BOI Company Registration Thailand: Made Simple and Strategic

Ready to unlock your business potential in one of Southeast Asia’s top investment destinations? For over 20 years I have guided international companies through the FDI landscapes of Vietnam, China and Malaysia. Today I want to talk about a game-changer for foreign investors in Thailand: the Board of Investment (BOI), a government agency under the Thai government to promote investment and support business growth.

Many see a BOI registration as just a shortcut to tax breaks or 100% foreign ownership. But that’s selling it short. From my perspective as a strategic consultant, securing BOI promotion provides significant competitive advantages for foreign investors such as tax incentives, preferential treatment and streamlined business operations. It’s not just about the setup; it’s about leveraging a powerful tool for long-term, scalable growth in Thailand and across the ASEAN region.

Key Points

Leverage Government Partnership: A BOI promotion isn’t just a permit—it’s an official tie‑up with Thailand’s government. In return for meeting technology, R&D and job‑creation milestones in your approval letter, you unlock a full suite of promotion benefits and government support to scale high‑value, sustainable operations.
Gain Full Ownership: In BOI‑promoted sectors you’re fully exempt from the 49% cap under the Foreign Business Act. That means 100% foreign equity and board control—no Thai partner needed—so you retain strategic command of your Thailand operations.
Unlock Major Incentives: BOI companies can zero out corporate tax for 3–13 years, import machinery duty‑free, and fast‑track visas and work permits for foreign staff. Those savings and simplified hiring rules free up cash and speed your time to market.
Target Tomorrow’s Industries: BOI’s 2025 priority list zeroes in on semiconductors, EVs, renewables, biotech, digital platforms and AI‑driven services. Align your application to these high‑value fields to maximize your promotion package and strategic fit with Thailand’s growth agenda.
The Application is a Business Plan: A successful BOI application is not about paperwork. It’s about a business plan that demonstrates clear value to Thailand’s economy through technology transfer, job creation and innovation.

Table of Contents

Thai Investment Landscape: Why Thailand is a Global Business Hub

Thailand is a global business magnet due to its location in the heart of Southeast Asia, skilled workforce and pro-investment environment driven by forward-thinking government policies. The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) is at the centre of this appeal, driving economic growth by offering investment promotion and BOI company registration to local and foreign investors. Through the BOI, the Thai government has created a framework that encourages foreign investment, making it easier for businesses to set up and grow in the region.

The investment promotion by the BOI provides a clear path for companies to enjoy corporate income tax exemption, reduced import duties and streamlined company registration process. These incentives are designed to attract high-value industries and use of domestic resources to strengthen the Thai economy. As a result, Thailand has become a preferred destination for international businesses looking to expand in Asia, with the board of investment boi as a strategic partner in their growth journey.

What is BOI Thailand and Why It Matters

The Thailand Board of Investment (Thai Board) is the government agency responsible for promoting foreign and local investment in sectors that are strategic to the country’s development. Its mission is to make Thailand a regional hub for high-tech, creative and sustainable industries.

For foreign investors, the BOI’s incentives are a big draw:

Tax Incentives: Exemption from corporate income tax (CIT) for 3 to 13 years depending on the industry and its strategic importance.
Non-Tax Incentives: 100% foreign ownership, permission to own land and streamlined process for bringing in foreign talent with multiple-entry visas and work permits. The BOI’s own Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa program is an example of its commitment to attract highly skilled professionals and wealthy investors.

Before applying, it is essential to review the BOI’s criteria for investment promotion to determine eligibility as these requirements are detailed and should be considered with legal assistance.

BOI Company vs. Regular Thai Company—What’s the Difference?

Both are private limited companies under Thai law but their capabilities and obligations are worlds apart. Thai businesses must comply with specific regulatory protocols and incentives that govern their operations and compliance requirements. A regular company is bound by the Foreign Business Act, limiting foreign ownership to 49%, whereas a BOI company is exempt.

Here’s a strategic breakdown:

Feature	Regular Thai Company	BOI-Promoted Company
Foreign Ownership	Max 49%	Up to 100%
Corporate Income Tax	Standard 20% rate	Exempt for up to 13 years
Work Permits	Standard process, 4 Thai employees per 1 foreigner	Fast-tracked, more flexible ratios
Land Ownership	Prohibited for foreign-majority companies	Permitted
Ideal For	Local services, JVs, non-promoted sectors	Manufacturing, tech, R&D, export businesses

The BOI scheme is ideal for entrepreneurs setting up a new business in Thailand, with streamlined processes and incentives not available to regular Thai businesses.

BOI-Promoted Sectors: Who Qualifies in 2025

The BOI has a clear list of priority industries but only certain promoted activities within these sectors are eligible for BOI incentives. If your business falls into one of these categories and your activities are recognized as promoted activities, you are in a strong position to apply. In 2025, the focus is on high-value and future-focused industries.

Recent approvals by Thailand Business News include major investments in renewable energy and other green technologies, showing the BOI’s commitment to sustainability. Also, a Reuters report in early 2025 noted that Thailand is actively lobbying for investment in the semiconductor sector, positioning itself as a key player in the global tech supply chain.

Key promoted sectors include:

Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering: Automotive, aerospace and medical devices.
Digital Technology: Software development, data centers, fintech and digital platforms.
Green Technology & Energy: Renewable energy, electric vehicles (EVs) and charging stations, and sustainable packaging.
Healthcare & Biotechnology: Medical R&D, pharmaceuticals and wellness centers.

