Can I build my own house in Thailand on a marriage or retirement visa without it being classified as work?

Marriage Visa Retirement Visa Property Ownership in Thailand Legalities of Home Building Expats in Thailand Visa Regulations

Sep 19, 2022

2 years ago

Darrell *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi guys,a question for you that I can’t find the answers to and hopefully someone on here knows… I should be getting married in Thailand soon and I can get ether a marriage visa or a retirement visa there…but my question is..I have no intention of ever working there or need to,but I do want to build my own house there,would that be classified as me working there if it’s for my own use and I’m obviously not getting paid for it ? Thanks in advance

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The question addresses whether building a personal residence in Thailand would be classified as working, especially when holding a marriage or retirement visa. Responses indicate that you cannot own property outright as a foreigner; properties like houses would be in your Thai spouse's name. It’s suggested that while you may supervise the building process, it generally wouldn't require a work permit, and choosing a retirement visa might be easier than a marriage visa unless employment is intended.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

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John **********

I assume you wouldn't be doing all the work yourself, you'd be more of a supervisor. I can't see a problem with this. The choice of marriage or retirement visa matters not unless you want to get an actual job somewhere

2 years ago

Henry *********

You wouldn't get a work permit for "building your own house" anyway. Retirement extension is probably easier.

2 years ago

Av **********

Well first off it wont be your house it would be your wifes house. Farangs cant own a house or property, some can own condos depending on nationality. For your own house either your thai wife owns it, or you open a board of directors and share ownership, which again you cant have majority share or you lease the land for 30 plus years

2 years ago

Steve **********

@Wilmont *****

that’s why you sign a lease or usufruct

2 years ago

Wilmont ******

@Av *********

So what happens when you own the house and those who own the land decide they want to do something with the land what do you do.

2 years ago

Steve **********

@Av *********

farangs can own a house (but not the land)