One-stop company registration in Dubai services

• Country: Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Australia, The U.S, Canada, The U.K, BVI, Belize, Seychelles
• Services: Company formation
• Rating Count: 37
• Rating Value: 5

You've found a business opportunity. You need a company registered in Hong Kong, Singapore, the UK, or other jurisdictions, and you need it this week.
A shelf company sounds perfect. Already incorporated. No paperwork queue. Ready to go.

But here's the thing you should take into consideration: the case for buying a shell company overseas is not as compelling in 2026 as it was a decade ago, and the risks are far higher than you think. 

In other words, we suggest you should not buy a shelf company. That doesn't mean you should never do it. It means you need a clear framework before you sign anything.

In this article from our experts, you'll learn what a shelf company actually is, why people buy them overseas, the risks that can wreck you, how to decide whether to buy or incorporate fresh, and the 7 due diligence checks that separate a smart acquisition from an expensive mistake.

Let's get into it.

What is a shelf company?

A shelf company (also called a ready-made company or aged corporation) is a business entity that has been legally registered in a jurisdiction but has never traded.

Ideally, a shelf company should have no revenue, no contracts, no debt and any negative history. It was created specifically to be sold (placed on a  "shelf" to wait for a buyer).

When you buy one, you acquire the existing legal entity: its registration number, its incorporation date, and its corporate history. You change the name, update the directors, and you're operational.

You may come across another term when searching for a shelf company: shell company. What is the difference between these two terms?

These two terms get used interchangeably online. They mean different things, and confusing them is how buyers end up inheriting problems they didn't expect.

The critical difference here is that a shell company that has traded carries a full transaction history: invoices, contracts, potential tax disputes, and legal claims. A true shelf company has none of that.

The problem? Unscrupulous providers sometimes sell pre-owned shell companies with rich histories as if they were clean shelf companies. You think you're buying a blank slate. You're actually inheriting someone else's mess.

Why do entrepreneurs buy shelf companies overseas?

There are two legitimate reasons entrepreneurs buy ready-made companies in foreign jurisdictions. 

The real risks of buying a shelf company in a foreign country

The risks of buying an offshore shelf company don't come from the concept itself. They come from what you don't know about the company's history.

Based on our experts experience, consulting many busines owners on why they should not buy a shelf company,  the risks include hidden liabilities, outdated registry data, consequences of prior questionable activities, opacity from nominee services, and regulatory exposure from the buyer's home country.

In July 2025 HM Treasury confirmed that the next updates to the MLR Statutory Instrument (SI) will draw the sale of pre-formed “off-the-shelf” firms

Here's how each of those plays out in practice.

How can we help you open and run your company overseas?

The shelf company pitch is ideal: an established entity, a foreign jurisdiction, operational from day one. But the more you examine it, the thinner the value proposition becomes.

You don't need to buy someone else's dormant company to go global. You can incorporate a new entity under your own name, in your chosen jurisdiction, with a clean history that belongs entirely to you. 

That matters more than most people realize when they're chasing speed. A company built on a clean foundation is easier to bank, easier to scale, and far easier to exit or transfer when the time comes. Investors and partners aren't just looking at how old your entity is, they're looking at who built it and how it was run from day one.

If you're ready to set up your company the right way, we can help. We provide full support, from start to finish:

• Register a company in the U.S, Hong Kong and BVI;
• Open a corporate bank account with a 99% success rate;
• Choose the right company types for tax optimization;
• Apply for business licenses;
• Get an affordable, professional registered office address for business;
• Support to open, authenticate, and manage Stripe Paypal Business in Singapore, Hong Kong, and the U.S;
• Handle all your tax accounting needs, timely annual filings, auditing, and more.

FAQs about shelf companies

• Country: Hong Kong
• Services: Company formation
• Rating Count: 43
• Rating Value: 5

Most founders setting up a Hong Kong company spend weeks researching tax rates and banking options, then spend five minutes on the director appointment.

That's a problem. Because the director isn't just a box to tick on your incorporation form. Under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622), the director is the person the law holds accountable for everything that happens inside your company.

• Miss a filing deadline? That's on you;
• Take on debt the company can't repay? Still on you.

The good news: the rules are simpler than you think, once you actually understand them.

In this guide, you'll learn what a Hong Kong company director is, exactly who qualifies (hint: no residency required), what your legal duties look like in practice, and the one situation where a nominee director actually makes sense.

