Branch Office
A 100% foreign-owned branch of an overseas company that can trade and earn revenue in Thailand. It needs a Foreign Business License for restricted activities and a five-year capital commitment.
Trade in Thailand as an extension of your foreign company.
Unlike a representative office, a branch office can generate revenue — it carries on the parent company's business in Thailand. It is not a separate legal entity, so the foreign head office remains liable for the branch's obligations.
Because a branch is foreign-owned, it usually needs a Foreign Business License if its activity falls under the Foreign Business Act, and that application is assessed by a Ministry of Commerce committee on its merits — including how the operation benefits Thailand. Many foreign businesses that can qualify for BOI promotion choose a promoted limited company instead, for the tax and ownership benefits.
Key features
- 100% foreign-owned; carries on the parent's business and may earn profit in Thailand
- Not a separate legal entity — the parent company is liable for its debts
- Foreign Business License required for restricted activities
- Minimum capital of THB 3 million per restricted activity, remitted on the statutory schedule
- Typically licensed to operate for five years, extendable if capital conditions are met
Tax
A branch pays Thai corporate income tax at 20% on the profit it earns from its Thai operations. Profits remitted to the head office can also attract a remittance tax — we model the full position before you commit.
How we set it up
Activity & license check
We confirm whether the activity is restricted and whether a Foreign Business License is required, and scope the capital plan.
Application
We prepare the parent-company documentation and the FBL application, framing how the branch benefits Thailand.
Committee review
The Ministry of Commerce committee reviews on merit; we respond to questions and revisions.
Set-up & tax
Registration, tax ID and VAT, the capital remittance schedule, and work permits for foreign managers.
Frequently asked
Can a branch office earn revenue?
Yes. Unlike a representative office, a branch carries on the parent's business and can generate profit in Thailand — and is taxed on that Thai-source profit.
Does it need a Foreign Business License?
Usually, if the activity is restricted under the Foreign Business Act. The application is assessed by a Ministry of Commerce committee on its merits.
How much capital is required?
A minimum of THB 3 million per restricted activity, remitted to Thailand on the statutory schedule — at least 25% within the first three months, 50% within the first year, and the balance within three years. The branch is typically licensed to operate for five years and extendable thereafter.
Is the parent company liable?
Yes. A branch is not a separate legal entity, so the foreign head office is legally responsible for the branch's liabilities — a key difference from a limited company.
Reviewed by the Khonsu Legal team · 1 July 2026
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A branch, a BOI company, or a limited company? We'll compare the tax and liability trade-offs for your case.
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