Announcement of the Central Partnership and Company Registration Office – Criteria and Procedures for Identity Verification and Registration of Individuals Authorized to Certify Signatures, 2025
On 15 December 2025, the Department of Business Development (DBD), Ministry of Commerce, issued an important regulatory update that significantly reforms the identity verification requirements for individuals authorized to certify signatures in partnership and company registrations. The announcement—effective 1 January 2026—introduces enhanced due-diligence obligations and annual verification requirements, with the stated aim of combating fraudulent registrations, nominee structures, and the misuse of corporate vehicles for unlawful activities.
This update forms part of the Thai government’s broader initiative to strengthen corporate transparency and prevent the use of “mule accounts,” nominee shareholders, and identity theft within the business registration system.
Key Regulatory Changes
1. Mandatory Registration and Digital Verification
All individuals authorized to certify signatures (“Signature Certifiers”) must register and verify their identity through the Digital Juristic Person Registration System (DBD Biz Regist).
The regulation applies to four categories of certifiers:
i. Administrative officers or police officers in the locality of the applicant
ii. Members of the Thai Bar Association
iii. Qualified accounting professionals (CPAs, registered accountants, heads of certified audit firms)
iv. Licensed business security professionals
The Registrar may suspend or revoke the authority of any certifier who does not meet statutory qualifications.
2. Supporting Documentation Requirements
Signature Certifiers must upload valid, non-expired documentation through the DBD Biz Regist system, such as:
✓ Government official ID card (for administrative and police officers)
✓ Thai Bar Association license (for ordinary or extraordinary members)
✓ Professional licenses/certificates (for accountants and other designated professionals)
Certain categories—including CPAs and licensed business security auditors—are exempt from submitting supporting evidence.
3. Annual Re-Verification Requirement
A certifier’s registration is valid for one year from the date of approval.
Re-registration and identity re-verification are required when:
✓ 12 months have elapsed, or
✓ Supporting documents expire earlier
Failure to re-verify will result in the certifier being unable to act until compliance is restored.
4. Notification Obligations
Certifiers must proactively monitor their status within the registration system. Email notifications are provided only as a convenience. The responsibility to track updates or required actions rests solely with the certifier.
5. Transition for Existing Certifiers
Individuals registered before 1 January 2026 will continue to be recognized; however, they must comply with renewal and re-verification requirements when notified by the system.
Practical Implications for Businesses
A. Stricter Certification Procedures for Company Registration
Companies should anticipate more rigorous scrutiny and potential delays if signature certifiers fail to maintain compliant registration status.
B. Increased Liability for Non-Compliant Certifiers
Professional advisors—lawyers, accountants, corporate service providers—must ensure timely renewal to avoid suspension of their certifying authority.
C. Stronger Measures Against Nominee Structures
The regulation aligns with increasing enforcement trends targeting nominee arrangements, unauthorized filings, and misuse of personal data.
Recommended Actions for Corporate Clients
✓ Verify the status of your regular signature certifier(s) before submitting filings
✓ Implement internal reminders to re-check certification validity annually
✓ For corporate service providers and professional advisors:
⦾ Conduct a compliance audit of all certifiers within your organization
⦾ Update internal checklists to incorporate the new verification requirements
✓ For foreign investors:
⦾ Be mindful that stricter signature verification may lengthen document preparation timelines
⦾ Ensure that all filings are coordinated through duly registered and compliant certifiers
MPG’s Commentary
The 2026 reforms reflect Thailand’s commitment to enhancing the integrity of corporate registrations and preventing the exploitation of legal entities for illicit activities. The new verification procedures—especially the mandatory annual re-registration—place increased responsibility on professional service providers and public officials acting as signature certifiers.
MPG recommends proactive compliance planning to mitigate registration delays and ensure that signature certification is performed exclusively by qualified individuals who meet the new regulatory expectations.
For clients requiring assistance with company registration, partnership registration, certifier verification, or compliance with DBD Biz Regist processes, the MPG Corporate & Commercial Practice Group remains fully available to advise.