What is a director of a Hong Kong company?

A Hong Kong company director is a legally appointed individual who manages the company's affairs and acts on its behalf.

That's not just a governance title. The director signs contracts, approves financial statements, authorises major transactions, and ensures the company meets every statutory obligation under Hong Kong law. In short: the director is the legal face of the company.

According to the Cap. 622 Companies Ordinance,  section 457, every private limited company in Hong Kong must appoint at least one director before it can be incorporated. 

5 types of directors in Hong Kong

Hong Kong law recognises several distinct director types:

1. Executive director is involved in day-to-day management and holds an operational role.
2. Non-executive director sits on the board but isn't involved in daily operations; provides oversight and strategic input.
3. Shadow director is someone whose instructions the board habitually follows, even if they're not formally appointed; courts can treat shadow directors as legally responsible.
4. Nominee director is  a person appointed to act as director on behalf of the real beneficial owner, typically for privacy reasons
5. Corporate director is a company (not an individual) appointed as director. It is permitted for private companies, but only if at least 1 individual director is also in place.

That last point matters. You can't run a Hong Kong company with only corporate directors. There must always be at least one natural person,  a real human being on the board.

Who can be a director of a Hong Kong company?

Here's the fact that surprises most foreign founders: Hong Kong has no residency requirement for directors. 

Unlike Singapore, where at least 1 director must be a local resident or Employment Pass holder, Hong Kong allows anyone of any nationality, based anywhere in the world, to serve as a company director. You can incorporate from Spain, manage from the U.S.

The eligibility requirements are straightforward:

• Must be a natural person (an individual, not just a corporation);
• Minimum age: 18 years old;
• Any nationality — no Hong Kong residency or work visa required;
• Cannot be bankrupt or have been convicted of relevant malpractices;
• No requirement to also be a shareholder.

There's no upper limit on the number of directors a company can have. You can start with 1 and add more as the business grows. 

The question our experts often receive is that "Can one person be both director and shareholder?"

The answer is yes, and it's one of the most common structures for early-stage companies. A single individual can be the sole director and the sole shareholder of a Hong Kong private limited company. This keeps the structure clean and removes governance complexity at the early stage.

The one catch: that sole director cannot simultaneously be the company secretary. You'll need to engage a separate secretary.

Pro tip: If you're a solo founder keeping it simple, appoint yourself as director and shareholder, then engage a professional firm as your company secretary.  

What are the legal duties of a Hong Kong corpoate director?

This is where most founders underestimate the role. Delegating tasks to your accountant, your company secretary, or a local manager is fine . But delegation doesn't transfer your legal responsibility.

As director, you remain accountable even for work you've handed off. Under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622), your core duties include:

• Act in good faith: Always in the company's best interests, not your personal ones
• Exercise independent judgment you can take professional advice, but you can't simply rubber-stamp it
• Avoid conflicts of interest: Disclose any personal interest in transactions before they're approved
• Maintain accurate financial records:  The company's books must be kept to a standard that reflects its true financial position
• Ensure annual audits: All Hong Kong companies must have their accounts audited annually by a certified public accountant
• File statutory documents on time: The Annual Return (Form NAR1) must be filed within 42 days of the company's incorporation anniversary; any director change must be notified on Form ND2A within 15 days
• Avoid fraudulent trading: Don't take on credit obligations you know the company can't meet

If you breach any director duties, the consequences range from financial penalties to criminal prosecution, depending on what went wrong:

1. Civil liability: you can be personally sued for losses caused by a breach of fiduciary duty
2. Criminal prosecution: false statements, fraud, and failure to file statutory documents can lead to fines or imprisonment
3. Regulatory fines: late filings or Significant Controllers Register (SCR) breaches carry fines up to HK$25,000, plus HK$700 per day for continuing offences

Real cases of Hong Kong directors breaching any director duties

When do you need to have a nominee director for your Hong Kong company?

Most people searching for nominee directors in Hong Kong are doing so because they believe Hong Kong requires a local resident director. It doesn't. There is no residency requirement in the Companies Ordinance. If that's the only reason you're considering a nominee, you don't need one.

That said, nominee directors do serve legitimate purposes. 

When you incorporate a Hong Kong company, your name as director appears on the public Companies Registry.

If you want to keep your identity off that public record,  because you're managing multiple ventures, protecting a competitive position, or simply prefer privacy. anominee director puts their name on the public register instead.

