Phuket law firm

Learn more about Phuket law firm

Phuket is home to some of Thailand’s largest and most prestigious property developments. For anyone living, doing business, or investing in Thailand, the wide range of laws and regulations can be complex and challenging to navigate — making expert legal assistance indispensable. Benoit & Partners is your dedicated legal ally in Phuket.
Local Phuket expertiseProperty & corporate lawFirst consultation free
—  The Firm in Phuket

Premium Legal Services in our Phuket law firm

Our law firm is fully dedicated to offering incomparable services to numerous individuals and businesses in Phuket. The property market has been booming in the past five years in the Patong, Laguna, and Karom regions, and hence more expatriates have come seeking legal consultation and guidance.

Benoit and Partners Law Firm is a diversified legal firm with a long-time solid reputation as a property and construction specialist in Phuket. We have swiftly transferred thousands of condominiums, villas, and apartments to foreign investors. Our firm also offers advice on circumstances that might turn out to be full of risks, legal problems, and possible pitfalls in property transfers. Our law firm specialises in company registration, corporate law, accountancy, property law, civil, and commercial litigation. Our lawyers take comprehensive control of our client’s matters until the case is solved to the end.

Why choose us

15+
Lawyers & consultantsAn experienced expatriate and local, multilingual team.
1000+
Property transfers completedCondominiums, villas, and apartments for foreign investors.
FTCC
Recognised firmListed by the French Embassy & on the Franco-Thai Chamber of Commerce board.

Lawyers in our Phuket law firm specialized in Property

Before legislators can seize your properties, our law firm makes sure you have conducted comprehensive due diligence. More particularly, it confirms that the property is free of encumbrances such as liens, charges against it, or building constraints. Whether you purchase a new house, condominium or villa, our extensive property legal services will exceed your anticipation.

01
Comprehensive Due Diligence
We do a comprehensive investigation of any due diligence to confirm the property is free of encumbrances.
02
In-depth Title Search
An in-depth title search to verify the ownership status and any restrictions on the property.
03
Draft & Review Agreements
We draft and review purchase and sale agreements to fully safeguard your interests.

Register your company in Phuket

The following is the general procedure of company registration in Phuket, Thailand. It should be stressed that this process is general and might be different depending on the business and the parties involved. It is highly recommended to contact a well-reputed law firm since the laws and regulations are diverse and very sensitive.

01
Reserve the Company Name
The client provides three names for the future company, listed in order of preference.
02
File Memorandum of Association
The company files the Memorandum, which shows the company's objectives, authorised capital, and details of the shareholders.
03
Organise a Statutory Meeting
After filing the Memorandum of Association, the company must organise a statutory meeting attended by shareholders and directors for approval of the company's constitution and the appointment of directors.
04
Register for Corporate Tax and VAT
Every company in Thailand must register for corporate tax and, more often, VAT. If the company's annual income is below a certain amount, VAT registration is not required.
05
Obtain Business Licence or BOI
If the company is 100% foreigner-owned, foreigners can obtain the Business Licence or apply for Board of Investment (BOI) to obtain 100% non-Thai control.

Condominium ownership legal services

Phuket Condominium is a common form of property ownership for foreign nationals considering investing in real estate in Thailand. However, purchasing and having a condominium can be a multi-step and challenging process highlighting the need for a full comprehension of the local law. In Thailand, freehold ownership of a condominium by a foreigner is possible under specific conditions. Suppose you consider condominium possession in Thailand. In that case, one should rely on professional assistance since many laws and regulations should be followed. Benoit and Partners Law Firm can significantly assist you with its expert legal services.

The condominiums must be under the Condominium Act, and only 49% of the total area should be sold to foreigners as freehold.

For the purchase, we need a Foreign Exchange Transaction Form (FET) to present. The FET is mandatory to understand the legitimacy of the proof of funds; exceptions are available.

Environmental and height limitations apply. A Thai company, 100% owned by foreigners, can also buy a condominium.

Leasehold is another solution when 49% of the land has already been sold, but it carries some risks, particularly in trading.

A foreign company can also buy the condominium; some additional taxes are to be paid at the time of purchase.

Renting is generally allowed. It is all but challenging to obtain a loan in Thailand, which requires other financial sources. There are two categories of residential property in Thailand; only condominiums allow foreigners to get full ownership.

We review title deeds, building permissions, and contracts to make sure we are conducting complete due diligence. We then draft and review agreements, ensuring that they fully safeguard your interests. We also organise the registration of the property with the Phuket Land Department.

We provide you with advice on how to manage your condominium on a regular basis. This includes information about insurance, maintenance, local taxes, and the principles of legal liability as a proprietor. If any issue arises, our litigation lawyers will help resolve them, making sure that you are treated in a proper and just manner.

Villa Ownership services with our Phuket law firm

The process of buying a villa in Thailand for a foreigner is full of pitfalls when one needs to know and follow the local law. Buying a villa in Thailand as a foreigner is a complicated process, and a foreign buyer should know every point of the potential contract and responsibility — from a small deposit to a loan.

Deposits & Conditions

While buying a villa in Thailand, most sellers ask for a 10% deposit to reserve the property. This figure will be deducted from the contract's total cost, but it must be declared in the contract under specific terms. If the conditions are violated, the seller has the right to retain the deposit.

