Foreign property investment in Thailand
A clear guide to ownership options, documents and taxes for foreign buyers
A clear guide to ownership options, documents and taxes for foreign buyers
A clear guide to ownership options, documents and taxes for foreign buyers
Thai law places restrictions on foreign buyers, and it also provides clear legal routes to owning or holding property. This guide sets out each route with its advantages and its limits.
Direct, outright ownership within the foreign quota: up to 49% of a development's private residential area. The simplest form of ownership for a foreign buyer.
No company structure needed
Straightforward to sell or pass on to heirs
Simple and quick registration
Subject to the 49% foreign quota
Limited to condominium buildings
Higher prices for units under the foreign quota
A registered long-term lease with a maximum 30-year term and written renewal options. Suited to villas and land.
Access to houses and villas
Renewal options written into the contract
Officially registered at the Land Department
No direct freehold ownership of the land
Renewal depends entirely on how well the contract is drafted
Bank mortgages are harder to obtain
Use a private Thai limited company to buy land and villas. The company owns the property and gives you full control over it.
The company owns both land and buildings outright
Better access to financing and corporate credit
Further business benefits if the property is rented out
Annual company maintenance and accounting costs
Requires regular company reporting and legal compliance
Valid passport with an eligible visa
Foreign Exchange Transaction Form (FETF)
Certified proof of funds sent from your home country
Thai bank account (recommended)
Transfer fees: ~2% of appraised value
Stamp duty: 0.5% (if held for more than five years)
Withholding tax on rental income: 15%
No annual property tax for properties under ~50M THB