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Company name registration In Thailand 2024
14/11/2023
Choosing a company name is an integral part of the Thailand company registration process to register as a company. Companies must follow specific restrictions and requirements when reserving a company name in Thailand.
This article will explore what companies must know when undergoing the company name registration process in Thailand.
Key points
- A company name cannot be the same as an existing company’s.
- Company names must also end with the word ‘Limited’ (Ltd.) or “Company Limited” (Co., Ltd.).
- The name must be reserved with the Department of Business Development (DBD).
- The name must be reserved in Thai.
How to Choose a Company Name in Thailand
When choosing a company name, you must first check whether your chosen name is available. This is an important part of the company name registration process 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
- Misleading names
- 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.
Please note that company names must end with the word ‘Limited’ (Ltd.) or “Company Limited” (Co., Ltd.)
Companies may use the same name for several companies as long as a different figurative word accompanies the name, 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, it is important to consider where to register a company name. The name must be reserved with the Department of Business Development (DBD) of the Ministry of Commerce.
Submitting three different company names is recommended 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, the company name will be valid for 30 days.
Can you change a company name after it has been registered?
Yes, changing your company’s name in Thailand after registration is possible. The new name must follow the company name registration process and requirements as the original name, as listed above.
To change your company name, you will need to remember where to register a company name. In order to do so, you will need to submit the following documents to the Department of Business Development (DBD):
- Amendment for VAT registration (form porpor.09), the original and one copy of the VAT certification (porpor.20) and copies of the VAT registration (porpor.01), if the company is registered with the VAT.
- Passport and ID card copies of the director.
- Company affidavit.
- Copies of the director’s house registration.
- Updated company documents from the DBD.
- Power of attorney.
In addition to the above, you will also need to:
- Inform the Revenue Department and other relevant government offices of the name change.
- Update your company’s corporate seal.
Here are the steps involved in changing your company name:
- Reserve a new company name with the DBD. This follows the same process as registering a new company name.
- Arrange and hold a shareholder’s meeting. Once the shareholders have approved the new company name, the change must be registered with the DBD within two weeks of the meeting.
Do I always have to use the registered name of my company?
No, you do not have to always use the registered name for the company. It is important to note that a company’s trading name differs from its company name registration. The registered company name is the officially registered name with the government; companies can then use a trading name to do business.
So, if your chosen name used to register as a company is unavailable, you can register with an alternative and use a different one for operating.
How can Belaws help?
For more information about how to choose a name and assist with the Thailand company registration process, why not talk to one of our experts now?
Please note that this article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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.
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Frequently asked questions about company name registration
How do you reserve a company name in Thailand?
To reserve a company name in Thailand, foreigners must submit an application to the DBD. The application must include three proposed company names, and the DBD will choose one of the names to approve. The approved name will be valid for 30 days.
How much does it cost to register a company in Thailand?
The cost of registering a company in Thailand varies depending on the type of company and the number of shareholders. However, the minimum registration fee is THB 2,000.
How do I verify a company in Thailand?
To verify a company in Thailand, foreigners can search the DBD’s online database. The database will show information about the company, such as its name, registration number, and registered address.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Thailand?
Yes, foreigners can own 100% of a company in Thailand, but there are some restrictions on the types of businesses that foreigners can own. For example, foreigners cannot own a majority share of a company that provides certain services, such as banking, insurance, and tourism.
Can expats start a business in Thailand?
Yes, expats can start a business in Thailand, but they must first obtain a work permit and a visa. The work permit must be issued by the Ministry of Labor, and the visa must be issued by the Immigration Bureau.
How can I register a company in Thailand?
To register a company in Thailand, you must follow these steps:
- Reserve a company name with the Department of Business Development (DBD).
- Prepare and sign the necessary documents, including the Memorandum of Association, the Articles of Association, and the Shareholder Register.
- Submit the documents to the DBD and pay the registration fee.
- Obtain a company registration certificate from the DBD.
- Open a corporate bank account.
- Register for corporate income tax and VAT.
- What are the steps involved in registering a company in Thailand?
The steps involved in registering a company in Thailand are as follows:
- Reserve a company name.
- Prepare the necessary documents.
- Submit the documents to the DBD.
- Obtain a company registration certificate.
- Open a corporate bank account.
- Register for corporate income tax and VAT.
- What are the requirements for registering a company in Thailand?
The requirements for registering a company in Thailand are as follows:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must have a valid passport or ID card.
- You must have a Thai address.
- You must have a Thai bank account.
- You must have the necessary capital to start your business.
Where do I register a company name in Thailand?
You can register a company name in Thailand with the Department of Business Development (DBD). The DBD is located at Chaeng Watthana Road, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand.
Where do I submit the documents to register a company in Thailand?
You can submit the documents to register a company in Thailand to the Department of Business Development (DBD). The DBD is located at Chaeng Watthana Road, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand.
Where do I obtain a company registration certificate in Thailand?
You can obtain a company registration certificate in Thailand from the Department of Business Development (DBD). The DBD is located at Chaeng Watthana Road, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand.
How to Register as a company
To register as a company in Thailand, you must follow the steps outlined above.
- What are the benefits of registering as a company in Thailand?
There are many benefits to registering as a company in Thailand, including:
-
Limited liability protection.
-
Tax benefits.
-
Increased credibility.
-
Access to capital.
-
What are the responsibilities of registering as a company in Thailand?
There are several responsibilities that come with registering as a company in Thailand, including:
- Paying corporate income tax.
- Registering for VAT.
- Complying with all applicable laws and regulations.
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