Buy a Shelf Company in Thailand
Our company registration specialists in Thailand can provide you with assistance for the purchase of a shelf company in this country.
Businessmen who want to acquire a shelf company can receive assistance on this matter from our experts in company registration in Thailand.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Legal entities available for shelf company | Private Company |
Time required for purchasing the company | At least 1 week |
Types of features it includes (corporate bank account, VAT number, etc) | Registered address Capital Bank account – optional |
| The advantages of a shelf company | Shorter time needed before commencing the business operations |
| Appointing new directors (yes/no) | Yes |
| Capital increase allowed (yes/no) | Yes |
| Certificate of no commercial activities (yes/no) | Upon request |
| Modify the objects of activity (yes/no) | Yes |
| Participants in the purchase procedure | The buyer (natural or legal person) and the seller (usually a Thai corporation offering company formation services). Foreign investors should be mindful of the limitations that can apply in their case in terms of company ownership |
| The cost of buying a shelf company | Starting at 70,000 Baht, depending on features |
| Shelf company taxation in Thailand | Taxed on its worldwide income, as a resident company |
Corporate tax rate | 20%, can be reduced in some cases |
Surtax | No surtax applicable |
| Shelf company tax year | 12 months |
| Filing requirements | Self-assessment for the first six months of the tax year; annual income tax return within 150 days from the end of the tax year |
| Tax payment requirements | Corporate income tax paid with the half-year return; the total tax is payable for the whole tax year |
| Employment requirements | As per the Labour Protection Act B.E. 2541 (1998) (concerning work hours, leave, labour protection, etc.) |
| Minimum employees for the Thai shelf company | No prescribed minimum |
| Social security contributions | 5% of the employee’s monthly compensation payable by the employer, subject to a cap |
| When to contact our team for the purchase | As soon as you wish to choose an available company for purchase (we also offer counsel on selecting the suitable business form) |
What differentiates a Thai shelf company from a new one?
A shelf company in Thailand, or a ready-made company, is a business that is already incorporated as per the standard procedure, and it is available for purchase. The principal benefit of this type of company is that the investor can start his business immediately upon completion of the purchase.
Can I buy a shelf company in Thailand as a foreigner? If yes, can I buy remotely?
Yes, with the help of our local specialists who offer representation in the process, so that you are not required to travel back and forth to Thailand.
What is the procedure for buying a Thai shelf company?
The procedure is fairly simple, as we can help you:
- find a trusted provider;
- choose an appropriate company based on your needs;
- draft the paperwork and have you sign it.
Businessmen who would like to invest in another Asian country and buy a shelf company can rely on our experts who can offer reliable company formation services in India.
What documents do I need to provide to purchase a ready-made company in Thailand?
We will need your valid passport you can send via email for an effective procedure. We will then send you back the transfer agreement.
What types of shelf companies are available for sale in Thailand?
You can choose between:
- new companies that have been registered in recent months;
- vintage or aged companies that may have been registered for several years.
In case you would like to buy a ready-made company in the Philippines and establish your business there, we can put you in contact with our partners – CompanyFormationPhilippines.com.
What are the legal forms of shelf companies in Thailand?
Most such companies are registered as Thai private limited liability companies.
What are the advantages of Thai aged companies?
The main advantages of the Thai shelf company are listed below:
- Credibility: a company that has been in existence for a longer period of time tends to have more credibility in front of clients, creditors, banks, and business associates;
- Easier processes: a company that has been on the market for some time can have better options and chances when submitting requests for obtaining work permits; in some cases, it can even be useful for individuals who wish to obtain a business visa;
- Saved time: the time needed to transfer ownership when purchasing a ready-made company will be significantly reduced compared to the time needed to prepare the documentation and make the necessary submissions to open a new company;
- Saved costs: in some cases, buying an existing legal entity can prove to be a more economic business decision because the costs will be lower;
- The shelf company can be acquired by foreign investors and used for purposes like raising capital and opening a local bank account.
Here is also an infographic on this subject:
What will I get with the Thai shelf company?
Your Thai ready-made company will have:
- a company name: a shelf company has a unique name that also contains the abbreviation of the business type.
- a legal address: this is the registered address of the company in Thailand; it is mandatory for registration, but it can be changed later on.
- a share capital: this states the fully paid-up capital, the number of shares and their value; it can be increased afterward.
- a tax status: general information about the taxes the company is subject to as well as financial statements, if applicable.
- any other details: in some situations, the company may have previous approvals from Thai departments.
Similar characteristics are available for shelf companies in other countries, for example in the BVI, where the time required for buying a ready-made company is around 2 working days, while in Thailand the timeframe is at least 1 week; Our partners from BridgeWest BVI can offer more details on this matter.
How long does it take to buy a ready-made business in Thailand?
The procedure may take about 5 days to complete, a procedure that also includes the transfer of ownership with the Department of Business Development.
Must I make any changes in a pre-registered company in Thailand?
Yes, you must change the name of the shareholder and director. Optionally, you can change the commercial name of the entity.
NOTE: Our Thai company formation agents can represent you in these procedures.
You can also find out how to buy a Thai ready-made company from the video below:
Can you also help me open a bank account for my Thai shelf company?
Yes, we can assist in this matter.
Are shelf companies available for sale in other jurisdictions?
Yes, through our local partners.
The purchase of a shelf company is a rather simple process, as it is the case in other jurisdictions, for example in Montenegro. This process consists of the transfer of ownership from the current owner to the buyer.
Businessmen interested in investing in another country, for example in a European jurisdiction, can be put in touch with our partners – fiduciaire-luxembourg.com.
If you need further information on the shelf company, please contact our consultants, who can also help you open a new company in Thailand.
Jose Herrera, Attorney at Law · 2 October 2026Jose Herrera is Managing Partner and Founder of Herrera and Partners.