Introduction to Representative Offices

Expanding into new markets is essential for global business growth—but setting up a full company overseas can be expensive and complex. A representative office offers a cost-effective, low-risk way to establish a presence in a foreign country, allowing businesses to conduct market research, promote their services, hire local staff, and explore expansion opportunities—all without full corporate tax liabilities.

Unlike traditional offshore companies, a representative office is a non-revenue-generating entity, meaning it cannot directly sell goods or services but can support a parent company’s operations through marketing, research, and administrative activities. Many countries offer significant visa benefits for foreign employees, allowing companies to bring in key personnel with fewer restrictions than standard work permits.

At NomadicX, we provide end-to-end support for businesses looking to set up representative offices in key jurisdictions, handling everything from registration, compliance, and documentation to bank account opening and visa processing. We ensure that your business can establish a legitimate, compliant foothold in a new market without the overhead of a full corporate entity.

Whether you’re testing a new region for future expansion or need an entity to facilitate market entry, visas, and strategic hiring, we make the process fast, compliant, and hassle-free.

A representative office is a non-revenue-generating entity that allows foreign businesses to establish a local presence in a new country for research, promotion, hiring, and market expansion—without the complexity of setting up a full-fledged company. While they cannot directly generate revenue, they provide strategic advantages such as market entry support, visa facilitation, and tax efficiencies.

At NomadicX, we help companies establish representative offices in key jurisdictions, handling registration, bank account setup, legal compliance, and visa processing for foreign employees.

How It Works:

  1. Consultation & Jurisdiction Selection – We evaluate your goals and recommend the best country based on legal framework, tax advantages, and visa policies.
  2. Representative Office Setup – We handle registration, legal compliance, and local requirements.
  3. Bank Account Opening – We assist in opening corporate bank accounts where available.
  4. Visa & Work Permits for Foreign Staff – Many jurisdictions offer streamlined visa processes for employees of representative offices, allowing for easier foreign hires.
  5. Operational Support – We provide ongoing assistance to ensure compliance with local regulations.

Why Choose NomadicX?

✔ Market Entry Without Heavy Costs – Test a new market without the burden of setting up a full company.

✔ Visa Benefits for Foreign Staff – Secure work permits and visas with fewer restrictions.

✔ Tax Advantages – Avoid corporate tax obligations while funding activities from your main entity.

✔ Full-Service Setup – We handle registration, banking, and compliance so you can focus on expansion.

Let us help you set up your representative office quickly and efficiently.

Chinese business person looking at view

Top Jurisdictions Offering Representative Offices

🇹🇭 Thailand

Allows foreign companies to establish a presence for market research, hiring, and promotion. Offers work permits and visas for foreign staff with fewer restrictions than other company structures.

🇨🇳 China

Ideal for companies exploring the Chinese market. While representative offices cannot generate revenue, they can facilitate partnerships, supplier negotiations, and brand development.

🇻🇳 Vietnam

Simple setup with low regulatory barriers, making it a great option for companies interested in regional expansion.

🇦🇪 UAE

Tax-efficient setup in a business-friendly jurisdiction. While representative offices cannot conduct commercial activities, they can support parent company operations and assist with visa sponsorship.

🇲🇾 Malaysia

One of the best options in Southeast Asia for market entry, allowing foreign companies to study business potential, establish branding, and hire staff. Representative offices in Malaysia can operate for up to 5 years with government approval.

🇸🇬 Singapore

Known for its business-friendly environment, Singapore offers fast-track representative office registration, making it a top choice for companies looking to expand into Asia-Pacific markets without immediate tax burdens.

🇮🇩 Indonesia

A strategic gateway to Southeast Asia, Indonesia permits representative offices to conduct research, build partnerships, and support regional operations. Unlike full companies, they are exempt from corporate taxes and can facilitate foreign employee work permits.

Representative Offices – Who Benefits?

📈 Market Expanding Businesses

Test a new region with a low-cost, tax-efficient presence.

🛂 Companies Needing Visas

Easily secure work permits for foreign employees.

🏢 Tax-Conscious Corporations

Set up a compliant local entity without tax burdens.

Common Questions

1. What is the difference between a representative office and a full company?

A representative office is a non-revenue-generating entity. It allows businesses to research a market, promote services, and hire staff, but it cannot directly conduct business transactions or generate revenue. A full company, on the other hand, is a legal entity that can sell goods/services and operate as a business.

2. Can I use a representative office to get a visa for foreign employees?

Yes! Many countries offer work permits and visas for foreign employees of representative offices. For example, Thailand’s representative office allows for easy work permits for foreign staff. Each jurisdiction has its own visa rules, which we help you navigate.

3. What are the tax benefits of setting up a representative office?

Since representative offices do not generate revenue, they are usually exempt from corporate income tax in most jurisdictions. However, parent companies may need to provide proof of funding and financial statements to remain compliant.

4. How long does it take to set up a representative office?

The timeline varies by country, but most jurisdictions complete the registration process within 4 to 12 weeks. Some countries, like Singapore and the UAE, offer fast-track approvals in as little as 2–4 weeks, while others, like China or Thailand, may require additional approvals, extending the process to 2–3 months. NomadicX handles the entire process, ensuring a smooth, compliant setup with minimal delays.

5. Can I convert my representative office into a full company later?

In most jurisdictions, yes, you can transition from a representative office to a full company once you decide to fully operate in the market. We assist in structuring this transition, including setting up a new corporate entity, applying for business licenses, and adjusting your operational strategy.