Can I Buy a Property and Get a Thailand Long Stay Visa?

Ever dreamed of trading visa runs for a permanent sunset view from your own Thai condo? A recent partnership between top-tier real estate developer Sansiri and Thailand Longstay has made securing long-term residency in Thailand easier than ever. By investing a minimum of 3 million THB in an eligible property, foreign buyers can now unlock a streamlined pathway to a long-stay visa.

What is the 3 Million THB Property Investment Visa?

Historically, Thailand’s investment visas required massive capital—often upwards of 10 million THB. Recently, the government introduced a much more accessible threshold. Foreign nationals who invest at least 3,000,000 THB in real estate can now qualify for a 1-year renewable Long Stay Visa.
To make this process frictionless, Sansiri teamed up with Thailand Longstay. Instead of navigating immigration offices and complex paperwork alone, buyers who purchase a qualifying Sansiri property get a “one-stop solution” that bundles the property purchase with VIP visa processing.

Key Benefits of the Sansiri Visa Package

This program isn’t just about buying real estate; it’s about buying peace of mind. When you purchase an eligible Sansiri property, the benefits include:

• Streamlined Residency: There are no age restrictions (unlike the Thai Retirement Visa) and no need for local employment or corporate sponsorship.
• VIP Visa Services: The Sansiri partnership helps eliminate immigration friction. Buyers often receive waived long-term visa processing fees, priority expedited service, and airport fast-track services at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
• Family Inclusion: Spouses and dependents can be included in the application without needing to make an additional 3 million THB investment.
• Asset Appreciation: You own a tangible, income-generating asset in a prime location like Phuket.

Eligibility & Investment Options

To qualify for this visa through Sansiri, you must meet the 3 million THB minimum threshold. There are a few different ways to structure this investment:

1. The Purchase Option (Foreign Freehold Condos)

This is the most popular and straightforward option for foreign investors.

• Requirement: Purchase a new, legally registered Sansiri condominium unit valued at 3,000,000 THB or more.
• Ownership: The title deed must be in the applicant’s name, and the property must fall within the building’s 49% foreign ownership quota.
• Funds: You must be able to prove that the purchase funds were transferred into Thailand from an overseas bank account (a strict legal requirement for foreign condo ownership).

2. The Leasehold Option (Villas & Houses)

Because foreigners cannot own land outright in Thailand, leasehold agreements are a common alternative.

• Requirement: Enter into a registered lease agreement for a Sansiri villa or house.
• Terms: The lease duration must be at least 3 years, and the total paid value of the lease must exceed 3,000,000 THB.

3. The Rental Option 

If you aren’t ready to buy, the new visa rules also accommodate high-net-worth renters.

• Requirement: Hold a registered 1-year lease agreement for a luxury property.
• Terms: The minimum rental rate must be 85,000 THB per month, and you must provide proof of advance payment (typically 3 to 12 months depending on the visa stage).

The Step-by-Step Process

The process is highly structured to ensure your visa approval goes smoothly:

1. Select a Qualifying Property: Choose an eligible Sansiri condo, villa, or house. Ensure the foreign ownership quota is available if you are buying a freehold condo.
   Check out our available properties from Sansiri
2. Sign the Agreement: Complete the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA).
3. Transfer Funds: Send the equivalent of 3 million THB (or more) from your home country into Thailand. Ensure the transfer is correctly coded to obtain your Foreign Exchange Transaction (FET) form.
   Read our guide to to tranfer funds from abroad
4. Register the Property: Obtain the title deed (Chanote) in your name at the local Land Department.
5. Submit the Visa Application: The Thailand Longstay and Sansiri team will help compile your title deed, SPA, bank transfer receipts, and photos of the property to submit to Thai Immigration.
6. Receive Your Visa: You will initially receive a 90-day visa, which is then extended into your 1-year Long Stay Visa. This visa is renewable annually for as long as you maintain ownership of the property.

A Quick Reality Check

While this program is fantastic, it’s important to ground your expectations in reality. This is a 1-year renewable visa, not a permanent passport or citizenship. You will still need to comply with standard Thai immigration rules, such as 90-day reporting (though the included VIP services often help manage this headache).
Additionally, you must ensure your funds come from outside of Thailand. Buying a property with money already sitting in a standard Thai domestic account will not qualify you for the visa. Partnering with a reputable developer like Sansiri ensures your investment is legally sound, properly structured, and fully compliant with the visa requirements.