Sociétés
Setting Up a Branch Office in Thailand: A Comprehensive Guide
03/07/2023
Thailand has become an attractive destination for foreign businesses looking to expand their presence in Southeast Asia. A preferred business structure for foreign business owners in Thailand is setting up a branch office.
With relatively lesser investment and a quicker registration process than a Thai Limited Company, a branch office is an attractive option for foreign business owners.
This article is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate establishing a branch office in Thailand. We will address common questions, requirements, tax obligations, hiring employees, and the timeline for establishing a branch office.
Points clés
- Branch Offices can be 100% foreign-owned.
- A branch office in Thailand is considered an extension of the foreign company, and the head office is liable for its actions.
- The minimum capital requirements for a branch office are 3 million Thai Baht for restricted businesses and 2 million Thai Baht for non-restricted businesses.
- A branch office can undertake any “income-related activity” on behalf of its head office, but if it involves a restricted business, a Foreign Business License is required.
- A branch office is subject to Thai corporate income tax, currently at a rate of 20%, and may also be liable for other taxes such as VAT and withholding tax.
- Branch offices can hire both foreign employees, with a Thai to Foreign Worker Ratio of 1:1, which is more favorable than a Thai limited company.
Can Foreigners Establish a Branch Office in Thailand?
Under Thai law, a Branch Office is essentially a foreign company registering its presence in Thailand as a branch.
Elle n'est pas considérée comme une entité distincte de la société étrangère et est donc traitée comme la même entité que sa société mère. Le siège social est responsable de toutes les actions entreprises par la succursale en Thaïlande.
What are the requirements for setting up a Branch Office?
To establish a branch office in Thailand, you must provide certain documents. While the specific requirements may vary depending on your circumstances, the following are typically required:
Certified copy of the parent company’s incorporation documents: Vous devez fournir une copie certifiée des documents de constitution de la société mère, tels que le certificat de constitution.
Certified copy of the parent company’s financial statements: Il est nécessaire de fournir des copies certifiées de ses états financiers, y compris les bilans, les comptes de résultat et les tableaux de financement.
Letter of appointment for the authorized director(s) of the branch office: Vous devez fournir une lettre de nomination désignant le (les) directeur(s) autorisé(s) responsable(s) de la gestion des opérations de la succursale en Thaïlande.
Procuration habilitant le(s) directeur(s) autorisé(s) : Une procuration est nécessaire pour habiliter le(s) directeur(s) autorisé(s) de la succursale à agir au nom de la société mère.
Does a Branch Office require Thai Partners?
Unlike other business structures, setting up a branch office in Thailand does not require a Thai partner or shareholder. However, it is mandatory to appoint at least one authorized director who is ordinarily a resident of Thailand.
What are the minimum Capital Requirements?
Le capital minimum requis pour une succursale est de 3 millions de bahts thaïlandais pour les entreprises soumises à des restrictions et de 2 millions de bahts thaïlandais pour les entreprises non soumises à des restrictions.
What Business Activities can a branch office undertake in Thailand?
A Branch Office can perform any “income-related activity” in Thailand on behalf of its head office. It is important to note that the activities of the Branch Office are restricted to the business for which it is registered.
If the business activities are considered a ‘restricted business’ under the Foreign Business Act, which in most cases it will be, a Foreign Business License must be obtained from the Ministry of Commerce. A Foreign Business License is not required if the business is not considered a restricted business, but a Commercial Registration Certificate from the Ministry of Commerce would be needed.
What are Tax Obligations for a Branch Office?
A branch office in Thailand is subject to Thai corporate income tax on its net profits. The current corporate income tax rate in Thailand is 20%. Additionally, the branch office may also be subject to other taxes, such as value-added tax (VAT) and withholding tax, depending on its activities.
Hiring Employees for a Branch Office
En Thaïlande, les succursales ont la possibilité d'employer à la fois des travailleurs étrangers et locaux. Cependant, pour embaucher des étrangers, elles doivent respecter un ratio de travailleurs thaïlandais par rapport aux travailleurs étrangers, fixé à 1:1. Ce ratio est significativement plus favorable que celui d'une société par action simplifiée thaïlandaise, qui est de 4:1, constituant ainsi un avantage considérable.
