Opening a bar, café, restaurant or hotel in Thailand

The right company structure

Can I own a bar or restaurant in Thailand as a foreigner?

Yes, but not as the sole owner of a regular company. Restaurants, bars and hotels are on List 3 of the Foreign Business Act. Once foreigners hold 50 percent or more of the shares, you need a Foreign Business License. That is why most expats set up a Thai Company Limited with genuine Thai partners, with 49 percent foreign and 51 percent Thai ownership.

How much registered capital do I need?

If your company counts as foreign under the law, the minimum capital is 2 million baht, or 3 million baht per business line with a Foreign Business License. For your own work permit, the authorities usually require 2 million baht of paid-up capital per foreigner, also in a 49/51 company. Budget for this from the start.

Can I use a Thai nominee shareholder?

No, and we strongly advise against it. Nominee shareholdings are illegal. Penalties are up to three years in prison, a fine of up to 1 million baht, or both, for you as well as for the Thai shareholder. Since January 2026, the Department of Business Development has been checking where the money of Thai shareholders comes from, with a special focus on Phuket, Pattaya and Koh Samui. Your Thai partners must be real partners.

Can BOI promotion help me?

For small businesses, usually not. The Board of Investment only promotes hotels from 100 rooms or 500 million baht of investment. For a typical bar, café or restaurant it is not a realistic route.

Visa and work permit

Which visa do I need as a business owner?

The Non-Immigrant B visa, followed by a work permit. You may only start working once the permit is granted, even in your own business. The work permit usually takes three to seven working days once all documents are complete.

How many Thai staff do I have to employ?

As a rule, four Thai employees per foreign work permit, plus 2 million baht of capital per foreigner. Factor this into your staffing plan and budget from day one.

Is the DTV visa enough to run my own business?

No. The Destination Thailand Visa does not entitle you to a Thai work permit, and you may not work for Thai companies. It is meant for remote work for foreign employers, not for running your own venue in Thailand.

Are there jobs I am not allowed to do?

Yes. Some occupations are reserved for Thais, for example Thai massage, hairdressing, street vending and tour guiding. Violations can mean fines of up to 50,000 baht, deportation and a two-year ban on getting a new work permit.

Licences for your business

Which licence does a restaurant or café need?

To sell food you go to the local administration. Depending on the size of the premises, a notification is enough or you need a full licence. Depending on the municipality, annual fees or a renewal apply.

What do I need for a bar that serves alcohol?

An alcohol licence from the Excise Department, renewed every year. Since May 2026 alcohol may be sold continuously from 11 am to midnight, to guests aged 20 and over. Only licensed entertainment venues in designated nightlife zones, for example in Bangkok, Phuket, Chon Buri (Pattaya), Chiang Mai and Koh Samui, may stay open until 4 am.

Do I need a hotel licence for a guesthouse?

If you rent rooms for less than a month, you need a licence under the Hotel Act. Small places with up to 8 rooms and 30 guests only file a notification instead of applying for a full licence. Operating without one can mean up to one year in prison, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both, plus up to 10,000 baht per day.

Renting premises

Can I buy the land for my venue?

Usually not. Foreigners are generally not allowed to own land in Thailand. That is why almost all foreign restaurant and bar owners rent their premises.

What should I watch out for in the lease?

A lease of more than three years is only fully valid if it is in writing and registered at the Land Office. Otherwise it is only enforceable for three years. Terms beyond 30 years are not possible. Have it checked before you invest in the fit-out.

Tax and accounting

Which taxes does my business pay?

Once annual turnover exceeds 1.8 million baht, you must register for VAT within 30 days. The rate stays at 7 percent until the end of September 2027. Corporate income tax is 20 percent. Small companies with paid-up capital of up to 5 million baht and revenue of up to 30 million baht pay nothing on the first 300,000 baht of profit and 15 percent on profit up to 3 million baht.

Do I need an accountant?

Yes. Every limited company must have its annual financial statements audited by a certified auditor. Many firms charge from around 5,000 baht a month for ongoing bookkeeping.

How much does it cost to set up a company?

Registration fees depend on the capital. Including lawyer and paperwork, many Thai-majority company set-ups cost around 80,000 to 150,000 baht, not counting the capital itself. The Foreign Business License route costs considerably more. These are indicative figures from service providers.

Does my restaurant or hotel really need its own website?

Yes. Google Maps, reviews and social media help guests find you, but your website is what wins them over: with your menu, photos and one click to book. With DISERVAR it is online in a few days from €299. Each additional language is €149.