thailand
Ask question

What is the easiest process for an expat to open a company in Thailand and use it to buy a house while complying with the law?

Thai company formationBuying property in ThailandNominee shareholder legalityExpat real estate adviceThai property lawsVisas and immigration in Thailand
May 31, 2024
7 months ago
James *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Can anyone recommend the easiest process to open a company and then use this to buy a house ? I know need 51% Thai, so I have 49% with 25% and 24% Thai….
7,094
views
6
likes
182
all likes
64
replies
1
images
26
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
Opening a company to buy property in Thailand can be risky and may expose you to legal issues. Although you might consider a setup with Thai partners to own 51% of the business, many comments emphasize that this practice is illegal if it's solely a means to circumvent property ownership laws. Legal experts strongly recommend against it due to increased crackdowns by authorities. Instead, it is suggested to seek legitimate legal advice or consider leasing property. For expats without a Thai spouse, there are significantly fewer pathways to legally owning a home in Thailand.
Brook ********
****************************************************************************************************************************
*****
1-phukets-foreign-investment-crackdown-over-200-arrested-in-nominee-scheme
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Doug *********
I am not going to offer to set up a nominee company. It’s illegal, and the people involved are getting arrested. You can lease for limited fix periods and there are better ways to lease, but you cannot buy. Its that simple.

*******************************************************************************************
*******
/16/due-diligence-to-protect-against-scams-in-thailand/
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Frank-Steven ***********
If you go down this road, make sure to have "preferential shares" considered. This way, while not having majority shares (which cannot happen in Thailand with a normal comapny as a foreigner), you will preserve majority votes for yourself. Still, it remains risky. Because should authorities / courts deem that your whole construct is only to circumvent / achieve owning land - then they are within their legal rights to take action. Not sure how much enforcement happens - but rumors have it more and more.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Nongnuch ********
creating a company in order to buy a house is illegal. Thai government and Immigration is cracking down on those who use this scheme. Be warned!
*****************************************
*****
42
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Kris ********
She gets a bonus in the Pre Nup if he dies with a smile on his face???????
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Armando **********
Meet the right Thai woman or man depending on you preference, that won't f you over and marry her or him then buy business and or house in their name. Foreigners can buy condos but not houses or property. That's what I did and so far so good. Good luck 👍
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Aaron *******
@Armando *********
 Horrible advice.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Tohksic ******
@Armando *********
 I bet you buy lottery tickets as well 😂
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Tohksic ******
Reply
Tohksic ******
I know of 4 folks already in the last 6 months who have had their company assets (house/land) seized for using shell/nominee companies to control the assets. The long-tolerated illegal workarounds seem to have come to an end, or at least it seems to be the beginning of the end.
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Dylan *********
****************************************************
*****
477 in today's news ;-)
7 months ago
Like
Reply
James *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dylan ********
 ruskies causing problems…. ?
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
James *****
Reply
Bart **************
They're cracking down on this construction. It's just not legal to own land.
7 months ago
Like
Reply
John *********
So much misinformation there are legal and legitimate contracts for this. Whilst nominees are illegal. Agents contracts between Thai are completely lawful depending on the company set up.

For legal advice and assistance, I suggest you contact the following who have been assisting overseas nationals since 2007 with smatters

********************


The British client affairs manager and practising Lawyer together with his in-house team of Thai lawyers bargers and consultants and accountants will guide you through the process legitimately and legally

