100% Foreign Ownership
Zero Corporate Tax

Yes, this is one of the primary advantages of BOI promotion. You can own 100% of your company without needing a Thai partner, completely bypassing the Foreign Business Act restrictions that normally limit foreign ownership to 49%.

The minimum investment is generally 1 million THB (excluding land and working capital). However, for technology and innovation-based businesses, this requirement may be waived or adjusted. The BOI evaluates each application individually based on economic benefit and technology transfer potential.

The standard timeline is 40-90 working days from submission to approval, depending on project complexity and completeness of documentation. You will typically have an interview within 10 days of submitting your application. Fast-track processing is available for certain high-priority industries.

Yes, BOI-promoted companies are permitted to own land for use in their promoted business operations (factory, office, R&D center). This is a rare privilege for foreign companies in Thailand, where land ownership is normally restricted to Thai nationals.

Tax benefits include: (1) Corporate Income Tax exemption for 3-13 years depending on location and activity type, (2) 50% CIT reduction for 5 years after exemption ends, (3) Import duty exemption on machinery/equipment, (4) Exemption on import duties for raw materials used in export production, and (5) Double deduction for certain costs like infrastructure and utilities.

No, you can apply for BOI promotion before registering your company. In fact, it is often recommended to obtain BOI approval first, as it can simplify the company registration process and ensure you receive all the incentives from day one. However, you must incorporate within 6 months of receiving BOI approval.

BOI generally does not promote: (1) Trading businesses without value-added activities, (2) Real estate development for sale, (3) Traditional restaurants and hotels (unless high-end/luxury or located in promoted zones), (4) General retail businesses, and (5) Activities that may harm the environment or compete directly with established Thai SMEs.

Thailand is divided into 3 investment zones. Zone 1 (Bangkok & surrounding): 3-year CIT exemption. Zone 2 (selected provinces): 5-year exemption + 50% reduction for 5 more years. Zone 3 (least developed provinces): 8-year exemption + 50% reduction for 5 more years + additional subsidies. Higher incentives reward investment in less developed areas.

Yes, BOI companies enjoy relaxed work permit and visa requirements. You can hire foreign nationals for executive, expert, and technical positions without the standard 4:1 Thai-to-foreign worker ratio. BOI also facilitates Smart Visa and Long-Term Resident (LTR) visas for qualified individuals.

If rejected, you will receive a detailed explanation of the reasons. You can: (1) Submit an appeal within 60 days with additional documentation addressing the concerns, (2) Modify your project plan and resubmit, or (3) Proceed with a non-BOI company setup (subject to standard foreign ownership restrictions). Working with experienced legal counsel significantly improves approval odds.

Yes, BOI companies must: (1) Submit annual performance reports, (2) Maintain the approved business activity, (3) Meet investment and employment targets, (4) Comply with environmental regulations, and (5) Allow BOI monitoring visits. Failure to comply can result in incentive revocation. Most law firms offer annual compliance services.

Major changes to your business activity require BOI approval and may affect your incentive package. Minor adjustments are usually permitted. If you want to expand into a new promoted activity, you can apply for additional BOI promotion. Always consult with BOI or your legal advisor before making significant operational changes.

The BOI application itself has no government fee. However, you will incur costs for: (1) Legal and consulting services (typically ฿150,000-500,000 depending on complexity), (2) Document preparation and translation, (3) Feasibility study (if required), and (4) Company registration fees. These costs are minimal compared to the tax savings you will receive.

IBC is a specific type of BOI promotion for regional headquarters and service companies. IBC companies can provide services to affiliated companies in the region and enjoy additional benefits like reduced CIT (10% vs standard 20%) and exemption on dividend income from abroad. IBC is ideal for holding companies and regional operations centers.

Yes, BOI welcomes applications from startups, especially in technology, innovation, and digital sectors. The minimum investment requirement may be waived for knowledge-based businesses. BOI also has special programs for startups including incubation centers, innovation hubs, and venture capital support. Focus on demonstrating innovation, technology transfer, and scalability potential.

Export requirements vary by industry and activity type. Some activities have minimum export quotas (e.g., 30-50% of production), while others (like services, R&D, digital platforms) have no export requirement. Domestic market-focused businesses can still qualify for BOI in certain sectors. Check the specific criteria for your industry category.