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Buy a Condominium in Thailand as a Foreigner
Foreigners can buy condominium units subject to the 49% foreign-quota rule under the Condominium Act B.E. 2522. Funds must arrive from overseas with a Foreign Exchange Transaction (FET) certificate.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-15 · by Anglo Siam Law Editorial Team · How we research this topic
TL;DR
Foreigner condo purchase: confirm quota availability, transfer funds from abroad with FET certificate, sign sale-purchase agreement, transfer at the Land Office with seller, pay taxes (transfer fee 2%, specific business tax / stamp duty, withholding). New Chanote in your name.
Overview
Foreigners can buy condominium units subject to the 49% foreign-quota rule under the Condominium Act B.E. 2522. Funds must arrive from overseas with a Foreign Exchange Transaction (FET) certificate. This guide explains what to expect, your rights, and the steps you should take to protect yourself in this situation.
Immediate Steps to Take
Confirm the condo's foreign-ownership quota has space (max 49% by area).
Open a Thai bank account.
Transfer the purchase funds from abroad (your name → Thai bank); the bank issues a Foreign Exchange Transaction certificate (FET).
Sign the sale-purchase agreement with the seller / developer.
Conduct title-deed due diligence at the Land Office.
Joint Land Office visit with seller on transfer day — bring passport + FET + sale agreement + payment evidence.
Pay statutory taxes (transfer fee, specific business tax or stamp duty, withholding).
Receive Chanote in your name; register the building's juristic-person handover.
Legal Considerations
Important legal points to understand about this situation:
Condominium Act B.E. 2522 (1979) §19 — 49% foreign-ownership cap.
Foreign funds must arrive via the FET system — without FET, transfer is blocked.
Buying off-plan: secure the buyer-protection clauses + escrow under the Office of the Consumer Protection Board notification.
Key Statutes
| Statute | Reference | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Condominium Actพระราชบัญญัติอาคารชุด | B.E. 2522 (1979) | |
| Exchange Control Actพระราชบัญญัติควบคุมการแลกเปลี่ยนเงิน | B.E. 2485 (1942) |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Transferring funds without identifying the purpose as condo purchase — bank may not issue FET correctly.
- Not verifying quota availability before paying deposit.
- Skipping title-deed due diligence — encumbrances may surface.
- Buying without seeing the juristic-person finances (debt to the juristic person follows the unit).
Embassy Assistance
What Your Embassy Can Do
No role — pure private transaction at the Land Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Thai-Baht savings?
Only foreign-currency inward transfers count toward the foreign-quota allocation under the Condominium Act.
Tax on resale?
Specific business tax + withholding apply; gain on holding > 5 years uses different formula.
Expected Timeline
Due diligence 2-4 weeks; transfer 1 day; full account-payable settlements 2-4 weeks.
Related Topics
Get Professional Help
When Legal Representation Matters
If you are experiencing buy a condominium in thailand as a foreigner, immediate professional legal assistance is essential to protect your rights and navigate this situation effectively.
Anglo Siam Legal provides experienced legal services across Thailand for both Thai nationals and foreigners.
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