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Diving School Business in Thailand

Diving School Business Licensing With SiamConsult

Thinking about starting a dive center in Thailand?
There is no single “Diving School License.”
To operate legally, you need a group of specific permits: business registration, tourism licensing, marine safety approvals, and the right visas for foreign instructors.

SiamConsult helps expats and investors open and run legal, successful dive schools in southern Thailand. With SiamConsult, you’ll know exactly which permits you need, and we’ll guide you through each step so that you can focus on your dive school, not the paperwork.

Pros and Cons of Opening a Dive School in Thailand

Pros:
- Access to some of the world’s top dive locations in Krabi, Phuket, Koh Lanta, and more
- Growing demand from tourists and expats for quality dive instruction
- Potential for year-round business in the Andaman region
- Local support from SiamConsult to keep your business compliant and protected
- Opportunity to build a respected business and live by the sea
Cons:
- No single license—several permits and approvals are required
- Strict rules for foreign ownership, visas, and work permits
- Changing regulations requires regular compliance checks
- Initial costs for registration, insurance, safety, and licensing
- Risk of fines or closure if any permit is missed or incorrect

How We Help You Start Your Dive School

Explain which permits and licenses are required for your business model
Handle company registration and guide you through the TAT tourism license
Support marine insurance, boat permits, and safety compliance
Secure visas and work permits for foreign instructors (Non-B Visa and work permits)
Advise on accounting, audits, and BOI incentives as your school grows

Licensing & Registration Essentials

Company Registration: Get the right business structure for your goals
TAT License: Needed for any dive business serving tourists; full details at the Tourism Authority of Thailand
Marine Safety: Register and insure your boats as required by the Marine Department Thailand

What Every Dive School Operator Should Know

Dive boats must be legal registered, insured, and captained by licensed professionals.
Foreign instructors must have the correct visas and work permits
Selling packages or excursions? You’ll need the correct tourism licenses
Regulations change—SiamConsult keeps you up to date, so you stay safe and legal

Ready to dive in?
Let’s make your school a success—safe, legal, and fully supported from day one.

Contact SiamConsult — friendly legal and business team for your diving school in Thailand.

Step-by-Step Guide: Opening a Dive School in Thailand

At SiamConsult, our process always begins with a free consultation.
We take the time to listen to your goals, the size of the dive school you want to build, and how you envision running your business.
Every project is unique, so we tailor our advice and our service to your needs—whether you want a small, private center or a full-service, multi-boat operation.

1. Define Your Business Model and Location

Together, we clarify your business plan: What services will you offer?
Who are your target clients—tourists, expats, or locals?
Where do you want to operate: Krabi, Koh Lanta, Phuket, or another destination?
This step ensures we set realistic expectations and a strong foundation for your licensing, compliance, and long-term growth.

2. Assess Legal and Regulatory Requirements

We explain all local, regional, and national rules that apply to your chosen area.
Some locations may have unique environmental or marine regulations.
We help you identify every permit and approval you’ll need for safe, legal operation.

3. Structure Your Thai Company

We guide you through setting up a Thai Limited Company, including shareholding structure, capital, and registered directors.
This is essential for legal compliance, hiring foreign instructors, and opening a business bank account.

4. Register Your Business with Authorities

SiamConsult prepares and files all required documents—such as the Memorandum of Association, shareholder list, and company objectives—in both English and Thai, and submits them to the Department of Business Development (DBD). After approval, you receive your official registration number and company stamp.

5. Open a Business Bank Account

With your company registered, we will assist you in opening a business account at a reputable Thai bank.
This account is required for receiving payments, paying staff, and managing business expenses.

6. Register for Tax and VAT (if required)

We arrange your company’s tax ID at the local Revenue Department.
If your revenue exceeds 1.8 million THB per year, we handle your VAT registration and explain all monthly and annual tax filing requirements.

7. Arrange Marine Safety and Insurance Permits

Your dive boats must be properly registered, insured, and regularly inspected for compliance with Thai maritime law.
Our Audit & Compliance services ensure you meet every safety and insurance standard from the beginning.

8. Apply for Tourism Licensing (TAT)

If your dive school offers excursions or tour packages, you must obtain a Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) license.
SiamConsult guides you through document preparation and the full application process.

9. Obtain Visas and Work Permits for Foreign Instructors

We support you in hiring and retaining qualified foreign instructors by preparing contracts, certification documents, and managing the Non-B visa and work permit process for your staff, ensuring full compliance at all times.

10. Set Up Accounting, Payroll, and Annual Audits

All Thai companies are required to keep proper accounts, process payroll, and submit yearly audits.
We set up your bookkeeping and accounting systems to guarantee ongoing compliance and transparency.

11. Ongoing Support and Local Guidance

Our partnership does not end with setup. SiamConsult is always available for local advice, regulatory updates, renewals, and expansion planning.
We ensure your business is secure and professionally managed as it grows.

For expats or investors interested in joint ventures or foreign company protections, visit our Setting Up a Foreign Company page for more information.

Contact SiamConsult — a friendly legal and business team for your diving school in Thailand.