Date: August 12, 2026

Can a foreigner buy a condo in Thailand?

Yes. Foreigners can purchase and own a condominium in Thailand, provided the unit falls within the building’s foreign ownership quota. The purchase funds must also normally be transferred into Thailand from overseas in foreign currency and properly recorded as part of the purchase process.

What We See In Practice

I thought foreigners couldn't own property in Thailand.

WHAT CLIENTS ASK US

In Thailand, the rules for land and condominiums are very different, which often causes confusion. While foreigners generally cannot own land in Thailand, they can legally own a condominium in their own name, provided the building’s foreign ownership quota has not been reached. Under Thai law, foreign ownership is capped at 49% of the total saleable floor area.

While foreigners are usually restricted from owning land in Thailand, they are allowed to own a condominium. However, there are a few conditions that must be met. Firstly, it is important to be aware that the funds used to purchase the condominium have to be transferred into Thailand from overseas in foreign currency. A Foreign Exchange Transaction (FET) certification will also be needed from the bank confirming the funds came from abroad. The condominium must also be part of a building where foreign ownership does not exceed the legal limit of 49% of the condominium’s total sellable floor area. Once these requirements have been met, the ownership can be registered in the foreign buyer’s own name at the Land Office.

Another important point for buyers is that buying or owning a condominium does not automatically give you the right to live or work in Thailand. Property ownership and immigration status are different things, so you will still need the proper visa if you plan to stay in Thailand.

Author: Vincent Birot

Vincent Birot is a French-trained international business lawyer based in Bangkok. He holds a Master’s degree in International Business Law from La Sorbonne and an LL.M in International Commercial Law from the University of Exeter (UK), and has passed the Paris Bar examination. He is the Founder of Belaws, a one-stop platform for legal and corporate matters, facilitating access to trusted legal and business professionals who deliver compliant, practical solutions aligned with local laws and on-the-ground realities. He has advised foreign investors for over 10 years on corporate structuring, BOI promotion, cross-border tax, and regulatory compliance in Thailand. He previously served as Vice President of the Franco-Thai Chamber of Commerce and is a founding member of French Tech Bangkok.