Applying for BOI investment promotion — parent-company documents, translations and certifications to prepare in advance
Quick answer
A promotion application is filed with the Board of Investment using project data, an investment plan and documents evidencing the investor’s standing. Where the investor is a foreign entity, the certificate of registration, financial statements and power of attorney normally need a notary and Thai embassy certification, with translations in the language the office specifies.
Key facts and the responsible authority
| Reviewing authority | The Thailand Board of Investment, under the activity categories and conditions it publishes |
|---|---|
| Documents typically originating abroad | Parent-company certificate of registration, financial statements, shareholding structure and power of attorney |
| Language of documents | The office states which languages each form accepts; check before commissioning translations to avoid duplicate work |
| Link to the Foreign Business Licence | A promoted company may be able to use the certificate route for foreign business operation under the conditions the law sets |
| Link to work permits | Rights concerning foreign skilled personnel follow the conditions set jointly by the BOI and the Department of Employment |
| Official fees and timing | Set by the office and dependent on the activity, so no figures are given here — confirm directly with the BOI |
Document checklist and the certification involved
Certificate of registration of the foreign corporate investor
Notarised and certified at a Thai embassy, with a translation in the language the office accepts
Recent financial statements of the investor
Translate where the statements are not in an accepted language
Shareholding structure documents
Must match the data entered in the application at every point
Power of attorney for the filing representative
If signed abroad, it must pass a notary and a Thai embassy
Step by step
- Identify the activity category: Match the project to the activity categories and conditions the BOI publishes, so the real document set is known.
- Request parent-company documents early: Request the latest certificate and financial statements early, since cross-border certification takes time and may need a notary appointment.
- Complete notarisation and Thai embassy certification: Complete the certification chain in the country of origin before bringing the documents in for translation and filing.
- Prepare translations and file: Prepare translations in which names, figures and dates match the originals, then file through the channel the office specifies.
What to do
- Confirm the activity category before commissioning translations, because the document set and accepted language vary by category.
- Keep every figure in a translated financial statement identical to the original, including currency and units.
- Keep copies of the certified set: the same documents are often needed again for the FBL and work permit stages.
What to avoid
- A parent-company certificate issued long ago may fail review; check the accepted issue window before sending it for certification.
- Shareholding data in the application that differs from the attachments forces corrective filings and another review round.
- Each incentive category has specific conditions that change by notification, so do not rely on older information without checking.
Frequently asked questions
- Must parent-company documents always be translated into Thai?
- Not always; it depends on the language each form accepts, so check before commissioning a translation.
- Does every document need Thai embassy certification?
- Generally it applies to key foreign-issued documents such as company certificates and powers of attorney; confirm the list with the receiving authority.
- Can you handle the translation and certification?
- Contact our staff by phone, LINE or e-mail with the activity category and the document list the authority asked for.
Official sources
- Thailand Board of Investment (BOI)
- Department of Business Development, Ministry of Commerce (Registrar of Partnerships and Companies)
- Department of Consular Affairs, MFA (document legalisation)
- Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour (work permits for foreign nationals)
Checked on 2026-08-04; requirements change, so confirm with the authority before filing.
Related pages
Ask our team
The required documents and timing depend on the receiving office in each case. Contact our team to confirm the checklist before you file.