Please remember that your identity as ultimate owner isn't hidden from authorities. It's recorded in the company's Significant Controllers Register (SCR), which is kept at the registered office and is accessible only to law enforcement, not the general public.

Other legitimate reasons to appoint a nominee:

• You need a practical local point of contact for administrative correspondence;
• You're managing subsidiaries and want consistent board representation ac.oss entities;
• Your bank or counterparties want to see a named local representative,

However, please note that hiring a nominee director comes with disadvantages

Compliance deadlines every director must know

One of the most practical things you can do as a director is put these dates in your calendar the moment your company is incorporated. 

We see this issue quite often with foreigners who choose to open a company on their own to save costs. While the intention is understandable, some important tasks and deadlines are often overlooked during the process.

To help, our experts have prepared a deadline checklist so you can track key requirements more easily.

How can we help you appoint a director for your Hong Kong company?

The founders running clean, compliant Hong Kong companies aren't doing it with guesswork or last-minute panic filings. They're structured correctly from day one  because they understood the director role before they signed anything.
The director isn't a formality. It's the legal anchor of your entire company.You don't need to overhaul everything at once.

Start small:

• Confirm your director appointment at incorporation: name, role, filed correctly
• Set a calendar reminder for your NAR1 deadline (42 days after your incorporation anniversary)
• Engage a trusted service provider as company secretary to help you build a sustainable business.

When you're ready to go deeper on structuring your Hong Kong company the right way, check out our complete guide to One-stop Hong Kong company incorporation.

In addition, we offer an all-in-one package service you can trust:

• Open a company in Hong Kong legally, fast with our one-stop support
• Get a reliable, experienced company secretary with our corporate secretarial service
• Support in opening your business bank accounts;
• Get an affordable, professional registered office address for your business;
• Support to open, authenticate, and manage Stripe and PayPal Business in Singapore, Hong Kong, and the U.S;
• Handle all your tax accounting needs, timely annual filings, auditing, and more.

Whether you’re a solopreneur, startup, or scaling business, we’ll make sure your Hong Kong setup is fully compliant, optimized, and affordable.

FAQs about Hong Kong company director

• Country: Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Australia, The U.S, Canada, The U.K, BVI, Belize, Seychelles
• Services: Digital bank account, Traditional bank account
• Rating Count: 117
• Rating Value: 5

You've done the hard part. You've registered your company abroad, navigated the paperwork. Now you need to open a business bank account.

The bank asks one simple question:"Can you provide proof of address?", and everything stalls.

For business owners trying to open a bank account overseas, proof of address is one of the most misunderstood and frustrating requirements in the entire process.

• What counts?
• Does it need to be a local address in the country where the bank is?
• What if your utility bills are in someone else's name, or you simply don't have any?
• And does a virtual office even qualify?

In this guide, our banking experts at Global Link Asia Consulting will break down exactly

• What a proof of address means in a business banking context;
• Which documents are accepted (and which are quietly rejected);
• What you should pay attention to to speed up your application.

Let’s start by understanding exactly what a proof of address is in the eyes of banking, financial institutions,and government bodies.

What is a proof of address?

A proof of address (also known as a proof of residence) is a document that confirms a physical location,either yours as the business owner, or your company's operating address.

Banks use it as a core part of their customer verification process before they open an account.

During our 10+ years of helping international business owners with their overseas company setup and account opening, a key note you must remember is that a valid proof of address is always a recent document, issued within the last 90 days, that clearly displays a name and a physical street address.

A proof of address can be a utility bill, a bank statement, a government-issued letter, a lease agreement, or a number of other official documents depending on the country and institution.

How many types of proof of address are there?

Here is the critical point that you may miss. Oftentimes, you think that you just need to prepare and send any proof of address you can access to, and expect the receivers to accept it.

The reality is, when you open a business bank account or talk with any government bodies overseas, banks typically require two separate proofs of address, not one:

1. Personal proof of address confirming where you, the business owner or director, personally live;

2. Business proof of address confirming where your company operates from.

In our cases of helping our clients, many international founders arrive at the application stage expecting to provide one document and are surprised to learn they need both. Understanding this distinction from the start will save you significant time and frustration.

Why do banks ask for proof of address when you try to open a business/personal bank account?

They are legally required to collect this information under international frameworks known as KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) regulations.

These rules exist to prevent fraud, money laundering, terrorism financing, and tax evasion, and compliance is taken seriously at every level of the banking system.

