Thailand Investment Gateway
Invest in Thailand
Build from an established business and industrial base, connect with ASEAN markets, and navigate the official pathways supporting investment, innovation and long-term growth.
Build in Thailand. Reach ASEAN. Grow Beyond Borders.
A Proven Base for Regional Growth
Thailand's investment proposition is not built on one advantage. It is the combination of location, industrial capability, infrastructure, supply chains, talent, market access and an established international business community.
One Strategic Base. Multiple Pathways to Growth.
Strategic ASEAN Location
Thailand connects businesses with ASEAN, China, India and global supply chains from the geographic center of mainland Southeast Asia.
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Industrial Strength
Decades of manufacturing capability across automotive, electronics, food and advanced industries, with a proven production environment.
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Skilled Workforce
Engineering, manufacturing, technology and service capabilities built up over decades of industrial and export experience.
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Quality Living Environment
Healthcare, education, infrastructure and an established international community for relocating teams and founders.
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Export and Trade Connectivity
An established customs, logistics and trade-facilitation environment, reinforced by ATIGA, RCEP and Thailand's bilateral trade agreements.
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Logistics and Infrastructure
A developed network of ports, highways, rail and air-cargo links, with the Eastern Economic Corridor's multimodal system expanding further.
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Digital Economy and Innovation
A growing base of data centers, cloud infrastructure and digital-sector investment, supported by depa, NSTDA and NIA.
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Food and Agricultural Capability
A long-standing food-producing and exporting nation, from staple commodities to specialty and Halal-certified products.
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Healthcare and Wellness
An internationally recognized medical and wellness sector combining clinical quality with hospitality experience.
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Automotive and Future Mobility
Southeast Asia's most established automotive manufacturing base, now extending into electric vehicles and related supply chains.
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International Business Networks
An active community of chambers, trade associations and international business groups already operating in Thailand.
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Government Investment Facilitation
A functioning ecosystem of official bodies — led by BOI and the Thailand Investment and Expat Services Center — exists specifically to support investors.
Learn moreChoose the Pathway That Fits Your Investment
There is no single route for every investor. The appropriate pathway depends on the business activity, ownership structure, investment value, location, technology, employment plan and eligibility for promotion.
BOI-Promoted Investment
For projects whose activities and conditions qualify under the current Thailand Board of Investment framework.
- Eligible activities
- Promotion application
- Project evaluation
- Tax incentives where granted
- Non-tax incentives where granted
- Machinery or raw-material duty treatment where granted
- Foreign-ownership facilitation where applicable
- Land-related rights where applicable
- Foreign expert and work-permit facilitation
- Post-promotion compliance
Standard Non-BOI Business
For businesses establishing under ordinary company, foreign-business, tax and sector-regulatory frameworks.
- Department of Business Development registration
- Foreign Business Act considerations
- Foreign Business Licence or Certificate where applicable
- Tax registration
- Sector licences
- Employment and work permits
- Accounting and annual compliance
EEC Investment
For eligible projects locating within the Eastern Economic Corridor and meeting current EEC conditions.
- Chachoengsao
- Chonburi
- Rayong
- Target industries
- Location-specific support
- EEC incentive application
- Infrastructure and industrial clusters
- Coordination with BOI and other authorities
Industrial Estate or Special Location
For operations considering Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand estates, special economic areas or another officially designated location.
- Industrial land and utilities
- Estate-specific services
- Industrial licensing
- Customs or free-zone treatment where applicable
- Land and foreign-specialist privileges where officially applicable
- Environmental and factory approvals
Pathways Often Work Together
These pathways may overlap. A project may involve company registration, BOI promotion, an EEC or industrial-estate location, sector licensing and immigration procedures at the same time.
Review the Investor Journey
Where Capability Meets Opportunity
Explore sectors where Thailand combines established capability with new investment momentum. Each gateway connects investors with market structure, trade, incentives, regulation, industry bodies, events and verified opportunities.
Choose a Sector. Understand the Ecosystem. Find Your Entry Point.
Agriculture
A long-standing food-producing and exporting nation with deep agricultural experience.
Explore Sector
Food & Beverage
A globally recognized food-processing and export sector, from staples to specialty products.
Explore Sector
Automotive
Southeast Asia's most established automotive manufacturing base.
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EV & Future Mobility
An automotive base in active transition toward electric vehicles and related supply chains.
Explore Sector
Digital Technology & AI
A growing digital economy with rising investment interest in software, AI and technology-enabled services.
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Healthcare & Medical Wellness
An internationally recognized medical and wellness sector combining clinical quality with hospitality.
Explore Sector
Logistics
A developing regional logistics hub, leveraging Thailand's central ASEAN location.
Explore Sector
Renewable Energy
A developing renewable-energy sector alongside Thailand's traditional energy base.
Explore SectorThailand Investment & Business Snapshot
Understand the market before you enter it.
Nominal GDP
545USD billion (approx.)
