      • Close a company
      • Translation document
      • Notarisation & Translations
      • Notarisation & Legalisation
      • Translation documents
    • accounting
      • Bookkeeping & tax filings
      • Annual audit
      • Payroll
      • Payroll outsourcing
      • Tax
      • VAT Registration
      • Corporate Income Tax
      • Personal Income Tax
  • visas
    • visas
      • All Visas services
      • Urgent. Same day advice
      • Document review
      • Immediate Visa consultation
    • live in thailand
      • Thailand LTR Visa
      • Thailand Elite Visa
      • Retirement Visa
      • Marriage visa
      • Change your visa type
      • See all visa options
    • work in thailand
      • PEO services
      • Non immigrant B Visa
      • Work Permit
      • BOI Visa & Work Permit
      • Change your visa type
  • BLOG
  • CONTACT
    • fr_FRFrançais
    • en_USEnglish
  • Menu Menu
  • INCORPORATION
  • LEGAL
  • ACCOUNTING & SECRETARY
  • VISAS
  • Blog
  • IMMEDIATE CONSULTATION
  •  
  • en_USEnglish
  • fr_FRFrançais
Belaws Home ›› Thailand ›› Blog ›› Choosing a name for your company in Thailand

Incorporation

How to Get Your Company Name Approved in Thailand

07/12/2022

Choosing a name for your company is a significant step for a new business. It is also one of the first steps to be completed when incorporating a company in Thailand. While it may seem like a simple thing to do, companies need to be aware of the specific restrictions and requirements they must follow in order to reserve a company name.

This article will explore what companies need to be aware of when choosing their company name.

choose company name

Key points

  • A company name cannot be the same as that of an existing company.
  • Company names must also end with the word Limited.
  • The name must be reserved with the Department of Business Development (DBD).
  • The name must be reserved in Thai, even if the name is in English.

Choosing a suitable company name

When choosing a company name, you must first check whether your chosen name is available. This is important because the name of a company must not be identical or the same as other pre-existing companies.

The following names and terms are cannot be used as part of a company name in Thailand:

  • Names similar or the same as ministries or government departments
  • Names associated with the royal family
  • Names similar to other companies
  • Names that are misleading
  • Names violating public morals
  • Terms prohibited from being used in a company name, such as investment

Furthermore, company names cannot contain the term investment, but capital can be used. 

Company names must also end with the word Limited. 

Companies may use the same name for several companies, as long as the name is accompanied by a different figurative word, for example, XXX Holdings Ltd, XXX Capital Ltd, or XXX Trading Ltd.

Once a company has chosen a suitable name and checked that it is available, the name must be reserved with the Department of Business Development (DBD) of the Ministry of Commerce. 

It is recommended to submit three different company names to increase the chances of your company name being reserved. 

Please note that the name must be reserved in Thai, even if the name is in English.

Approval usually takes one business day. After approval has been granted the company name will be valid for 30 days, with no option of extension.

Can I change the company name?

Yes, it is possible to change a company’s name after it has been registered. The new name will need to follow the requirements listed above. 

The following documents are required to change a company name:

  • Amendment for VAT registration (form porpor.09) and the original and one copy of the VAT certification (porpor.20) (if the company is registered with the VAT)
  • Three copies of the VAT registration (porpor.01)
  • Passport and ID card copy of the director
  • Company affidavit
  • Copy of the director’s house registration
  • Updated company documents from the DBD
  • Power of attorney

What is the process for changing a company name?

If decide to change your company name you must make sure the following has been completed:

  • Inform the Revenue Department and other government offices must be notified about the change. 
  • Update the company corporate seal.

The process for doing so is as follows:

Step 1- reserve a new company name with the DBD (following the same process as listed above). 

Step 2- Arrange and hold a shareholder’s meeting. After the meeting has been completed and the shareholders have approved the new company name, the change must be registered with the DBD within two weeks of the meeting.

How can Belaws help?

If you need more information about starting a business in Thailand, why not talk with one of our experts right now?

Talk to an expert

If you would like to learn more about how our experts can help with your accounting and secretary needs, please click here. For more details about our incorporation services, please click here. 

Please note that this article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Share this post
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on WhatsApp
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share by Mail
Immediate Consultation
Book now

Our consultations last for a period of up to 1 hour and are conducted by expert Lawyers who are fluent in English, French and Thai.

