Buying an apartment in Thailand may seem simple: choose a property, pay — and live by the sea. But in reality, it's more nuanced...
Passport: the foundation of any deal
The first thing a foreigner needs is a passport...
- valid for at least 6 months,
- no damage or foreign marks,
- ideally with a valid Thai visa.
Tip: make copies of all pages in advance — notarized copies are often required.
FET Form: the key to registering ownership
If you transfer more than $50,000 to Thailand, you need a Foreign Exchange Transaction (FET) form...
- funds came from abroad,
- purpose of transfer is real estate purchase,
- currency was officially converted to Thai baht.
Land Departments won't process registration without this form.
Bank Statement: additional confirmation
Some banks issue a statement confirming the account and incoming funds...
Sales and Purchase Agreement: clearly defined terms
This is the main contract between buyer and seller. It must include:
- passport details of both parties,
- property description,
- price and payment schedule,
- ownership transfer terms.
If you don’t speak Thai, request an English version...
Documents from Developer or Seller
The list varies depending on whether it’s new or resale property...
If buying from a developer:
- Chanote (ownership certificate),
- Foreign Quota approval,
- construction completion certificate,
- receipt of full payment.
If buying resale:
- copy of Chanote,
- utility debt clearance certificate,
- seller’s passport and tax receipt,
- spouse's consent (if applicable).
Power of Attorney: if you can't attend in person
You can appoint a representative via notarized power of attorney...
The document must clearly state what the representative is authorized to do.
Additional Documents: case-by-case
You may also be asked for:
- copies of tickets or passport stamps,
- tax status certificate (e.g., Russian TIN),
- proof of income (for bank or mortgage).
Conclusion
Document preparation is crucial for a successful property purchase in Thailand. Even with an agency's help, it’s better to be informed ahead of time.
Agents at My Thai Home will guide you through the paperwork and help submit everything properly to the Land Department.
Back to list