BOI Investment Promotion Application

BOI promotion in Thailand can provide corporate income tax exemptions, import duty incentives on machinery and raw materials, foreign expert quotas and land ownership rights. A successful application requires the right match between activity category, investment size, technology requirements and workforce structure. Choosing the wrong category or presenting information inconsistently can lead to requests for additional documents and delays at best, or rejection and resubmission at worst. This service is designed for Chinese enterprises in manufacturing, new energy, the digital economy and modern services planning to apply for BOI promotion in Thailand, covering both new projects and additional promoted projects for existing companies.

· Pre-application training: Before the project starts, we deliver a dedicated training session in Chinese for your team, covering the application process, document checklist and how to complete each form, reducing guesswork and rework.

· Expert review: Our Chinese and Thai advisors work together, bringing in-depth knowledge of BOI policies, procedures and sector-specific review priorities to strengthen the quality of your application.

· End-to-end support: We manage the full process, from initial assessment, document preparation and submission to query responses, interview support and post-approval onboarding.

· Single point of contact: A dedicated Chinese project manager coordinates throughout, with reporting in Chinese and regular progress updates.

· Preliminary advisory and assessment: Policy interpretation, eligibility assessment, feasibility analysis of the investment activity, category assessment and application strategy.

· Pre-application training: Walkthrough of the full application process, document checklist and responsibilities, form completion guidance and common grounds for rejection, so your team knows who provides each document and what level of detail is required.

· Application preparation: Preparation and review of the business plan, financial projections, technical documents, investment plan and workforce plan.

· Submission and follow-up: Online submission of the complete application through the BOI system and tracking of review progress.

· Query responses and interview support: Assistance with responding to BOI comments and providing supplementary documents; preparation of interview materials, attendance at the interview or mock interview sessions.

· Approval and post-approval support: Assistance in obtaining the approval letter and BOI promotion certificate, guidance on ongoing reporting obligations and the process for utilising incentives, and coordination of initial post-approval filings.

1. Project assessment and planning (1–2 weeks): Analyse the feasibility of the investment activity, assess the promotion category and define the application strategy.

2. Pre-application training (within 1 week after assessment): Chinese-language walkthrough of the application process, document responsibilities and common grounds for rejection.

3. Application preparation (2–4 weeks after all information is received): Prepare the business plan, financial projections, technical documents and other application materials.

4. Online submission: Submit through the BOI system once documents are finalised.

5. Review feedback and interview: Assist with responses to review comments and supplementary documents, and prepare for the interview as scheduled by the BOI.

6. Approval and certificate issuance: Track approval progress and obtain the approval letter and BOI promotion certificate.

7. Post-approval compliance guidance: Explain reporting obligations and the process for utilising incentives, and coordinate initial filings.

The application process generally takes 2–4 months, depending on project complexity, completeness of information and the BOI's review schedule. Approval is subject to the company's actual circumstances, the promotion category and the decision of the authorities.

· Approval documents: BOI approval letter and assistance in obtaining the BOI promotion certificate.

· Training materials: Pre-application training slides and form completion guidelines.

· Application file: A complete, organised copy of the application documents, together with related advisory reports and correspondence records.

Ongoing post-approval compliance, including system setup, master list filings, periodic reporting and raw material reconciliation, can continue under our BOI End-to-End Compliance Services.

Our Guide to Completing the BOI Application Form walks through the official form section by section, with filing tips, common reasons for rejection and a six-point pre-submission checklist.

Free download: BOI Application Form Guide (PDF, 4 pages, Chinese version)

Want to confirm whether your project qualifies and which category fits? Book a BOI eligibility and category review →

· Z&X is responsible for: eligibility assessment and category analysis, pre-application training, preparation and checking of application documents, submission through the BOI system, responses to review queries, interview preparation and progress reporting.

· The client is responsible for: providing true and complete project information, including the investment plan, machinery list, product and process description, financial data and staffing plan; confirming the application figures on time; and having company management attend the BOI interview.

· Not included: factory construction and factory licences; post-approval system setup, list filings, periodic reports and reconciliation (available through BOI End-to-End Compliance Services); work visas for non-BOI companies. Any third-party technical or assessment report, if needed, is charged separately.

· Approval outcome: whether a project is approved, its category and the scope of incentives are decided by the BOI; we do not guarantee approval.

The following services can be combined with this one; see each page for details:

· Registration & Approval Services for Chinese Manufacturers: for factory projects, one team takes you from incorporation and BOI to the factory licence, equipment import and staff visas, working back from the production date; see the Thailand Factory Setup Roadmap for the work-stream plan

· Work Visa and Work Permit Services (BOI companies only): visas and work permits for foreign staff, including renewals and changes

· Factory License Services: factory category assessment, application and on-site inspection support for plants in Thailand

· BOI End-to-End Training Services: training your team to handle day-to-day BOI matters in-house

Before applying: eligibility and preparation

· Can our project apply for BOI incentives? What are the main qualifying criteria?

· Should the BOI application be initiated before or after company registration?

· How should Chinese companies choose a BOI project category in Thailand?

· What documents must be prepared prior to submitting the BOI application?

· How should the registered capital, total investment amount and debt ratio of a BOI project be structured?

· Will the factory location affect the BOI category and privileges?

· Is our project better suited for a trading‑based model, leased‑factory manufacturing, leased‑factory operation with BOI privileges, or self‑constructed factory with BOI privileges?

· If production is scheduled to start in a certain month, what is the latest time to submit the BOI application?

· Is Applying for BOI Worth It? One Table to Work It Out

During review: timing, interview and operations

· How long does BOI approval normally take?

· What are the common questions in the BOI interview for Chinese investors undertaking BOI projects in Thailand, and what information and data need to be ready by the management?

· Can the company commence operations, receive and make payments, or issue invoices during the BOI approval period?

· Are BOI service providers who claim to “guarantee BOI approval” trustworthy?

For system setup, reconciliation and reporting after approval, see BOI End-to-End Compliance Services.

Z&X regularly speaks at BOI practice events for Chinese-invested companies in Thailand, for example:

· Six Firms on the Same Stage in Rayong: Z&X Keynotes on BOI Corporate Tax & Finance Compliance Rules

· Our licenses and certificates: three licensed firms in China and Thailand

Want to know whether your project qualifies for BOI and which category fits? Book a BOI eligibility and category review →

Articles from our Thailand Investment Guide related to this service:

· BOI Approval Is Only the Beginning: The Post-Approval Management Issues Companies Most Often Overlook

· A Key Agency for Investing in Thailand: The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) Explained

· BOI After Approval (3): Tax Requirements — Exemption Does Not Mean No Tax Obligations, and 90% Get It Wrong

· BOI After Approval (1): Imports — Duty Exemption Is Not Automatic, and One Wrong Step Voids It

· BOI Launches "BOI to IPO" Listing Incentive: Up to 5 More Years of 50% Tax Reduction

View all guide articles →