Why Double M
- One Stop Solution
- Time - Cost Efficiency
- Local and Experienced Team
- Wide Network and Databases
- Language Barrier Elimination
- Your Project is Our Priority
Representative Office in Thailand
A Representative Office in Thailand is a legal entity that allows foreign companies to establish a presence in the Thai market without directly engaging in commercial or revenue-generating activities. It is designed primarily for non-trading functions such as market research, quality control, and liaison work. This structure is ideal for companies that want to explore opportunities in Thailand, support their headquarters, or coordinate with local partners, while keeping operations simple and compliant with local regulations.
Key Features of a Representative Office
- Non-Commercial Nature – It cannot generate revenue, issue invoices, or conduct sales in Thailand.
- Foreign Ownership – May be 100% foreign-owned without restrictions.
- No Corporate Income Tax – Since the office cannot earn income, it is exempt from corporate income tax, except for employee-related obligations.
- Work Permits & Visas – Foreign employees may apply for visas and work permits under the representative office structure.
Permitted Activities of a Representative Office
Sourcing Goods & Services
Gathering information on goods or services in Thailand for the parent company.
Quality Control
Inspecting and checking the quality and quantity of goods purchased or manufactured in Thailand.
Market Research
Conducting studies on the Thai market and reporting insights to the parent company.
Promoting Business of Parent Company
Acting as a liaison to promote products or services of the head office without generating income locally.
Communication & Coordination
Acting as a channel of communication between the head office and Thai counterparts.
Process of Establishing a Representative Office in Thailand
Application Submission
Filing an application with the Department of Business Development (DBD) or the Ministry of Commerce.
Approval & Licensing
Obtaining approval and the official license to operate as a representative office.
Tax & Social Security Registration
Registering for tax ID and employee-related obligations.
Visa & Work Permit Processing
Supporting foreign staff in obtaining the necessary permits for legal employment.
Why Choose This Structure?
A Representative Office in Thailand is best suited for companies that want to maintain a presence in the market without directly engaging in sales or profit-making. It provides an excellent platform for research, oversight, and local coordination, helping businesses evaluate opportunities and strengthen supply chain operations. For companies in the early stages of exploring Thailand, this structure offers a cost-effective and compliant way to establish a foothold.