Foreign companies can own certain types of property in Thailand, but with strict limitations. Here’s what you need to know:
🏗️ What Can a Foreign Company Own?
| Property Type | Can Foreign Company Own It? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Condominium Units | ✅ Yes (up to 49% of total units) | Must comply with the Condominium Act |
| Land | ❌ Generally not allowed | Very rare exceptions exist (see below) |
| Buildings (not land) | ✅ Yes | Can own the structure but not the land beneath |
| Leased Land | ✅ Yes (max 30 years) | Renewable leases often used in practice |
🏢 Foreign Land Ownership – Are There Any Exceptions?
Foreign companies may own land in Thailand only if:
- They receive BOI (Board of Investment) privileges for certain promoted activities (e.g., manufacturing, tech, export services)
- They are approved by the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT)
⚠️ These exceptions do not apply to residential or holiday homes. They are only for industrial or commercial use.
⚠️ What About Thai Companies with Foreign Owners?
Many people try to set up a “Thai” company where:
- Foreigners hold 49%
- Thai nominees hold 51% on paper
🔴 Warning: This is illegal if the Thai shareholders are not real investors. It violates the Foreign Business Act and may result in:
- Property seizure
- Criminal penalties
- Company dissolution
✅ Legal Ways for a Foreign Company to Control Property
| Option | How It Works | Legal? |
|---|---|---|
| Leasehold | Sign a 30-year lease (renewable) | ✅ Legal |
| Own condo units | Buy within the 49% foreign quota | ✅ Legal |
| BOI/IEAT company land | Use for industrial activity | ✅ Legal (but not residential) |
| Structure ownership | Own building, lease land | ✅ Legal |
📝 Summary
Foreign companies:
- ✅ Can own condo units, buildings, or lease land
- ❌ Cannot own freehold land unless approved under BOI or IEAT (industrial use only)
- 🔴 Should avoid nominee shareholder setups, which are illegal
Have questions about structuring a property purchase through your company — or want to explore the safest legal route?
Corporate property ownership in Thailand has its legitimate pathways, but also its pitfalls, and getting the structure right from the start is essential. Whether you’re a business looking to acquire commercial space, or a foreign-owned entity exploring your options, we’re happy to point you in the right direction and connect you with experienced legal professionals who specialise in this area.
📧 Email: contact@centralcityproperty.com
💬 WhatsApp: +66 95 992 0345
🔵 Line: https://lin.ee/NNRglgs
