Getting Started With a BOI Company in Thailand
The Thai government offers many incentives for Foreign Direct Investment, which is captured by the Board of Investment (BOI) Company Status. The BOI promotes investment in targeted industries by offering a range of incentives, such as corporate income tax exemptions, import duty reductions, and the possibility of 100% foreign ownership in eligible sectors.
For businesses seeking to establish a presence in Thailand, gaining BOI promotion helps reduce operational barriers, streamline procedures, and strengthen long-term competitiveness.
Our team of experienced professionals can assist you in setting up a BOI company from start to finish, in addition to ongoing annual support for all back office operations from accounting to visa services.
Benefits of Setting Up a BOI Company in Thailand
Corporate Income Tax Exemptions up to 13 Years*
100% Foreign Ownership for Full Control
Import Duty Tax Exemptions*
Simplified Visa and Work Permit Process
Tax Deduction Benefits up to 10 Years*
Land Ownership Rights Allowance
Special Incentives for SEZs and EEC Related to Taxes
Freedom to Repatriate Profits and Foreign Currency Flexibility
*Differentiated by category type
Criteria for BOI Project Approval
Projects seeking BOI approval in Thailand must meet a range of criteria, including minimum capital investment, use of modern production processes and new machinery, value-added requirements, environmental protection standards, and—depending on the investment size—international certification and feasibility studies.
The BOI also considers whether your project aligns with promoted sectors and national development goals, such as innovation, competitiveness, and sustainability.
BizWings Thailand specializes in guiding clients through every step from eligibility assessment and document preparation to application submission and post-approval compliance ensuring a smooth and successful BOI application process
Eligible Activities
The BOI promotes various industries based on their economic value, technological advancement, and contribution to sustainable development. Companies need to check whether their industry is part of the BOI eligibility list.
Project Investment and Feasibility
Companies must meet the project investment threshold (minimum 1 million THB but can exceed it depending on the category), maintain a debt-to-equity ratio below 3:1, and submit a feasibility study.
Competitiveness and Technological Requirements
Projects must create significant value for the Thai economy by adding at least 20% value to revenues (less for certain industries). Projects must also use modern production processes and machinery that are either new or certified second-hand equipment under five years old.
Environmental Protection Measures
Projects must implement effective environmental protection measures with special attention to location and pollution management, particularly for high-risk industries.
Quality Assurance for Larger Projects
Projects with an investment of 10 million THB or more (excluding land and working capital) are required to obtain ISO 9000, ISO 14000, or an equivalent international certification within two years of commencing full operations.
Most Common Industries For BOI Project Approvals
Technology and Innovation
Software development, digital services, e-commerce, fintechs, cloud infrastructure etc.
Manufacturing
Electronic components, automobiles, industrial equipments etc.
Bio Technology and Healthcare
Medical devices, wellness centers, health-tourism, care facilities etc.
Renewable Energy
Solar and wind projects, waste management, water purification, energy-efficient technologies.
Agriculture and Food Processing
Plant and animal breeding, biofuels, cold storage, agricultural packaging etc.
1 - Project Feasibility and Preparation
Examine BOI-promoted activities and available incentives to determine eligibility. Key criteria such as the nature of the business activity, required investment, and ownership structure should be carefully reviewed.
2 - Online Application Submission
Submit the initial application via the BOI e-Investment Promotion system. All required documents such as the company profile, business plan, and shareholder information must be uploaded through the platform.
3 - BOI Officer Review & Interview
A BOI officer will then be assigned to review the online application. A clarification meeting, which can be held online or in person, may be scheduled to discuss key project details such as the business model, technology, manpower plan, and capital structure. The approval process typically takes 40 to 90 days, depending on the size and complexity of the investment.
4 - BOI Board Consideration & Approval
For investment projects under THB 200 million, approval is granted by the regional office or division director. Larger or sensitive projects are reviewed by the BOI board during a formal meeting. Once approved, a letter of approval is issued to the applicant.
5 - Company Registration
In cases where the company has not yet been established, registration must be completed with the Department of Business Development (DBD) within 6 months after receiving the approval. The registered capital must be injected in accordance with the structure approved by the BOI.
6 - BOI Promotion Certificate
Following approval, the applicant is required to submit supporting documents, including evidence of capital injection, the company registration certificate, and details of the project location. Upon receipt and verification of these documents, along with the signed Promotion Acceptance Form, the BOI typically issues the Promotion Certificate within 10 working days.
7 - Project Implementation & Reporting
Upon receipt of the Promotion Certificate, project implementation may proceed. Ongoing compliance includes the submission of progress reports via the BOI e-Service platform and the application for entitled investment privileges, such as tax exemptions, work permits, and import duty exemptions.
