What's the difference between a guesthouse and a hotel licence?

Under the 2023 Ministerial Regulation, small properties with no more than 8 rooms and 30 guests may notify the authorities instead of holding a full hotel licence. Larger accommodations require one. We assess your case and apply accordingly.

How long does a TAT licence take?

TAT licences for tour operators typically take 4-6 weeks and require a bank guarantee. We prepare the full file including the guarantee paperwork.

Can you handle FDA registration?

Yes, we register cosmetics, food supplements, and prepared food products with the Thai FDA, including label compliance review.

Are licences transferable?

Most operating licences are tied to the company and premises and are not transferable when ownership changes. New owners typically need to reapply.

Service · Pattaya, Thailand

Business Licences in Pattaya

Restaurant, alcohol, hotel, TAT and FDA licence applications prepared and filed across Pattaya and Chonburi province.

Book consultation +66 895 434 424

Overview

What this service includes

Operating legally in Pattaya often requires sector-specific licences in addition to your company registration. We handle the most common ones, food shop licences, alcohol licences, music & entertainment permits, TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) licences for tour operators, FDA approvals for cosmetics and food products, and hotel licences under the Hotel Act.

We assess which licences apply to your business model, prepare the documentation in Thai, and submit to the correct district or provincial office.

Benefits

Single point of contact for multiple licences
Thai documentation prepared by bilingual consultants
Filed with the correct municipal / provincial office
Renewal tracking included for annual licences
Compliance review before opening day

Eligibility

Who is this for?

Restaurants, bars and cafés in Pattaya
Hotels, guesthouses and serviced apartments
Tour operators and travel agencies (TAT)
Importers and distributors needing FDA approval
Retail shops requiring municipal licences

Documents

What you'll need

Company registration certificate & shareholders list
Lease agreement and floor plan of premises
ID / passport of managing director
Photos of premises (interior and exterior)
Sector-specific paperwork (menus, product specs, etc.)

Common licences

Licences we handle most often

Licence	Typical business	Renewal
Alcohol sale licence	Bars, restaurants, shops	Expires 31 December each year
Hotel licence	Guesthouses over 8 rooms or 30 guests	Ongoing, with inspections
Food business notification	Restaurants and cafés	Per local office rules
TAT tour operator licence	Tour and travel agencies	Every 2 years

Smaller properties of up to 8 rooms and 30 guests may notify instead of applying for a full hotel licence.

Read the business licences guide

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Any business selling alcohol in Thailand needs a licence issued by the Excise Department. We handle both the application and annual renewal.

Get started

Speak to our team about business licences in pattaya

Transparent fixed pricing, English-speaking consultants and full administrative support from start to finish.

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