Property Loan in Thailand

Thai property loans for foreign buyers are few and far between. Foreigners are entitled to loans if they earn a stable income in Thailand with proper work permits, have a Thai PR permit, or are married to a Thai person. Each option has certain terms of approval and limitations.

Land Ownership services with our Phuket law firm

Ownership of land in Thailand is a very sensitive question, added with great complexity for foreigners. For many years Thai law mostly prohibited non-Thai people from ownership of land. However, in recent years new laws have been adopted that allow the purchase and ownership of land in Thailand by foreigners under specific conditions. Benoit and Partners Phuket Law Firm provides specialised legal support in this area.

Eligibility & Restrictions

Foreigners may purchase up to 1 Rai (approximately 1,600 m², 0.16 hectares, or 0.4 acres). The purchase involves an investment into Thailand of forty million Thai Baht within a period of 3 years.

Foreigners who have invested into Thailand and kept a sum of 40 million Baht in the country for 5 years may receive a valid agreement of the Board of Investment for the purchase of 1 Rai, for residential purposes only.

Land Title Search

Before conducting any transaction, we search all backgrounds ensuring that the title does not have any encumbrance or restriction.

Contract Drafting and Review

Our law firm performs the contract drafting and legal review of all necessary steps for a safe and secure acquisition or lease.

Property Registration

Our legal firm carries out all legal procedures for the land registration with the Phuket Land Office to ensure the legal authenticity of the process.

Long-term Leasehold

The legal resolution for foreigners is to lease land for a long term. The maximum lease agreement is 30 years, to be registered at the Thai Land Office. At the end of the term, this agreement must be renewed for another 30 years (at the discretion of the landlord).

Lawyer in our Phuket law firm specialized in Immigration

Immigration to Thailand, and Phuket in particular, can be a complex and confusing process. Whether you are looking to move to Phuket for work, business, retirement, or simply to enjoy the beauty of the island, our specialist immigration team at Benoit and Partners Phuket Law Firm are here to help. With a blend of experience in immigration law and a dedication to excellence, we will always be your perfect acquaintance when it comes to the legal landscape of Phuket immigration.

Visas and Work Permits
We guide you through the process of applying for different types of visas and work permits, ensuring that all documents are properly prepared and submitted.
Visa Extensions
We help you understand your options for extending your stay in Phuket and prepare the necessary documents for the visa extension.
Regulatory Compliance
We help you understand and comply with local immigration laws and regulations, including reporting requirements.
Citizenship and Permanent Residence
For those seeking long-term residence in Phuket, we offer advice and assistance in the process of applying for permanent residence or citizenship.
Assistance with Immigration Problems
If you encounter any immigration-related problems or challenges, our specialist lawyers are on hand to represent you and work towards a resolution.
Nationwide Coverage
Our firm is headquartered in Bangkok and operates across Thailand. Our lawyers regularly travel to Phuket, Koh Samui, and Pattaya to meet clients and handle legal matters directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

A law firm provides local legal insight into land regulations, zoning rules, and Land Department procedures specific to Phuket. This support helps foreign buyers avoid common risks linked to title defects, illegal constructions, or non-compliant ownership structures. Working with a law firm ensures that property transactions are legally secure and fully compliant with Thai law.

Yes, a law firm regularly assists foreign nationals with condominium acquisitions under the Condominium Act. The firm verifies the foreign ownership quota, reviews the Foreign Exchange Transaction Form, and ensures proper registration at the Land Office. This process helps foreign buyers obtain lawful freehold ownership without legal uncertainty.

A law firm advises foreigners on lawful villa ownership structures, including leasehold arrangements and compliant Thai company setups. The firm reviews contracts, deposit conditions, and construction permits to reduce legal exposure. This guidance is essential due to the restrictions on direct land ownership by foreigners.

The legal framework is national, but a law firm understands local administrative practices and regional authorities. A law firm manages name reservation, company registration, tax filings, and licensing with local offices. This local coordination helps prevent delays and compliance issues.

Yes, a law firm advises on land acquisition options permitted under Thai law, including BOI-approved ownership and registered long-term leases. The firm conducts title searches, drafts lease agreements, and handles Land Office registration. This ensures that land use rights are enforceable and legally protected.

A law firm offers comprehensive immigration assistance, including visas, work permits, extensions, and compliance reporting. Lawyers ensure that applications meet current immigration regulations and are properly documented. This reduces the risk of overstay penalties or visa refusal.

Yes, a law firm provides legal guidance on permanent residence and citizenship applications. The process involves strict eligibility criteria, documentation, and long-term compliance. Legal supervision increases the likelihood of a successful application.

Benoit and Partners as a Phuket law firm performs in-depth due diligence, including title verification, encumbrance checks, and review of building permits. This process identifies legal risks before contracts are signed. Proper due diligence protects buyers from future disputes or financial loss.

Yes, a law firm can represent foreign clients remotely through powers of attorney. Lawyers handle property registration, company filings, and immigration procedures without requiring the client’s physical presence. This is particularly valuable for international investors.

Benoit and Partners, operating through a trusted local network and regular on-site visits, can provide the same level of legal service as a permanent office. Lawyers travel to Phuket for client meetings, Land Office registrations, and inspections. This structure ensures nationwide legal coverage while maintaining high professional standards.