Thailand Business License: Which One Your Business Needs

Business Licenses Approved

Navigating the complexities of business regulations in Thailand can be challenging. At Attori Law, we specialize in securing the essential licenses that complement your business registration, ensuring you meet all legal requirements with ease. Whether you're launching a new venture or expanding an existing one, our expert team is dedicated to providing tailored solutions that simplify the business license process.

Transparent and Honest Advice

We make sure you understand every step of your legal journey so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

Local Expertise, Global Perspective

We understand Thai law inside and out, but we also know the expectations of international clients.

Efficient and Flexible

We value your time. Our team is focused on delivering practical, results-oriented solutions that resolve issues quickly and effectively.

Dedicated Client Care

We make it easy to connect and communicate. Our team works with you, not just for you, ensuring your goals become our shared mission.

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Business Licenses

Certain industries in Thailand require additional licenses beyond standard company registration. If your business operates in one of these areas, you'll need to apply for the relevant license before you can legally operate. Below are some of the most common ones, though this is not an exhaustive list.

    01

    Foreign Business Licenses (FBL)

    02

    Recruitment

    03

    Food and Beverage

    04

    Liquor

    05

    Import/Export

    06

    Tourism and Travel (TAT)

    07

    Education

    08

    Nursery and Day Care

    09

    Cannabis

    10

    Food and Drug (FDA)

    11

    Manufacturing

    12

    Hazardous Substances

    13

    Hotel and Hostel

    14

    Gems and Jewellery

    15

    Second Hand License

    16

    Massage

    17

    Fitness and Sports

    18

    Spa and Sauna

    19

    Hazardous Activities

    20

    Medical

TRUST AND PROFESSIONALISM

Application Process

Every license follows its own specific steps, requirements, and timeline. This shows the general shape of the process.

  1. Initial consultation and assessment

    We review your business activities and confirm which license, or licenses, actually apply before any paperwork begins.

  2. Document preparation

    Each license has its own required forms and supporting evidence. We prepare the complete package for your specific application.

  3. Application submission

    We file with the relevant authority and confirm receipt, so there is a clear record of when the process started.

  4. Authority review

    Review periods vary widely by license type, from a few weeks to several months. We manage clarification requests and inspections as they come up.

  5. Approval and issuance

    Once approved, we confirm the license terms and any conditions attached to it before you begin operating.

  6. Ongoing renewal and compliance

    Most licenses carry reporting duties and fixed renewal dates. We track these so nothing lapses.

HIGHLY EXPERIENCED

Professional Legal Team

LUKAS KIRCHBERGER

Very professional and reliable law firm with excellent communication. They were clear, responsive, and provided practical legal advice without unnecessary complications. I felt well supported throughout the entire process and can highly recommend Attori Law to both individuals and businesses seeking legal assistance in Thailand.

CONRADO CATIMBANG I had the pleasure of working with this company for registering my business, as well as handling my visa, work permit, and trademark filing. The entire process was seamless and efficient. They were consistently professional, knowledgeable, and provided amazing suggestions whenever I had concerns. They also kept me updated every step of the way, making the experience stress-free. Their kindness and helpfulness truly stood out. I highly recommend them!

SANKET VELHAL

I was handling a complicated situation around Thai business compliance + immigration/Non-B visa process, with deadlines and a lot of moving parts. Their team stayed calm, explained things clearly, and gave me realistic options instead of false promises... ... If you’re an expat or business owner in Thailand and you need help with visa/work permit, company filings, or compliance, I would definitely recommend Attori Law. They know what they’re doing and they treat clients with respect.

TRYSTAN TRESTCHENKOFF

Me and my partner registered a company with Attori and for now the service is reliable, good and on time. I recommend them to anyone willing to register a company in Thailand.

Scott Simple and straightforward to talk to for all business and work permit related matters. Excellent customer service!

JOHN BEARDMORE Attori Law provides excellent legal support. Golf offers a very personalized service, taking the time to understand every detail and making the whole process smooth and professional. Highly recommended.

Not sure if you need a license? Consult with us for free

Business License

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FAQs

How do I know which licence I need?

It depends on what you actually do, not on what your company objectives say. Some activities need one licence, some need several, and some need nothing beyond registration. A restaurant serving alcohol is two separate licences, not one. We check your activity against the requirements before any paperwork starts, and that review costs nothing.

Do I need the licence before I register the company?

The company usually comes first, because most licence applications need a registered entity and a Tax ID before you can apply. The exception is when a restricted activity changes how the company should be structured in the first place. That is worth establishing before you register, not after.

Can foreigners apply for business licences in Thailand?

Yes, but the Foreign Business Act restricts some activities, and several licences require Thai majority ownership or a Thai director. If your activity falls under those restrictions, a Foreign Business Licence or BOI promotion may be the route through. Which one applies depends on the activity, so it is worth checking before you commit to a structure.

How long does a business licence take?

Anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the licence. The ones that take longest are those needing a site inspection or a ministry review rather than a straightforward filing. We give you a timeline for your specific licence at the start rather than an average that fits nothing.

Can I use a virtual office address?

For some licences yes, for others no. Recruitment and trading licences generally need a physical address that can be inspected. Other activities are more flexible. If your licence permits it, a virtual office is the cheaper route. If it does not, using one will stall the application, so check before you sign anything.

Can one company hold more than one licence?

Yes, provided each activity meets its own requirements. A restaurant that imports its own wine needs food service, alcohol and import licences. They are applied for separately and they renew on separate dates, which is the part most owners lose track of.

What happens if I operate without a licence?

Fines, forced closure, and in some cases liability for the directors personally. Heavily regulated activities such as food service and recruitment are the ones authorities actively check. Operating unlicensed also complicates anything else the company needs approval for.

What is involved in renewing a licence?

Most licences carry a fixed renewal date, and some carry reporting duties in between. Renewal usually means updated documents and a fee before expiry rather than a fresh application. Letting one lapse is considerably harder to fix than renewing on time, so we track the dates rather than leaving them to a calendar reminder.