Legal service for foreign clients
Branch Office Registration for Foreign Companies in Thailand in Thailand
A branch is the same legal person as the head office — simpler to set up, but the parent bears full liability.
Quick answer
A foreign branch is not a separate legal entity — the head office is fully liable for all branch debts and obligations. The registration goes to the Department of Business Development, requiring an appointed branch representative and consularised head-office documents. If the activity falls under the Foreign Business Act lists, a Foreign Business Licence is needed first. Contact our team for a quotation.
Contact our team for a quotation — Contact our team for a quotation; government fees and consular legalisation costs are billed separately. · Timeframe stated in the quotation, depending on head-office document readiness
Who this is for
- Overseas companies entering Thailand without forming a new entity
- Head offices wanting direct 100% control
- Project-based businesses such as construction or consulting
- Groups consolidating branch results into head-office accounts
What you receive
- Assessment of whether the activity requires a Foreign Business Licence
- Preparation and review of consularised head-office documents
- Drafting the branch representative appointment and scope of authority
- Filing the branch registration and tax ID application
- Coordinating VAT registration when the threshold is met
Documents to prepare
- Head-office certificate and memorandum, consularised
- Latest head-office financial statements
- Power of attorney for the branch representative
- Passport or ID card of the branch representative
- Evidence of the branch premises in Thailand
How it works
5-step process
- 1
Map activities against the FBA lists
We check whether the branch's planned activities fall under the restricted lists of the Foreign Business Act, which determines whether a Foreign Business Licence must precede registration.
- 2
Prepare head-office documents
Documents are obtained in the home country, notarised, legalised at the Thai consulate, and translated into Thai by a certified translator.
- 3
Appoint the branch representative
The appointment letter defines the representative's authority precisely, since their acts bind the head office directly.
- 4
File with the Department of Business Development
The application set is filed with supporting documents; processing time depends on document completeness and the authority's queue — we state the expected timeframe in our quotation.
- 5
Tax registration and bank account
We obtain the tax ID, register for VAT when the threshold is met, and open a bank account in the branch's name.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How does a branch differ from a subsidiary?
A branch is the same legal person as the head office, which bears full liability for branch debts. A subsidiary is a separate entity with liability limited to its capital, but requires at least two shareholders.
Does every branch need a Foreign Business Licence?
Not always. It depends on whether the activity appears in the Foreign Business Act's annexed lists. Some activities, such as manufacturing for export, may be exempt. We verify this before filing.
Is there a minimum capital for a branch?
For branches requiring an FBL, the law sets minimum capital at no less than 3 million baht or 25% of estimated three-year expenses, whichever is higher. For activities not requiring an FBL, check the current criteria with the Department of Business Development.
Must the branch representative be Thai?
No, but a foreign representative needs a proper visa and work permit, plus a Thai address for receiving official correspondence.
Related services
Foreign Business Licence (FBL) under the Foreign Business Act
We map the restricted lists and choose the best route: FBL, Treaty of Amity, or BOI promotion.
Representative Office Registration in Thailand
Limited to five statutory activities with no revenue allowed — suited to market research and liaison work.
Company Registration in Thailand for Foreign Shareholders
A shareholding structure that is lawful from day one — no nominee arrangements.
Written by: Thai Law & Accounting Services — attorneys and licensed accountants
Reviewed by: Reviewed by a Notarial Services Attorney registered with the Lawyers Council of Thailand.
Last updated: 2026-08
Information as of August 2026. Government fees and processing times change — verify with the relevant agency before acting, or let our team verify for you.