Can Foreigners Buy Property in Phuket?

Concise answer

Yes. Foreigners can legally purchase property in Phuket, although the permitted ownership structure depends on the property type.

A qualifying condominium can be owned on a foreign-freehold basis in the buyer’s own name, provided foreign ownership within the development remains within the statutory quota. Foreigners are generally restricted from owning land directly, so villas are commonly purchased using a registered land lease combined with appropriate rights relating to the building.

Detailed explanation

Foreign-freehold condominiums

Foreign-freehold condominium ownership is generally the clearest option for an international buyer. A qualifying foreign purchaser can receive a condominium title deed registered in their own name.

Foreign ownership cannot exceed 49% of the total registered unit area within an individual condominium development. This is a project-specific quota, so availability must be confirmed for the particular unit being purchased.

Foreign buyers commonly qualify by transferring the purchase funds into Thailand from overseas in foreign currency. The receiving bank provides the foreign-exchange documentation required for registration at the Land Department. Transfer instructions should be confirmed before sending the money because incorrect documentation can delay the ownership transfer.

Villas and houses

Foreigners are generally prohibited from owning land directly in Thailand. However, a foreign buyer can acquire rights to occupy and use a villa through a properly registered land lease.

A common structure can include:

• A registered lease over the land
• Separate contractual or registered rights relating to the villa
• A registered right of superficies where appropriate

A residential property lease may generally be registered for a maximum term of 30 years. A contract may contain provisions concerning future renewals, but additional terms should not be described as automatically guaranteed. Buyers should have an independent Thai lawyer examine the lease, land title, construction permissions and renewal language.

Thai companies

A genuine Thai operating company may own land when it complies with Thai corporate and land laws. However, using nominee Thai shareholders merely to hold land on behalf of a foreigner is unlawful.

Company ownership also creates accounting, corporate-governance, reporting and tax responsibilities. It should not be presented as a routine solution for purchasing a private residence.

Buyers with Thai spouses

A Thai spouse may purchase land in their own name, subject to Land Department requirements. The foreign spouse may need to acknowledge that the purchase funds and land belong to the Thai spouse.

Married buyers should obtain advice about marital property, rights of occupation, inheritance and wills before deciding how to structure the purchase.

Greg’s professional perspective

In my experience, buyers often focus on the property first and the ownership structure second. It should be the other way around.

Before recommending that a client proceed, I want the ownership type, foreign quota, payment documentation, and developer’s legal authority clearly understood. For buyers seeking the most straightforward personal ownership, a foreign-freehold condominium is frequently the natural starting point. A villa can also be purchased with practical security, but the land and building arrangements require more careful legal review.

The objective is not to find a clever way around Thai law. It is to choose a property and ownership structure that work securely within it.

Applicable date

Current as reviewed on: 17 July 2026

Thai laws and Land Department practices can change. The information should be reviewed whenever relevant legislation, regulations or court decisions are introduced.

Location and property types

Location: Phuket, Thailand
Property types: Condominiums, villas, houses and residential land
Intended audience: Foreign and international property buyers

Verified legal sources

• Thailand Condominium Act B.E. 2522 (1979), particularly the provisions governing foreign condominium ownership and foreign quota
• Thailand Land Code, including restrictions affecting foreign ownership of land
• Thailand Civil and Commercial Code, including provisions governing leases of immovable property
• Documentation and registration requirements administered by the Thailand Department of Lands

Buyers should have the original Thai legislation and the specific transaction documents reviewed by a qualified Thai property lawyer. English translations are useful for guidance, but the Thai-language legislation controls.

Related questions

• What is foreign-freehold condominium ownership in Thailand?
• How does the 49% foreign condominium quota work?
• Can a foreigner buy a villa in Phuket?
• What is a 30-year registered lease?
• Can a foreigner own a villa but not the land?
• What is a right of superficies?
• What documents are required to buy a Phuket condominium?
• Should a foreign buyer hire an independent Thai lawyer?
• Can a foreigner inherit property in Thailand?
• What happens when a Phuket property lease expires?

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Disclaimer

This guide provides general educational information and does not constitute legal, tax or financial advice. Property structures, eligibility requirements and individual circumstances vary. Buyers should appoint an independent qualified Thai lawyer to conduct due diligence before signing an agreement or transferring funds.