1. In the United Kingdom, banks operate under guidelines from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
2. In the United States, the governing legislation includes the Bank Secrecy Act and the USA PATRIOT Act.
3. In the UAE, the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) sets the standards.
4. For Hong Kong, it is the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (AMLO), and
5. For Singapore, it is the Terrorism (Suppression of Financing) Act (TSOFA) and other recent legislations

The specifics differ by jurisdiction, but the underlying principle is the same: the bank must verify who you are and where you operate before it allows money to move through your account.

What documents are accepted as proof of address?

Based on our experience, not all documents carry equal weight. Banks have clear, if sometimes unpublished, hierarchies for which documents they trust.

To help you understand our point, here is a practical overview of what is commonly accepted and what frequently gets rejected for personal proof of address and business proof of address.

Personal proof of address

These documents are widely accepted across most banking jurisdictions to verify the personal residential address of a business owner, director, or beneficial owner:

Example of a utility bill from Pacific Light Singapore

Business proof of address

These documents verify the operating or registered address of your company:

What proof of address banks will reject?

This is where many applications fail. We see this from business owners who try to open a business bank account in another countries on their own.

They failed to follow the bank guideline from the start, reach out to us, and our banking experts stepped in and advised them the correct way to do.

One pattern that consistently trips up in our supporting case: using a phone or internet bill. This is usually not a best practice since most banks do not accept them as a proof of address.

In the United States, mobile and broadband bills are generally not accepted, the bank will ask specifically for electricity, gas, water, or an official government document instead.

The following are commonly rejected and will cause delays or outright refusals:

The 3 suggestions we want you to follow

Based on our experience advising business owners through the bank account opening process across multiple jurisdictions, we’ve collected a wealth of real-world situations where almost everything can happen during compliance review.

From missing documents and address mismatches to unexpected verification requests, these are the 3 mistakes that most consistently cause applications to be delayed, flagged for additional review, or rejected altogether:

How can we help you open a corporate/personal bank account with ease?

Proof of address is more than just paperwork. It is how banks verify that your business and personal presence are legitimate, traceable, and compliant with international regulations.

If you are opening a business bank account overseas, understanding this requirement early can save weeks of delays, rejected applications, and unnecessary back-and-forth with the bank.

Start by identifying which documents your target bank actually accepts, and make sure the information matches exactly across all records.

Then focus on the gaps most likely to slow down your application:

• Expired or inconsistent documents;
• Utility bills under another person’s name;
• Virtual office addresses that may not qualify;
• Documents issued outside the bank’s accepted timeframe.

The sooner you prepare the right proof of address, the faster you can move from company setup to fully operational banking.

If you need support to open a corporate bank account for your overseas company in Singapore, Hong Kong, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and 10 other countries, we can help you

• Recommend the right bank and the right bank account for your needs;
• Support you in opening a reliable, trusted digital bank account or traditional bank account;
• Prepare necessary documents for account opening;
• Schedule an appointment with a Singapore bank representative;
• Monitor and assist in opening personal bank accounts (physical and digital).

FAQs about proof of address

• Country: Thailand
• Services: Company formation
• Rating Count: 61
• Rating Value: 5

When most founders think about a Southeast Asian base for their trading business (Import/export business) Singapore comes up first.

Lower starting capital. Cleaner ownership rules. A global banking reputation.

But Thailand is catching up, and for a specific type of import/export business, it may actually be the smarter move. It sits at the geographic center of the Greater Mekong region, connecting directly to China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Singapore. It's building out digital infrastructure fast.

Key statistics that trading companies look for when determing if Thailand is the right location

And since Global Link Asia Consullting opened our Bangkok office, we've seen a steady rise in founders asking the same question:  "Can I actually open a trading company in Thailand as a foreigner?"

The short answer: yes. But the path you choose — and how you structure ownership from day one — will determine how much control you have, what it costs, and whether you're legally protected years down the line.

In this guide, you'll learn the four legal structures available to foreign founders, what operational permits you need beyond company registration, and what the 2025 regulatory picture looks like, including Thailand's new fully digital DBD Biz Regist system.

Can I actually open a trading company in Thailand as a foreigner?

Yes, but with restrictions. And understanding exactly what those restrictions are is the most important thing you'll do before filing a single document.

Thailand's Foreign Business Act (FBA), enacted in 1999, is the primary law governing foreign investment in the country. It defines a "foreign" company as any entity where 50% or more of shares are held by non-Thai nationals.

