Incorporation
Thailand Company Registration Goes Fully Online in 2025
Thailand is streamlining its company registration system, marking a major shift for businesses, especially those with foreign shareholders.
Starting on July 1, 2025, all registrations of private limited companies must be completed online through the new “DBD Biz Regist” platform. Physical submissions will no longer be permitted.
This update could be beneficial for foreign investors as it will now be possible to register companies remotely, including identity verification and digital signatures.
The DBD has also proposed a new regulation requiring Thai shareholders in companies where foreigners hold minority shares or serve as authorised directors to submit financial evidence proving their capital contributions.
In this article, we will explore what these changes mean for foreign investors and how to ensure your company remains fully compliant.
Key points
- From July 1, 2025, all partnership and private limited company registrations must be submitted through the new “DBD Biz Regist” platform only, physical submissions will no longer be accepted.
- The new system allows foreign investors to complete the entire registration process remotely.
- A draft regulation has been introduced that will require Thai shareholders in companies with foreign members to provide financial evidence (bank statements, tax returns) proving their actual capital contributions.
Thailand Company Registration to be Completed Online
Thailand’s Department of Business Development (DBD) has announced a significant change in the company registration process. As of June 1, 2025, the “e-Registration” system will be discontinued and replaced with the new “DBD Biz Regist” platform.
From July 1, 2025, all applications for registering partnerships and private limited companies must be submitted through this online system only, physical submissions will no longer be accepted.
What is the DBD Biz Regist platform?
The new DBD Biz Regist system will now be used to complete the following Thai company registration processes:
Online Submission and Identity Verification
Applicants can complete the entire company registration process digitally, including verifying their identities through platforms like Thai ID, National Digital ID (NDID), or the DBD e-Service application.
Please note, foreign applicants can only use the DBD e-Service application for now.
Electronic Signatures
The system permits all documents and application forms to be signed using electronic signatures, removing the need for physically signing the documents.
Consent Form Process
Once the application has been approved, the system will generate a consent form for the relevant parties to sign, either electronically or by uploading a physically signed version.
Digital Certified Corporate Documents
Once the registration has been completed, the officially certified company registration documents will be available for download in electronic format.
What does this mean for Foreign Investors ?
For foreign investors, the change to the new DBD Biz Regist system makes the company registration process much more flexible and convenient. Most notably, company registration can now be completed entirely online, removing the need to be physically present in Thailand or send signed documents by post. Foreign applicants can verify their identities and sign registration forms digitally via the DBD e-Service application, making the process much easier for those located abroad.
Previously, submitting application documents in person allowed companies to complete the registration process within a single business day. Whether the new digital system will also be able to complete the application in 1 day remains to be seen.
The Department of Business Development has acknowledged that some delays can be expected during the system’s introductory phase.
Possible Further Updates: Tighter Checks on Thai Shareholder Capital in Companies with Foreign Members
On June 1, 2025, Thailand’s Department of Business Development invited public feedback on a new draft regulation that sets out updated requirements for registering partnerships and limited companies involving foreign shareholders or non-Thai authorized directors.
Under the draft notification investors who wish to open a partnership or limited company in Thailand will now be required to submit financial evidence to support the capital contributions made by each Thai partner or shareholder.
The required financial evidence must clearly show each Thai partner or shareholder’s actual share or capital contribution.
What documents do Thai shareholders need to submit?
The following documents will be accepted as evidence:
- Official documents issued by the bank used to confirm the financial position of the shareholder.
- A bank statement that is no older than 6 months.
- A copy of the shareholders’ latest tax return forms.
- Form PorNgorDor.90 or 91 for individual taxpayers, or
- Form PorNgorDor.50 or 51 for corporate shareholders.
- Any additional document that can confirm or prove the origin of the funds used for the capital contribution.
When Would This Amendment Be Used?
This regulation will apply in the following cases:
- When foreign nationals hold less than 50% of the shares or capital in a partnership or limited company; or
- When a company has no foreign shareholders, but a non-Thai national serves as an authorized or co-authorized director.
Please note, this regulation is only in its draft stage and is still subject to change or amendment. The consultation period for the draft amendment will be open until June 20, 2025.
What does this Proposed Amendment Mean for Foreign Investors in Thailand?
For foreign investors planning to establish and operate a legitimate business in Thailand, the proposed amendment is unlikely to cause any significant issues. In most cases, the biggest change will be that any Thai shareholders will be required to submit additional documentation proving their financial contributions.
