Foreign Business License (FBL) in Thailand
ACCOUNTINFIRM empowers international companies to expand confidently into Thailand by managing all legal and accounting matters — including obtaining a Foreign Business License (FBL) to ensure your business meets regulatory standards and avoids legal limitations.
What Is a Foreign Business License - FBL?
To allow foreigners to hold a majority or 100%
The Foreign Business License is a legal permit issued by Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce, allowing foreign individuals or companies (with more than 49% foreign ownership) to conduct certain restricted business activities. Without this license, foreign-majority businesses are not allowed to operate in specific sectors
Business Structures That Require the Foreign Business License in Thailand (FBL)
Who is Considered a Foreigner Under Thai Law?
According to the Foreign Business Act, the following are considered “foreigners”:
Individuals who do not hold Thai nationality
Juristic persons (companies or organizations) not registered in Thailand
Thai-registered entities with 50% or more of shares held by foreigners as defined above
Entities indirectly held by foreigners, even if registered in Thailand, where the ultimate control belongs to foreign individuals or companies
foreign
Companies
Branch
offices
Representative offices
BOI-promoted companies
A Strategic Guide for Foreign Investors
Business Activities Restricted to Foreigners in Thailand
While Thailand offers strong opportunities for foreign investment, the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 outlines clear restrictions on certain business activities. These are divided into three categories, each with specific conditions. Understanding these limitations is essential for entering the Thai market legally and strategically.
Category 1
Prohibited Businesses
“Activities Exclusively Reserved for Thai Nationals”
These business activities are completely restricted to Thai nationals due to national interest, cultural protection, and sovereignty concerns. Foreigners are not permitted to engage in:
Publishing and broadcasting (newspapers, radio, television)
Agricultural operations such as farming, rice cultivation, or plantations
Animal husbandry
Logging and timber processing from natural forests
Commercial fishing in Thai territorial waters
Trading Thai antiques or historical artifacts
Manufacturing Buddha images or alms bowls
Land trading
Category 2
Restricted Businesses
“Strategic and Sensitive Industries Requiring State Approval”
Foreign participation in these businesses is possible only with ministerial approval and Cabinet resolution, as they relate to national security, cultural heritage, or environmental concerns.
Examples include:
National Security:
Production or maintenance of weapons and military equipment
Domestic transport operations (land, sea, air)
Cultural Impact:
Trade in Thai handicrafts and antiques
Production of Thai silk, traditional instruments, or fine crafts
Environmental Impact:
Mining and resource extraction
Manufacturing furniture from native timber
Category 3
Licensing Businesses
“Conditional Business Activities Requiring a FBL”
These businesses are open to foreign ownership with a proper license issued by the Department of Business Development (DBD), subject to approval from the Foreign Business Committee. These sectors are generally reserved to promote Thai competitiveness.
Includes:
Accounting, legal, architectural, and engineering services
Construction (with exceptions for high-value or technology-based projects)
Hotel operations (excluding hotel management)
Travel and tour operations
Advertising and creative services
Restaurant and beverage businesses
Retail and wholesale (below specified capital thresholds)
Brokerage and agency services (with conditions)
Local agricultural product trade
Requirements for Obtaining a Foreign Business License (FBL) in Thailand
Foreigners who receive a Foreign Business License (FBL) or a Certificate of Permission under Thai law must meet certain compliance requirements.
Business Eligibility
- Must fall under List 2 or List 3 of the Foreign Business Act (e.g., service, trading, construction, consultancy).
- Activities under List 1 are strictly prohibited to foreigners and not eligible for licensing.
- The business must demonstrate clear economic contribution, such as local employment, capital investment, or technology transfer.
Corporate Structure Requirements
- Applicant must be a registered Thai company with foreign majority ownership (over 49%).
Minimum registered capital of THB 3 million is generally required (per activity).
Company must have a clearly defined business objective aligned with the activity being applied for.
Translation, Notarization & Legalization
- All non-Thai documents must be translated to Thai and certified.
Foreign corporate documents must be notarized and legalized via the Thai Embassy or Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the country of origin.
Pricing Plans - Foreign Business License (FBL) Registration services in Thailand
Operate with full legal confidence – For Foreign-Owned Companies Expanding into Thailand
FBL Registration
FBL Package
135,000 THB
+ 7% VAT
60–90 Business days
Starting from the date we receive complete documentation from your side.
What’s Included
- Business Activity Review - Evaluate your eligibility under Thailand’s Foreign Business Act (FBA) and classify your business correctly.
- Strategic Setup Advisory - Guidance on company structure, capital, and shareholding to meet FBL requirements.
- Document Preparation - Complete drafting, translation, and legalization of all required documents.
- Filing & Government Liaison - Submission and direct coordination with the Ministry of Commerce throughout the approval process.
- Approval Follow-Up & License Issuance - End-to-end monitoring until your license is approved and delivered.
Government Fee of Foreign Business License (FBL) in Thailand
The government fees for obtaining a Foreign Business License (FBL) in Thailand vary based on the business category under the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999). The costs are determined by the business list (List Two or List Three), the company structure, and the registered capital.
| Fee Category | List Two | List Three |
|---|---|---|
| 1. License Application | 1,000 – 2,000 THB | 1,000 – 2,000 THB |
| 2. License for Certain Foreigners | 5,000 THB | 5,000 THB |
| 3. License (Base Rate) | 40,000 THB | 20,000 THB |
| 4. Personal | 10 THB per THB 1,000 registered capitalMin: 40,000 / Max: 500,000 THB | 5 THB per THB 1,000 registered capitalMin: 20,000 / Max: 250,000 THB |
| 5. Companies | Fractional capital of THB 1,000 is treated as THB 1,000 | Fractional capital of THB 1,000 is treated as THB 1,000 |
| 6. Certificate Issuance | 20,000 THB | 20,000 THB |
| 7. Replacement of License or Certificate | 5,000 THB | 5,000 THB |
Exact fee depends on your company’s registered capital.
Key Notes:
Fees apply per activity listed in the license.
Government fees are paid after approval, before license issuance.
The registered capital will affect the total cost, especially for natural persons.
Our Compliance Advisory Services
We work closely with your management team to ensure your business is audit-ready and up to date with all local compliance requirements.
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