The FBA divides restricted activities into three lists:

• List 1 — Fully prohibited for foreigners. Includes rice farming, land trading, media, and forestry. No license or workaround applies.
• List 2 — Requires Cabinet approval for foreign-majority ownership. Covers sectors tied to national security.
• List 3 — Requires a Foreign Business License (FBL) for majority-foreign companies. This is where domestic trading sits.

Here's the critical distinction for trading businesses: domestic wholesale and retail trade falls under List 3, meaning a majority-foreign company generally can't do it without an FBL.

List Three: Businesses in respect of which Thai nationals are not ready to compete with foreigners

The 3 legal structures for foreign trading companies in Thailand

In this section, we cover an essential aspect you should pay attention to: Legal structures when forming a trading company in Thailand

Here are the 3 legal pathways that matter.

Option 1: Thai-Majority Limited Company (49% Foreign Ownership)

This is the most common structure for foreign founders entering Thailand.

You hold up to 49% of the shares. Thai nationals hold the remaining 51%+. Because the company is Thai-majority, it's classified as a Thai entity under the FBA , and can operate in sectors that would otherwise be restricted.

Since 2023, only 2 shareholders are required to form a Thai limited company, down from the previous 3. So in practice: you as the foreign founder (49%), and one Thai partner (51%).

What this lets you do: Access List 3 restricted sectors, including domestic trading and distribution, without an FBL.

The catch: You relinquish majority ownership. This is legally and commercially significant. You need a Thai partner who is genuinely invested in the business — not just a figurehead.

Using a Thai "nominee", someone who holds shares on your behalf with no real commercial involvement,  is illegal. Penalties for both parties run from THB 100,000 to 1 million baht and up to 3 years in prison. The DBD introduced new anti-fraud screening at the point of registration in January 2025 specifically to flag these arrangements.

Best for: Founders who have or can build a genuine Thai partnership, and who want to operate in domestic trade without complex licenses.

The Thai-majority structure isn't just for small operators, it's been used to bring globally recognized foreign brands into Thailand's retail market.

When Tesco entered Thailand in the 1990s through a joint venture with CP Group (Charoen Pokphand), it operated under majority-Thai ownership conditions for years before its footprint grew to nearly 2,000 stores. Tesco eventually exited in 2020 when CP Group reacquired the business, now rebranded as Lotus's, for approximately USD 10.6 billion.

The structure worked for Tesco operationally, but the key was a genuine strategic partner with deep Thai retail infrastructure, not a nominal shareholder.

Option 2: BOI-Promoted Company (Up to 100% Foreign Ownership)

The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) is a government agency that promotes foreign investment in priority sectors. If your business qualifies for BOI promotion, you can own up to 100% of a Thai company, even in sectors that would otherwise require a Thai majority.

BOI approval grants a Foreign Business Certificate (FBC), which overrides the FBA's 49% cap for your approved activities.

Benefits beyond ownership:

• Corporate income tax exemption of 3–13 years (depending on the sector);
• Simplified work permit and visa processing for foreign staff;
• Land ownership rights for the promoted project;
• Import duty exemptions on machinery and materials.

Which trading activities qualify?

Based on our experiences, BOI promotion is commonly granted for export-focused trading operations, international business centers, regional headquarters, and high-value supply chain management.

Standard domestic retail or wholesale operations generally don't qualify, but if your trading company is export-oriented or part of a broader regional distribution strategy, it's worth a serious look.

Best for: Founders doing high-value or export-oriented trade, companies planning to hire multiple foreign staff, and any situation where full ownership matters more than speed.

IKEA Thailand, Source: Ikano group

IKEA Thailand is operated by Ikano Retail, one of 12 global IKEA franchisees, owned by the Kamprad family (the founding family of IKEA) and headquartered in Luxembourg. Ikano Retail holds the IKEA franchise rights for Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Mexico, and the Philippines.

In Thailand, it operates four IKEA stores (Bangna, Bang Yai, Phuket, and Sukhumvit) plus the Megabangna shopping centre in East Bangkok.

Ikano Retail's Thailand operations are structured as a large-capital foreign retail entity — in a category that the FBA explicitly exempts from the 49% foreign ownership cap when capitalized at THB 100 million or more (FBA List 3, Item 14).

This is the same capital-threshold route described below under the FBL section. It's a lesser-known but fully legal route that large foreign retailers with significant capital can use to achieve 100% foreign ownership in domestic retail, without BOI or an FBL application.

