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.
✅ 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.
✅ 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).
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.
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.
✅ 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).
✅ 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.
🎯 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.
💼 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.
📞 Contact BRW today to set up your Regional Office in Thailand with ease and confidence!
Pingback: What Types of Companies Can Foreigners Set Up in Thailand? - BRW - Doing Business In Thailand