2025 (World Bank projection) · World Bank
Scope: National, current prices · Verified 2026-08-22
Population
65.95million
As of 8 Jan 2025 · Department of Provincial Administration
Scope: National, registered population (incl. ~1.0M non-Thai residents) · Verified 2026-08-22
Labour Force
40.3million persons
March 2025 · National Statistical Office — Labour Force Survey
Scope: National, age 15+ · Verified 2026-08-22
Merchandise Exports
282.98USD billion
January–October 2025 (cumulative, +13.0% YoY) · Ministry of Commerce — Trade Statistics
Scope: National, merchandise trade · Verified 2026-08-22
Merchandise Imports
286.84USD billion
January–October 2025 (cumulative) · Ministry of Commerce — Trade Statistics
Scope: National, merchandise trade · Verified 2026-08-22
BOI Investment Applications
1,876,653THB million (~USD 60.2 billion)
Full year 2025, across 3,370 projects · Thailand Board of Investment
Scope: National, applications received (not all applications are ultimately approved) · Verified 2026-08-22
Foreign Direct Investment (net inflows)
14.30USD billion
2024 (+38.5% YoY); 2025 full-year figure not yet finalized at verification date · Bank of Thailand / World Bank
Scope: National, balance-of-payments basis · Verified 2026-08-22
Manufactured-Goods Share of Exports
~86percent of total merchandise exports
Most recent annual composition data · Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), based on Thai trade data
Scope: National export composition; leading categories: electronics (~14%), vehicles (~13%), machinery (~7.5%), foodstuffs (~7.5%) · Verified 2026-08-22
Figures above are drawn from different reporting periods and are not one combined dataset — each stat states its own period and source. Do not average or combine figures across rows.
Business Entry & Operating Environment
The World Bank discontinued its former “Ease of Doing Business” ranking. Thailand's actual business-entry environment is better understood through its official digital systems:
DBD Biz Regist
The Department of Business Development's mandatory online system for registering a Thai private limited company or partnership.
e-Foreign Business
DBD's digital system for Foreign Business Licence and Foreign Business Certificate applications under the Foreign Business Act.
BOI e-Services / OSOS
BOI's online services and the One Start One Stop Investment Center, now consolidated with visa and work-permit services at the Thailand Investment and Expat Services Center (TIESC).
Thailand Investment and Expat Services Center (TIESC)
A single physical location (One Bangkok, opened March 2025) combining BOI's OSOS, Immigration Bureau and Department of Employment services for investors and expatriates.
Thai e-Visa
Thailand's online visa application system, including business and investor-relevant categories.
Revenue Department e-Services
Online tax registration, e-filing and payment systems for corporate income tax, VAT and withholding tax.
Customs Digital Services
Thai Customs' electronic declaration and trade-facilitation systems for import/export procedures.
Sector-Specific Licensing Systems
Digital licensing platforms operated by individual regulators (e.g. Thai FDA, TISI, DIW) for activity-specific approvals.
Thailand Board of Investment: Promotion Based on Activity and Project
The Right Activity. The Right Structure. The Right Incentive Pathway.
The Board of Investment is Thailand's key official agency for supporting and evaluating foreign investment — covering tax incentives, non-tax incentives, investment facilitation, and defined eligible activities.
BOI does not promote every business. Eligibility depends on the exact promoted activity; conditions may include technology, value addition, process, investment amount, location, environmental requirements or other criteria. Approval is project-specific, incentive treatment is not automatic, and BOI promotion does not eliminate all licensing, tax, labour or regulatory obligations.
Eligibility and incentives depend on the specific activity and current official conditions. Confirm directly with BOI or the responsible authority.
BOI Orientation, Category by Category
Each area below covers a distinct part of BOI's promoted-activity framework — expand any category for its scope.
Eligible Activities
BOI promotes specific, listed activities across targeted industries (e.g. digital, EV, advanced manufacturing, BCG) — not every business qualifies, and eligibility is defined activity by activity.
Application and Project Evaluation
Each application is evaluated as an individual project against the current criteria for its specific activity, not approved automatically.
Tax Incentives
Corporate income tax exemption periods vary by activity and merit — recent updates allow up to 8 years for qualifying digital, EV and green-energy projects; other activities may receive shorter periods or none.
Machinery Import-Duty Treatment
Import duty exemption or reduction on qualifying machinery may be granted, depending on the promoted activity and project conditions.
Raw-Material Treatment
Duty treatment on imported raw or essential materials used in production may be granted for export-oriented promoted projects.
Merit-Based Incentives
Additional incentives may be available for projects that meet criteria such as R&D spending, workforce development, or technology transfer.
Location-Based Measures
Projects located in designated investment-promotion zones, including second-tier provinces, may receive extended incentive periods.
Technology and Innovation Measures
Enhanced incentives exist for projects involving advanced technology, automation, or innovation-driven activity.
Foreign Ownership
BOI promotion can facilitate majority or full foreign ownership for many promoted activities, subject to the specific activity's conditions.
Land-Related Rights
Promoted companies may be granted rights to own land for the promoted business, subject to BOI approval and conditions.
Foreign Experts
BOI facilitates the entry of foreign specialists and executives needed for the promoted project.
Visa and Work-Permit Facilitation
BOI-promoted companies can access streamlined visa and work-permit processes through BOI's own service channels and TIESC.
