diff --git a/openerp/addons/base/res/res_partner.py b/openerp/addons/base/res/res_partner.py
index 3fb32e47038..0bd555f70d7 100644
--- a/openerp/addons/base/res/res_partner.py
+++ b/openerp/addons/base/res/res_partner.py
@@ -155,7 +155,7 @@ class res_partner(osv.osv):
         'fax': fields.char('Fax', size=64),
         'mobile': fields.char('Mobile', size=64),
         'birthdate': fields.char('Birthdate', size=64),
-        'is_company': fields.selection( [ ('contact','Person'),('partner','Company') ],'Contact Type', help="Select if the partner is a company or person"),
+        'is_company': fields.selection( [ ('contact','Person'),('partner','Company') ],'Contact Type', help="Select if the partner is a company or person",required=True),
         'use_parent_address': fields.boolean('Use Company Address', help="Check to use the company's address"),
         'photo': fields.binary('Photo'),
         'company_id': fields.many2one('res.company', 'Company', select=1),