In FY2024, Ikano Retail's Thailand operations generated EUR 286 million in turnover. Source: IKEA Thailand Newsroom.

The BOI route is more relevant for mid-size operations, regional headquarters, or export-oriented trading platforms that don't have THB 100M+ to deploy upfront but qualify for a promoted industry category.

Option 3: U.S. Treaty of Amity (Americans Only)

If you're a U.S. citizen or operating through a U.S.-incorporated entity, the 1966 U.S.–Thailand Treaty of Amity grants you a significant advantage: 100% ownership in most business categories, with no FBL or BOI required.

American nationals and companies can operate in Thailand on the same basis as Thai companies under the treaty. You'll need certification from the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok (processing takes a few weeks), and the company must have at least 50% U.S. ownership with a majority of U.S. citizen directors.

Excluded activities even under Amity: Land trading, media, transportation, natural resource exploitation, and domestic trade in indigenous agricultural products.

Best for: U.S. nationals or U.S. entities expanding into Thailand who want full ownership without the BOI process.

What do you need to know about import/export permits?

Registering the company is not the same as being authorized to trade.

Depending on what you're importing or exporting, you may need permits from specific Thai government agencies in addition to those required by the DBD.

This is one of the areas that foreign founders most often overlook when operating trading companies, as certain products must be licensed before they can be legally imported or exported.

A few things worth knowing:

1. The FDA licensing timeline can be long. If you're importing health products, supplements, or any food item, build 60–120 days into your launch plan for FDA approval. This is separate from company registration entirely.
2. Agricultural trade has specific FBA implications. The FBA previously listed domestic trade in native agricultural products under List 3. A May 2026 Royal Decree removed agricultural futures trading (where physical delivery occurs in designated warehouses) from the restricted list,  so the landscape here is actively changing. It is important to review your specific situation carefully. Check whether your products are subject to any import or export restrictions
3. Customs registration is the base layer. Every trading company importing or exporting goods needs an importer/exporter registration number from Thai Customs before the first shipment clears. Get this early.

How to register your trading company in Thailand with our experts

Once you've chosen your structure, registration itself is faster than most people expect.

As of July 1, 2025, Thailand's Department of Business Development (DBD) retired its legacy e-Registration system. 

All company registrations for private limited companies and partnerships now go through DBD Biz Regist, a fully digital platform.

If you'd rather not navigate this alone, GLAC's  experts team has guided foreign founders through this exact process for over 10 years,from structure selection to DBD filing to bank account opening. Talk to a GLAC expert today for more guidance for your case

The 8 steps our experts walk you through

1. Reserve your company name via DBD Biz Regist: check availability and confirm it follows DBD naming rules (must include "Company Limited")
2. Draft the Memorandum of Association (MOA):  include registered capital, shareholder names, company objectives, and the province of registration
3. Hold the statutory meeting: elect the board of directors, define the share structure, and formally approve the MOA
4. Register the company at DBD: submit all documents through DBD Biz Regist; approval typically takes 1–7 business days
5. Register with the Revenue Department: obtain your tax ID card and corporate registration number
6. Register for VAT:  mandatory if projected annual revenue exceeds THB 1.8 million
7. Register with Thai Customs: required before any import or export activity begins; this is a step many founders miss
8. Open a corporate bank account:  most banks require at least one director to be physically present in Thailand; allow approximately 9 days for this process

How can we help you register your company in Thailand

Thailand isn't the easiest place to open a trading company as a foreigner. The ownership rules are stricter than Singapore, Hong Kong anh other countries. 

But the opportunity is real. At the center of ASEAN supply chains, with improving digital infrastructure, a growing consumer market, and a government actively modernizing its foreign investment framework,  Thailand is worth the setup effort if your business model fits.

The founders who succeed here are the ones who choose the right structure before they start, and prepare accordingly.

You don't need to figure this out alone.

Start small:

• Map your product categories against the FBA's three lists to confirm which restrictions apply to your specific trading model
• Decide early whether your business is export-oriented (simpler, full foreign ownership) or domestic-facing (requires structure work)
• Get an expert involved before you name the company, structure decisions made at incorporation are difficult to undo.

