Better-than-Freehold™ (BtF) for Foreign Property Owners
For foreign investors seeking to own property in Thailand, Better-than-Freehold™ offers a revolutionary approach that is legal, secure, and financially advantageous. Unlike traditional methods that rely on risky nominee arrangements, BtF provides genuine ownership rights through innovative legal structures that comply fully with Thai law.
Why Foreign Property Owners Choose BtF
Traditional methods of foreign property ownership in Thailand are fraught with legal risks and uncertainties. BtF eliminates these concerns by providing a transparent, compliant, and enforceable ownership structure.
Legal Certainty
BtF structures are fully compliant with Thai law, including the Land Code, Civil and Commercial Code (CCC), and Foreign Business Act (FBA). All agreements are registered and auditable, ensuring complete transparency and enforceability.
Financial Benefits
Offshore financing up to 50% LTV is available, enabling leverage opportunities that are unavailable with traditional methods.
Secure Ownership Rights
Unlike nominee arrangements that can be challenged or revoked, BtF provides genuine ownership rights through registered leases, rolling options, and trust structures that cannot be easily undermined.
Tax Efficiency
Ownership and gains sit offshore in a Labuan trust (SPH). No Thai tax if gains are not remitted and no Thai land transfer or income tax on sale.
Transition from Nominee Companies
Make your structure legal and secure under AMLA 2025.
Transition to Legal Ownership
- • Dissolve nominee company (with legal counsel)
- • Transfer title to TIN
- • Establish BtF via SPH lease and option
- • Register mortgage and pledge for enforcement
- • Finance available for transition if needed
Avoid Penalties
- • Immediate compliance
- • Avoids jail risk
- • Avoids potential fines
- • Removes asset seizure risk
- • BtF can fund legal/tax costs for transition
Key Features of BtF for Foreign Property Owners
1. Lifetime Security
Secure tenure for life through registered long-term leases and rolling options that provide perpetual renewal rights.
2. Income Rights
Full rights to rental income and capital gains, with the ability to transfer these rights to heirs or sell to third parties.
3. Financing Options
Access to international financing through structures recognised by major banks, enabling leverage for larger investments.
4. Legal Protection
Third-party enforcement mechanisms and registered contracts that provide robust legal protection under Thai law.
BtF vs. Traditional Methods
See how Better-than-Freehold™ compares to traditional foreign property ownership methods in Thailand.
| Feature | BtFBetter-than-Freehold™ | Nominee Companies | 30-Year Leases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Compliance | ✓ Fully Compliant | ✗ Illegal | ⚠ Limited |
| Security of Tenure | ✓ Lifetime Security | ✗ Can be Revoked | ⚠ 30 Years Only |
| Financing Available | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ⚠ Limited |
| Transferable Rights | ✓ Yes | ✗ Risky | ⚠ Limited |
| Tax Optimization | ✓ Built-in | ✗ None | ✗ None |
Your BtF Investment Journey
Getting started with Better-than-Freehold™ is straightforward and transparent.
Initial Consultation
Contact one of our team to assess your investment goals and explain the BtF structure in detail.
Structure Setup
We establish your BtF structure, including all necessary legal documents and registrations with Thai authorities.
Property Acquisition
Complete your property acquisition with confidence, knowing your ownership rights are secure and legally protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about BtF for foreign property owners
1. How does BtF ensure legal compliance for foreign property ownership in Thailand?
BtF structures are fully compliant with Thai laws, including the Land Code, Civil and Commercial Code (CCC), and Foreign Business Act (FBA). All agreements, such as leases, rolling options, and trust structures, are registered and auditable, ensuring transparency and enforceability. This eliminates the risks associated with nominee arrangements, which are now classified as illegal under AMLA 2025.
2. What financial benefits does BtF offer to foreign property owners?
BtF provides significant financial advantages, including:
- • Offshore Financing: Up to 50% Loan-to-Value (LTV) is available through international financing channels
- • Tax Efficiency: Ownership and gains are held offshore in a Labuan trust (SPH), avoiding Thai taxes if gains are not remitted. Additionally, there are no Thai land transfer or income taxes on sale
- • Cost Coverage: BtF can fund legal and tax costs for transitioning from nominee structures to compliant ownership
3. How does BtF provide secure ownership rights compared to traditional methods?
BtF offers lifetime security through registered long-term leases and rolling options, ensuring perpetual renewal rights. Unlike nominee arrangements, which can be challenged or revoked, BtF structures are legally enforceable and include third-party enforcement mechanisms. This guarantees robust legal protection and peace of mind for foreign property owners.
4. Can BtF help transition from risky nominee structures to legal ownership?
Yes, BtF provides a clear pathway to transition from nominee companies to legal ownership under AMLA 2025. The process includes:
- • Dissolving the nominee company with legal counsel
- • Transferring the title to Thailand Investor Network (TIN)
- • Establishing the BtF structure via SPH lease and option agreements
- • Registering a mortgage and pledge for enforcement
This transition ensures compliance, avoids penalties, and eliminates risks such as asset seizure, fines, or imprisonment.
Ready to Secure Your Thai Property Investment?
Join the growing number of foreign property owners who have chosen the security and advantages of Better-than-Freehold™.