Regional Office Registration in Thailand

What is a Regional Office in Thailand?

According to the Foreign Business Act 1999 (FBA), a regional office is an entity established by a ‘multinational corporation’ in a country other than its registered headquarters, without having to be registered as a legal entity under the laws of the country where it is established and only allows to engage in permitted activities. Multinational corporation refers to a legal entity established under the laws of a foreign country and conducting business in another country.

To simply put, a regional office is an entity established by a foreign company to oversee, support, and coordinate business operations across multiple countries in the region. Regional offices are commonly used for centralized management, technical support, and shared services within a corporate group.

Permitted Activities

A regional office in Thailand can engage in 7 activities as follows: 

1. Coordinating and overseeing the operations of branches and/or affiliated companies located in the same region, on behalf of the head office.
2. Providing consulting and management services.
3. Personnel training and development.
4. Financial management.
5. Marketing control and sales promotion planning.
6. Product development.
7. Research and development services.

Note: The applicant can submit an application for all the listed activities, but may choose to carry out only one of them in practice. 

Key Features

• It is a juristic person establishing under foreign laws. Regional office is not a separate entity.
• Have branch offices or affiliated companies located in the same region.
• Does not generate income from providing services.
• Cannot accept orders, offer sales, or negotiate business with any individual or legal entity.
• Receives office expense subsidies from its head office only.

Key Benefits

• It is exempt from Corporate Income Tax (CIT) under the Revenue Code, except for interest on deposits and remaining funds after receiving funds from the head office which must be included in the calculation for CIT.
• Flexible business activities as it allows a broader scope compared to a representative office.
• Eligible to sponsor for work permits and visas.
• Operational efficiency as it centralizes regional functions and reduces duplication.

Limitations

Regional office cannot generate income and can only conduct permitted activities. It also has the obligation to prepare financial statements in accordance with the Accounting Act B.E. 2543 (2000). 

Capital Requirement

A regional office must have a minimum capital of THB 3 million per business activity or 25% of its estimated expenses for the first three years, whichever is greater. 

The capital does not need to be paid in full upfront, but it must be brought into Thailand in stages:

• At least 25% (THB 750,000) must be remitted within the first 3 months after registration.
• At least 50% (THB 1.5 million) within the first year.
• For the remaining amount, at least 25% of the minimum capital must be contributed annually.

Note: In case of operating less than 3 years, the full capital must be brought into Thailand within 6 months.

Foreign Business License

As of 2026, a regional office can engage in the permitted activities under the regulations of the Office of the Prime Minister in Establishment of Work permit and Visa Center (No.3) B.E. 2544 (2001) without having to obtain a Foreign Business License (FBL). However, if the company conducts other business activity besides being a regional office, and such business activity is listed in Schedule Three of the Foreign Business Act 1999 (FBA), the company must obtain a Foreign Business License (FBL).

Document Requirements

The documents generally required for submission include: 

• Application form
• A copy of the company certificate or proof of legal entity status of the head office showing the name, amount of capital and paid-up capital, list of shareholders, number of shares held, nationality of shareholders, purposes, location of office, list of directors and authorized persons.
• A copy of passports of the representative, which includes with the non-immigrant visa or entry visa stamp.
• A copy of 3-year financial statement of the head office.
• Salary and other compensation certificates, such as housing allowance and welfare benefits, for the representative operating in Thailand.
• Power of attorney of the representative 

Note: All the documents must be notarized and certified by a local Thai embassy or consulate, not more than 6 months at the time of registration, including Thai translation.

How We Can Help

Setting up a regional office in Thailand involves careful planning, regulatory navigation, and alignment with your global business strategy. Our team is committed to making this process seamless, efficient, and fully compliant.

Our comprehensive services include:

• Strategic Structuring & Feasibility Assessment
  We analyze your business model and regional objectives to determine the most suitable structure, including whether a regional office or alternative setup best meets your needs.
• End-to-End Registration Support
  From document preparation to submission and follow-ups, we manage the entire registration process with relevant authorities on your behalf.
• Coordination with Government Authorities
  We liaise directly with key government agencies to ensure a smooth and timely approval process.
• Corporate, Tax & Legal Compliance Setup
  We assist in setting up proper compliance frameworks, including tax registration, accounting systems, and internal policies aligned with Thai regulations.
• Work Permits & Visas for Foreign Staff
  Our team supports applications and ongoing management for expatriate staff to ensure full compliance and smooth relocation.
• Post-Registration Support & Advisory
  Our services extend beyond incorporation. We provide ongoing advisory, compliance monitoring, and operational support as your regional office grows.

With our deep local expertise and proactive approach, we help you minimize risks, avoid delays, and establish a strong operational foundation in Thailand.

Contact Us

Reach out today to discuss how we can support your regional expansion from Thailand. Should a Regional Office not meet your requirements, we can also guide you toward other business structures tailored to your situation.