I hope this assists 
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Us *****
Cheaper to rent. Why buy, use that money to invest. Only Chinese people from the mainland would buy properties here to launder money out of China. You're not one of them, are you?
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Alistair **********
@Us ****
 land has provided great returns in many places in Thailand
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Us *****
@Alistair *********
 but you're not allowed to own land.
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Us *****
Reply
James *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Us ****
 never assume
7 months ago
Like
Reply
James *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Us ****
 renting it’s not yours, can’t do what you want, risk of being asked to leave, owner wants to sell blah blah blah….
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Us *****
@James ****
 owner will never sell unless they do it at a lost. No owner would reject your idea of doing something to improve their property. As for it is not yours, this is Thailand, it is never yours. You're just too old fashion, I don't think I can convince you.
7 months ago
Like
Reply
James *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bradley ********
 agree so much
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Us *****
@Bradley ********
 again, owner will NEVER sell UNLESS they do it at a lost.
7 months ago
Like
Reply
James *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Us ****
 stop assuming, that’s a fools games
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
James *****
Reply
Dave *********
Personally I would lease rather than buy but if I was buy I give 45% and 6 %. To Thai with a six a non voting share holder
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Michael ********
*****************************************************************************************************************************************************
*******
/09/french-woman-catherine-delacote-ko-samui-company-assets-could-be-seized-by-the-ministry/
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Us *****
@Michael *******
 this is absolute bs. All the real estate developers encourage foreigners to buy homes using this method. Most of the houses in Samui are set up this way. I cannot recall seeing a foreigner with a Thai wife on Samui. This is why you rent and assume little risk.
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Brook ********
@Us ****
 never rely on the advice of a salesperson.
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Michael ********
@Us ****
 Yes been watching situation on Samui for years knew all about developers doing like this and quite a few of the developers are not thai. Been waiting for bubble to pop
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Michael ********
Reply
Will ************
80+ foreigners have been rounded up in Phuket very recently for doing something similar to this.
7 months ago
Like
Reply
John ********
The proof I was seeking was assuming this was about setting up a Ltd., company with six Thai partners, plus one farang to purchase a property, so the only investor, the farang could protect his investment. If the Thai Government as I've said previously let foreigners buy houses, but put restrictions on how they could sell them, instead of them being able to speculate for profit purposes, then that'd we'd out genuine foreigners from those who'd like to abuse, by buying cheap & selling at a profit.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
John ********
@Will ***********
 Where's your proof?
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Nigel *********
@John *******
********************************************************************************************************************************
*****
96
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Michael ********
*******************************************************************************************************
*****
54/more-than-200-arrested-in-phuket-nominee-crackdown
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Michael ********
@John *******
*******************************************************************************************************
*****
54/more-than-200-arrested-in-phuket-nominee-crackdown
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Michael ********
Reply
Michael ********
Bad idea they are cracking down on this.

Recent case where french lady (i think) died and left house to maid has been trending on thai social media
7 months ago
Like
Reply
James *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
What’s the best way?
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Doug *********
@James ****
 The worst way is to post the questions you are asking on Facebook. You are asking: “what is the best way to commit serious crime that is under intense scrutiny” on Facebook.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
James *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Doug ********
 thank you for your input
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
James *****
Reply
John ********
@James ****
 there's no best way
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Michael ********
@James ****
 Lease the land, see a lawyer
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Ryan ************
@James ****
 There is no safe, legal way around this unless you have a Thai wife that can be on the title deeds. I think there has been a big crackdown on this on Phuket in recent months and the rest of Thailand could be next. Really wouldnt risk it unless you can afford to lose the house
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Ryan ************
Reply
Johann *********
You are literally exposing yourself for wanting to circumvent the law friend.

