Thai citizens and dual citizens are entitled to full property ownership rights in Thailand. This includes the ability to:
Own land outright
Purchase condominiums without restriction
Inherit, sell, or lease property
Engage in real estate investment or development
Whether you’re looking to buy your first home, invest in property, or establish a real estate business, you can do so with the same rights as any Thai national.
While Thailand welcomes foreign investment in real estate, there are legal restrictions in place, particularly concerning land ownership. However, there are several legal pathways that allow foreigners to own or control property.
Foreigners are generally prohibited from owning land outright in Thailand. However, a special provision under Thai law allows for an exception in limited cases:
A foreigner may be permitted to own up to 1 rai (1,600 square metres) of land for residential purposes
Must invest at least 40 million Baht in government bonds, infrastructure funds, or assets that benefit the Thai economy
Approval is subject to review and authorisation by the Ministry of Interior
The land must be used for personal residential use, not for commercial purposes
Due to the complex and discretionary nature of this process, professional legal support is strongly advised.
A more common option for foreigners is leasing land on a long-term basis:
Lease agreements can be structured for up to 30 years
Renewable terms may be possible (another 30+30 years), though not guaranteed by law
The lease must be registered with the Land Department to be legally enforceable
Leasehold arrangements are popular for building homes, especially in resort areas. However, leases do not grant ownership and can have limitations, so due diligence is essential.
Foreigners are permitted to purchase and own condominium units in Thailand, subject to certain conditions:
Foreign ownership in any given condominium building must not exceed 49% of the total saleable area
Funds used to purchase the property must be transferred into Thailand in foreign currency with appropriate documentation
Ownership must be registered at the Land Department
Condominium ownership is the most straightforward and legally protected way for foreigners to own property in Thailand.
Foreigners may also acquire property by establishing a Thai-registered company in which they hold a minority share:
The company must be at least 51% Thai-owned
The business must be genuine and actively operating
Using nominee shareholders solely to circumvent land laws is illegal and subject to prosecution
This route should be approached with caution and qualified legal guidance, as the Thai government closely scrutinises companies set up for the sole purpose of acquiring property.
Whether you’re a Thai citizen, dual national, or foreign investor, we provide trusted support for:
Property searches and valuations
Legal and ownership advice
Land Office procedures
Lease and title deed registrations
Company formation for legitimate investment purposes
Contact Us today to schedule a consultation and explore your options for safe and compliant property ownership in Thailand.