Legal service for foreign clients
US-Thailand Treaty of Amity Company Registration in Thailand
A privilege reserved for US nationals — majority ownership in most activities without a Foreign Business Licence.
Quick answer
The 1966 US-Thailand Treaty of Amity and Economic Relations lets companies majority-owned and managed by US nationals obtain a certificate from the Department of Business Development to operate almost like Thai companies, without a Foreign Business Licence (FBL). Reserved sectors remain excluded — land trading, banking, communications, and transport among them. Shareholding and directorship conditions are strict under the treaty; confirm with the Department of Business Development before filing. Contact our team for a quotation.
Contact our team for a quotation — Contact our team for a quotation; government fees are billed separately. · Timeframe stated in the quotation
Who this is for
- US-citizen entrepreneurs wanting majority ownership of a Thai company
- US corporations establishing a Thai entity to contract and hire locally
- American investors weighing the treaty against an FBL or BOI promotion
- Existing Thai companies restructuring to qualify under the treaty
What you receive
- Eligibility assessment: shareholder nationality, ratios, and board composition
- Share and director structuring to meet treaty conditions
- Company incorporation and certificate application with the Department of Business Development
- US Embassy liaison for shareholder nationality certification
- Post-registration support: tax, work permits, and annual compliance
Documents to prepare
- US passports of every shareholder and director
- Nationality certification letters from the US Embassy in Bangkok
- Incorporation documents: memorandum, articles, and the shareholder register
- A business plan summary of intended activities for the certificate application
- For corporate shareholders: US registration papers and the parent company's ownership structure
How it works
4-step process
- 1
Assess the business and structure
We confirm the intended activity is outside the treaty's reserved list and set shareholding plus board seats so US nationals hold the majority as required.
- 2
Incorporate the company
We incorporate a standard Thai limited company with the Department of Business Development, with articles drafted to support treaty conditions from day one.
- 3
Apply for the treaty certificate
We file the application with embassy nationality letters and full structure documents; the Department reviews against its prescribed criteria.
- 4
Begin operating
Once certified, the company operates within the certified scope; we continue with tax, work permits, and annual reporting.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Which activities does the treaty not cover?
Key reserved activities include land trading, banking, communications, transport, fiduciary functions, and certain agriculture. These require other routes such as an FBL or bespoke structures.
Can a US corporation be the shareholder?
Yes, but the corporation must prove US-national ownership at the level the treaty requires; layered structures must be fully disclosed for the Department's review.
How does it differ from an FBL?
The FBL is a general licence open to all foreign nationalities with strict review, while the treaty is a US-only privilege with clearer procedures and broader activity coverage.
Can it combine with BOI promotion?
In some cases yes — a BOI-promoted company may also hold treaty rights, but each privilege's conditions are assessed separately. We help compare which route serves you better.
Related services
Foreign Business Licence (FBL) under the Foreign Business Act
We map the restricted lists and choose the best route: FBL, Treaty of Amity, or BOI promotion.
Company Registration in Thailand for Foreign Shareholders
A shareholding structure that is lawful from day one — no nominee arrangements.
BOI Investment Promotion Application
Corporate tax holidays, 100% foreign ownership, and fast-track work permits — for qualifying activities.
Thailand Work Permit for Foreign Employees and Directors
A Non-B visa alone is not enough — the work permit must be issued before work begins. We handle everything from company thresholds to booklet collection.
Written by: Thai Law & Accounting Services — attorneys and licensed accountants
Reviewed by: Reviewed by a Notarial Services Attorney registered with the Lawyers Council of Thailand.
Last updated: 2026-08
Information as of August 2026. Government fees and processing times change — verify with the relevant agency before acting, or let our team verify for you.