Licenses & Business Permits

Foreign Business Certificate (FBC) Application (Thailand)

We assist eligible foreign-owned companies with Foreign Business Certificate (FBC) applications to formally certify exemption status under the Foreign Business Act and enable lawful operation of restricted activities within the exemption scope.

Who is it for / Suitable for

Foreign-owned companies operating in Thailand that are exempt from the Foreign Business Act (FBA) restrictions.

Companies entitled to operate under treaty privileges or special laws, such as: US–Thailand Treaty of Amity companies, companies promoted by BOI (Board of Investment), businesses operating under international agreements or specific exemptions.

Foreign companies wishing to formally notify and certify their exempt business status.

Key Requirements

Company must qualify for an FBA exemption (treaty-based or law-based).

Business activities must fall within the permitted scope of the exemption.

The company must be legally registered in Thailand.

Majority foreign ownership is permitted only if exemption criteria are met.

Application must be filed before commencing restricted business activities.

Clients need to provide the following information / documents

Document Name

Notarized

Company Affidavit & BOJ5

Latest DBD-issued documents

Memorandum of Association (MOA)

Must match exempted business scope

Evidence of exemption entitlement

Treaty letter, BOI certificate, or legal basis

Yes (if issued overseas)

Shareholder passport / corporate documents

To verify nationality & ownership

Yes (if foreign entity)

Director’s passport/ID

Authorized signatory

Business plan & activity description

For authority review

Power of Attorney (if agent files)

Director signs

Yes (if director overseas)

Average Processing Time

15–30 business days

15–30 business days, depending on the exemption basis and document completeness.

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What you would get when the application is complete

Foreign Business Certificate (FBC)

Official confirmation of exemption under the Foreign Business Act

Approval to legally operate restricted business activities in Thailand under the exemption

On-going Compliance Requirements

To maintain validity under the exemption:

Operate strictly within the approved exempted business scope

Maintain ownership and shareholding structure in line with exemption rules

Notify authorities of any changes to directors, shareholders, or activities

Renew or update exemption documentation if required by law or authority

Government Agencies Involved

Government agencies involved / overseeing this application:

Department of Business Development (DBD)

Primary authority issuing the FBC.

Ministry of Commerce (MOC)

Supervises enforcement of the Foreign Business Act.

Board of Investment (BOI)

Involved if exemption is BOI-based.

US Commercial Service / Embassy (for Treaty of Amity cases)

Verifies treaty eligibility.

Thanks SiamBusinessLaw to helping us draft a strong agreement and help us see through the case until we have an absolute win case. Appreciate your patience and professionalism

Your law firm handles our case very well and professional. Your regular updates allow us a peace of mind an dmake us feel like we are cared for. Your professional advise gave us a peace of mind too.

Your Burmese team is legit. They gave us the attention and respect we have long missed. We appreciate your work to help us get started properly here in Thailand.

Thank you for assisting us with our case with the Thai Revenue Deparment. We are satisfied with the outcome and we think it is fair.

Your due diligence work for our M&A is done with utmost care and accuracy. It's rare to see such work done by a legal firm in Thailand.

Consult With Our Corporate Advisory Team

Our team is ready to guide you through the full process. Reach us on WeChat or WhatsApp.