Koh Phangan is booming. The Copenhagen wellness wave, digital nomad influx, and rising property values have created exceptional opportunities for entrepreneurs. Whether you're opening a café, yoga studio, co-working space, or buying property through a Thai company structure — having the right legal setup is essential.
Thailand's legal framework for foreign business ownership requires careful navigation. A Thai limited company is the most common structure for foreigners, requiring 51% Thai ownership — but with proper legal structuring, foreign shareholders can maintain operational control. Our concierge connects you with lawyers who have successfully set up hundreds of companies on Koh Phangan.
Finding a reliable lawyer on a Thai island can be challenging. Many law firms cater primarily to tourists and charge premium rates for basic services. Through KohPhangan.villas, we connect you with personally vetted attorneys who:
• Are licensed by the Lawyers Council of Thailand
• Have extensive experience with foreign clients on Koh Phangan
• Speak English and/or German fluently
• Understand both Thai property law and international business needs
• Answer their phone and deliver work on schedule
• Charge fair rates — not inflated 'foreigner' prices
We work with lawyers who specialize in: company registration, business visas (Non-B), property purchase through Thai company structures, land title verification, contract review, and due diligence.
1. Company Name Reservation: Reserve your company name with the Department of Business Development (DBD). Takes 1-3 business days.
2. Memorandum of Association: Filed with the DBD. Requires details of shareholders, capital structure, and business objectives.
3. Statutory Meeting: Required for companies with 2+ promoters. Establishes the company's bylaws and appoints directors.
4. Company Registration: Submit all documents to the DBD. Registration fee based on registered capital (typically ฿5,500 per ฿1 million capital).
5. Tax Registration: Register for VAT (if applicable) and obtain a Tax ID number within 60 days of starting operations.
6. Social Security Registration: Required if you have employees. Register within 30 days of hiring.
The entire process typically takes 2-4 weeks with a good lawyer. Costs range from ฿30,000–60,000 depending on complexity and registered capital.
The Non-Immigrant B (Business) Visa is the standard visa for company directors and employees. Requirements include: registered capital of at least ฿2 million (for a work permit for one foreigner), company registration documents, and proof of business operations.
For those not ready to start a company, other visa options include: Education Visa (studying Thai language or Muay Thai), Volunteer Visa (working with registered foundations), and the new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for digital nomads and remote workers. Our legal partners can advise on the best visa strategy for your situation.
Foreigners cannot directly own land in Thailand. The most common workaround is purchasing through a Thai limited company, where the company owns the land and the foreigner holds shares (up to 49%). With proper legal structuring — including preference shares, weighted voting rights, and carefully drafted shareholder agreements — foreigners can maintain effective control.
This is a legally complex area. Never attempt a company-structured property purchase without an experienced Thai lawyer. We've seen too many cases of improperly structured companies resulting in loss of property rights. Our legal partners ensure every detail is handled correctly from day one.