Thailand representative office
A representative office is a low-footprint way for foreign companies to explore Thailand through market research, sourcing, and liaison without generating local revenue. At Thai Visa Centre in Bangkok, we help RO staff obtain visas and work permits within the strict activity limits RO status allows.
Representative offices cannot sell goods, issue invoices, or earn income in Thailand. Revenue-generating activity requires a branch office or Thai company.
Representative offices cannot sell goods, issue invoices, or earn income in Thailand.
Typically maximum two foreign employees on representative office permits.
Registered as extension of foreign parent company, not separate Thai entity.
Representative office certificate issued by Department of Business Development.
Permitted representative office functions
Market research
Feasibility studies and market analysis for the foreign parent.
Product sourcing
Quality control and sourcing support without domestic sales.
After-sales assistance
Non-commercial support linked to parent products.
Information reporting
Reporting market data and liaison to the parent company.
Client liaison
Liaison between parent and Thai clients or agents without revenue contracts.
RO vs branch vs limited company
| Feature | Representative office | Branch office | Limited company |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue in Thailand | No | Yes | Yes |
| Legal entity | Extension of parent | Extension of parent | Separate Thai entity |
| Typical foreign staff | Up to 2 | More flexible | Work-permit ratio based |
| Capital requirement | Lower | Higher | Varies |
| BOI promotion | Generally not available | Case-by-case | Common path |
Structure overview: company structures guide.
Registration requirements
Foreign parent qualification
Legally registered company abroad meeting minimum age and financial health requirements.
Board resolution
Authorising representative office establishment in Thailand.
DBD registration
Representative office certificate with declared non-trading activities.
Capital remittance
Minimum funds brought into Thailand per current DBD rules.
Visa and work permit
Non-immigrant B visa and work permit for 1-2 foreign RO employees.
Typical timeline
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Parent resolution and document prep | 1-2 weeks |
| DBD RO registration | 1-2 weeks |
| Capital remittance | 1-2 weeks |
| Visa and work permit | 2-6 weeks |
Restrictions to remember: No domestic sales, manufacturing, or service billing. Cannot act as agent earning commission on Thai sales in most setups. Limited to typically two foreign employees. Work permit guide: work permit guide.
Common mistakes
- RO staff conducting sales meetings that constitute trading activity.
- Exceeding two foreign employees without restructuring to branch or company.
- Using RO status to avoid FBA licensing while earning revenue indirectly.
- Work permit job titles describing commercial roles inconsistent with RO scope.
- Operating beyond non-commercial liaison without converting structure.
Frequently asked questions
General answers on Thailand representative offices. Confirm specific requirements with DBD before investing.
Q:Can an RO open a bank account?
A:Yes, for operational expenses funded by the parent. Not for trading receipts or commercial revenue.
Q:How long can an RO operate?
A:RO registration must be renewed and remains valid only while activities stay non-commercial. Many companies use RO for 1-2 years then convert.
Q:Can Thai nationals work at an RO?
A:Yes. Thai hires are common for research and liaison. They follow standard employment law.
Q:Does an RO pay corporate tax?
A:With no local revenue, corporate income tax exposure is minimal, but annual filings and compliance still apply.
Q:What is a representative office?
A:An extension of a foreign parent company performing non-trading support functions such as market research, sourcing, and liaison only.
Q:When should we upgrade from RO to branch or company?
A:When you sign sales contracts in Thailand, hire beyond the foreign staff cap, need BOI incentives, or open retail or service operations.
Q:Can an RO negotiate contracts for revenue?
A:No. An RO cannot negotiate contracts for revenue in its own name. Revenue-generating activity requires a branch or Thai company.
Q:What work permit scope applies to RO staff?
A:Job descriptions must reflect representative office functions only. Performing sales or revenue work on an RO permit is a compliance violation.