Rules and Conditions of Land Ownership in Phuket for Foreigners (2025)
1. Long-term Lease (Leasehold)
- Term: 30 years + option to renew twice → up to 90 years.
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Tenant rights:
- transfer the lease to new owners;
- build a house and register it as freehold property;
- mortgage the leased land for credit or investments.
- Tip: always include the right of resale and renewal in the contract, or risk losing the land after 30 years.
- Example: an 800 m² plot in Rawai with a villa → 30-year lease costs 6–7 million THB.
2. Ownership through a Thai Company (Freehold)
- A foreign investor may establish a Thai company where 51% of shares belong to Thai citizens.
- You can be the director and control the business through preferred shares.
- Important: the company must operate genuinely (accounting, taxes, office). If Thai shareholders are found to be nominal, the deal can be invalidated.
- Tip: best for business projects (hotels, rental villas).
3. Investment via BOI
- Investment threshold: from 40 million THB (\~1 million EUR).
- What you get: the right to own up to 1 rai (1,600 m²) for a personal home.
- BOI also offers tax benefits and “golden” visas.
- Tip: suitable for those planning serious business or permanent relocation.
4. Marriage to a Thai Citizen
- The land is registered in the name of the Thai spouse.
- Risk: legally, the land is considered the spouse’s personal property, not joint property.
Land Title Deeds
Check the title (legal status) of any plot before buying:
- Chanote (Nor Sor 4 Jor) — “gold standard,” full ownership;
- Nor Sor 3 Gor and Nor Sor 3 — construction and lease allowed;
- Titles below Sor Kor 1 are best avoided.
Prices and Trends 2025
- Price growth in 2024: +12% (Colliers & CBRE data).
- Most expensive areas: Bang Tao, Kamala, Layan (12–20 million THB per rai).
- More affordable: Rawai, Chalong, Nai Harn (5–10 million THB per rai).
- Trend: increased demand for plots in gated villa estates and managed projects.
How to Secure the Deal?
- Verify the land title (only Chanote or Nor Sor 3 Gor).
- Use notarized agreements registered with the Land Department.
- Work with a lawyer experienced in foreign transactions.
- Do not use fake Thai partners — this is a criminal risk.
- Always check zoning restrictions: roads, beaches, red or green zones (construction may be restricted).
Conclusion
Direct land ownership for foreigners in Phuket is not allowed. However, there are legal mechanisms allowing comfortable living and investing: long-term lease, company registration, BOI investment, and marriage. With the right approach, you can effectively control a plot for decades and easily pass it on to children or resell it.