泰国公司注册避坑指南!2026年外资必看的股权与行业准入规则

Core Insights - Companies aiming to enter the Thai market must navigate strict regulations, especially with the impending tightening of foreign investment rules in 2026, which will affect ownership distribution and industry access [1] Group 1: Ownership Structure - The core challenge for foreign investment registration in Thailand is ownership distribution, where not all industries allow free foreign shareholding. In sectors like retail, tourism, and local cross-border e-commerce, Thai shareholders must hold at least 51%, and foreign ownership exceeding 49% requires a Foreign Business License (FBL) [1] - For companies seeking 100% foreign ownership, they can opt for industries encouraged by the Board of Investment (BOI), such as renewable energy and digital economy, which also offer tax incentives of up to 13 years [1] Group 2: Industry Restrictions - Certain sectors are strictly off-limits for foreign investment, including agriculture, fishing, and media. Additionally, industries like finance, healthcare, and telecommunications require special permits [1] - It is advisable for companies to consult the Department of Business Development (DBD) for industry-specific guidance before registration to avoid missteps [1] Group 3: Registration Process - Common pitfalls in the material preparation phase include the need for dual certification of foreign shareholders' passports and the requirement for Chinese documents to be translated into Thai by DBD-recognized institutions [3] - A valid lease contract of at least one year, proof of ownership, and real estate photos are necessary for the registered address, and any address changes must be updated online promptly [3] Group 4: Operational Compliance - Companies must remain vigilant in operational maintenance, as the social security base has been raised to 17,500 THB, and foreign employees must secure work permits before applying for work visas to avoid hefty fines [3] - Chinese companies must also complete overseas investment registration (ODI) to ensure compliance with capital outflow regulations [3] Group 5: Compliance Focus - The essence of company registration in Thailand is "compliance first," necessitating early planning of ownership structure and preparation of compliant materials, with professional assistance recommended for efficient registration and stable long-term operations [3]