Trade and Investment Support Office (TISO) in Thailand

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Overview of TISO

The Trade and Investment Support Office (TISO) allows 100% foreign ownership for support-focused businesses in Thailand, including consulting, technical services, outsourcing, and wholesale trading of Thai-made products. This structure, defined by BOI Announcement No. Sor 3/2564, offers non-tax incentives, like simplified work permits and limited land ownership options. TISO is ideal for foreign companies seeking a regional base in Thailand without typical Thai ownership requirements. It’s especially suitable for firms that do not meet the criteria for BOI tax incentives but benefit from easier business setup and streamlined operations.

Key Benefits of TISO

  • Full Foreign Ownership
    TISO companies can be entirely foreign-owned, bypassing the usual ownership restrictions in Thailand.
  • Streamlined Visa and Work Permit Processing
    Foreign employees receive faster work permit and visa approvals through the Single-Window Service Center.
  • Land Ownership Options

    TISO companies are eligible for land ownership under BOI promotion, with conditions:
    • Office use: Up to 5 rai

    • Executive housing: Up to 10 rai

    • Employee housing: Up to 20 rai

    Eligibility requires a minimum paid-up capital of 50 million THB, and land must be used for BOI-approved purposes. Land must be sold within a year if BOI status ends.

  • Feasibility Study Residency
    Foreign staff can stay in Thailand to conduct feasibility studies, aiding in early business planning.

Note: TISO companies are eligible for non-tax incentives only and are not qualified for merit-based incentives.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, TISO companies must meet these requirements:

  • Annual Sales and Administrative Expenses: Minimum of 10 million baht (around USD 296,100).
  • Approved Business Scope: The company’s business plan must align with BOI-approved TISO activities.

Permitted TISO Business Activities

TISO companies must have a BOI-approved business plan that includes the following activities:

  1. Monitoring and/or Servicing Associated Enterprises
    • Includes leasing office or factory buildings and offering loans, separate from treasury center activities, in compliance with exchange control laws:
      • Foreign currency loans to associated enterprises abroad.
      • Thai baht loans to associated enterprises in Thailand.
      • Thai baht loans to associated enterprises in Vietnam and countries bordering Thailand, restricted to trade and investment in Thailand or within these counties.
  2. Advisory Services on Business Operations
    • General business consulting, excluding activities related to securities trading and foreign currency exchange. Accounting, legal, advertising, architecture, and civil engineering services require a business license from the Department of Business Development (DBD) or the relevant government agency prior to applying for BOI promotion.
  3. Information Services on Goods Sourcing
    • Provides goods sourcing and supplier information services for associated enterprises.
  4. Engineering and Technical Services
    • Engineering and technical services, except those related to architectural and civil engineering services
  5. Activities Related to Machinery, Engines, Tools, and Equipment
    • Includes:
      • Wholesale import
      • Training services
      • Installation, maintenance, and repair
      • Calibration
  6. Wholesale of Products Manufactured in Thailand
    • Allows wholesale trading of Thai-manufactured products.
  7. International Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)
    • Permits BPO services delivered through telecommunication networks, including administrative, finance, accounting, HR, sales and marketing, customer service, and data processing.

Loan Services Requirement: If a TISO company provides loans to associated enterprises, it must also offer at least one additional service from points 2–7.

Limitations and Drawbacks

  1. No Tax Incentives
    TISO offers only non-tax benefits.
  2. Separate Accounting for Out-of-Scope Activities
    Any business outside the approved scope requires separate accounting.
  3. High Expense Requirement
    Minimum annual expense of 10 million baht limits TISO to larger companies.
  4. Approval Timeline
    The process typically takes 2–4 months, potentially longer if additional information is needed.

Application Process

  1. Verify Eligibility
    Confirm the company meets expense and business scope requirements.
  2. Prepare Documentation
    • Complete the TISO application form.
    • Include financial statements, business plans, and any required licenses.
  3. Submit Application
    Submit all documents to BOI for review.
  4. BOI Review
    BOI may request clarifications or background checks.
  5. Approval and Registration
    Once approved, the company receives TISO status.
  6. Ongoing Compliance
    Report expenses and ensure activities stay within TISO’s scope.

Related Articles

How to Apply for BOI Incentives in Thailand: A Simple Guide for Investors
 Thailand BOI Incentives 2024: Guide for Software, Digital Platform & Content Businesses
 International Business Center in Thailand

Conclusion

TISO offers full foreign ownership, simplified work permits, and land ownership options, making it an excellent choice for service-focused companies ready to meet the expense requirements. Contact us for assistance with your TISO application.

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