Branch, representative and regional office compared
In short
A representative office may only carry out non-revenue activities such as sourcing, quality inspection and reporting to head office. A branch may trade but is the same legal entity as its foreign parent, so the parent carries the liability and the Thai tax exposure.
Choosing between them is a tax and liability decision first. A representative office that starts invoicing has stepped outside its permitted scope; a branch that trades creates a Thai taxable presence for the parent under the Revenue Code.
A locally incorporated limited company is often simpler for anything revenue-generating, subject to Foreign Business Act classification. Model all three before registering, because converting later means unwinding registrations.
What we need from you
- Whether the Thai operation will invoice customers
- Parent company details and financial statements
- Planned activities in Thailand, in detail
- Headcount and whether foreign staff are needed
Watch out
Running a representative office that quietly earns revenue. That is the single most common enforcement issue in this structure. Scope, turnaround and fees are confirmed by IVC staff by phone, LINE or email — this site does not publish prices.
Reviewed as of 2026-08-04. General guidance only, not case-specific advice and not a guarantee of outcome. Government fees, conditions and processing times are set by the responsible authority and can change. This site does not publish prices — please ask our staff.
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