Incorporation
Thailand Company Registration Goes Online on Jan 1, 2026
Thailand is streamlining its company registration system, marking a major shift for businesses, especially those with foreign shareholders.
Starting on January 1, 2026, 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 January 1, 2026, 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 January 1, 2026, 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.
USD 150
Up to 1 hour
Online payment (Paypal or Credit card)
Legal consultation can be conducted in English, French or Thai
Legal consultations are handled by experienced lawyers from the relevant fields of practice
FAQ About Thailand Company Registration
What is changing with company registration in Thailand in 2026?
Starting January 1, 2026, all private limited company registrations in Thailand must be completed online only using the new “DBD Biz Regist” platform. Physical (paper-based) submissions will no longer be accepted.
Can foreign investors register a Thai company remotely?
Yes. The move to a fully digital system will allow foreign investors to register a company remotely, including completing identity verification and applying digital signatures online.
Can foreign investors register a Thai company entirely online from overseas?
Yes. From 2026, foreign investors can remotely register a Thai company, including completing identity verification and applying digital signatures through the DBD Biz Regist system, no need to be physically present.
What is the DBD Biz Regist platform for company registration in Thailand?
DBD Biz Regist is the new official online system launched by Thailand’s Department of Business Development (DBD) for fully digital company registration, available starting in 2026 for all private limited companies.
Will Thai shareholders need to prove capital contributions in companies with foreign ownership?
Yes. Under proposed regulations, if a Thai company has foreign minority shareholders or foreign directors, the Thai shareholders may be required to submit financial evidence proving their actual capital contributions.
How will fully digital registration benefit foreign entrepreneurs starting a company in Thailand?
Digital registration will allow faster, easier, and fully remote company setup, making it significantly more convenient for foreign entrepreneurs to establish a business in Thailand, with reduced paperwork and no travel needed.
What steps should foreign investors take to stay compliant with Thailand’s new company registration rules?
Foreign investors should prepare for full online registration by understanding digital signature requirements, shareholder regulations, and capital verification rules. Belaws provides tailored legal assistance to ensure compliance.
Who can help me register a company in Thailand under the new online system?
Belaws offers expert legal support to help you register your Thai company remotely, remain compliant with evolving DBD regulations, and manage ongoing corporate governance, all in one place.
Related articles
What is the cost of registering a company in Thailand in 2025?
21/10/2021
All you need to know about the cost of creating and registering a company in Thailand.
All you need to know about the cost of creating and registering a company in Thailand.
Raising funds in Thailand with a SAFE
21/10/2021
As an entrepreneur seeking funding in Thailand, there are a variety of term sheet options available, including the SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity).
As an entrepreneur seeking funding in Thailand, there are a variety of term sheet options available, including the SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity).
What happens to my Thai company if a shareholder passes away / dies?
26/10/2021
Taking the time to plan for things such as the unexpected death or sickness to shareholders
Taking the time to plan for things such as the unexpected death or sickness to shareholders
Subscribe today
Subscribe today
To our newsletter for all the latest legal news
in South East Asia, Belaws updates and
special promotions on our services.
To our newsletter today for all the latest legal news in South East Asia,
Belaws updates and special promotions on our services.
Belaws 2017 - 2025.
Belaws provides information and software only. Belaws is not a "lawyer referral service" and does not provide legal service or participate in any legal representation.
Belaws is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or a law firm. The use of Belaws is subject to our Terms of Use.