Obligations After Promotion
Promoted companies must meet ongoing reporting, investment, and compliance conditions — promotion is not a one-time approval with no further obligations.
From Eligibility to Approval
BOI treatment depends on the promoted activity, the specific project's conditions, its location and BOI's current rules — it is not automatic for every business. Confirm eligibility for a specific activity directly with BOI before relying on any incentive.
The BOI Promotion Process
- 1
Confirm the Exact Activity
Identify which BOI-eligible activity category, if any, matches the proposed business.
- 2
Review Current Eligibility and Conditions
Check the activity's current criteria, incentive tier and any location or technology conditions.
- 3
Prepare the Investment Project
Develop the project plan, investment value, technology, and workforce details required for the application.
- 4
Submit Through the Official BOI System
File the application through BOI's official channels.
- 5
Present or Clarify the Project Where Required
Respond to BOI's requests for clarification or presentation of the project.
- 6
Receive the Board's Decision
BOI evaluates and issues its decision on the application.
- 7
Accept Promotion
The applicant formally accepts the terms of the promotion, if granted.
- 8
Obtain the Promotion Certificate
BOI issues the certificate confirming the granted promotion and its conditions.
- 9
Complete Establishment and Operational Requirements
Finish company registration, capital, and operational steps tied to the promotion.
- 10
Maintain Reporting and Compliance
Meet BOI's ongoing reporting and condition-compliance requirements after promotion begins.
Investment Incentives: What May Be Available?
Potential incentives depend on the activity, project, location, investment structure and current approval conditions. The table is an orientation tool, not a promise of eligibility, and is not legal advice.
Corporate income-tax incentive
- BOI
- Project-specific
- EEC
- Eligibility-specific
- IEAT / Estate
- May depend on other promotion
- Standard Non-BOI
- Standard tax framework
Machinery import duty
- BOI
- Where granted
- EEC
- Where granted
- IEAT / Estate
- Applicable estate/customs treatment
- Standard Non-BOI
- Standard customs treatment
Raw-material duty
- BOI
- Where granted
- EEC
- Where granted
- IEAT / Estate
- Applicable zone treatment
- Standard Non-BOI
- Standard customs treatment
Foreign ownership
- BOI
- Activity and approval dependent
- EEC
- Structure dependent
- IEAT / Estate
- Structure dependent
- Standard Non-BOI
- Foreign Business Act applies
Land-related rights
- BOI
- Where granted
- EEC
- Approval dependent
- IEAT / Estate
- Estate law may apply
- Standard Non-BOI
- General land restrictions apply
Foreign specialists
- BOI
- Facilitated where approved
- EEC
- Relevant route may apply
- IEAT / Estate
- Estate provisions may apply
- Standard Non-BOI
- Standard immigration and labour process
Visa / work permit
- BOI
- BOI-supported pathway
- EEC
- Relevant pathway
- IEAT / Estate
- Relevant pathway
- Standard Non-BOI
- Standard pathway
Additional location incentives
- BOI
- Where applicable
- EEC
- EEC-specific
- IEAT / Estate
- Estate or zone-specific
- Standard Non-BOI
- Normally unavailable
This table is an orientation tool, not legal advice.
How to Establish a Business in Thailand
Turn an Investment Decision into an Operating Business.
Registering a company is a defined legal procedure, not a formality — the sequence below moves from reserving a company name through to holding the licences and tax registrations an operating business needs. Each step can be expanded for its required documents and considerations.
From activity definition and ownership review to registration, tax and operational approvals.
View Official Starting Points
1Define the Business ActivityDetermine exactly what the business will do before choosing a structure or pathway.
- Products or services
- Revenue model
- Import/export activity
- Manufacturing activity
- Regulated activities
- Target customers
- Intended location
2Check Foreign-Ownership RestrictionsReview whether the activity is restricted under the Foreign Business Act before proceeding.
- Foreign Business Act
- Restricted activities
- Sector-specific ownership rules
- Thai-shareholding requirements where legally applicable
- Foreign Business Licence
- Foreign Business Certificate
- BOI-promoted ownership pathway where applicable
- Treaty-based pathway where applicable
Nominee shareholding arrangements are not a lawful substitute for foreign-ownership compliance.
3Select the Legal StructureSuitability depends on activity, liability, tax, ownership and commercial objectives.
- Thai limited company
- Public limited company
- Branch office
- Representative office
- Regional office where applicable
- Partnership
- Joint venture or contractual collaboration
4Register the Juristic EntityRegister through the Department of Business Development's mandatory online system.
- Company-name reservation
- Memorandum and company details
- Shareholders
- Directors
- Registered capital
- Registered office
- Business objectives
- Statutory meeting or incorporation requirements where applicable
- Registration through DBD Biz Regist
- English business-registration certificate services
5Complete Foreign-Business Approval Where RequiredRestricted activities require separate approval before a foreign-majority company can operate them.
- Foreign Business Licence
- Foreign Business Certificate
- BOI-linked certification where applicable
- e-Foreign Business system
- Activity-specific exemption or approval
6Tax RegistrationRegister for the taxes that apply to the business and set up compliant accounting.
