How to Open a Representative Office in Thailand: Step-by-Step Guide

A Representative Office is an excellent option for foreign companies wishing to explore the Thai market without engaging in direct sales or generating local income. It allows foreign businesses to have a presence in Thailand to conduct non-revenue generating activities, such as market research, sourcing, and liaison with local partners.

✅ Key Functions of a Representative Office:

1. Sourcing of goods or services for the head office.
2. Checking and controlling the quality and quantity of goods purchased in Thailand.
3. Providing information about products to local customers on behalf of the head office.
4. Reporting business trends and opportunities in Thailand to the head office.

💡 Note: A Representative Office cannot engage in trading, sales, or generate revenue in Thailand.

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✅ Step-by-Step Guide to Open a Representative Office in Thailand

Step 1: Prepare Required Documents

• Application form for Representative Office registration.
• Company Affidavit or Certificate of Incorporation of the foreign parent company.
• List of directors and shareholders of the parent company.
• Power of Attorney appointing the local manager of the Representative Office.
• Business plan detailing the activities and purpose of the Representative Office.
• Financial statements of the parent company (latest 1-3 years).

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Step 2: File Application with Department of Business Development (DBD)

• Submit all documents to the Ministry of Commerce (DBD) for consideration.
• Pay the required government fees.

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Step 3: Obtain Approval

• The DBD will review the application and may request additional documents or clarification.
• Upon approval, the DBD will issue an official registration certificate for the Representative Office.

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✅ Key Requirements:

• Minimum capital requirement: At least THB 2 million (approximately USD 55,000), to be remitted into Thailand.
• At least one local manager (can be a foreigner with proper visa and work permit).
• No revenue generation or profit-making activities allowed.

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🎯 Benefits of Opening a Representative Office:

• Low-risk entry to study the Thai market.
• Build relationships and liaison with local partners.
• Promote parent company’s products/services without selling directly.
• No corporate income tax as long as it does not generate revenue in Thailand.

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💼 How BRW Can Help You:

At BRW – Boonrawee Co., Ltd., we offer full consulting services to set up your Representative Office in Thailand, including:

• Preparing and filing all necessary documents.
• Liaising with Thai government authorities.
• Assisting with manager’s visa and work permit applications.
• Ongoing compliance and legal advice.

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📞 Contact us today to start your Representative Office smoothly and professionally!