Long-term Resident Visa (LTR)- The Board of Investment of Thailand (BOI) underscores the country’s position as a premier destination for global talent and high-potential expatriates. Recently, over 56,000 individuals have been approved for visas and work permits through the One-Stop Service Center.
Among the approved 56,000 foreign professionals currently residing and working in Thailand, approximately 50,000 are executives and experts engaged in BOI-promoted investment projects, 2,170 individuals hold SMART Visas, and to date, over 4,000 Long-term Resident (LTR) Visas have been approved, with the highest number issued to individuals from the United States (791), followed by Russia (479), the United Kingdom (332), China (277), Germany (236), Japan (207), and France (198).
What is the Thailand LTR Visa?
The Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa is Thailand’s flagship visa program, offering an extended residency of up to 10 years. It is tailored for select groups of qualified foreigners and comes with exceptional benefits, including tax incentives, streamlined immigration procedures, and access to a digital work permit.
Designed for wealthy individuals, retirees, remote professionals, and highly skilled experts, the LTR Visa provides a gateway for those seeking to live, work, or invest in Thailand.
Since its launch, the program has gained significant traction. As of October 2024, the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) reports over 5,491 approved applications.
Key Benefits of the Thailand LTR Visa
Extended Residency
- 10-Year Visa: Issued for an initial 5-year period, with an option to renew for an additional 5 years upon meeting eligibility criteria.
Streamlined Immigration
- Annual Reporting: Only one report per year is required for residents who do not leave Thailand.
- Multiple Re-Entry: With a long-term resident visa, you can freely travel in and out of Thailand without the need for additional permits.
- Fast-Track Airport Services: Access expedited immigration processing at Thai airports.
Employment Advantages
- Digital Work Permit: Enables legal employment in Thailand.
- Quota Exemption: Excludes the standard 4:1 Thai-to-foreigner employee ratio.
Tax Benefits
- Foreign Income Exemption: Certain income from abroad may be exempt from Thai taxes.
- Flat 17% Tax Rate: Applies to highly skilled professionals working in Thailand.
Eligibility Categories for the LTR Visa
The LTR Visa targets four specific groups of foreigners:
- Wealthy Global Citizens
- Wealthy Pensioners
- Work-from-Thailand Professionals
- Highly Skilled Professionals
Each category has tailored eligibility criteria designed to attract individuals with specialized qualifications. Applicants may include up to four dependents, limited to a legally recognized spouse and children under 20 years old.
LTR Visa for Wealthy Global Citizens
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify as a Wealthy Global Citizen, applicants must satisfy the following requirements:
- Assets: Possess a minimum of $1 million USD in assets.
- Income: To qualify for the one ltr visa, you must earn an annual income of at least $80,000 USD for the past two years.
- Investment in Thailand: Commit a minimum of $500,000 USD in Thai government bonds, real estate, or direct investments.
Accepted Assets
The following assets are eligible for consideration:
- Bank deposits
- Private or commercial real estate ownership
- Shares in privately held companies (closely held stocks)
- Investments in publicly traded stocks and mutual funds
- Gold stored in financial institution accounts
- Other documented and assessable assets
Excluded Assets: Cryptocurrencies, digital tokens, amulets, artwork, luxury items such as watches, jewelry, and other personal adornments.
Required Documents
Applicants must provide verifiable documentation for:
- Total assets (e.g., bank statements, property deeds, investment portfolios).
- Annual income for the past two years.
- Investments in Thailand (e.g., government bond certificates, property ownership records).
LTR Visa for Wealthy Pensioners
Eligibility Criteria
This visa category is tailored for individuals aged 50 years or older with a stable passive income. Applicants must meet one of the following conditions to be eligible for the long-term resident visa:
- Income:
- A minimum annual income of $80,000 USD, or
- An income between $40,000 and $80,000 USD, supplemented by an investment of at least $250,000 USD in Thai government bonds, real estate, or direct investments.
Note: Accepted passive income sources include pensions, rental income, dividends, royalties, and interest. Employment-related earnings, such as wages or self-employment income, are not eligible.
Required Documents
Applicants must provide documentation to confirm:
- Passive income for the last 24 months.
- Investment in Thailand, if applicable (e.g., government bond certificates, property ownership records).
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LTR Visa for Work-from-Thailand Professionals
This category is for remote professionals employed by reputable overseas companies.
Key eligibility criteria include:
- Income
- Earn at least USD 80,000 annually for the past two years or
- Earn USD 40,000–80,000 annually if you also have:
- A master’s degree or higher,
- Ownership of intellectual property, or
- Series A funding.
- Employment
- Be employed by either:
- A publicly listed company, or
- A private company active for at least three years, with a minimum of USD 150 million in revenue over that period.
- Be employed by either:
- Experience
- Have five years of relevant work experience within the past decade.
Note: Non-profit organizations and government agencies do not qualify.
Required Documents
Applicants must provide:
- Proof of income (e.g., tax returns or pay stubs).
- Employment verification (e.g., contracts or financial reports).
- Evidence of qualifications (e.g., degrees or intellectual property documentation).
LTR Visa for Highly Skilled Professionals
This visa is designed for professionals in industries critical to Thailand’s economic and technological development.
- Income
- Earn at least USD 80,000 annually for the past two years, or
- Earn USD 40,000–80,000 annually, with:
- A master’s degree in science or technology, or
- Specialized expertise relevant to work in Thailand.
- No income requirement if employed by a Thai government agency.
- Employment
- Work in one of Thailand’s targeted industries (see list below).
