Representative Office, Option To Apply For Work Permit & Visa with the ratio 1:1
A Representative Office in Thailand allows a foreign company to establish a non-trading presence for business coordination, quality control, or market research – without generating income in Thailand. It’s an ideal structure for foreign investors seeking to monitor or support business activities in the Thai market.
Work Permit & Visa Option (Ratio 1:1)
A registered Representative Office in Thailand is eligible to apply for Work Permits and Visas for foreign employees based on a 1:1 employment ratio – meaning one foreign employee may be hired for every one Thai employee.
Key Points:
Legal Basis: Governed under the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999) and supervised by the Department of Business Development (DBD), Ministry of Commerce.
Ratio 1:1 Rule: For every Thai employee, the representative office can sponsor one foreign expatriate for a Non-Immigrant “B” Visa and Work Permit.
Scope of Work:
1. Sourcing goods or services for the head office
2. Quality control and inspection
3. Market research or reporting on business trends in Thailand
4. Maintenance of products for HQ
5. Promotion of business opportunities (without revenue generation)
Benefits:
– Simplified visa and work permit application process
– Ability to legally employ foreign experts
– Balanced staffing between Thai and foreign personnel
– Budget controlled for employment of Thai staffs
– Ideal for companies exploring the Thai market before full business registration
Compliance Requirements:
– Maintain the 1:1 ratio of Thai to foreign staff at all times
– The Representative Office must not earn income, sign sales contracts, or issue invoices in Thailand
– Adequate capitalization (minimum THB 3 million) must be remitted from the head office
– All foreign employees must obtain a valid Work Permit and Non-Immigrant “B” Visa prior to working
Why the 1:1 Ratio Matters
The 1:1 ratio ensures a fair balance between local employment and foreign expertise, supporting Thailand’s economic development and skill transfer goals. Compliance with this rule helps maintain your Representative Office’s good standing and eligibility for future Work Permit and Visa applications.
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For further information please feel free to contact us:
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Contact Us
Website: https://www.w-lawthai.com/en/home-en/
Line:@wlaw
Email: contact@w-lawthai.com
Tel: 026485111
Location: Bangkok – 12A flr, Siam Piwat Tower (Siam BTS)
Phuket – Royal Phuket Marina
Pattaya – Brighton Hotel Pattaya