Consultations can be hosted via WhatsApp or Video Conferencing software for your convenience. A consultation with one of our legal experts is undoubtedly the best way to get all the information you need and answer any questions you may have about your new business or project.

USD 150

Up to 1 hour

Online payment (Paypal or Credit card)

Legal consultation can be conducted in English, French or Thai

Legal consultations are handled by experienced lawyers from the relevant fields of practice

Frequently asked questions

Can a foreigner open a company in Thailand?

Yes it is possible for a foreigner to open a company in Thailand. There are also options available which allow 100% foreign owned companies as well.

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

The official fees for registering a company in Thailand are THB 7,500.

How do I start a limited company in Thailand?

  1. Step 1: Choose and register a company name.
  2. Step 2: Draft and file the Memorandum of Association.
  3. Step 3: Call and hold a Statutory Meeting of the shareholders
  4. Step 4: Register the Company with the Ministry of Commerce.
  5. Step 5: Register the company for Value-Added Tax (VAT) and Income Tax

Is it good to start a business in Thailand?

Thailand is an attractive option for those wishing to start a business. Thailand has a great infrastructure in place and scheme such as the BOI provide great incentives for companies to take advantage of.

How much money do you need to start a business in Thailand?

Typically, it costs between THB 40,000 to THB 60,000 (excluding VAT and Government fees) to start a business in Thailand.The official fees for registering a company in Thailand are THB 7,500.

How can a foreigner start a small business in Thailand?

Yes, foreigners can start a business in Thailand. However, certain business activities are restricted by the Foreign Business Act and in order for businesses to undertake them they must obtain a Foreign Business Licence/Certificate which can be time consuming and complicated.

What is the biggest problem in Thailand?

The biggest problem facing foreign owned companies is being able to undertake their desired business activity as a 100% foreign owned company. Many business activities are protected by the Foreign Business Act and in order for a company to operate in these protected industries, they will be required to be majority owned by Thai Shareholders (unless a BOI promotion has been obtained).

Why is it hard to do business in Thailand?

The Foreign Business Act limits to the business activities a 100% foreign owned company can undertake. This means Thai Shareholders will need to be sought or a BOI promotion obtained in order for a company to legally operate.

Can I own a company in Thailand?

Yes, foreigners can start a business in Thailand. However, certain business activities are restricted by the Foreign Business Act and in order for businesses to undertake them they must obtain a Foreign Business Licence/Certificate which can be time consuming and complicated.

Related articles

What is the cost of registering a company in Thailand?

What is the cost of registering a company in Thailand in 2025?

21/10/2021
All you need to know about the cost of creating and registering a company in Thailand.
October 21, 2021/by bertrand_admin_belaws
Why should entrepreneurs set up a holding company in Singapore?

Why should entrepreneurs set up a holding company in Singapore?

12/04/2022
International companies and entrepreneurs alike choose Singapore to register their regional headquarters or holding company.
April 12, 2022/by jonathan
5 reasons why Thailand is a great place to start a company

5 reasons why Thailand is a great place to start a company

21/04/2022
Here is a list of the top five business advantages that Thailand has to offer and should be kept in mind when considering entering the Thai market.
April 22, 2022/by jonathan

Subscribe today

Subscribe today

To our newsletter for all the latest legal news
in South East Asia, Belaws updates and
special promotions on our services.

To our newsletter today for all the latest legal news in South East Asia,
Belaws updates and special promotions on our services.

+66 (0) 63 695 5945

We are open:
Monday – Friday
9 am – 6 pm (UTC+7)

Email us

SERVICES

Legal

Incorporation

Accounting & Secretary

Visas

Immediate ConsultationNew

COMPANY

About

Careers

Press & Media

Terms of Services

Privacy Policy

Sitemap

Resources

Belaws Thailand Blog

Facebook Thai Visa Belaws

Ebook on Condo purchase

Ebook Employment Law

Our Offices

Thailand

Singapore

Hong Kong

Cambodia

Vietnam

Belaws 2017 - 2025.
Belaws provides information and software only. Belaws is not a "lawyer referral service" and does not provide legal service or participate in any legal representation.
Belaws is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or a law firm. The use of Belaws is subject to our Terms of Use.

Opening a bank account for your company in Thailand Opening a bank account for your company in Thailand bank account for your company What are the fees and taxes for selling a condo in Thailand? What are the fees and taxes for selling a condo in Thailand?
Scroll to top