3
FROM ENGAGEMENT TO BOI APPROVAL
100%
FOREIGN OWNERSHIP APPROVED
5
WORK PERMITS SECURED
APPROVED
ON FIRST SUBMISSION
The client, a French software company, was looking to establish their business in Thailand. Their objective was to hire both local software developers and qualified foreign employees to support their expansion.
To achieve this, the client was looking to apply for a Board of Investment (BOI) promotion. Obtaining a BOI promotion would allow the company to benefit from tax incentives, obtain 100% foreign ownership, and employ foreign staff in Thailand with reduced requirements compared to a regular Thai Limited company.
The client initially tried to apply for BOI promotion on their own but quickly ran into several challenges.
Firstly, the client struggled to understand the procedures and expectations of BOI officers, leading to miscommunication and delays. Secondly, their project was not aligned with the most suitable promotion category, and submissions were incomplete or did not meet the required standard.
Initially choosing the wrong promotion category led to repeated back-and-forth with BOI officers and confusion throughout the process. As a result, the process became time-consuming, with delays caused by required amendments to the application and ongoing questions from BOI officers. Repeated follow-ups did not provide clear direction, leaving the client unable to move forward with confidence.
The situation quickly became urgent, as the client was keen to begin the project as soon as possible. Valuable time had already been lost, and their main investor was becoming impatient. Any further delays risked pushing back company incorporation, hiring plans, and the overall project timeline.
Without a properly structured application, there was also a risk of rejection or further delays, which could have impacted investor confidence and the overall viability of the project.
Lex Nova Partners supported the client throughout the entire BOI promotion process, using our experience with BOI applications to help guide each stage and provide practical, hands-on support throughout.
This was achieved through the following:
Eligibility Assessment:
A detailed analysis of the client’s project was undertaken by our team. The assessment was used to identify the most suitable promotion category. Once a suitable category had been determined, we confirmed eligibility directly with BOI officers. By understanding the client’s business model and objectives, we identified a more suitable promotion category than initially considered.
Business Plan and Documentation Preparation:
We provided a business plan structure that was drafted in line with BOI expectations and guided the client on how to present the project clearly. We also prepared the BOI application itself, an area that often causes confusion or issues if not prepared properly. All supporting documents were gathered, reviewed, and prepared properly, helping to avoid delays and reduce the risk of rejection.
Coordination and BOI Liaison:
Our team also maintained regular communication with BOI officers, anticipating potential questions and addressing them early. Additional inquiries were handled directly on behalf of the client, streamlining the process and reducing unnecessary back-and-forth.
Interview Preparation and Support:
A mock interview was conducted to prepare the client for the final BOI interview. Without proper preparation, this stage can lead to delays or a series of follow-up questions. During the actual interview, Lex Nova provided real-time support to ensure responses were clear, accurate, and aligned with BOI expectations.
Post-Approval Support:
Following the BOI’s approval of the application, we assisted with obtaining BOI certificates and coordinated the company incorporation process under the approved promotion.
Ongoing Compliance and Support:
Support continued beyond approval, including assistance with work permits and visas for foreign employees, as well as accounting and tax support.
Lex Nova Partners supported the client throughout the entire BOI promotion process, using our experience with BOI applications to help guide each stage and provide practical, hands-on support throughout.
This was achieved through the following:
Eligibility Assessment:
A detailed analysis of the client’s project was undertaken by our team. The assessment was used to identify the most suitable promotion category. Once a suitable category had been determined, we confirmed eligibility directly with BOI officers. By understanding the client’s business model and objectives, we identified a more suitable promotion category than initially considered.
Business Plan and Documentation Preparation:
We provided a business plan structure that was drafted in line with BOI expectations and guided the client on how to present the project clearly. We also prepared the BOI application itself, an area that often causes confusion or issues if not prepared properly. All supporting documents were gathered, reviewed, and prepared properly, helping to avoid delays and reduce the risk of rejection.
Coordination and BOI Liaison:
Our team also maintained regular communication with BOI officers, anticipating potential questions and addressing them early. Additional inquiries were handled directly on behalf of the client, streamlining the process and reducing unnecessary back-and-forth.
Interview Preparation and Support:
A mock interview was conducted to prepare the client for the final BOI interview. Without proper preparation, this stage can lead to delays or a series of follow-up questions. During the actual interview, Lex Nova provided real-time support to ensure responses were clear, accurate, and aligned with BOI expectations.
Post-Approval Support:
Following the BOI’s approval of the application, we assisted with obtaining BOI certificates and coordinated the company incorporation process under the approved promotion.
Ongoing Compliance and Support:
Support continued beyond approval, including assistance with work permits and visas for foreign employees, as well as accounting and tax support.
With the right approach in place, the client was able to secure BOI promotion efficiently and without further delays:
Efficiency:
From engagement in March 2025 through to approval in June 2025, the entire process was completed within three months.
Successful Outcome:
The BOI promotion was approved on the first submission, avoiding the delays and uncertainty typically associated with incomplete or misaligned applications.
Business Impact:
The client is now able to operate in Thailand with 100% foreign ownership, hire both local and foreign employees, and benefit from tax incentives that improve the overall feasibility of the project.
Workforce Enablement:
Five work permits and visas were secured, allowing the company to build its team and begin operations as planned and on schedule.
Risk Mitigation:
Key risks, including misclassification of the project, delays, incomplete documentation, and non-compliance with BOI requirements, were identified and avoided through proper legal structuring.
Pour en savoir plus sur la façon dont notre équipe peut vous accompagner dans vos projets d’entreprise en Thaïlande, contactez-nous dès aujourd’hui. Nos experts juridiques vous proposent des conseils personnalisés et des services sur mesure pour vous aider à surmonter les défis juridiques liés à vos activités et à atteindre vos objectifs commerciaux. Prenez rendez-vous dès maintenant.