Buying a Condo in Thailand: Foreign Name vs. Thai Company Ownership

One of the most common questions we hear from foreign buyers in Pattaya is, “Should I buy a condo in my own name, or set up a Thai company to own it?” It’s a great question – choosing the right ownership structure can affect everything from your up-front costs and paperwork to taxes, resale options, and peace of mind. In this post, we’ll break down the differences between buying a Thai condo under your personal foreign name versus through a Thai company, so you can decide which route makes sense for you. Grab a coffee and let’s chat about the pros and cons in plain language, like two friends talking real estate.

Foreign vs. Thai Company Ownership: Quick Comparison

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of key factors when buying a condominium as a foreign individual versus using a Thai limited company:

Factor	Foreign Name	Thai Company
Purchase Process	Straightforward: confirm condo is within 49% foreign quota, transfer funds from overseas in foreign currency, get a Foreign Exchange Transaction form, and register at the Land Office.	More involved: set up a Thai limited company (requires 51% Thai shareholders), then the company purchases the condo. Extra corporate paperwork is needed on transfer day.
Legal & Setup Costs	Minimal beyond normal conveyancing fees. No special setup required.	Higher: approx. ฿20,000–฿50,000 for setup, plus ฿10,000+ annually for accounting to keep the company active.
Taxes & Fees	Transfer fee 2% (usually split). If owned over 5 years: 0.5% stamp duty. If under 5 years: 3.3% business tax. Plus ~1% personal income withholding.	Always 3.3% business tax + 1% withholding. Potential 20% corporate income tax on profit.
Transfer Time	Fast once funds are in: transfer can be done in a day.	Longer: company setup can take weeks, then Land Office transfer is same-day once documents are ready.
Resale Ease	Flexible: can sell to foreigners or Thais. Straightforward Land Office process.	More complex: foreign buyers need quota space or must also buy via company. Selling company shares is an option but often less attractive.
Price Differences	Foreign freehold units sometimes cost 10–20% more due to quota demand.	Thai quota units can be cheaper, but company overhead costs add up over time.

Buying in Your Own Name (Foreign Freehold)

Foreigners can directly own up to 49% of units in a condominium building, shown on the title deed in your name. The funds must come from overseas in foreign currency, with proof (Foreign Exchange Transaction form). This makes condos in Jomtien and other prime areas popular choices for foreign buyers.

Buying via a Thai Company

Alternatively, a Thai limited company can purchase property. This bypasses foreign quota restrictions but comes with higher setup and ongoing costs. It’s often used when the quota is full or for landed property, but can also apply to condos. We’ve covered some real cases in our guide on foreign ownership limits.

Real Buyer Experiences

Many of our clients prefer the simple route: buying condos in their own name. For example, one client shared how ABPC guided him through his first purchase smoothly. For those who need a company setup, we’ve helped too – always ensuring buyers fully understand the responsibilities. It’s all about matching the right option to the buyer’s goals.

FAQ: Foreign Ownership in Thailand

Q: Can a foreigner own a condo in their own name?
Yes, as long as the building’s 49% quota for foreign ownership isn’t exceeded, and the purchase funds are sent from abroad.

Q: Why would someone buy through a company?
To bypass the quota or buy land. It allows purchase flexibility but adds costs and risks.

Q: What are the main tax differences?
Personal ownership can reduce taxes if you hold the condo longer than 5 years. Company ownership always triggers business tax and ongoing corporate compliance.

Ready to make your Pattaya property dreams a reality? Whether you’re leaning toward buying in your own name or exploring a company structure, our team at Alan Bolton Property Consultants is here to help. Contact us today for friendly, expert guidance.