This proposed amendment will have a significant effect on foreign investors using Thai nominee structures. A nominee shareholder can be described as an individual who:
- Lacks genuine interest in the business.
- Has made no significant investment in the company.
- Lacks the financial means and skills to be a legitimate partner.
- Exists only to allow foreign participation in restricted businesses under the Foreign Business Act.
For instance, appointing an unskilled Thai worker with a modest income as a majority shareholder in a company with substantial registered capital while simultaneously denying them voting and dividend rights would be considered as using a nominee shareholder.
Under the draft regulation, all Thai shareholders in a company with minority foreign ownership or with an authorised foreign director, must now provide credible financial evidence confirming the actual source and availability of their capital contribution.
As a result, foreign investors planning to operate in Thailand using nominee arrangements may face new scrutiny. The Thai authorities are looking to prevent the use of Thai nationals as nominee shareholders to avoid foreign ownership restrictions under the Foreign Business Act.
As this regulation is still in the draft stage, our team of experts will monitor developments closely and provide updates when available.
How can Belaws help?
For more information about company registration tax in Thailand, why not talk to one of our experts now?
Please note that this article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Our consultations last for a period of up to 1 hour and are conducted by expert Lawyers who are fluent in English, French and Thai.
Consultations can be hosted via WhatsApp or Video Conferencing software for your convenience. A consultation with one of our legal experts about your company registration is undoubtedly the best way to get all the information you need and answer any questions you may have about your new business or project.
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FAQ About Thailand Company Registration
What is the DBD Biz Regist platform?
DBD Biz Regist is the new online platform launched by Thailand’s Department of Business Development (DBD) for registering partnerships and private limited companies. From July 1, 2025, all company registrations must be submitted digitally via this platform. It supports online identity verification, electronic signatures, and generates digital certified company documents, streamlining the entire company registration process in Thailand. If you’re unsure how to navigate the new system, legal providers like Belaws can assist you with every step of the process.
How can foreign investors register a Thai company in 2025?
From July 1, 2025, foreign investors can register a Thai company entirely online using the DBD Biz Regist platform. Identity verification can be done through the DBD e-Service application. The entire process, including submission of documents and digital signatures, can be completed remotely without needing to visit Thailand physically.
Belaws offers tailored legal support for foreign investors setting up Thai companies under the new regulations.
What documents do Thai shareholders need to submit?
Thai shareholders in companies with foreign shareholders or non-Thai directors must submit financial evidence of their capital contributions. Acceptable documents include recent bank statements (within 6 months), bank-issued confirmations, and latest tax return forms (e.g., PorNgorDor.90/91 for individuals, PorNgorDor.50/51 for corporations). These documents prove the authenticity of the shareholder’s investment.
Belaws can help ensure all supporting documents meet DBD requirements and avoid registration delays.
What are the new company registration rules in Thailand for 2025?
From July 1, 2025, all new company registrations in Thailand must be completed online using the DBD Biz Regist platform. Physical submissions will no longer be accepted. A proposed amendment may also require Thai shareholders in companies with foreign elements to provide financial proof of their capital contributions.
For expert guidance on compliance with these new rules, businesses can consult with firms like Belaws.
Can I register a Thai company online as a foreigner?
Yes. Foreigners can now register a Thai company entirely online through the DBD Biz Regist platform starting July 1, 2025. The process includes digital identity verification (via the DBD e-Service app), e-signatures, and access to digital company documents, making remote registration possible.
Belaws specializes in assisting foreign entrepreneurs through every stage of the online company setup process.
What is the purpose of the financial evidence requirement for Thai shareholders?
The financial evidence requirement aims to prevent the use of nominee shareholders—Thais who have no real financial or operational involvement—in companies with foreign investors. It ensures that all listed shareholders have made actual capital contributions and play a legitimate role in the business.
Belaws can help companies properly structure their shareholder documentation to ensure full legal compliance.
How does the new regulation affect nominee shareholder structures in Thailand?
The proposed regulation targets nominee shareholder arrangements by requiring all Thai shareholders in companies with foreign investors or foreign directors to prove their actual capital contributions. This aims to enforce compliance with the Foreign Business Act and prevent circumvention of foreign ownership restrictions.
Belaws provides legal support for structuring Thai companies in a way that complies with these new rules while meeting your business goals.
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