Since Thailand is a globally popular tourist destination, it makes sense that you may have the inspiration to obtain a Thailand hotel license. You will need to obtain a hotel license if you are planning to run a short-term rental business. There are several rules in Thailand that apply to this kind of business. Additionally, getting hotel licenses and permits would require a lot of authorization, paperwork, and stages. Therefore, to help you in the process, this article covers all these aspects along with the accurate cost of obtaining a hotel license in Thailand.
Note that, as an owner, you must acquire a license in order for the hotel to run in Thailand. Although it can be a difficult and time-consuming process, yet, professional service providers can make it easy. Professional corporate law firms in Thailand will make the license application process simpler and straightforward for you.
Make sure you are aware of the following details before you start the license application process:
- The acquisition of a hotel license is mandatory as soon as you start renting your hotel rooms.
- A residential structure does not require a hotel license if it has four rooms and fewer than 20 guests. However, since they will personally visit the location to check the claim and classify it appropriately, it is vital to notify the office in advance.
Legally Recognized Hotel Categories in Thailand
Licenses and permits for hotels are divided into 5 groups in Thailand. The type of Thailand hotel license you will want in order to operate legally will depend on the size and scope of your projected operation. A small hotel or hostel license, for example, that lacks a restaurant or other entertainment venue will come under a separate category from a larger enterprise that does. Knowing which category your new enterprise will fall into would undoubtedly aid you in acquiring hotel licensing. For your reference, a list of hotel licenses is provided below.
After you are certain which category your business will fall under for a hotel business license, you can start acquiring approvals. You have to take into account many things when you get ready and submit your hotel license application. Thailand respects its locals and will want to make sure that your new enterprise won’t annoy the populace. You need to think about how your new business will affect your neighbors, the traffic, the temples, and the schools.
Cost of Hotel License in Thailand
Depending upon the category in which your hotel business in Thailand falls, the cost of obtaining a hotel license varies. The legal cost of acquiring a hotel license in Thailand follows the below-mentioned slab:
Now as you know the cost of the license for your hotel in Thailand, you must know about the documents that you need to obtain the license. Additionally, you should also know about the other license that you may need for your hotel business in Thailand. Following is the list of other licenses that may be mandatory for your hotel in Thailand:
Restaurant Business License
If your hotel provides catering or restaurant services, you need a permit to sell food, liquors, and cigarettes. Click here to know about the Cost of Restaurant Business in Thailand.
Entertainment License
You will need a separate license if your hotel offers entertainment, such as live music or performances. This license is going to cost you around 40,000 THB.
Liquor and Tobacco License
If your hotel serves alcohol or tobacco products, you must obtain a separate license. Liquor and Tobacco License is going to cost you around 5,500-10,000 THB.
Document Requirement for Hotel License in Thailand
For any hotel to be able to conduct business in Thailand, the owner must submit the following paperwork:
- Title Deed or Lease Agreement: Proof of ownership or a lease agreement for the property where the hotel will be operated.
- Building Construction Permit: A permit indicating that the building meets the necessary construction and safety standards.
- Fire Safety Certificate: A certificate demonstrating that the hotel complies with fire safety regulations and has adequate fire prevention and suppression measures in place.
- Health and Safety Certificate: Documentation verifying that the hotel meets health and safety standards, including sanitation, food safety, and other relevant regulations.
- Zoning Certificate: A certificate confirming the location of the property in an area suitable for hotel operations.
- Company Registration Documents: If you are operating the hotel as a business entity, you will need to provide relevant company registration documents, such as the Certificate of Incorporation and Memorandum of Association.
- Hotel Operation Plan: A detailed plan outlining the hotel’s operations, facilities, services, and amenities.
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report: In some cases, hotels may need an EIA report. However, this is especially for larger hotel projects or those located in environmentally sensitive areas.
- Tax Identification: Provide the hotel’s Tax Identification Number (TIN) or any relevant tax registration documents.
- Work Permits: For non-Thai staff, you may need to provide work permits and documents verifying their legal employment status in Thailand.
Application Process and Time to Obtain Hotel License in Thailand
- The engineer or architect should request and sign off on an application for a construction license at the district office (five working days).
- The application gets forwarded to the provincial office in 10 working days.
- The building will require inspection and approval from the health, environmental, and construction authorities (90 working days).
- Obtaining the license (15-30 working days).
The entire amount of time that must be considered is around six months.
Please take note that this application and all other pertinent documents may only be signed by a Thai director. In addition, the law stipulates that there must be at least one manager to monitor hotel operations once a license has been granted.
You must change the hotel license to your name if you are taking over an established firm (as a physical person or company). The government office will take fingerprints (of the actual person or director). The transfer of the hotel license is free of charge from the government.
You may count on our years of experience to ensure that you comprehend the procedure. Konrad Legal Company Limited is your go-to professional for hotel company registration. The cost of your hotel license will increase if any of the submitted documents are even marginally inaccurate. Obtaining a hotel license requires a lot of work and takes a long time. Give our skilled team a call if you need assistance setting up a hotel business in the Kingdom of Thailand.
Simply email us at [email protected] to get a free consultation session and hand over the task of getting the hotel license in Thailand to a reliable firm holding more than a decade of experience in the segment.