If you need support from our experts, we can help you.  We've spent 10 years helping hundreds of founders, international teams from the US, Europe, Australia, and across Asia, set up and operate trading companies in Thailand. Wen can handle:

• Assess your revenue model, team structure, and goals to recommend the right legal structure, ownership approach
• Pre-screen your name options against the DBD database and submit on your behalf
• Provide or recommend a legitimate, BOI-eligible address so you're compliant from day one
• Handle all DBD filings, statutory meeting documentation, and director ID submissions from start to finish
• Prepare your full bank application package, leverage relationships with KBank, Bangkok Bank, and SCB, and accompany you from start to finish,
• Provide ongoing monthly/yearly tax accounting services, and annual audits so you stay compliant without thinking about it.

FAQs about Tech & SaaS Company setup in Thailand

• Country: Thailand
• Services: Company formation
• Rating Count: 61
• Rating Value: 5

Southeast Asia's startup scene is exploding.

And Thailand is quietly becoming the region's most underrated launchpad for tech and SaaS founders.

Low overhead. A booming digital economy. Government incentives that can cut your tax bill to zero. And a quality of life that San Francisco can't touch for the price.

An overview of Thailand ecosystem support (Source: Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2025)

But here's the truth: setting up a company in Thailand isn't as simple as filing some paperwork online.

There are structures to choose from, visa requirements to navigate, and BOI applications that can make or break your cost advantage.

This guide shows you exactly how to do it right.

Our expert consultant in Thailand company formation and compliance will walk you through:

• The best legal structures for tech and SaaS startups;
• How to get BOI approval (and what it's worth);
• Real costs and timelines founders actually face;
• The visa and work permit system, simplified;
• Common mistakes that delay or sink registrations.

Why Thailand is the ideal destination for Tech &SaaS?

Before we get into the how, let's talk about the why. Thailand isn't just a affordable place to live. It's a strategically positioned tech hub with real momentum.

The numbers back it up:

• Thailand's digital economy is projected to reach $57 billion by 2025, according to the Google-Temasek-Bain e-Conomy SEA report;
• Corporate income tax for BOI-approved tech companies: 0% for up to 13 years;
• Average monthly office cost in Bangkok: $300–$800 USD for a co-working desk vs. $3,000+ in Singapore.

Investment promotion for tech company in Thailand (Source: BOI)

SaaS companies in particular benefit from Thailand's geographic position. You're in the same timezone as Singapore, within two hours of six major Asian markets, and operating in a country with over 52 million internet users.

The Bangkok tech scene, centered around Sukhumvit, Ari, and the Ekkamai corridor, has produced regional SaaS players like Builk (construction tech), Pomelo (e-commerce), and Omise (fintech, now Synqa).

That is why, If you're building a SaaS product for the Southeast Asian market, Thailand gives you cost advantages, government support, and a talent pool that Singapore simply can't match at this price point.

Goverment-backed support you may not know

Reading about BOI incentives is one thing. Knowing where to physically walk in, who to talk to, and what programs are open to you right now is another.

Thailand has two government-linked institutions that tech and SaaS founders, both local and foreign can tap into immediately. Most founders don't know they exist. The ones who do have a genuine head start.

In this article, we introduce 2 goverment-backed support you should know: True Digital Park and Software Park Thailand.

True Digital Park (TDPK)

True Digital Park is Southeast Asia's tech and startup hub, located in the heart of Bangkok's South Sukhumvit CyberTech District.

Truedigitalpark It's not just a co-working space. It's a government-aligned ecosystem that actively helps founders cut through the bureaucracy of setting up in Thailand.

In March 2025, True Digital Park formally joined forces with the Board of Investment of Thailand (BOI), becoming an officially appointed BOI Certified Agent authorized to assist foreign nationals in applying for Long-Term Resident Visas and providing comprehensive market-entry support.

Software Park Thailand (SWPark)

Where TDPK focuses on the startup ecosystem, Software Park Thailand (under NECTEC/NSTDA, the National Science and Technology Development Agency) is the government body specifically built to develop Thailand's software and digital services industry.

It's less well-known internationally. But for founders building software products — especially those who want to hire Thai developers, get CMMI certification, or access domestic funding programs.

What SWPark offers tech and SaaS companies:

• Talent development: SWPark runs continuous upskilling and reskilling programs for software developers and digital professionals — covering AI, IoT, automation, and software quality engineering. If you're building a local tech team, SWPark is actively producing the talent you'll hire.
• CMMI certification support: The CMMI program provides funded support for software companies seeking international process certification — a meaningful credential if you're selling B2B SaaS to enterprise clients in regulated industries.
• Process Improvement Program: Structured support to help software businesses improve their development workflows — useful for SaaS founders who want to scale their engineering team without losing quality.