The only sin is getting caught after all. You are making it way too easy.
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
Unless the Thai partners have actual financial investment in the company and the ownership of the property is for an actual business purpose of the company, it's illegal. They are called nominees and highly illegal in Thailand and the subject of a crackdown currently.
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Judy *******
@John *******
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Judy *******
Reply
Judy *******
Technically illegal and could backfire on you
7 months ago
Like
Reply
John ********
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Nigel *********
@John *******
********************************************************************************************************************************
*****
96
7 months ago
Like
Reply
John ********
@Nigel ********
 what has this got to do with agents getting 'O' visa extensions based on retirement?
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Nigel *********
@John *******
 nothing what so ever. What has the op's question got to do with non o and retirement extensions? You're very funny guy.
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Judy *******
@John *******
 This whole conversation is about using Thai nominees for fake businesses in order to purchase property. No-one, other than you, have ever mentioned agents/visa extensions
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Judy *******
Reply
Nigel *********
@John *******
 not been following the news Hun?
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Nigel *********
Reply
John ********
OMG., So many righteous farangs on here. Maybe trying to change the Thai way of doing things.
7 months ago
Like
Reply
John ********
@John *******
 yes that is correct if the thai government has a good look at it a lot of people will be going to prison
7 months ago
Like
Reply
John ********
@John *******
 OMG, make sure you get tucked up in bed tonight 😂
7 months ago
Like
Reply
John ********
@John *******
 they have done it before and they will do it again when they need some tea money
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
John ********
Reply
John ********
@Judy ******
 How do you reckon it's technically illegal? Explain please.
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Jj ****
@John *******
 nominees are illegal
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Danny *******
@John *******
 For one thing the company has to be a valid operating enterprise with a revenue stream not just a shell to own the house.
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Danny *******
Reply
Nick *******
Definitely speak to a lawyer . I bought a house 2 ISH years ago and my lawyer said they would set me up a company if I really wanted too, but strongly recommend I didn't go that way .
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Damo ******
@Nick ******
 What did he recommend ?
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Nick *******
@Damo *****
 I went with the house in my name and a long term lease in a Thai friends name for the land .
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Damo ******
@Nick ******
 Cheers, sounds reasonable. Can I ask why your lawyer thought the company option would not be best option for you ?

Appreciate your advice.
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Nick *******
@Damo *****
 because it's not totally legal and she said old companies seem to be fine but setting up new ones just for house purchase they are being scrutinized more.
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Damo ******
@Nick ******
 Ok I understand. Thanks for the info.
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Damo ******
Reply
Stuart *********
You’ll probably need to seek good legal advise on this one as they are cracking down on nominee shareholding.
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Stuart *********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
What are the steps and considerations for opening a business and settling in Thailand as an expat?
31 comments
3 months ago
What is the business partnership ratio for foreigners setting up a company in Thailand with a Thai spouse or partner?
5 comments
5 months ago
How can I open a business with a Thai partner and obtain a business visa in 6 months?
20 comments
7 months ago
What are the options for foreigners to buy a house in Thailand, particularly in Pattaya?
215 comments
8 months ago
What agency can help me set up a company in Thailand for renting houses and obtaining a work permit?
2 comments
8 months ago
Can a foreigner lease or buy land in Ko Phangan for building a rental property?
141 comments
10 months ago
Can foreigners buy land in Thailand through a registered company?
25 comments
a year ago
What are the risks of owning property in Thailand through a Thai company?
3 comments
a year ago
What are the requirements for an American citizen to open a company in Thailand and can they hire non-Thai employees with work permits?
5 comments
a year ago
What are the benefits and pitfalls of purchasing property in Thailand as a foreigner?
70 comments
2 years ago
Can foreigners buy property in Thailand for a long-term visa?
31 comments
2 years ago
Can a person with a retirement visa open a business in Thailand, and what are the ownership conditions?
14 comments
2 years ago
Can foreigners on a Retirement visa buy land or houses in Thailand?
29 comments
2 years ago
What should expats consider before buying a house in Thailand?
80 comments
3 years ago
What steps can expats take to protect themselves when opening a business in Thailand with their Thai spouse's name?
36 comments
3 years ago
What are the options for foreigners interested in owning land in Thailand?
16 comments
3 years ago
Can Americans buy land or property in Thailand through a privately owned company?
17 comments
4 years ago
What recent government actions are being taken against Thai companies with nominated shareholders?
1 comments
5 years ago
Can I obtain a visa for living in Thailand if I buy a house without opening a company?
27 comments
6 years ago
What type of visa is required to start a company in Thailand with Thai family shareholders?
3 comments
7 years ago
Can my uncle open a business in Thailand under his name with just a business license and tax file?
7 comments
7 years ago
What type of business visa do I need to open a company in Thailand as a foreign partner?
20 comments
7 years ago
Can I become a co-owner of a company in Thailand without a work permit and dependent visa?
3 comments
7 years ago
Can a Thai citizen owning 51% of a company provide a foreign partner with a work permit in Thailand?
21 comments
7 years ago
What are the procedures and laws for foreigners purchasing a home in Thailand?
18 comments
7 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.