- Corporate tax registration
- Tax identification
- VAT registration where required
- Withholding tax
- Specific Business Tax where applicable
- e-filing
- Accounting records
- Annual financial statements
- Audit requirements
7Obtain Sector and Location LicencesLicence requirements depend entirely on the activity and location.
- Factory licence
- Food and drug registration
- Tourism licence
- Hotel licence
- Telecom or digital regulation
- Environmental approval
- Building or land-use approval
- Import/export permits
- Professional licences
- Industrial-estate permission
8Employment and Social SecuritySet up compliant employment, payroll and work-permit arrangements.
- Employment agreements
- Thai labour law
- Social Security Office registration
- Payroll
- Withholding obligations
- Work rules where applicable
- Foreign employee ratios or capital conditions where applicable
- Work permits
9Banking and OperationsEstablish the operational and financial infrastructure the business needs.
- Corporate bank account
- Capital remittance evidence
- Foreign-exchange documentation
- Accounting system
- Insurance
- Premises
- Data protection
- Contracts
- Operational compliance
10Maintain Annual ComplianceOngoing filings and renewals keep the business in good standing.
- Annual financial statements
- Corporate tax returns
- VAT and withholding filings
- Social-security reporting
- Company-register updates
- Licence renewals
- BOI reporting where promoted
- Immigration and work-permit renewals
Foreign Ownership, Licensing & Market Entry
These are not the same approval — a project can need several of them at once.
A Decision Tool, Not an Answer
Work through these questions before choosing a structure — the right answer depends on the specific activity, not a general rule.
- Does the activity fall within a restricted business category?
- Is BOI promotion available?
- Is a Foreign Business Licence or Certificate required?
- Does a sector regulator impose separate ownership conditions?
- Does the location provide an additional pathway?
- Will foreign professionals work in Thailand?
General orientation only. Investors should obtain qualified Thai legal, tax and regulatory advice before committing capital or signing binding agreements.
Tax, Accounting & Operating Responsibilities
Tax, customs and operating obligations begin alongside company establishment. Businesses should understand registration, payroll, reporting, import duties and annual compliance before operations commence.
Tax and customs obligations run in parallel with company registration — corporate tax and VAT registration, payroll and social-security enrolment, and duty treatment on imports all apply once the business is operating, not only at setup.
Operating Essentials
- Corporate income tax and VAT registration
- Withholding tax and payroll obligations
- Social Security registration
- Customs duties and import treatment
- Accounting records and annual audit
- Transfer-pricing obligations where applicable
Requirements vary by activity, ownership structure, transaction type and current regulation. Confirm applicable obligations directly with Thailand's Revenue Department, Customs Department and qualified professional advisers.
View Official Tax & Customs Resources
Corporate Income Tax
Standard corporate tax applies unless a specific BOI or other incentive reduces or exempts it for a promoted activity. Rate and treatment should be confirmed directly with the Revenue Department.
Value Added Tax (VAT)
Applies to most goods and services; registration is required once turnover thresholds set by the Revenue Department are met.
Withholding Tax
Applies to specified payment types (e.g. services, royalties, dividends), with rates that can vary by payment type and recipient.
Specific Business Tax
Applies to certain businesses outside the standard VAT system, such as some financial and real-estate transactions, where applicable.
Customs Duties
Apply to imported goods, subject to standard tariffs, applicable free-trade-agreement preferences, or BOI/estate-specific treatment where granted.
Transfer Pricing
Applies where related-party transactions are involved, under Revenue Department rules, where applicable.
Double-Tax Agreements
Thailand maintains a network of double-tax agreements; applicability depends on the investor's home jurisdiction and structure.
Payroll and Social Security
Employers must withhold personal income tax from salaries and register employees with the Social Security Office.
Accounting Records and Annual Audit
Thai companies must keep statutory accounting records and file audited annual financial statements.
BOI Tax-Incentive Accounting
Promoted companies must maintain accounting records that separately demonstrate compliance with their specific incentive conditions.
Repatriation and Foreign-Exchange Documentation
Moving capital or profits out of Thailand requires supporting documentation under Bank of Thailand foreign-exchange regulations.
No tax rate is stated here without naming the tax and pointing to the official source below. Always confirm current rates, thresholds and exceptions directly with the Revenue Department or a qualified tax adviser before relying on any figure.
Where to Invest in Thailand
Location Shapes Cost, Talent, Logistics and Incentive Potential.
Bangkok Metropolitan Region
Thailand's commercial and administrative center, with the deepest concentration of headquarters, professional services and international connectivity.
Eastern Economic Corridor
Chonburi, Rayong and Chachoengsao form Thailand's flagship advanced-industry corridor, with dedicated incentive and infrastructure support.
Central Thailand
A manufacturing and distribution base close to Bangkok's consumer markets and logistics networks.
Northern Thailand
Anchored by Chiang Mai, a base for digital, creative, education and tourism-linked investment alongside food and agriculture.
Northeastern Thailand
Thailand's largest region by area, with agricultural depth, cross-border trade routes and emerging bioeconomy investment.
Southern Thailand
A base for food and seafood processing, rubber, the Halal economy, and tourism and wellness investment, with maritime and cross-border access.
