Question 1

Representative office: Only non-revenue activities such as sourcing and quality inspection

Accepted Answer

Department of Business Development. Variable — generally faster than a full business licence. Exceeding the permitted scope, such as issuing invoices, is a breach

Question 2

Branch office of a foreign company: You need to contract and earn revenue in Thailand under the parent entity

Accepted Answer

Department of Business Development and the Revenue Department. Highly variable, as a Foreign Business Licence is usually required. The parent is directly liable for branch obligations, unlike a subsidiary

Question 3

Thai limited company as a subsidiary: You want a permanent structure, staff, and work permits

Accepted Answer

Department of Business Development, Revenue Department, Department of Employment. Registration is fast; the follow-on steps vary. Setting shareholding without checking work permit thresholds forces a later restructuring

Comparing ways to establish a presence in Thailand

Representative office

Branch office of a foreign company

Thai limited company as a subsidiary

Let our advisers map the route

Route	When it applies	Certifying authority	Indicative timeline	Pitfalls / common rejections
Representative office	Only non-revenue activities such as sourcing and quality inspection	Department of Business Development	Variable — generally faster than a full business licence	Exceeding the permitted scope, such as issuing invoices, is a breach
Branch office of a foreign company	You need to contract and earn revenue in Thailand under the parent entity	Department of Business Development and the Revenue Department	Highly variable, as a Foreign Business Licence is usually required	The parent is directly liable for branch obligations, unlike a subsidiary
Thai limited company as a subsidiary	You want a permanent structure, staff, and work permits	Department of Business Development, Revenue Department, Department of Employment	Registration is fast; the follow-on steps vary	Setting shareholding without checking work permit thresholds forces a later restructuring