How to buy property in Thailand as a foreigner
Foreigners can own condominium units freehold within a building’s 49% foreign quota; land is usually held via a long lease or a Thai company. The process is straightforward with independent legal counsel and proper due diligence.
What foreigners can and cannot own
Foreign nationals can own condominium units on a freehold basis, provided the building stays within its 49% foreign-ownership quota of total floor area. Beyond that quota, units are held through a registered long lease.
Foreigners cannot own land outright. The common routes are a registered 30-year lease on the land (renewable by contract) plus freehold ownership of the building, or ownership through a properly structured Thai company.
The 49% quota in 2026
The 49% condominium foreign-ownership quota remains the rule in 2026. The government has discussed raising it to 75% as an economic-stimulus measure (with foreign voting rights kept at 49%), but this is a proposal — not yet law. Always verify the live quota of the specific building before reserving.
The purchase process, step by step
Reserve the unit and sign a reservation agreement; engage an independent lawyer to run title and developer due diligence; sign the sale-and-purchase agreement; transfer funds from abroad with the correct Foreign Exchange Transaction documentation; and register ownership at the Land Office.
FAQ
Can I buy property in Thailand as an EU citizen?
Yes. EU citizens can own condominium units freehold within the building’s 49% quota, and hold land via a long lease or company structure.
Is a property purchase enough for a visa?
It can support long-stay options, but thresholds and conditions vary (e.g. a property route from THB 3M requires a Ministry of Tourism certification; the standard investment visa is THB 10M). Verify current rules with official sources before relying on them.