Compare location, sector fit, infrastructure, talent and market access before narrowing the investment pathway.
Industrial estates and special zones — managed principally by the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) — provide factory-ready land, utilities and estate-specific services. General Industrial Zones and Free Zones carry different customs and export conditions; environmental and factory approvals, and any land-related or foreign-specialist privileges, depend on the specific estate, zone and promoted activity.
Investor, Executive & Specialist Mobility
Invest, Establish and Mobilize the Right Talent.
A visa permits entry or stay. It does not automatically grant permission to work. A separate work authorisation or an applicable integrated programme may be required.
Non-Immigrant B
- Intended user
- Business visitors and company-sponsored employees
- Primary purpose
- Business meetings and business activity; also the standard employment pathway
- Authority
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates
- Work authorisation
- A work permit is normally required before employment begins, even after the visa is granted.
Does not itself authorize work — the Department of Employment work permit is a separate step.
Official information (opens in a new tab)Non-Immigrant IB
- Intended user
- Foreign personnel of qualifying BOI-promoted investment projects
- Primary purpose
- Investment and business activity tied to a specific BOI-promoted project
- Authority
- Board of Investment, coordinating with Immigration Bureau
- Work authorisation
- Project and BOI conditions apply; foreign personnel and work authorisation remain subject to the applicable process.
Only relevant where the underlying project holds current BOI promotion.
Official information (opens in a new tab)Non-Immigrant B-A
- Intended user
- Companies applying through a special business-approved route
- Primary purpose
- A business-approved pathway distinct from the general investor visa
- Authority
- The relevant approving authority for the specific route
- Work authorisation
- Not a general investor visa; procedure and current availability must be confirmed directly.
Current availability and procedure must be confirmed directly with the responsible authority before relying on this route.
Official information (opens in a new tab)SMART Visa
- Intended user
- Startup founders (SMART-S) and their spouse/dependants (SMART-O), in BOI-targeted industries
- Primary purpose
- Support for certified startups in Thailand's targeted industries
- Authority
- Board of Investment
- Work authorisation
- SMART-S holders are exempt from the standard work-permit requirement for the promoted activity; SMART-O spouses may also work without a separate work permit.
As of the February 2025 restructuring, the former Talent, Investor and Executive SMART categories were removed and merged into the LTR Visa — not every founder or digital worker automatically qualifies for SMART-S; targeted-industry and certification criteria apply.
Official information (opens in a new tab)Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa
- Intended user
- Wealthy Global Citizens, Wealthy Pensioners, Work-from-Thailand Professionals, and Highly-Skilled Professionals
- Primary purpose
- Long-term residency for four defined target groups, each with its own income, asset, employment, insurance and other eligibility conditions
- Authority
- Board of Investment
- Work authorisation
- Includes access to a digital work permit for eligible categories, subject to that category's own conditions.
Eligibility criteria were loosened in January 2025 but remain category-specific — not every investor or remote worker qualifies; current criteria must be checked directly.
Official information (opens in a new tab)
Choose the Right Entry Path
The correct route depends on the purpose of travel, sponsoring entity, proposed activity and whether work authorisation is required. Always verify the current process with the responsible Thai authority.
- Purpose of travel
- Sponsoring entity
- Work-authorisation pathway
- Current official requirements
Spouse and dependant pathways exist under several of the categories above (including LTR and SMART-O). This is general orientation only, not immigration advice — confirm the applicable route directly with the responsible authority.
Tourist status is not a work-authorisation route. The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) also should not be described as a substitute for company-sponsored employment or a work permit. Applicants must confirm permitted activities directly with the responsible authority.
Application Orientation Process
- 1
Identify the Correct Visa Purpose
Match the actual activity — business visit, employment, investment, or long-term residence — to the right category.
- 2
Confirm Nationality and Current-Location Eligibility
Check that the chosen application channel is available for the applicant's nationality and location.
- 3
Review the Official Category Requirements
Read the current criteria directly from the responsible authority before preparing documents.
- 4
Prepare Sponsor and Project Documents
Assemble the company, project or personal documentation the category requires.
- 5
Apply Through Thai e-Visa or the Responsible Programme
Submit the application through the correct official channel (e.g. Thai e-Visa, BOI, TIESC).
- 6
Receive the Visa Decision
Await the responsible authority's decision on the application.
- 7
Complete Entry and Stay Requirements
Fulfil any entry, registration or reporting requirements tied to the visa.
- 8
Obtain Work Authorisation Before Starting Employment
Secure the applicable work permit or digital work-permit equivalent before beginning work.
- 9
Maintain Reporting, Extension and Renewal Compliance
Keep up with 90-day reporting, extensions and renewals as required by the category.
From a Thailand Base to Regional Markets
Thailand participates in ATIGA (upgrade negotiations completed) and RCEP (in force), alongside its bilateral agreements. Neither ATIGA nor RCEP provides automatic zero-duty access for every product — preferential treatment depends on the product's tariff classification and whether it meets that agreement's specific rules of origin.
A Practical Export Process
- 1
Identify the Correct HS or AHTN Code
Classify the product correctly before assessing any duty or agreement.