The required investment capital may vary depending on the sector and the promoted activities, as the BOI considers both when assessing eligibility and incentives.

Investment Incentives: What You Gain with BOI Status

Getting a BOI investment promotion certificate gives you a range of powerful incentives that can boost your business’s bottom line and operational flexibility. BOI companies are entitled to significant tax incentives including corporate income tax exemption for up to 8 years depending on the promoted activity and the level of technology involved. This means more capital can be re-invested into your business, fueling innovation and expansion.

Beyond tax holidays, BOI promotion brings non-tax incentives such as reduced or zero import duties on raw materials and machinery, and exemptions from the Foreign Business Act—allowing for full foreign ownership in many cases. With a BOI promotion certificate, your company can also remit money abroad with ease, hire foreign skilled workers, and access other privileges that give you a competitive edge in the Thai market.

These benefits, granted through the investment promotion certificate, are essential for businesses aiming to operate efficiently and profitably in Thailand, making BOI status a strategic asset for both new ventures and established international businesses.

Step-by-Step: How to BOI Company in Thailand

Start the Approval Process: Submit your project proposal, registration form and supporting documents through the BOI’s online portal.
BOI Officer Interview: Meet with a BOI officer to present your project and answer questions.
Get Final Approval Letter: If approved, you will receive a letter outlining the approved activities and conditions. Final approval is given once all requirements are met, including verification of registered capital.
Accept the Promotion (Promotion Acceptance): You must formally accept the promotion within a specified timeframe. This step, known as promotion acceptance, is done by submitting the required acceptance forms, often through the online portal.
Register the Company and Get Company Registration Certificate: With the BOI approval in hand, register your Thai limited company with the Department of Business Development (DBD). Upon successful registration, a company registration certificate is issued as proof of legal incorporation, confirming your company’s legal status and compliance with BOI regulations.
Get Promotion Certificate (BOI Certificate): After company registration, submit the final documents to the BOI—including the company registration certificate, technical assistance contract (if applicable), and a summary of human resource requirements—to get your official Promotion Certificate, also known as the BOI certificate.
Inject Capital (Foreign Currency): Foreign investors can transfer investment funds in foreign currency to meet the registered capital requirements.
Get Visas and Work Permits: Use the BOI certificate to apply for streamlined visas and work permit for each foreign staff member.

The biggest bottleneck is a weak or incomplete application. Not a task for amateurs.The BOI is more than a gatekeeper for investment incentives—it’s a facilitator that helps you get started in Thailand. From the beginning, the BOI office provides hands-on support with company registration, guiding foreign investors through the BOI application process and making sure all the required documents are in order. This streamlined process means you can go from approval to full operation quickly.

One of the biggest advantages is the BOI’s help with work permits and visas for foreign staff, so you can bring in the talent your business needs. The BOI also provides access to industrial estates, ready-made infrastructure for manufacturing and other business activities.

Throughout the process the BOI office is a valuable resource, guiding you on compliance and helping you navigate the regulatory landscape. By simplifying these critical steps the BOI lets you focus on your core business and take advantage of Thailand’s investment opportunities.

BOI Application Strategy—What Most Founders Get Wrong

Many founders treat the BOI application as a form-filling exercise. This is a big mistake. The BOI officers are assessing your project’s value to Thailand.

Common mistakes include:

Wrong Business Activity: Misclassifying your business can lead to rejection.
Unrealistic Projections: Overstating your investment, job creation or revenue will raise red flags.
Weak Business Case: Your proposal must clearly show how your project brings technology, innovation or other benefits to the country.

A well-prepared proposal is your ticket to approval. It shows you understand the BOI’s mission and are a serious long-term partner.

After Approval: What’s Next for a BOI Company

Receiving the BOI approval letter is a big milestone but it’s the starting gun not the finish line. You have a deadline to complete the next steps:

Company Registration: You have six months to register your company after accepting the promotion.
Capital Injection & Investment: You must meet the investment and operational milestones in your approval.
Compliance & Reporting: BOI companies have ongoing reporting requirements to maintain their promoted status.

Compliance Requirements: Stay on the Right Side of BOI

To maintain your BOI promotion you need to stay on top of compliance but the rewards are worth the effort. BOI companies must submit financial statements, undergo annual audit and provide detailed reports to the BOI office. These requirements ensure transparency and accountability for both the company and the Thai government to track progress and impact.

A key compliance point is the human resource requirement: typically BOI companies must have at least four Thai employees for every foreign employee, supporting local job creation and skills development. Meeting these standards is crucial to retain your BOI benefits and avoid penalties or loss of status.

The BOI office provides clear guidelines on these requirements and many companies choose to consult with experts to ensure they are fully compliant. By staying on top of compliance your business can continue to enjoy the benefits of BOI promotion and contribute to Thailand’s economy.

Why Viettonkin Is the Right Partner for BOI

As FDI specialists with cross-border experience in ASEAN we understand the BOI process from a legal and strategic perspective. We don’t just fill out forms; we help you craft a business case that aligns with the BOI’s priorities. Our integrated approach covers legal structuring, tax advisory and immigration so you can go from application to full operation seamlessly.

Conclusion: Use BOI as Your Gateway, Not Just a License

Getting a BOI promotion is your gateway to the full potential of the Thai market. It’s an unfair advantage for foreign investors, allowing you to operate with control, flexibility and financial incentives to build a scalable business.

Ready to navigate the FDI landscape with confidence? Let’s start with a feasibility consultation to see how BOI promotion can be your game-changer in Thailand. When it comes to your next breakthrough the only way is forward.

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