What legal structure is right for your Thai tech &SaaS company?

Now that you understand why Thailand makes sense for tech and SaaS founders, let's get into the part that actually determines whether your setup works: structure.

This is where most founders get stuck, and where getting it wrong costs real money and months of fixing.

Thailand offers several legal entity types. But for tech and SaaS companies, two approaches dominate: Thai Private Limited Company and the BOI-Promoted Company, and a regional operating headquarter (bonus insight from our team).

We'll walk through both, explain exactly who each one is for, and show you how to choose.

Want to go deep on foreign ownership specifically? We cover the full picture in our in-depth guide: How to own 100% of a Thai company as a foreigner.

Here are some standard approaches you should know:

Option 1: Thai Private Limited Company

This is the most common structure for small businesses.

The catch? Under the Foreign Business Act (FBA), most digital services fall under List 33, meaning foreign founders can own a maximum of 49% without additional licenses.

For a SaaS product where you need full control of IP and decision-making, this is often a dealbreaker. Unless you structure it correctly with a BOI application layered on top.

Option 2: BOI-Promoted Company (Recommended for SaaS)

The Board of Investment of Thailand (BOI) is the government agency that grants foreign founders the ability to own 100% of a Thai company in promoted sectors — including software, digital platforms, and R&D.

For most tech and SaaS foreign founders, BOI promotion is the path you can choose.

BOI-promoted tech companies get a package that's hard to find anywhere in the region:

• 100% foreign ownership (bypasses the Foreign Business Act);
• 0% corporate income tax for 5 to 13 years depending on activity type;
• Exemption from import duties on machinery and raw materials;
• Land ownership rights (normally restricted for foreigners);
• Fast-track work permits and visas for foreign employees.

Option 3: Regional Operating Headquarters (Bonus from our experts)

If you're building a product that serves multiple Southeast Asian markets from Thailand, a Regional Operating Headquarters structure gives you tax benefits on royalty income, dividends, and service fees from regional subsidiaries.

Most SaaS founders who successfully set up and manage their operations in Asia often choose to open a regional operating headquarters in Singapore, and Hong Kong managing their local teams in other countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Phillipines, and more

If you need support, contact our experts today to discover how you can set up a tech&SaaS company the right way using ROH.

How to register your tech&Saas company in Thailand

Once you decide on your company structure, it's time to register your company with the Thai authorities.

The process has six steps. On paper, it looks straightforward. In practice, every step has small details that can delay your timeline by days or weeks if you're not familiar with how Thai government offices operate.

This is where having experienced local support of our expert team makes a real difference.

GLAC has helped founders complete this entire process, from name reservation to bank account, for over 10 years. If this is your first time incorporating your company and you are not sure the right way to build a sustainable business, talk to our team and we'll handle every step for you.

• 1

  Reserve your company name

• 2

  Draft the Memorandum of Association (MOA)

• 3

  Hold a statutory meeting

• 4

  Register your company

• 5

  Register for tax

• 6

  Open your corporate bank accoun

How can we help you go from idea to operating in Thailand?

Here's the reality most founders face.

You've read the guides. You understand the structure. You know BOI is the right path.

But then you sit down to actually do it, and you're staring at Thai government portals, legal documents in a language you don't read, bank account requirements that keep changing, and a visa process where one wrong document means starting over.

This is exactly where founders get stuck. Not because the process is impossible. Because it wasn't designed for someone doing it for the first time, from the outside, while also trying to build a product.

That's the pain our experts at GLAC was built to solve.

We've spent 10 years helping hundreds of founders, international teams from the US, Europe, Australia, and across Asia, set up and operate tech and SaaS companies in Thailand.

We don't just advise. We handle it. 

• Assess your revenue model, team structure, and goals to recommend the right legal structure, ownership approach
• Pre-screen your name options against the DBD database and submit on your behalf
• Provide or recommend a legitimate, BOI-eligible address so you're compliant from day one
• Handle all DBD filings, statutory meeting documentation, and director ID submissions from start to finish
• Prepare your full bank application package, leverage relationships with KBank, Bangkok Bank, and SCB, and accompany you from start to finish,
• Provide ongoing monthly/yearly tax accounting services, and annual audits so you stay compliant without thinking about it.

FAQs about Tech & SaaS Company setup in Thailand