Export Only Company in Thailand — Manufacture, Source & Export with Full Foreign Ownership
An Export Only company is a Thai limited company exempt from the Foreign Business Act's Thai shareholding requirement — granted exclusively to foreign-owned businesses that manufacture or source goods in Thailand for export overseas. No Thai partner required. VAT on local purchases is claimable. All-inclusive: THB 195,000.
What Is an Export Only Company in Thailand?
A special Foreign Business Act exemption for foreign-owned manufacturing and trading businesses whose revenue comes entirely from overseas
Under the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999), most Thai limited companies require at least 51% Thai shareholding. The Export Only company is a legislated exemption: because its income is derived entirely from foreign buyers, it does not compete in the domestic Thai market and is accordingly permitted to operate under full foreign ownership.
The structure is designed for foreign investors who wish to use Thailand as a manufacturing or sourcing hub — importing raw materials, adding value locally, and exporting finished goods to international customers. The company operates like any standard Thai limited company in every other respect, including tax treatment, VAT registration, and the ability to employ foreign staff.
Key restriction: All revenue must originate from overseas buyers. Any domestic Thai sales will cause the company to lose its exempt status and become subject to the Foreign Business Act's restrictions. UnionSPACE advises clients on maintaining compliant operations post-registration.
What Can — and Cannot — an Export Only Company Do?
The permitted and prohibited activities under the Export Only company framework
Permitted Activities
- Purchase raw materials from local or foreign suppliers
- Manufacture, process, or add value to goods in Thailand
- Purchase finished goods from local Thai suppliers
- Engage local service providers for operational requirements
- Incur ordinary business expenses — rent, wages, office supplies
- Claim back VAT paid to local suppliers
- Generate revenue by selling / exporting finished goods to overseas buyers
- Apply for a Thai Certificate of Origin (Made in Thailand)
Prohibited Activities
- Generate any income from customers within Thailand
- Import finished goods from foreign suppliers for resale
- Engage in any business activity outside those specified in the registration
How Much Does It Cost to Set Up an Export Only Company?
UnionSPACE's all-inclusive service is priced at THB 195,000, covering every stage from initial eligibility check through to bank account document preparation.
| Eligibility assessment & DBD officer pre-check | |
| Drafting of Export Only Articles of Association & Declaration Letter | |
| Company registration with DBD & Revenue Department (Tax ID) | |
| VAT Registration | |
| Approval from Dept. of Foreign Trade, Thai Chamber of Commerce & Board of Trade | |
| Thailand Customs (e-Customs) registration | |
| Corporate bank account document preparation | |
| 3 Months' Free Accounting & Tax Filing (Worth THB 22,500) |
A multi-agency registration process — managed entirely by UnionSPACE
How to Register an Export Only Company in Thailand
Eligibility Assessment & Company Registration
UnionSPACE first confirms that the proposed business activity qualifies under the Export Only framework and conducts a pre-check with the DBD officer to assess the likelihood of approval. The Export Only Articles of Association and Declaration Letter are then drafted and filed with the Department of Business Development, and the company is registered with the Revenue Department for tax ID and VAT purposes.
Approvals from Department of Foreign Trade, Thai Chamber of Commerce & Board of Trade
An Export Only company requires approval from three government bodies: the Department of Foreign Trade, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, and the Board of Trade of Thailand. UnionSPACE prepares and submits all required applications, manages correspondence with each agency, and collects the approval certificates on the client's behalf.
These approvals are specific to the Export Only structure and are not required for standard Thai limited companies. They are the principal step that distinguishes this registration process from a conventional company incorporation.
Thailand Customs Registration & Corporate Bank Account
The company is registered with Thailand Customs via the e-Customs system, enabling it to clear imported raw materials and manage export documentation. UnionSPACE prepares all corporate bank account opening documents and provides a letter of introduction to our partner bank. All authorised signatories must appear in person at the bank; foreign signatories typically require a valid Work Permit prior to account approval.
Approved Industrial Estate Zones for Export Only Companies
An Export Only company must operate from an approved industrial estate. The following locations are eligible across three zones.
- Bangkok
- Bangchan I/E · Gemopolis I/E · Lard Krabang I/E
- Pathumthani
- Bangkadi I/P · Navanakorn I/Z
- Samut Prakarn
- Bangplee I/E · Bangpoo I/E
- Rayong
- Amata City · Eastern I/E · Eastern Seaboard I/E · Hemaraj Eastern Seaboard · Rojana I/P
- Chonburi
- Amata Nakorn · Hemaraj Chonburi · Laem Chabang I/E · Pinthong I/E
- Ayutthaya
- Bangpa-in I/E · Hi-Tech I/E · Rojana I/P
- Chachoengsao
- 304 I/P 2 · Gateway City · Wellgrow I/E
- Nakornratchasima
- Navanakorn I/E
- Prachinburi
- 304 I/P 2
- Kabinburi
If your preferred industrial estate is not listed, please contact UnionSPACE for a current list of approved locations. The Department of Foreign Trade periodically updates the approved zone list.
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Frequently Asked Questions — Export Only Company in Thailand
An Export Only company is a Thai limited company that is exempt from the Foreign Business Act's Thai shareholding requirement because all of its revenue is derived from overseas buyers. Since it does not compete in the Thai domestic market, it is not subject to the FBA's restrictions on foreign ownership. It requires no Foreign Business License and no Thai shareholder.
Yes. An Export Only company may import raw materials from foreign suppliers, process or manufacture them in Thailand, and export the finished goods to overseas buyers. The company is registered with Thailand Customs (e-Customs) as part of the setup process, enabling it to clear imports and manage export documentation. UnionSPACE can also assist with customs clearance as an additional service.
A minimum of two shareholders is required — the same as a standard Thai limited company. Both shareholders may be foreign nationals or foreign entities. No Thai shareholder is required.
Yes. Export Only companies that manufacture or substantially transform goods in Thailand are generally eligible for a Certificate of Origin confirming the goods are Made in Thailand. This is a significant commercial advantage for companies selling to markets where Thai-origin goods enjoy preferential tariff treatment under FTAs. UnionSPACE can assist with the C.O. application.
Yes. An Export Only company must operate from a government-approved industrial estate. There are approved locations across three zones — Zone 1 (Bangkok and vicinity), Zone 2 (Eastern Seaboard and Central), and Zone 3 (Upcountry). The choice of industrial estate should be confirmed before registration, as the company's registered address must be within an approved zone.
Any domestic Thai sales would constitute a breach of the Export Only framework. The company would lose its FBA exemption and become subject to the Foreign Business Act's restrictions on foreign ownership — with potential regulatory and tax consequences. It is essential that all revenue continues to be derived exclusively from overseas buyers. UnionSPACE advises clients on maintaining compliant operations post-registration.
What Our Clients Say
Free 3-Month Accounting & Tax Reporting Service
Included with your Export Only company registration
Worth THB 22,500
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