08 — Healthcare · Business guide
Wellness Center or Spa
Opening a wellness center or spa in Thailand
A strong reputation as a wellness destination makes Thailand ideal for relaxation and health centres.
- Steps to launch
- 09
- Licences & permits
- 01
Your roadmap
From idea to opening day
The path we follow with you for a wellness center or spa in Thailand.
- 01
Choose a business structure
A Thai partnership for smaller spas, or BOI promotion for luxury retreats.
- 02
Secure a location
Bangkok (Sukhumvit, Thonglor), Phuket or Chiang Mai — meeting health department standards.
- 03
Register the business
Register with the DBD, get your Tax ID and VAT registration.
- 04
Apply for a spa licence
Certified therapists (Thai massage therapists must be Thai nationals) and compliant layout and hygiene.
- 05
Hire staff
Four Thai employees per foreign work permit; therapists need Ministry of Health certification.
- 06
Design & equipment
Treatment rooms of at least 10 m² each; expect 30%+ import duty on equipment.
- 07
Marketing
Social media and local partnerships.
- 08
Grand opening
A soft opening or launch event.
- 09
Visa
Foreign staff need a Non-B visa and a work permit.
What you need
Licences & setup package
Spa licence
Health department standards apply
Regulations can change. We confirm the requirements for your situation.