Buying
Can CIS citizens buy a condo in Thailand
The short answer is yes. Thai law does not treat foreign buyers differently by nationality, and Russians are among the most active condo buyers in the country. The difficulties are not legal but practical: payment. Here is how it works.
In short
- There are no nationality restrictions: the rules are the same for all foreigners.
- According to REIC, Russian citizens took ownership of 1,172 condo units in Thailand in 2025.
- The main question is not the law but how to pay for the purchase and prove where the money came from.
What the law says
The Condominium Act allows foreigners to own units in registered condominiums within the foreign quota: 49% of the building's unit floor area. The law has no list of countries and no separate rules for citizens of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Ukraine or other CIS countries. A buyer from Moscow, Almaty or Minsk registers a condo exactly the same way as a buyer from London.
How much Russians are buying
Foreigners are actively buying condos in Thailand, and Russian citizens are among the most visible buyers. According to REIC (Real Estate Information Center, the state property data centre under GH Bank):
- Units transferred to foreigners in 2025
- 14,899 units
- Of these, in Chonburi province (Pattaya)
- 4,164
- Russian citizens in 2025
- 1,172 units, +8.6% vs 2024
- Russia in the first half of 2026
- 2nd place, +75.9% by transaction value
Chonburi, home to Pattaya, is the second region after Bangkok by the number of condo units transferred to foreigners.
Where the real difficulties are
Transferring money
To register a unit in the Foreign Quota, you need to show that the money came into Thailand from abroad. The payment route depends on which country your money is in now. We help with payment and with documenting the source of funds, depending on where your money is now. Details in How to transfer money to buy a condo.
The right to live in Thailand
Buying a condo does not give you a visa or residence permit. For a long stay you need a separate visa. The options are covered in Residence permits and visas when buying property.
Documents in Russian
Contracts are drawn up in English and Thai. We translate and explain every clause in Russian, and one of our specialists will be by your side at the Land Office transfer.
What you can and cannot do
| You can | You cannot directly |
|---|---|
| Own a condo in the Foreign Quota in your own name | Own land |
| Hold a villa through a land lease (Leasehold) of up to 30 years | Own a condo in the Thai Quota |
| Rent out the condo and earn income | Get a visa just for buying a condo |
| Sell and take the money out of the country | Hold land through a nominee Thai company |
Where to start
Tell us your budget and what the condo is for. We will shortlist options, check the quota and discuss in advance the most convenient way to pay from your country. The step-by-step purchase process is in How to buy a condo in Thailand as a foreigner.
FAQ
Are there restrictions for Russian citizens?
No. The Condominium Act does not distinguish foreigners by nationality: the rules are the same for buyers from any country.
How many condos have Russians bought in Thailand?
According to REIC, 1,172 condo units were transferred to Russian citizens in 2025, 8.6% more than a year earlier.
How do I pay for a condo from Russia?
It depends on where your money is now. We help with payment and with documenting the source of funds for Land Office registration.
Sources
- Condominium Act B.E. 2522, section 19 bis: the 49% limit (Office of the Council of State opinion)
- Khaosod English citing REIC: condo transfers to foreigners in 2025
- The Nation citing REIC: first half of 2026
- Real Estate Information Center (REIC)
This article is for general information and is not legal or tax advice. Laws, fees and project terms change: before a deal we check the current conditions for the specific property.
