Representative Office Registration in Thailand

What is a Representative Office?

A representative office is a non-revenue-generating entity established by a foreign company in Thailand. It acts as a liaison between the head office and the Thai market, focusing on activities that support the business without directly earning income.

Key Benefits

• 100% Foreign Ownership. No requirement for Thai shareholders.
  • Fully funded by the head office
• Eligible to sponsor for work permits.
• Can provide services to affiliated or group companies (no renumeration). 
• No Corporate Income Tax (CIT) since the representative office does not generate income.
• Simple structure, easier to manage compared to a full company setup.
• Market entry strategy. The representative office is ideal for testing the Thai market before making larger investments

Permitted Activities

According to the regulations of the Office of the Prime Minister in Establishment of Work permit and Visa Center (No.3) B.E. 2544 (2001), a representative office in Thailand is strictly limited to the following five activities:

1. Sourcing goods or services in Thailand for the head office or affiliated or group companies.
2. Inspecting and controlling the quality and quantity of products that purchased or hired to manufacture in Thailand by the head office or affiliated or group companies.
3. Providing advice related to goods sold of the head office or affiliated or group companies sold to agents or consumers.
4. Disseminating information about new products or services of the head office or affiliated or group companies.
5. Reporting business trends and market developments in Thailand to the head office or affiliated or group companies.

Limitations

• Fully funded by the head office
• Cannot generate income or accept purchase orders
• Cannot negotiate or conclude business deals
• Cannot issue invoices or receipts

Registration Requirements

• Foreign head office must be legally registered.
• Minimum capital of THB 3 million per business activity or 25% of its estimated expenses for the first three years, whichever is greater. 
• Appointment of a local representative.
• Registered office address in Thailand.

Capital Requirement  

A representative 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 representative 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 representative 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).

Registration Process

1. Application submission to the Department of Business Development (DBD)

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. 

2. Review and approval by authorities

The Department of Business Development (DBD) will review all required documents and usually issue the registration of the representative office number within 2-4 weeks. 

3. Issuance of registration certificate

4. Tax ID registration

The representative office must register for a tax identification number with the Revenue Department within 60 days since the insurance of registration certificate. Although it does not generate income, it has the obligation to withhold taxes at source when paying employee salaries or wages, and may also be subject to corporate income tax on interest from bank deposits.

For comprehensive details, it is recommended to seek professional tax consultation.

5. Work permit application (if required)

How We Can Help

Setting up a representative office in Thailand involves more than just submitting documents, it requires a clear understanding of regulatory requirements, proper structuring, and ongoing compliance. At Skyinterlegal, we provide comprehensive, end-to-end support to ensure a smooth and efficient setup.

Our services include:

• Free Initial Consultation & Feasibility Assessment
  We evaluate your business objectives and confirm whether a Representative Office is the right structure for your expansion into Thailand.
• Document Preparation & Review
  We assist in preparing all required documentation, including coordinating notarization and legalization of foreign documents to meet Thai regulatory standards.
• Application Filing & Government Liaison
  Our team handles the full submission process and communicates directly with the Department of Business Development and relevant authorities on your behalf.
• Office Setup Support
  Guidance on securing a compliant registered address and ensuring your office setup meets legal requirements.
• Work Permit & Visa Assistance
  We support your foreign staff with work permit applications, visa processing, and renewals to ensure full compliance.
• Ongoing Compliance & Advisory
  Even after registration, we provide continued support including reporting requirements, regulatory updates, and strategic advice as your business grows.

With our local expertise and hands-on approach, we help you avoid delays, reduce risk, and ensure your representative office is established correctly from the start. At Skyinterlegal, we value long-term relationships. You are not just a client, but are our partner. We are committed to supporting your business at every stage of your journey in Thailand.

Contact Us

If you are considering establishing a representative office in Thailand or exploring alternative business structures, we are ready to assist. Get in touch with us today for free initial consultation.