- Be employed by a Thai company, university, research center, or government agency.
- Experience
- Have five years of relevant experience in the past decade, unless:
- You hold a PhD in a related field, or
- Are employed by a Thai government agency.
- Have five years of relevant experience in the past decade, unless:
Targeted Industries
Key sectors include:
- Automotive, Electronics, Affluent Tourism
- Biotechnology, Transportation & Logistics, Automation & Robotics
- Aviation & Aerospace, Biofuels, Chemicals, Digital Technology
- Medical, National Defense, Circular Economy (e.g., waste-to-fuel, water management)
- International Business Centers (IBCs)
Other specialized fields include:
- Research in advanced materials, nanotechnology, or AI.
- Vocational and higher education in science and technology.
- Environmental and energy management.
- Financial or marketing advisory services.
- Innovation and startup management.
Required Documents
Applicants must provide:
- Proof of income for the past two years.
- Evidence of employment in a targeted industry.
- Documentation of qualifications and relevant expertise.
Spouses and Children as Dependents under the LTR Visa Program
LTR Visa holders can include certain dependents in their application:
- Spouse: Must be legally married to the primary applicant.
- Children: Must be legal children under 20 years old.
Limit: Up to four dependents per applicant.
From January 22, 2025, Thailand will recognize same-sex marriages under the Marriage Equality Bill, potentially enabling same-sex spouses to qualify as dependents for the LTR Visa.
Applicants must provide proof of family relationships, such as marriage or birth certificates. For the complete list of required documents, visit the official LTR Visa page.
General Requirements for LTR Visa Applicants
Health Coverage Options:
Applicants must have medical coverage through one of the following:
- Health Insurance: Minimum coverage of $50,000.
- Social Security Benefits: Must include medical treatment coverage in Thailand.
- Bank Deposit: A deposit of $100,000 (or $25,000 for dependents) to cover medical expenses.
Recognized Property Investments for LTR Visa
To qualify under the LTR Visa program, the following property investments are accepted:
- Freehold Ownership: Includes condominiums, buildings, or houses registered in the applicant’s name.
- Leasehold Rental: Properties with lease terms of at least 10 years, where the applicant is listed as the lessee.
Note: Corporate-owned properties do not qualify as investments.
Tax Incentives for LTR Visa Holders
The LTR Visa program offers significant tax benefits under Royal Decree No. 743 of the Revenue Code:
- Flat 17% Tax Rate:
- Applies to Highly Skilled Professionals employed in targeted industries in Thailand.
- Other income is taxed at standard rates, but foreign-sourced income may qualify for exemption under the long-term resident visa.
- Foreign-Sourced Income Exemption:
- Applies to the following categories:
- Wealthy Global Citizens
- Wealthy Pensioners
- Work-from-Thailand Professionals
- Exemptions cover income earned abroad, business activities outside Thailand, and income from foreign assets brought into Thailand.
- Applies to the following categories:
How AO Can Help
Navigating the LTR Visa application process can be complex, but AO is here to make it seamless. With our experienced team, we provide personalized support to ensure that your application is completed accurately and efficiently. Whether you’re a retiree, a remote professional, or an investor, AO is your trusted partner for relocating to Thailand.
Why Choose AO?
- Expert Guidance: With over 18 years of experience, our team is well-versed in the nuances of Thai immigration and legal processes.
- Tailored Solutions: We understand your unique needs and provide customized services.
- Streamlined Process: From documentation to submission, we handle the details so you can focus on your new life in Thailand.
Let AO simplify your path to obtaining the Thailand LTR Visa. Contact us today to begin your journey:
FAQs About the LTR Visa
Q: What is the Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR Visa) in Thailand?
A: The Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR Visa) in Thailand is a new visa category introduced to attract new foreign residents. It allows eligible individuals to stay in Thailand for an extended period, typically up to ten years, depending on the visa type.
Q: Who qualifies for the long-term resident visa in Thailand?
A: To qualify for the LTR Visa, applicants must be at least 20 years old and meet specific criteria such as having a high income, investment in Thai property, or expertise in targeted industries working for business entities in Thailand.
Q: What is the application process for the long-term resident visa?
A: The application process for the long-term resident visa involves submitting an application to the relevant Thai government agencies, along with additional documents that validate your qualifications and intentions for staying in Thailand.
Q: How long can one hold the LTR Visa in Thailand?
A: One LTR visa holder can stay in Thailand for a total of ten years, with the possibility of extensions based on meeting the ongoing requirements set by the Thai government.
Q: Are there any specific qualifications needed for the LTR Visa?
A: Yes, applicants need to demonstrate qualifications through endorsement in specialized training or relevant work experience in targeted industries working for business entities in Thailand.
Q: Can families accompany LTR Visa holders?
A: Yes, family members of LTR Visa holders can apply for dependent visas, allowing them to stay in Thailand for as long as the main visa holder maintains their status.
Q: Where can I submit my application for the long-term resident visa?
A: Applications for the long-term resident visa can be submitted at the Royal Thai Embassy or through designated stop service centers for visa applications throughout Thailand.
Q: What additional documents are required for the LTR Visa application?
A: In addition to the standard application form, applicants may need to provide proof of income, investment documents, and qualification endorsements from specialized training institutions in Thailand or relevant authorities.
Q: Is there any fee associated with the long-term resident visa?
A: Yes, there is a fee associated with the long-term resident visa application, which varies based on the visa type and duration of stay. It is advisable to check with Thai government agencies for the most current fee structure.