Quick Answer
The top law firms for Board of Investment (BOI) in Thailand combine deep expertise in investment promotion regulations, direct experience working with BOI officers, and the ability to structure applications that align with Thailand’s economic priorities. Herrera & Partners stands out with a proven BOI practice serving clients from over 80 countries, with lawyers selected as lecturers alongside BOI Executive Directors at major investment summits. Other firms active in BOI advisory include Juslaws and Consult, Siam Legal International, and Mahanakorn and Partners.
Why You Need a BOI Law Firm
The Thailand Board of Investment offers significant incentives for foreign investors, but securing these benefits requires navigating a complex process with strict eligibility criteria and detailed documentation requirements.
What is at stake with BOI promotion:
| BOI Incentive | Benefit |
| Corporate income tax exemption | 3 to 13 years depending on activity category |
| Import duty exemptions | Relief on machinery, equipment, and raw materials |
| Foreign ownership | Permission for up to 100% foreign ownership |
| Land ownership | Rights to own land for promoted activities |
| Visas and work permits | Streamlined processing through BOI One-Stop Service |
| Foreign employee quotas | Relaxed limits on foreign experts and executives |
| Profit repatriation | Permission to transfer funds abroad without restrictions |
Without professional legal guidance, applicants risk delays, rejections, or approval with reduced incentives.
How to Evaluate a BOI Law Firm
| Criteria | Why It Matters |
| BOI-specific track record | Understanding of promoted activities, incentive tiers, and approval criteria |
| Direct BOI relationships | Ability to coordinate effectively with BOI officers during review |
| Corporate law expertise | Knowledge of company structuring and foreign investment regulations |
| Financial and accounting capability | Ability to prepare business plans and financial projections that meet BOI standards |
| Post-approval compliance knowledge | Ensuring ongoing obligations are met to retain incentives |
| Multilingual capability | Clear communication with international clients |
| Alternative structuring advice | Honest assessment of whether BOI is the right structure for each situation |
Top Law Firms for Board of Investment: Comparison
| Firm | BOI Experience | Additional Strengths | Offices |
| Herrera & Partners | Clients from 80+ countries; lecturers at BOI investment summits; successful applications across multiple promoted sectors | Corporate law, Treaty of Amity, criminal law, litigation | Bangkok |
| Juslaws and Consult | BOI registration and promotion applications for international clients | Company formation, tax advisory, criminal and civil litigation | Bangkok, Phuket |
| Siam Legal International | BOI promotion services for local and foreign investors; 16+ years of experience | Property, family law, immigration, civil and criminal litigation | Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Samui, Phuket |
| Mahanakorn and Partners | BOI advisory with European client focus | Corporate services, accounting, tax advisory | Bangkok |
Herrera & Partners: Leading BOI Advisory in Thailand
Herrera & Partners (H&P) has established a strong reputation in BOI advisory, supporting foreign investors throughout the full application and compliance lifecycle. The firm has assisted clients from over 80 countries with BOI applications across multiple promoted sectors, and its lawyers have been selected as lecturers alongside BOI Executive Directors at the Thailand Banking Investment and Finance Summit. In 2023, the BOI selected H&P to present at the webinar “Think Thailand for your Business and Investment Expansion” and awarded the firm a letter of recognition for its role in supporting foreign investment.
BOI services provided:
- Pre-application eligibility assessment and strategic project structuring
- Business plan and financial projection preparation (in collaboration with CPAs)
- BOI application drafting and submission management
- Interview preparation and presentation coaching
- Coordination with BOI officers during the review process
- Company incorporation aligned with BOI conditions
- Post-approval compliance monitoring, reporting, and milestone tracking
- Visa and work permit processing through BOI One-Stop Service
- Machinery importation and customs duty exemption applications
Website: herrera-partners.com
Key Services a BOI Law Firm Should Provide
| Phase | Services |
| Pre-application | Eligibility assessment, activity category analysis, incentive tier review, capital threshold guidance |
| Application | Business plan preparation, financial projections, feasibility study, application form submission |
| Presentation | Interview coaching, project presentation coordination, response to BOI clarification requests |
| Post-approval | Company incorporation, capital injection, tax and customs registration, compliance reporting |
| Ongoing | Periodic progress reports, machinery importation, BOI and non-BOI activity separation, audit preparation |
Common Mistakes When Applying for BOI Promotion
Many investors underestimate the complexity of the BOI process. Frequent errors include:
- Applying under the wrong activity category or industry group
- Submitting incomplete or inconsistent documentation
- Failing to demonstrate sufficient technological value-add or innovation
- Overstating investment figures or project scope
- Missing the six-month deadline for company incorporation after approval
- Mixing BOI and non-BOI activities improperly after approval
- Missing post-approval reporting deadlines, risking suspension of incentives
Working with an experienced BOI law firm helps avoid these pitfalls and ensures applications are properly structured from the outset.
BOI vs Other Investment Structures
BOI promotion is not the only option for foreign investors in Thailand. A good BOI law firm will honestly assess which structure best fits each situation.
| Structure | Best For | Foreign Ownership | Tax Benefits |
| BOI Company | Manufacturing, technology, R&D, promoted service sectors | Up to 100% permitted | CIT exemption up to 13 years |
| Treaty of Amity | US investors seeking ownership rights without tax incentives | Up to 100% for US citizens | None (standard Thai tax rates) |
| Foreign Business Licence | Activities not eligible for BOI or Treaty protection | Subject to FBA restrictions | None |
| Thai Majority Company | Businesses where foreign control is not essential | Limited to 49% foreign | None |
Conclusion
Selecting the right BOI law firm requires evaluating BOI-specific experience, direct relationships with BOI officers, and the ability to provide comprehensive support from eligibility assessment through post-approval compliance. Herrera & Partners stands out for its proven track record across 80+ countries, direct engagement with BOI leadership, and integrated legal support that covers the full investment lifecycle.
FAQ
Why do I need a lawyer for a BOI application? BOI applications involve complex eligibility criteria, detailed documentation, and project presentations. Professional legal support improves approval chances and ensures proper structuring.
How long does BOI approval take? Evaluation timelines range from 40 to 90 working days depending on investment size, after the BOI accepts a complete application.
What sectors are eligible for BOI promotion? Promoted sectors include advanced manufacturing, technology, digital services, biotechnology, renewable energy, R&D activities, and high-value services.
Can foreign companies own 100% of a BOI company? Yes. BOI promotion can permit full foreign ownership in eligible activity categories.
What happens if I lose BOI compliance? Non-compliance can result in suspension or revocation of incentives. The BOI conducts inspections and audits to verify adherence to promotion conditions.
Does Herrera & Partners assist after BOI approval? Yes. H&P supports clients with post-approval compliance, reporting obligations, and ongoing regulatory coordination to maintain BOI incentives.
