Can a Foreigner Buy a Boat in Thailand?

Most of the boats we sell go to buyers who do not live in Thailand. This page explains the two ways to own a boat here and what each one means for you.

Option 1: keep a foreign flag

A yacht registered in another country can stay in Thailand under temporary import. In February 2021, Thai Customs extended the allowance from 6 plus 6 months to up to 2 years and 6 months. When it runs out, the boat has to leave Thailand or be imported permanently.

• Good for owners who cruise the region: Malaysia, Indonesia and beyond
• No Thai import taxes while the boat is on temporary import
• An agent handles the paperwork each time you clear in or out
• A foreign-flagged boat cannot be chartered commercially without separate permits

Option 2: register the boat in Thailand

To keep a boat in Thailand without a time limit, she needs Thai registration with the Marine Department office for the area where she is kept. That means importing her permanently first, if she has not been already.

• As an individual: a foreigner can register a boat in their own name. You need proof of a Thai address, certified at the immigration office.
• Through a company: a company can only register a boat if at least 70% of its shares are held by Thai nationals. A foreign-owned company cannot register a boat in its name.
• Same name throughout: the person who imports the boat must be the person who registers her, and the sale agreement must match.

The usual documents are the sale agreement, the customs receipt for import taxes, proof of your Thai address and Thai translations of every document. A boat that was registered abroad also needs a certificate that her foreign registration has been cancelled.

Buying a boat that is already in Thailand

If the boat is already imported and registered in Thailand, the taxes have been paid and the purchase is mainly a change of ownership. This is often the simplest and cheapest route, which is why every listing on our site tells you the boat's status, or we will confirm it for you.

Chartering

Running a boat for paying guests in Thailand needs commercial licensing, which is separate from private registration. If you plan to charter, tell us early so we can point you to boats and paperwork that suit it.

Rules change. Before you commit, confirm registration, duty and tax with a licensed customs broker or a marine lawyer in Thailand. We can introduce you to the right people.

Next steps

Read the full guide to buying a yacht in Thailand, see what it costs to own a yacht here, or browse all boats for sale.