Representative Office Services
Establish Your Global Presence with Confidence
Comprehensive Corporate Operations & Governance Solutions for Representative Offices in Vietnam, Asia Pacific, and Business Hubs Worldwide.
Understanding the Basics
What is a Representative Office?
A comprehensive overview of this essential business structure for international market entry.
Definition & Purpose
A Representative Office (RO) is a legal entity established by a foreign company to conduct market research, promote business activities, and explore opportunities in a host country without engaging in direct commercial transactions. It serves as a strategic foothold for multinational corporations seeking to understand local markets before committing to full-scale operations.
Key Characteristics
• Non-revenue generating entity with liaison functions;
• Cannot sign contracts or conduct sales directly;
• Operates under parent company’s liability umbrella;
• Limited to promotional and research activities;
• Requires periodic license renewal (typically 5 years).
Permitted Activities
✓ Market research and feasibility studies;
✓ Business promotion and brand awareness;
✓ Liaison with local partners and authorities;
✓ Coordination of parent company projects;
✓ Quality control and supervision activities;
✓ Recruitment and training coordination.
Benefits of RO Structure
★ Lower setup and operational costs;
★ Simplified regulatory compliance;
★ Risk-free market entry strategy;
★ Flexibility to upgrade to subsidiary;
★ Local presence without full commitment.
Comprehensive Solutions
Our Service Portfolio
Tailored corporate operations and governance solutions designed to support your Representative Office through every stage of establishment and growth.
End-to-end guidance on RO registration, licensing requirements, legal documentation, and regulatory compliance. We navigate complex bureaucratic processes to ensure smooth establishment in your target market.
• License application & processing;
• Legal entity structuring;
• Regulatory compliance setup.
Optimize your RO’s daily operations with streamlined workflows, resource allocation strategies, and performance management systems tailored to liaison office requirements.
• Process optimization;
• Resource management;
• Performance metrics & KPIs.
Expert contract review, negotiation support, and agreement structuring that ensures your RO operates within legal boundaries while protecting parent company interests.
• Contract drafting & review
• Vendor agreement management
• Compliance documentation
Comprehensive financial planning, budgeting, and investment advisory services. We help structure funding flows between parent company and RO while ensuring tax efficiency.
• Budget planning & forecasting
• Fund transfer structuring
• Tax optimization strategies
Strategic market entry planning, competitive analysis, and growth roadmaps. We help identify opportunities for upgrading your RO to a fully operational subsidiary when ready.
• Market entry strategy
• Competitive intelligence
• Expansion planning
Human resource management including local hiring, payroll administration, employee benefits, and labor law compliance tailored to RO operational limitations.
• Local recruitment support
• Payroll & benefits admin
• Labor compliance
Strategic advisory for mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures. We help identify local partners and structure deals when transitioning from RO to more complex business entities.
• Partner identification
• Due diligence support
• Deal structuring
Digital infrastructure setup, IT compliance, and technology solutions that enable efficient communication between your RO and global headquarters.
• IT infrastructure setup
• Digital workflow systems
• Data security compliance
Environmental, Social, and Governance consulting to align your RO operations with global sustainability standards and local CSR requirements.
• ESG strategy development
• Sustainability reporting
• CSR program design
Governance & Compliance
Comprehensive governance framework implementation, regulatory compliance monitoring, and risk management systems to ensure your RO meets all legal obligations.
• Compliance monitoring
• Risk assessment
• Regulatory reporting
How We Work
Our Establishment Process
A systematic approach to setting up your Representative Office with comprehensive support at every stage.
Initial Consultation & Analysis
We begin with an in-depth analysis of your business objectives, target market, and operational requirements. Our experts evaluate the optimal business structure and identify potential challenges specific to your industry and location.
Documentation Preparation
Our team prepares all necessary documentation including parent company credentials, legalized documents, appointment letters, and application forms. We ensure all materials meet local regulatory requirements and are properly translated and notarized.
License Application & Processing
We submit your RO license application to relevant authorities and manage all communications. Our local expertise ensures smooth navigation through approval processes, typically completing registration within 4-8 weeks depending on jurisdiction.
Operational Setup
Post-approval, we assist with office space selection, bank account opening, tax registration, and setting up operational infrastructure. We also handle work permits for expatriate staff and local recruitment as needed.
Ongoing Compliance & Support
We provide continuous support including annual reporting, license renewals, regulatory updates, and strategic advisory. Our team ensures your RO remains compliant while identifying opportunities for business expansion.
Global Reach
Setup Locations Worldwide
Establish your Representative Office in strategic business hubs across Asia Pacific and worldwide.
🇻🇳 Vietnam
Primary Hub
Fast-growing economy with favorable foreign investment policies. Ideal for manufacturing, technology, and consumer markets.
• Setup time: 4-6 weeks
• License validity: 5 years
🇸🇬 Singapore
Regional Hub
Premier Asian financial center with world-class infrastructure. Perfect for regional headquarters and financial services.
• Setup time: 2-4 weeks
• Streamlined process
🇭🇰 Hong Kong
Financial Hub
Gateway to China with free trade policies and low taxation. Excellent for trading and financial operations.
• Setup time: 2-3 weeks
• Tax efficient structure
🇹🇭 Thailand
ASEAN Market
Strategic ASEAN location with developed infrastructure. Strong automotive, electronics, and tourism sectors.
• Setup time: 6-8 weeks
• BOI incentives available
🇮🇩 Indonesia
Emerging Market
Largest Southeast Asian economy with massive consumer market. Growing digital economy and natural resources.
• Setup time: 8-12 weeks
🇦🇪 UAE
Dubai • Abu Dhabi
Global business hub connecting East and West. Free zones offer 100% ownership and tax benefits.
• Setup time: 2-4 weeks
Get Started
Request a Consultation
Complete the form below and our team will analyze your requirements to provide tailored solutions for your Representative Office establishment.