- 2
Confirm the Normal Tariff
Check the standard, non-preferential duty rate for that classification.
- 3
Identify Any Applicable Preferential Agreement
Determine whether ATIGA, RCEP, an ASEAN+1 agreement, or a bilateral agreement could apply.
- 4
Confirm Product-Specific Rules of Origin
Check the exact origin criteria the product must meet under that agreement.
- 5
Verify Direct-Consignment Requirements
Confirm the shipping route meets the agreement's direct-consignment conditions.
- 6
Obtain Valid Origin Documentation
Secure the correct certificate of origin or origin declaration, including e-CO where available.
- 7
Confirm Product Registration and Standards
Check any required product registration or standards compliance (e.g. TISI, FDA) before export or import.
- 8
Complete Customs Documentation
File the required customs declarations through Thai Customs' digital systems.
- 9
Retain Supporting Records
Keep origin, valuation and compliance records for the retention period customs authorities require.
Who Does What? Thailand's Investor Support Ecosystem
Find the Right Official Starting Point
Different agencies handle investment promotion, registration, tax, customs, trade, immigration and employment. Start with the authority responsible for your immediate decision.
Official agency websites are provided for direct access to current regulations, services and application requirements. T3 does not represent or speak on behalf of any agency below.
Investment Promotion & Entry Support
Thailand Board of Investment (BOI)
Investment promotion, eligible activities, incentives, investor facilitation, promoted-project support.
Contact when: Evaluating whether an activity may qualify for investment promotion.
Visit Official Website (opens in a new tab, verified 2026-08-22)
Thailand Investment and Expat Services Center (TIESC (formerly OSOS))
Investor orientation, multi-agency investment information, BOI/Immigration/Employment services under one roof at One Bangkok.
Contact when: Seeking initial investment or expat-service facilitation in person.
Visit Official Website (opens in a new tab, verified 2026-08-22)
Official pathways, clearly signposted.
Move from investment promotion to registration, tax, customs and employment through the responsible Thai authorities. T3 helps visitors identify the correct starting point; official requirements must be confirmed directly.
Open the Investor Journey
Business Registration, Tax & Customs
Department of Business Development (DBD)
Juristic-person registration, business information, foreign-business licensing and certificates, DBD Biz Regist, e-Foreign Business.
Contact when: Registering a company or checking foreign-business licensing.
Visit Official Website (opens in a new tab, verified 2026-08-22)
Revenue Department
Corporate tax, VAT, withholding tax, tax registration and filing.
Contact when: Registering for tax or confirming current rates and filing obligations.
Visit Official Website (opens in a new tab, verified 2026-08-22)
Thai Customs Department
Import/export procedures, tariffs, customs declarations, customs controls.
Contact when: Confirming duty treatment or import/export procedure.
Visit Official Website (opens in a new tab, verified 2026-08-22)
Department of Foreign Trade (DFT)
Foreign trade administration, trade measures, origin and import/export matters within its authority.
Contact when: Confirming trade measures or origin-related administration.
Visit Official Website (opens in a new tab, verified 2026-08-22)
Locations & Industrial Development
Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT)
Industrial estates, estate facilities, applicable estate privileges, investor location support.
Contact when: Considering an industrial-estate or free-zone location.
Visit Official Website (opens in a new tab, verified 2026-08-22)
Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EECO)
EEC development, target industries, EEC locations, EEC incentive pathways.
Contact when: Considering a project in Chonburi, Rayong or Chachoengsao.
Visit Official Website (opens in a new tab, verified 2026-08-22)
Trade & Market Access
Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP)
Export promotion, international trade support, overseas commercial networks.
Contact when: Seeking export-promotion support or trade-mission information.
Visit Official Website (opens in a new tab, verified 2026-08-22)
Department of Trade Negotiations (DTN)
FTA negotiations, trade-agreement information, market-access frameworks.
Contact when: Checking the current status of an FTA or trade negotiation.
Visit Official Website (opens in a new tab, verified 2026-08-22)
Immigration, Employment & Social Security
Immigration Bureau
Permission to stay, extensions, immigration compliance.
Contact when: Managing visa extensions or immigration status.
Visit Official Website (opens in a new tab, verified 2026-08-22)
Ministry of Labour / Department of Employment (DOE)
Employment, labour compliance, work permits, foreign-worker procedures.
Contact when: Employing staff or arranging work permits.
Visit Official Website (opens in a new tab, verified 2026-08-22)
Social Security Office (SSO)
Employer and employee social-security registration and contributions.
Contact when: Registering employees for social security.
Visit Official Website (opens in a new tab, verified 2026-08-22)
Industrial Policy, Innovation & Standards
Ministry of Industry
Industrial policy and sector oversight.
Contact when: Understanding overall industrial policy direction.
Visit Official Website (opens in a new tab, verified 2026-08-22)
Department of Industrial Works (DIW)
Factory and industrial regulation within its authority.
Contact when: Applying for a factory licence or industrial permit.
Visit Official Website (opens in a new tab, verified 2026-08-22)
Office of SMEs Promotion (OSMEP)
SME policy and support.
