Thai company structures comparison
Choosing the right entity affects ownership, tax, liability, and whether your team can work legally in Thailand. At Thai Visa Centre in Bangkok, we map visa and work-permit options to each structure while corporate partners handle registration.
No single structure fits every business. Match entity type to activity, foreign ownership needs, and whether you will generate revenue in Thailand. Start with our company registration guide for registration steps.
Standard path for operating commercial businesses in Thailand.
Corporate income tax on net profit for standard limited companies.
Representative offices cannot earn sales income in Thailand.
Working in Thailand requires lawful visa and work permit for most roles.
Structure comparison at a glance
| Structure | Revenue | Foreign ownership | Liability | Visa path |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limited company | Yes | FBA/BOI/Amity rules | Limited to shares | Non-Imm B + work permit |
| Branch office | Yes | 100% foreign via parent | Parent fully liable | Non-Imm B + work permit |
| Representative office | No | 100% foreign | Parent liable | Non-Imm B (limited scope) |
| Regional office | Support only | Regulated | Parent liable | Non-Imm B + work permit |
| ROH | ROH tax regime | Regulated | Parent liable | Non-Imm B + work permit |
| Partnership | Yes | Restricted for foreigners | Partners may be unlimited | Non-Imm B + work permit |
| Association | Non-profit focus | Member-based | Limited | Case-by-case |
| Foundation | Charitable | Board-governed | Asset lock | Case-by-case |
Structure summaries
Thai limited company
Best for operating businesses: trading, services, manufacturing, tech. Registered with DBD. Flexible shareholding; foreign majority needs FBA, BOI, or Amity.
Branch office
Best for foreign companies extending existing operations. Not a separate legal entity. Can invoice and generate revenue. Parent bears full liability.
Representative office
Best for market research and liaison with no sales revenue. Cannot issue invoices or earn income. Limited headcount, typically up to 2 foreign staff.
Regional office and ROH
Best for multinationals coordinating ASEAN operations. ROH offers enhanced tax benefits for qualifying management and support services to affiliates abroad.
Partnerships suit small professional ventures. Associations and foundations are non-profit vehicles. See association guide and foundation guide for detail.
When to add BOI or Amity
| Need | Consider |
|---|---|
| 100% foreign manufacturing or tech | BOI promotion |
| US citizen, qualifying service or trade | Treaty of Amity |
| Restricted FBA activity | Foreign business licence |
Immigration by structure: All structures involving work in Thailand require lawful visa status. See work permit guide and SMART Visa.
How to choose
Ask these questions before registering. When in doubt, speak with a corporate lawyer on structure first.
- Will we earn revenue in Thailand?
- Do we need 100% foreign control?
- Is there a foreign parent already operating abroad?
- Are we non-profit or commercial?
- What tax and incentive programmes apply (BOI, ROH)?
Frequently asked questions
General answers for foreigners comparing Thai entity types. Confirm specific requirements with DBD and your corporate lawyer before you invest.
Q:Can I switch structures later?
A:Yes, but conversion (e.g. rep office to branch) requires new licences, tax clearance, and immigration updates. Costly if planned poorly.
Q:Is a branch faster than a new company?
A:Not necessarily. Both need DBD registration and foreign business compliance. Timeline depends on capital remittance and licence type.
Q:Which structure is best for tax?
A:ROH and BOI offer incentives for qualifying activities. Standard limited companies pay 20% corporate income tax on net profit.
Q:Do all structures allow work permits?
A:Work permits are tied to eligible employers and job functions. Representative offices have strict activity limits.
Q:What is the difference between branch and limited company?
A:A branch is an extension of the foreign parent with parent liability. A limited company is a separate Thai legal entity with liability limited to company assets.
Q:When should I use a representative office?
A:When you need liaison, sourcing, or market research without earning revenue in Thailand. Not suitable for sales or invoicing.
Q:Are association and foundation commercial structures?
A:No. They are non-profit vehicles with strict rules on revenue generation and asset use. Use a limited company for commercial operations.
Q:How do I choose the right structure?
A:Match entity type to activity, foreign ownership needs, revenue plans, and tax incentives. Speak with a corporate lawyer before registering.