Every journey begins with a single step, and for businesses in the Kingdom of Thailand, that step is obtaining your Company Registration Certificate. Whether you are opening a beach club in Phuket or a tech consultancy in Bangkok, this piece of paper is your business's birth certificate.
However, many foreign entrepreneurs get confused between the "Certificate" and the "Affidavit." You might walk into a bank to open an account, hand them your certificate, and have it rejected because it’s "too old" or "the wrong document." This guide will clarify exactly what the Company Registration Certificate is, how the new DBD Biz Regist system launched in July 2025 affects you, and how to obtain your documents without a headache.
Why You Can Trust Us
At Thai Investment Visa, we don't just advise on visas; we build the corporate structures that support them. We deal with the Department of Business Development (DBD) daily, navigating the shift from paper-based filings to the new fully digital systems. We have helped hundreds of companies—from BOI-promoted startups to family businesses—secure their legal standing in Thailand. The information below is practical, field-tested, and updated for the strict 2025 regulatory changes.
What is the Company Registration Certificate?
The Company Registration Certificate (often referred to as Bor Mor Jor 001) is the official document issued by the Ministry of Commerce that proves your company exists as a legal entity.
Think of it as your company's ID card. It confirms:
- The legal name of the company.
- The 13-digit Juristic Person Number (Tax ID).
- The date of incorporation.
- The location of the head office.
Crucial Distinction: Certificate vs. Affidavit
This is where 90% of business owners get stuck. In Thailand, you have two main documents.
FeatureRegistration CertificateCompany Affidavit (Nangsue Rab Rong)PurposeProof of Existence (Birth Certificate)Proof of Current Status (Medical Checkup)ContentStatic info (Name, ID, Date)Dynamic info (Directors, Powers, Capital)ExpirationValid forever (unless details change)Valid for 1-6 months onlyUsageFraming on the wall, official archivesOpening bank accounts, Visa applications, Contracts
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Tip: When a bank asks for your "Company Papers," they almost always want a Company Affidavit issued within the last 30 days, not just the original Registration Certificate.
The 2025 Digital Revolution: DBD Biz Regist
As of July 1, 2025, the Thai government introduced the DBD Biz Regist system. This is a game-changer.
- No More Paper: The DBD has phased out paper applications for partnerships and private limited companies. All new registrations must be done online.
- e-Signatures: Directors can now sign documents electronically using the ThaID app or DBD e-Service, removing the need to fly to Thailand just to sign a form.
- Instant Certificates: Once approved, your Company Registration Certificate is generated as a secure PDF with a digital signature, which is legally treated as an original.
What Information is on the Certificate?
When you receive your certificate (officially known as Form Bor Mor Jor 1), it will be in the Thai language. It typically contains:
- Registration Number: A 13-digit code that is also your Tax ID.
- Company Name: In Thai (and English if registered).
- Type of Entity: e.g., "Company Limited" or "Partnership."
- Registration Date: The official birthday of the business.
- Registrar’s Signature: Digital or wet-ink signature depending on how it was issued.
How to Get a Copy of Your Certificate
If you lose your original or need an updated copy, you do not need to visit the ministry in person.
Method 1: DBD e-Service (The Fast Way)
- Go to the Department of Business Development website (
dbd.go.th). - Log in to the DBD e-Service portal.
- Search for your company by name or ID number.
- Select "Request Certified Copy" (Certificate or Affidavit).
- Pay the fee via QR Code (PromptPay) or Credit Card.
- Download the digitally signed PDF immediately.
Method 2: Commercial Banks
You can walk into major Thai banks (Kasikorn, Bangkok Bank, SCB) and request a DBD printout via their specialized terminals. This is officially certified and accepted for most business transactions.
Fees for Documents (2025)
- Company Registration Fee (New Setup): 5,000 THB - 250,000 THB (Depends on capital).
- Certified Copy of Affidavit: 200 THB.
- Certified Copy of Registration Certificate: 100 - 200 THB.
Top Firms for Corporate Registration
If you need to register a new company or fix an administrative mess, it is safer to use professional legal counsel. The forms are in Thai, and small errors can lead to huge fines.
Company NameSpecialtyLocationContactMahanakorn Partners Group (MPG)Corporate Law, BOI, TaxBangkok (Wireless Rd)www.mahanakornpartners.comSiam Legal InternationalFull Service, Amity TreatyBangkok (Asoke)www.siam-legal.comAcclime ThailandCorporate Services, AccountingBangkok (Sukhumvit 101)thailand.acclime.comFrank Legal & TaxGerman/International LawBangkok (Wireless Rd)www.franklegaltax.comKonrad LegalRegistration & AccountingBangkok (Sukhumvit)www.konradlegal.com
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Contact Information for Assistance
- Mahanakorn Partners Group (MPG)
- Phone: +66 2 651 5107
- Address: Kian Gwan House III, 9th Floor, Wireless Road, Bangkok.
- Why them: They are experts in navigating complex DBD regulations and foreign ownership structures.
- Siam Legal International
- Phone: +66 2 254 8900
- Address: Interchange 21 Building, Asoke, Bangkok.
- Why them: A large team that speaks perfect English, ideal for US and UK clients.
- Acclime Thailand
- Phone: +66 2 072 6020
- Address: True Digital Park, Sukhumvit 101/1, Bangkok.
- Why them: They offer excellent ongoing corporate secretarial services to keep your certificates up to date.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the Company Registration Certificate expire? No. The certificate itself (proving you exist) does not expire. However, for legal actions (buying a car, signing a lease), third parties will demand a Company Affidavit that is no older than 1, 3, or 6 months to ensure the directors haven't changed.
- Is the certificate in English? No. The official legal document is always in Thai. You can request an "English Translation" from the DBD for an extra fee, but for legal use in Thailand, the Thai version is king. For use abroad, you will need a notarized translation.
- Can I use a digital copy? Yes. Under the Electronic Transactions Act, a file signed with the DBD’s digital signature is legally valid. However, some old-school government officers or small banks may still demand a paper copy with a fresh blue ink stamp.
- What if I lose my certificate? It is not a disaster. Unlike a land deed (Chanote), you can simply print a new certified copy from the DBD e-Service for a small fee.
- Do I need this certificate for a Work Permit? Yes. The Labor Department will require a certified copy of your Company Registration Certificate and Affidavit (updated within 30 days) to process any work permit application.
References
- Department of Business Development (DBD) - e-Service Portal
- Baker McKenzie - Thailand DBD Biz Regist Launch 2025
- Siam Legal - Company Registration Guide
- Board of Investment (BOI) - Doing Business in Thailand
- Revenue Department - Tax ID Registration
