Foreign Exchange Transaction (FET) Form: Everything You Need to Know
Learn what the FET Form in Thailand is, why foreigners need it to buy condos, and how to get it step by step. Secure your ownership with the right documents.
The Foreign Exchange Transaction (FET) form is an official paper from the bank that proves your condo money really came from abroad.
Think of it as your receipt that shows the money was sent in foreign currency and converted into Thai Baht inside Thailand.
Handle it carefully, keep the full set of documents, and you’ll avoid headaches when it’s time to register your condo at the Land Office.
What is the FET Form in Thailand?
The Foreign Exchange Transaction Form (FET Form) is the paper your Thai bank gives you when you send money from abroad in a foreign currency.
If you’re a foreigner buying a condo, this form is not optional, it is required by law under the Condominium Act of 1991.
The Land Office won’t put the condo in your name without it.
The FET form basically shows 2 things:
- Your money came from outside Thailand.
- It was exchanged into Thai Baht inside Thailand, and used to buy a condo.
Think of it as your “entry ticket” to own property legally here.
No FET, no condo in your name, it’s as simple as that.
Why Do You Need the FET Form to Buy a Condo in Thailand?
As a foreigner, you can’t own land in Thailand, but you can own a condo.
The catch is that you need to prove the money for the purchase came from outside the country.
That’s exactly what the FET form does.
The Land Office will only register the condo in your name if this form is provided.
Without it, your ownership can’t be registered, and you may end up having to redo the whole transaction.
Think of the FET form as your golden ticket to freehold ownership in Thailand.
How to Get an FET Form in Thailand in 2026 (Step by Step Guide)
Step 1: Send Your Money the Right Way
You can’t send Thai Baht.
The law says you must send foreign currency, like USD, EUR, or GBP, from your overseas account.
When you fill in the transfer details, write something like: “For the purchase of condo unit 12A at The River, for John Smith.”
Step 2: Money Arrives in Thailand
Your Thai bank receives the money and changes it into Thai Baht.
That’s when the bank prepares your FET form.
Step 3: Ask for the Form
You (or your real estate agent) have to go to the bank.
Bring your passport, your transfer slip, and a copy of the sales agreement.
If you don’t have those documents, you will not get the FET.
Step 4: Collect the Paperwork
The bank gives you the FET form.
It shows how much you sent, in what currency, the exchange rate, and that the money is for buying a condo.
They also give you 2 more documents: the Credit Advice and a receipt.
Keep all three. Sometimes the Land Office will ask for them, and this is how you prove everything is official.
Step 5: Submit the FET Form at the Land Office
When you go to the Land Office to put the condo in your name, you must bring the FET form.
Without it, the Land Office will not register you as the legal owner.
Tips for a Smooth FET Process
A few practical tips to keep the FET process simple:
- Transfer in your own name
- The name on the money transfer must be the same as the buyer’s name on the contract and the title deed.
- Send larger amounts when possible
- Even if you pay in parts, aim to send at least USD 50,000 (about 1.8M THB) each time. That way, the bank will issue a proper FET form.
- Be clear on the purpose of the transfer
- Always write: “For purchase of condominium unit [Unit No.] at [Condo Name] for [Buyer Name]”. If you put “living expenses,” the bank may not give you an FET.
- Choose the right bank
- Stick with major banks like Bangkok Bank, SCB, or Kasikorn. They know the FET process well and won’t make it harder than it already is.
- Work with your real estate agent
- A good real estate agent will guide you through the FET process and help you deal with the bank.
- Keep every document
- Don’t just keep the FET. Keep the credit advice and receipt too. Together, they’re your full proof when you register ownership.
FAQ about the Foreign Exchange Transaction (FET) Form
Is a FET Form mandatory to buy a condo in Thailand?
Yes, a FET Form is mandatory to buy a condo in Thailand. Without it, the Land Office will not register the property in your name as a foreigner.
How much does a FET Form in Thailand cost?
A FET Form in Thailand is usually free, but some banks may charge a small fee of 200 to 500 THB. The main cost is the international transfer fee, not the form itself.
Can I use Thai Baht already in Thailand instead of a FET Form?
No, you cannot use Thai Baht already in Thailand. A FET Form in Thailand only applies when money comes from abroad in foreign currency and is converted locally.
Do I need a FET Form in Thailand if I buy through a Thai company or Thai spouse?
No, a FET Form in Thailand is not required if you buy through a Thai company or Thai spouse. However, these structures have their own rules and limits.
Once the Condo Is Yours
The FET form is one of the last steps before the Land Office registers the condo in your name. After that, the unit becomes an asset — and an empty condo earns nothing.
Maison Siam does not sell, broker, or source property. It is a rental asset management partner: once a condo is yours, it runs it as a rental — pricing, guests, in-house housekeeping and maintenance, and transparent monthly reporting. If you want a sense of what a unit could earn, the rental income estimator is a good place to start.
Maison Siam runs Bangkok rental properties as an operating partner — in-house team, Superhost performance, transparent monthly reporting. Already own a unit? Estimate its rental income or speak to our team. Looking to buy? Our group company Khorna guides foreign investors through sourcing and acquisition.