Contact when: The business qualifies as, or wants support relevant to, an SME.
Visit Official Website (opens in a new tab, verified 2026-08-22)
Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa)
Digital economy promotion and digital-sector development support.
Contact when: Investing in digital, software or technology-enabled activity.
Visit Official Website (opens in a new tab, verified 2026-08-22)
National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA)
Science, technology and innovation development, including Thailand Science Park.
Contact when: Pursuing R&D-intensive or technology-transfer projects.
Visit Official Website (opens in a new tab, verified 2026-08-22)
National Innovation Agency (NIA)
Drives Thailand's national innovation system and startup ecosystem support.
Contact when: Pursuing an innovation- or startup-linked project.
Visit Official Website (opens in a new tab, verified 2026-08-22)
Thailand Center of Excellence for Life Sciences (TCELS)
Life-sciences sector development and support.
Contact when: Investing in life sciences, biotech or pharmaceutical activity.
Visit Official Website (opens in a new tab, verified 2026-08-22)
Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI)
Industrial and product standards.
Contact when: Confirming product or industrial standards compliance.
Visit Official Website (opens in a new tab, verified 2026-08-22)
External government websites are maintained by their respective agencies. Requirements and services may change; always confirm current information with the responsible authority.
Investor Support Ecosystem
Government
Business
Professional
- Legal and Company Formation
- Customs Brokerage
- Trade Finance
- AccountingComing later
- RecruitmentComing later
A dedicated directory of legal, accounting, consulting and recruitment providers is in development; T3 does not endorse or rank individual firms without a verified, transparent methodology.
My Falcon Eye — T3's forthcoming member-organization directory platform — is planned to extend this investor support ecosystem further. It is not yet live.
Thailand Investment Success Stories
T3 is building a directory of verified investor stories across Thailand's priority sectors.
Automotive
Verified T3 case study in developmentElectronics
Verified T3 case study in developmentFood
Verified T3 case study in developmentTechnology
Verified T3 case study in developmentHealthcare
Verified T3 case study in developmentHow T3 Verifies a Case Study
T3 does not publish investor case studies until they can be sourced to the company's own public statements or an official BOI/government reference and dated with a verification date. No case study on this page implies a company endorsement of T3.
Each future entry will show
Want Verified Examples Today?
The Board of Investment publishes its own official record of promoted-project success stories.
See Official BOI Success Stories (opens in a new tab)From Opportunity to Operation
The detailed investor journey, from first idea to regional expansion.
One journey. Fifteen practical decisions.
Use the pathway as a decision sequence—from defining the opportunity and checking ownership rules to registration, operations and long-term compliance.
Review Official Starting Points- 1
Define the Opportunity
Clarify the business idea, target market and reason Thailand fits.
- 2
Select the Sector
Explore T3's priority sector gateways and choose the closest match.
- 3
Test Market Demand
Validate demand, competition and positioning before committing capital.
- 4
Check Foreign-Ownership Rules
Review the Foreign Business Act and any sector-specific ownership conditions.
- 5
Choose BOI or Non-BOI Pathway
Decide whether the activity is likely to qualify for BOI promotion or should proceed as a standard business.
- 6
Select the Legal Structure
Choose the entity type that fits liability, tax and ownership objectives.
- 7
Choose the Location
Weigh Bangkok, the EEC, another region, or an industrial estate against cost, talent and logistics.
- 8
Prepare the Investment Plan
Build the operational and financial plan supporting the chosen pathway.
- 9
Apply for Promotion or Permission
Submit the BOI application, Foreign Business Licence/Certificate, or other required approval.
- 10
Register the Business
Complete company registration through DBD Biz Regist.
- 11
Complete Tax and Licensing
Register for tax and obtain the sector and location licences the activity requires.
- 12
Arrange Visas and Work Permits
Secure the correct visa category and work authorisation for foreign personnel.
- 13
Establish Operations
Open bank accounts, set up premises, and begin operational activity.
- 14
Maintain Compliance
Keep up with annual filings, licence renewals and BOI reporting where applicable.
- 15
Expand Through Thailand and ASEAN
Use the Thailand base to grow into wider ASEAN markets via FTAs and regional connectivity.
Coming to The True Thailand
Find the Right Investment Pathway for Your Business
A dedicated AI Investment Concierge is planned to recommend a sector, relevant incentives, contacts and next steps for questions like these.
T3's AI Concierge cannot make final legal, tax, immigration or investment-approval decisions. Its answers cite official resources and flag information that requires professional confirmation.
Sources, Verification & Investor Guidance
Every source below was checked against current primary or official material in August 2026. Where official data was still provisional or ambiguous, the related claim on this page uses qualitative, activity/project/structure/location-specific wording instead of a number.
World Bank — Thailand — Country data (GDP)
- Published / Updated
- 2025 projection
- Accessed
- 2026-08-22
- Supports
- Nominal GDP figure on the Market Snapshot
- Limitation
- A projection, not a final outturn figure.
National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) — Thai Economic Performance Q3 2025 and the Outlook for 2025–2026
- Published / Updated
- November 2025
- Accessed
- 2026-08-22
- Supports
- Growth-outlook context
- Limitation
- Growth forecasts are revised regularly; treat as indicative.