What is the timeline for Setting Up a Branch Office?
The timeframe for setting up a branch office in Thailand can vary. However, on average, it takes a few weeks to complete the registration process and obtain all the necessary approvals and permits. It is advisable to engage the services of a reliable corporate law firm in Thailand to ensure a smooth and efficient registration process.
Comment Belaws peut-il vous aider ?
For more information about branch offices in Thailand, why not talk to one of our experts now?
Veuillez noter que cet article est fourni à titre d'information seulement et ne constitue pas un avis juridique.
Nos consultations durent jusqu'à une heure et sont menées par des juristes experts qui parlent couramment l'anglais, le français et le thaï.
Les consultations peuvent être organisées sur WhatsApp ou sur le Logiciel de Vidéoconférence de votre convenance. Une consultation avec l’un de nos experts juridiques est sans aucun doute le meilleur moyen d’obtenir toutes les informations dont vous avez besoin et de répondre à toutes les questions que vous pourriez avoir sur votre nouvelle entreprise ou votre projet.
150 USD
Jusqu'à 1 heure
Paiement en ligne (Paypal ou carte bancaire)
Les consultations juridiques peuvent être menées en anglais, en français ou en thaï.
Les consultations juridiques sont assurées par des des avocats expérimentés dans les domaines concernés.
Questions fréquemment posées
Can I open a branch office in Thailand?
Yes, you can open a branch office in Thailand as a foreign business owner.
What is the difference between a representative office and a branch in Thailand?
A representative office is a non-income-generating entity that serves as a liaison for the parent company, while a branch office can undertake income-related activities on behalf of the parent company.
What is the difference between a branch and a subsidiary in Thailand?
A branch office is an extension of the foreign company and is not considered a separate legal entity, while a subsidiary is a separate legal entity with its own shareholders and directors.
How do I set up a branch in Thailand?
To set up a branch office in Thailand, you need to provide certified copies of the parent company’s incorporation documents, financial statements, a letter of appointment for the authorized director(s), and a power of attorney empowering the authorized director(s). You do not need a Thai partner or shareholder, but at least one authorized director must be a resident of Thailand.
Can a foreigner open a shop in Thailand?
Yes, foreigners can open a shop in Thailand. However, specific regulations and restrictions may apply depending on the type of business.
Can a foreigner buy a franchise in Thailand?
Yes, foreigners can buy a franchise in Thailand. Franchising in Thailand is regulated by the Thai Franchise Act, and certain requirements must be met.
Can foreigners make a bank account in Thailand?
Yes, foreigners can open a bank account in Thailand. However, certain documentation and requirements may be necessary, such as a valid passport and proof of residence.
Can I open a bank account in Thailand without a work permit?
Yes, it is possible to open a bank account in Thailand without a work permit. However, the requirements may vary depending on the bank and the type of account.
How can a foreigner set up a company in Thailand?
Foreigners can set up a company in Thailand by following the legal procedures and requirements, which include registering the company, obtaining necessary licenses or permits, and complying with Thai corporate laws. It is advisable to seek guidance from a corporate law firm to ensure compliance with the regulations.
Articles connexes
Sponsored Work Permit in Thailand
Sponsored Work Permits in Thailand provide employee management services and administrative assistance.
BOI approves new investment schemes in Thailand
BOI Thailand approves new investment schemes and incentives worth 209.5 billion baht (US 6.2 billion).
Thailand is considering a new Labor law for Work-from-Home arrangements
The Thai parliament has recently passed the first reading of the so-called Work-from-home Bill, which seeks to amend the country’s Labour Protection Act (LPA).
Abonnez-vous aujourd'hui
Abonnez-vous aujourd'hui
À notre newsletter pour les dernières actualités juridiques
en Asie du Sud-Est, les mises à jour de Belaws et
les offres spéciales sur nos services.
To our newsletter today for all the latest legal news in South East Asia,
Belaws updates and special promotions on our services.
Belaws 2017 - 2024.
Belaws ne fournit que des informations et une plateforme technologique. Belaws n'est pas un "service de mise en relation avec des avocats" et ne fournit pas de services juridiques ni ne participe à aucune représentation juridique.
Belaws n'est pas un cabinet d'avocats ou un substitut à un avocat ou un cabinet d'avocats.
