Branch Office Services
What is a Branch Office?
A Branch Office is a form of investment in Thailand that allows foreign companies to conduct business activities without establishing a new legal entity. A Branch Office in Thailand is considered an extension of the parent company abroad, without separate legal status. This means the parent company has direct legal responsibility for the Branch Office’s operations.
Establishing a Branch Office in Thailand
Establishing a Branch Office in Thailand is an excellent option for foreign companies looking to expand their operations into Thailand, offering advantages in terms of flexibility and management that remains connected to the parent company.
Advantages of Establishing a Branch Office
No Need to Establish a New Legal Entity – Can operate under the parent company’s legal status
Unified Management – Can be directly managed in accordance with parent company policies
Flexible Fund Transfers – Easier movement of funds between the parent company and the Branch Office
Use of Parent Company Name and Brand – Can directly use the same name and brand as the parent company
Credibility – Higher credibility as a direct representative of a foreign company
Branch Office Establishment Process
Preparation of Parent Company Documents
Certificate of incorporation of the parent company
Memorandum and Articles of Association of the parent company
Financial statements of the parent company
Board resolution approving the establishment of a Branch Office in Thailand
Power of Attorney authorizing a representative in Thailand
Value Added Tax (VAT) Registration
File VAT registration application with the Revenue Department
Obtain a tax identification number
Commercial Registration
File commercial registration with the Department of Business Development
Provide details about the business and location
Bank Account Opening
Open a bank account in the name of the Branch Office
Transfer funds from the parent company for operations
Social Security Registration
Register with the Social Security Office to ensure employees receive benefits according to law
Thai Visa Legal Services
Thai Visa Legal offers comprehensive services for establishing a Branch Office in Thailand:
Analysis and Planning – Analyze the suitability of establishing a Branch Office compared to other investment formats
Document Preparation – Prepare all necessary documents, including translation and certification
Registration Process – Handle registration with all relevant authorities
Bank Account Opening – Assist with opening bank accounts and fund transfers
Office Space – Provide advice and assistance in finding suitable office locations
Personnel Recruitment – Assist in recruiting and hiring qualified personnel
Foreign Business License Application
Branch Offices of foreign companies in Thailand must obtain a Foreign Business License if their business activities fall under the restricted categories listed in the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999).
Types of Businesses Requiring Licenses
List 1 – Businesses not permitted for foreigners for special reasons
List 2 – Businesses related to national safety or security, culture, traditions, natural resources, or environment
List 3 – Businesses in which Thai nationals are not yet ready to compete with foreigners
License Application Process
Business Type Analysis – Analyze which list the Branch Office’s business activities fall under
Document Preparation – Prepare application documents such as business plans, technology transfer plans, and other relevant documents
Application Submission – Submit application to the Department of Business Development, Ministry of Commerce
Review – Application review by the Foreign Business Committee
Approval and License Issuance – Upon approval, the Department of Business Development will issue the license
Thai Visa Legal Services
Thai Visa Legal specializes in obtaining Foreign Business Licenses for Branch Offices:
Business Analysis – Analyze and advise on business types and license requirements
Document Preparation – Prepare all application documents, including business plans and technology transfer plans
Application Submission – File applications and coordinate with relevant authorities
Progress Tracking – Monitor application status and provide updates to clients
Interview Preparation – Prepare for committee interviews (if required)
Problem Solving – Provide advice and solutions for issues that may arise during the process
Annual Reporting Services for Branch Offices
Branch Offices in Thailand are required to prepare and submit various reports as required by law, which are complex and different from those required of Thai companies.
Financial and Tax Reporting
Annual Financial Statements
Prepare financial statements according to Thai accounting standards
Audited by a certified auditor
Submit to the Department of Business Development within 5 months after the end of the fiscal year
Tax Filing
Corporate Income Tax (PND 50) – File within 150 days after the end of the fiscal year
Mid-Year Corporate Income Tax (PND 51) – File within 2 months after the end of the first 6 months
Withholding Tax (PND 1, 3, 53) – File by the 7th of the following month
Value Added Tax (PP 30) – File by the 15th of the following month
Reporting Under Business License Requirements
Branch Offices with Foreign Business Licenses must prepare additional reports:
Annual Operation Report
Report on operations compared to the submitted business plan
Technology transfer report (if applicable)
Submit to the Department of Business Development within 30 days after the license anniversary
Notification of Changes
Notify changes in name, address, or other important information
Notify changes in responsible persons or controlling persons
Submit within 15 days of the change
Thai Visa Legal Services
Thai Visa Legal offers comprehensive annual reporting services for Branch Offices:
Accounting Services – Bookkeeping according to Thai accounting standards and specific requirements for Branch Offices
Financial Statement Preparation – Preparation and auditing of financial statements by certified auditors
Tax Filing – Preparation and submission of various tax forms
Regulatory Reports – Preparation of annual operation reports and other required reports
Deadline Tracking – Monitor and notify of deadlines for submitting reports and documents
Coordination – Liaison with relevant government agencies
Regulatory Consulting Services for Branch Offices
Branch Offices of foreign companies in Thailand must comply with numerous regulations that are complex and different from those applicable to Thai companies. Receiving expert advice helps ensure smooth and legally compliant operations.
Key Regulations for Branch Offices
Investment Laws
Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999)
Announcements and regulations related to foreign investment
Tax Laws
Net profit calculation and taxable income
Withholding tax for overseas remittances
Double taxation agreements between Thailand and the home country
Labor Laws
Employment of Thai and foreign employees
Work permits and visas for foreign employees
Employee benefits and welfare
Financial and Fund Transfer Regulations
Fund transfers between parent company and Branch Office
International fund transfer reporting
Minimum capital requirements
Other Relevant Laws
Intellectual property laws
Personal data protection laws
Industry-specific laws
Thai Visa Legal Consulting Services
Thai Visa Legal has a team of legal consultants and tax experts ready to provide advice in all areas for Branch Offices:
Investment Consultation – Advice on appropriate investment structures and potential risks
Tax Consultation – Tax planning and advice on international tax issues
Labor Consultation – Advice on employment, contracts, and visa and work permit applications
Financial Consultation – Advice on international fund transfers and financial reporting
Industry-Specific Consultation – Advice on regulations specific to each industry
Legal Updates – Notification of changes in laws or regulations that may affect operations
Benefits of Consulting Services
Risk Reduction – Prevent violations of laws and regulations that could lead to penalties or fines
Time and Resource Savings – Receive targeted advice without having to research information independently
Forward Planning – Plan and prepare in advance for potential changes
Problem Solving – Receive advice on efficiently resolving issues that may arise
Confidence – Conduct business with confidence that all relevant laws and regulations are being followed
Why Choose Thai Visa Legal?
When you need assistance in establishing and operating a Branch Office in Thailand, Thai Visa Legal is the best choice:
Extensive Experience – Over 15 years of experience providing legal and investment services for foreign companies
Professional Team – Team of legal consultants, accountants, and tax experts with specialized knowledge
Comprehensive Services – Services covering every step from planning and establishment to day-to-day operations
Extensive Network – Network and good relationships with government agencies and organizations
Effective Communication – Communication in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, Japanese, and others
Understanding of International Business Context – Understanding of cultural differences and international business operations
Contact Us
Ready to start or develop your Branch Office in Thailand? Contact Thai Visa Legal today for a free consultation!
Phone: 080-765-6400
Email: info@thaivisalegal.com
Website: www.thaivisalegal.com
Office: 83 Sukhumvit 93, Bangchak, Prakanong, Bangkok 10260 Thailand
Business Hours:
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
(English, Chinese, and Japanese interpreters available)