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Setting up a company in Thailand?

Find out how to do it legally and compliantly:

Low operating costs

Stable legal environment

Possible tax exemption for crypto gains

Low operating costs

You can legally reduce your tax burden. We will be happy to advise you in detail and offer you a free initial consultation.

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Estimated Annual Revenue

Please share your Estimated Annual Revenue with us, so we know which jurisdiction is best suited for you (special taxes for certain profits).

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Pros and cons of setting up a company abroad

If you relocate your residence:

Foreign income is generally only taxed if brought into Thailand
No wealth tax
Crypto gains may be tax-free under certain conditions

Without emigrating:

Foreign ownership is often limited to 49%
Banks expect genuine local substance
If the company is managed from another country, it may be taxed there

What makes Thailand attractive as a business location?

Thailand is a major ASEAN economy with 71 million people and its own currency (THB). It is not an EU member, but is not on the EU tax blacklist nor considered high-risk by the FATF. Thai limited companies pay 20% corporate income tax, and dividends to non-residents are generally subject to 10% withholding tax, often reducible under tax treaties.

Since 1 January 2024, foreign income brought into Thailand by tax residents may be taxable under the remittance principle, making clean structuring essential. There is no separate capital gains tax, disposal gains fall under normal income tax. From 2025 to 2029, profits from digital assets may be tax-free if realised via SEC-licensed platforms.

Thailand has modern infrastructure, a developed banking system, and strong regional market access. However, the Foreign Business Act limits foreign ownership, typically to 49%, without special permits or BOI promotion. Nominee structures face increasingly strict scrutiny.

VAT registration is required once turnover exceeds THB 1.8 million (approx. EUR 49,000), with a 7% rate extended until September 2026. Thailand can be an attractive and credible Asian base, but requires careful legal and tax planning, not simplified zero-tax assumptions.

Contact us for an individual review and potential alternative solutions.

FAQs

What are the main tax rates?

Corporate income tax is generally 20% on net profit.
Dividends to non-residents are generally subject to 10% withholding tax, which can often be reduced under double tax treaties.

Is it easy to obtain a VAT number?

VAT registration is generally straightforward once the threshold is reached. The effective VAT rate is 7%.
Mandatory registration is required as soon as annual turnover exceeds THB 1.8 million (approx. EUR 49,000).

Is a Thai company taxed even if the income comes from abroad?

Yes. A Thai company is generally subject to 20% corporate income tax on its worldwide profits, regardless of where the shareholder lives and whether the income was earned abroad.

Does someone need to be present locally in Thailand?

Banks often require in-person identification, and for compliance purposes genuine local substance is usually expected, for example an office or operational activity.

Which locations worldwide are best suited to paying as little tax as possible?

	Tax Burden	Banking	Reputation	Bureaucracy	Legal Security	Costs
USA	21-0%	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	from EUR 1,900
Singapore	0%	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	from EUR 2,950
Hong Kong	0%	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	from EUR 1,900
Cyprus	15%	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	from EUR 1,900
Malta	5%	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	from EUR 2,500
Ireland	12,5%	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	from EUR 1,950
Trust	0%	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	from EUR 4,900
England	25-19%	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	from EUR 1,000

Tax compliance in your country of residence

Your country of residence may impose tax and reporting obligations for foreign business activities and dividend income - in some cases even if profits are not distributed.

Depending on your personal situation, a suitable holding structure may be required to comply with tax rules and avoid unnecessary tax risks.

To determine which jurisdiction and structure best meet your requirements, please use the contact form and describe your plans in as much detail as possible.

Our advisers will be pleased to review your case and advise you accordingly.

1.

Analyse your needs

We assess your situation to define objectives, risk tolerance, tax exposure and priorities for asset protection.

2.

Carry out a location analysis

We compare potential jurisdictions based on tax law, banking access, compliance requirements and your country of residence.

3.

Form the company and, if required, establish a foundation

Open accounts and custody accounts and, where necessary, implement asset management