Department of Provincial Administration — Registered population figures
- Published / Updated
- 8 January 2025
- Accessed
- 2026-08-22
- Supports
- Population figure on the Market Snapshot
- Limitation
- Registered population, not a census total.
National Statistical Office (NSO) — Labour Force Survey
- Published / Updated
- March 2025
- Accessed
- 2026-08-22
- Supports
- Labour-force figure on the Market Snapshot
- Limitation
- Monthly survey figure; participation rate fluctuates seasonally.
Ministry of Commerce (Thailand Trade Statistics) — Trade Statistic Report System
- Published / Updated
- Cumulative Jan–Oct 2025
- Accessed
- 2026-08-22
- Supports
- Merchandise export/import figures on the Market Snapshot
- Limitation
- Cumulative year-to-date figures, not a completed full year.
Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) — Full-year 2025 investment application statistics
- Published / Updated
- 2025
- Accessed
- 2026-08-22
- Supports
- BOI investment-applications figure on the Market Snapshot
- Limitation
- Applications received, not all are ultimately approved or realized as completed investment.
Bank of Thailand / World Bank — Foreign direct investment, net inflows
- Published / Updated
- 2024 (2025 not yet finalized)
- Accessed
- 2026-08-22
- Supports
- FDI figure on the Market Snapshot
- Limitation
- Latest fully finalized annual figure is for 2024.
Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC) — Thailand export composition
- Published / Updated
- Most recent annual dataset
- Accessed
- 2026-08-22
- Supports
- Export composition percentages on the Market Snapshot
- Limitation
- Third-party aggregation of trade data, not a primary government source.
Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) — Investment Promotion Guide 2025
- Published / Updated
- 2025
- Accessed
- 2026-08-22
- Supports
- BOI eligibility, incentive category and process content
- Limitation
- General guide; individual project terms are determined case by case.
Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) — Eligible Activities
- Published / Updated
- Current
- Accessed
- 2026-08-22
- Supports
- BOI eligible-activities framing
- Limitation
- Activity list is updated periodically; always check the live page.
Department of Business Development (DBD) — DBD Biz Regist and company-registration guidance
- Published / Updated
- System launched 1 July 2025
- Accessed
- 2026-08-22
- Supports
- Company registration process content
- Limitation
- Paper applications are being phased out; confirm current submission requirements directly.
ASEAN Briefing / Foreign Business Act commentary — Foreign Business License in Thailand — Investor Guide
- Published / Updated
- 2025
- Accessed
- 2026-08-22
- Supports
- Foreign Business Act / FBL overview content
- Limitation
- Secondary commentary, not the statute itself — confirm with DBD or legal counsel before relying on any threshold figure.
Revenue Department — Tax administration guidance
- Published / Updated
- Current
- Accessed
- 2026-08-22
- Supports
- Tax-obligation framing
- Limitation
- Rates and thresholds change; always confirm the current rate directly.
Thai Customs Department — Customs and trade-facilitation services
- Published / Updated
- Current
- Accessed
- 2026-08-22
- Supports
- Customs and trade-process content
- Limitation
- Product-specific duty and documentation requirements vary.
Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EECO) and secondary sources (ASEAN Briefing, WHA Industrial Development) — EEC overview, provinces and target industries
- Published / Updated
- 2023–2025
- Accessed
- 2026-08-22
- Supports
- EEC location and target-industry content
- Limitation
- Investment-target figures are policy targets, not guaranteed outcomes.
Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) and secondary sources — IEAT overview, zones and free-zone treatment
- Published / Updated
- Current
- Accessed
- 2026-08-22
- Supports
- Industrial-estate and free-zone content
- Limitation
- Estate-specific terms vary by estate; confirm directly with IEAT.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) / Thai e-Visa — Non-Immigrant Visa B guidance and e-Visa system
- Published / Updated
- Current
- Accessed
- 2026-08-22
- Supports
- Non-B visa content
- Limitation
- Visa fees and procedures are subject to change; confirm on the live official page.
Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) — SMART Visa program
- Published / Updated
- Restructured February 2025
- Accessed
- 2026-08-22
- Supports
- SMART Visa category content
- Limitation
- Categories changed materially in 2025; older sources describing Talent/Investor/Executive categories are outdated.
Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) — Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa
- Published / Updated
- Criteria updated January 2025
- Accessed
- 2026-08-22
- Supports
- LTR Visa category content
- Limitation
- Category-specific income/asset/employment criteria apply and are subject to change.
Department of Trade Negotiations (DTN) — FTA and trade-negotiation status updates
- Published / Updated
- June 2025
- Accessed
- 2026-08-22
- Supports
- ATIGA/RCEP status content
- Limitation
- Negotiation status changes over time; confirm current status directly.
This page provides general informational guidance only, not legal, tax, immigration or investment advice. Investors should obtain qualified professional advice before committing capital or signing binding agreements.
Invest with Clarity
Build Your Future in Thailand
Explore the right sector, understand the official pathway and connect with the institutions that can help move your investment from opportunity to operation.
- Choose a sector
- Check eligibility
- Review official sources