Change Samui Real Estate: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A: It's simplest to think about property ownership in Thailand in two parts: the building and the land. With a leasehold, the buyer owns the building and the seller/developer (often a company) retains legal freehold ownership of the land and grants the buyer exclusive rights to use and occupy that land for a period of 30 years. The initial term may be renewed for upto 2 more 30 year periods (for a total of 90 years). Leasehold agreements are registered with the land office and are a binding legal agreement under Thai law.

It is important to carefully review the terms of a leasehold agreement before purchasing a leasehold property in Thailand, as the rights and obligations of the leaseholder can vary depending on the specific terms of the lease. Change Samui Real Estate helps you connect with a local attorney to ensure the leasehold agreement is executed properly and protects your rights including your rights to sell or transfer the property to another party and your rights of succession to your heirs.

A: The Long-Term Retiree (LTR) visa is a type of non-immigrant visa available to foreign nationals who are over the age of 50 and wish to retire in Thailand. To be eligible for an LTR visa, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Age: You must be at least 50 years old.
2. Financial stability: You must have a monthly income of at least 65,000 Thai baht (approx. $2,100) or a deposit of 800,000 Thai baht (approx. $25,000) in a Thai bank account.
3. Health insurance: You must have health insurance that covers at least 40,000 Thai baht (approx. $1,200) in medical expenses per year.
4. No criminal record: You must not have a criminal record and must provide a police clearance certificate from your home country.

To apply for an LTR visa, you will need to submit the required documents and fees at a Thai embassy or consulate in your home country or at the local immigration office in Thailand. The LTR visa is valid for one year and can be renewed every year.

Note that the requirements and process for obtaining an LTR visa may vary depending on your specific circumstances and the location where you apply. It is advisable to consult with the Thai immigration authorities or a lawyer for more information.

A: To become a permanent resident of Thailand as the spouse of a Thai citizen, you will need to follow the process outlined below:

1. Obtain a non-immigrant visa: You will need to apply for a non-immigrant visa at a Thai embassy or consulate in your home country. This type of visa allows you to stay in Thailand for a certain period of time, typically one year. You will need to provide proof of your marriage and other documents as required.
2. Obtain a certificate of residence: Once you have arrived in Thailand and have a valid non-immigrant visa, you can apply for a certificate of residence at the local immigration office. You will need to provide your passport, marriage certificate, and other documents as required.
3. Obtain a re-entry permit: A re-entry permit allows you to leave Thailand and return without invalidating your visa. You can apply for a re-entry permit at the local immigration office or online.
4. Extend your visa: You will need to extend your non-immigrant visa every year to maintain your legal stay in Thailand. You can do this at the local immigration office.
5. Apply for permanent residence: After you have lived in Thailand for at least three consecutive years on a non-immigrant visa, you can apply for permanent residence. You will need to provide evidence of your marriage and financial stability, as well as other documents as required.

NOTE that the requirements and process for obtaining permanent residence in Thailand may vary depending on your specific circumstances. It is advisable to consult with a lawyer or the Thai immigration authorities for more information.