Legal Property ownership in Thailand:

Foreigners wishing to buy land or purchase property in Thailand, can choose from five options. These include condominium purchase, investment, leasing, owning a Thai company or marrying a Thai national.

1. Condominium Purchase (Freehold)
Foreigners can purchase condominium suites directly. This is the safest way to buy property in Thailand.
2. Investment (BOI)
A foreigner who invests 40 million baht for no less than five years in other than land ownership or real estate is entitled to buy up to one rai (1,600 sqm) of land for residential purposes only. Permission from the Ministry of Interior must be obtained.

3. Using a Thai Company's Name
Foreigners may own land in a Thai company's name. (foreigner shareholder 49%, Thai national 51%)

4. Marrying a Thai

Thai property laws have been amended in favour of a Thai with a foreign spouse. Such couples may now legally own land in Thailand. However, the land must be registered under the name of a Thai person. Also, a foreign spouse must sign a declaration stating that the funds used to buy the land belong to the Thai spouse, so that he/she waives his/her right to the land ownership.

5. Leasing Land
Foreigners can acquire land by leasing it. The maximum leases are 30 years with renewal options of 30 years and must be registered at the Land Department. This is the least complicated option for a foreigner. Any land lease over three years must be registered at the Land Department.

Home Loans for non-residents in Thailand