Personal support throughout the process
Chanote (Nor Sor 4 Jor)
As a European, you can create a long-term retreat in Thailand. A long-term lease allows you to use and develop a plot within the scope agreed in the contract. It does not create land ownership.
We are happy to support you from the first conversation and viewing through to the local administrative process. The permitted use, term and payment conditions are agreed in the contract. We recommend viewing the plot in person and having the documents and contract independently reviewed by a lawyer licensed in Thailand.
What is a Chanote?
A Chanote (Nor Sor 4 Jor) is an ownership title deed issued by Thailand’s Department of Lands and is regarded as the country’s highest form of land title. It documents the surveyed plot, its location, boundaries and area, and its registered owners.
- Rights and encumbrances: Registered rights such as mortgages, rights of way and long-term leases are recorded in the official entries. A Chanote therefore does not automatically mean that a plot is free of encumbrances.
- Checks before signing: The deed and current entries should be checked with the relevant Land Office. The boundaries on site, legally secured access and permitted development also matter. A Chanote does not replace a building permit.
- Long-term lease: The land remains owned by its registered owners. For a term exceeding three years to be legally enforceable, the lease must be made in writing and registered at the Land Office.
- Term and renewal: An ordinary fixed-term land lease can be agreed for up to 30 years. Subsequent renewals of up to 30 years each are possible in principle, but are not automatically guaranteed. A pre-agreed “30 + 30 + 30 years” arrangement does not secure a guaranteed total term of 90 years. An independent lawyer licensed in Thailand should assess whether and how a renewal provision can be validly agreed for the particular contract.
Example: Chanote (Nor Sor 4 Jor)
Illustrative example only – not a document for any plot offered here. The actual documents for an individual plot are available on request.