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

A Regional Office is a type of business entity that allows foreign companies to establish a presence in Thailand to manage, coordinate, and support affiliated companies in the region. Unlike a Branch Office, a Regional Office cannot generate income in Thailand but can perform supporting activities for its head office and regional affiliates.

Setting up a Regional Office is ideal for multinational companies looking to manage their Southeast Asia operations from Thailand.

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✅ Key Functions of a Regional Office:

• Coordinate and supervise operations of branches and affiliates in the region.
• Provide advisory and management support to regional offices.
• Handle marketing, training, and operational development for affiliates.
• Procure and distribute raw materials and components for regional branches.

💡 Note: A Regional Office cannot directly engage in commercial or profit-generating activities in Thailand.

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

Step 1: Prepare Required Documents

• Application form for establishing a Regional Office.
• Certificate of Incorporation of the parent company.
• Company Affidavit with details of directors and shareholders of the parent company.
• Power of Attorney appointing the regional office manager in Thailand.
• Detailed business plan describing the purpose and scope of activities.
• Financial statements of the parent company (recent 1-3 years).

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

• Submit all required documents to the Ministry of Commerce (DBD).
• Pay the necessary application fees.

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Step 3: Wait for Approval

• Authorities will review and verify your application.
• May require clarification or additional documentation.
• Upon approval, the Regional Office registration certificate will be issued.

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✅ Step 4: Register for Tax ID and Other Compliance

Although a Regional Office cannot generate income, it still needs to:

• Register for Tax Identification Number (Tax ID) for official and administrative purposes.
• Register for Social Security for hiring local employees (if any).

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✅ Key Requirements and Considerations:

• Minimum Capital: At least 2 million THB (approximately USD 55,000), to be remitted into Thailand.
• At least one appointed manager responsible for the operations in Thailand.
• No commercial or revenue-generating activities are allowed.

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🎯 Benefits of Opening a Regional Office in Thailand:

• Cost-effective solution for regional management without fully operating as a business entity.
• Strengthen regional control and communication.
• Coordinate and manage affiliates smoothly from a central location in Thailand.
• No corporate income tax since there are no revenue-generating activities.

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💼 How BRW Can Help You Set Up a Regional Office:

At BRW – Boonrawee Co., Ltd., we offer end-to-end consulting services to help foreign companies establish a Regional Office in Thailand, including:

• Business planning and legal structure advice.
• Document preparation and submission to Thai authorities.
• Liaison with government offices for smooth approval.
• Ongoing compliance and administrative support.
• Assistance with visa and work permits for foreign managers.

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📞 Contact BRW today to set up your Regional Office in Thailand with ease and confidence!