Long-Term Residence (LTR) Visa

The Thailand Long-Term Residence (LTR) Visa is a popular visa category for foreign nationals who wish to reside in Thailand for an extended period. This type of visa allows holders to live and work in Thailand for up to ten years and provides many benefits, including access to healthcare, education, and the ability to open a bank account.

The LTR visa is a 10-year visa aimed at attracting high-potential foreigners who wish to relocate to Thailand on a long-term basis and is expected to stimulate overseas investment and economic development in the country, particularly in the post-pandemic phase. In 2022, the Thai government adjusted the LTR visa by reducing the application fee to 50,000 Thai Baht.

Through this visa, the government aims to attract one million eligible foreigners to Thailand over the next five years. In addition, the reduction in the application fee is expected to encourage more highly skilled and qualified immigrants who may have been deterred by the previous price of 100,000 Thai Baht.

According to the Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, the other criteria for the visa will also become more relaxed and accommodating for applicants. The cabinet announced they approved the modification in May 2022.

What are the LTR Visa Categories

Initially launched in 2021, the Thailand Long-Term Residence LTR Visa is designed for specific categories of foreign nationals who wish to reside in Thailand for an extended period. Eligibility for the LTR visa is limited to the following groups of foreign nationals:

• High-income foreign individuals
• Foreign retirees
• Foreigners intending to work remotely from Thailand
• Foreign professionals with “special” skills

An LTR visa holder can bring up to 4 family members, including their legal spouse and children under the age of 20.

Those who seek a ‘digital nomad’ lifestyle can apply for the LTR visa and work legally in Thailand for as long as ten years if they meet the eligibility criteria.

The LTR visa holders can also apply for work permits to conduct work in the Kingdom.

How to Qualify for the LTR Visa Thailand

The eligible groups mentioned above have differing requirements for the LTR visa application.

High-Income Foreign Individuals and Foreign Retirees

• A health insurance policy with a minimum coverage of USD 50,000 for medical expenses in Thailand, with a remaining coverage period of at least ten months from the date of application or evidence of savings of USD 100,000 held in a Thai or overseas bank account for a minimum of 12 months before the application date is required.
• Proof of personal income of at least USD 80,000 per annum for two years preceding the application date is necessary.
• The applicant must demonstrate assets of a minimum of USD 1 million.
• An investment of at least USD 500,000 in Thai government bonds, foreign direct investment, or Thai property is required.

High-Income Foreign Retirees

• A health insurance policy with a minimum coverage of USD 50,000 for medical expenses in Thailand, with a remaining coverage period of at least ten months from the date of application or evidence of savings of USD 100,000 held in a Thai or overseas bank account for a minimum of 12 months prior to the application date is required.
• Proof of personal income of at least USD 80,000 per annum at the time of application is necessary.
• For personal income ranging from USD 40,000 to USD 80,000 per annum, the applicant must invest at least USD 250,000 in Thai government bonds, foreign direct investment, or Thai property.

Foreign Working Professionals

• An employment contract or service agreement with a business in Thailand or abroad must be produced.
• Foreign specialists must provide proof of work experience in a targeted industry for a minimum of 5 years, performed within ten years of the application date.
• The current employer must be a public company listed on a stock exchange or a private company in operation for at least three years with a combined revenue of at least USD 150 million in the last three years.
• Proof of personal income of a minimum of USD 80,000 per annum for the past two years is required.
• For personal income ranging from USD 40,000 to USD 80,000 per annum for the past two years, the applicant must hold a Master's degree or above, own intellectual property, or have received Series A funding of no less than USD 1 million.
• A health insurance policy with a minimum coverage of USD 50,000 for medical expenses in Thailand, with a remaining coverage period of at least ten months from the date of application or evidence of savings of USD 100,000 held in a Thai or overseas bank account for a minimum of 12 months before the application date is required.

Foreign Experts

• Must produce an employment contract or service agreement entered with business in Thailand or abroad
• Foreign specialists must show proof of work experience in one of the targeted industries for at least five years, except for applicants with a Ph.D. or above in relevant fields.
• Personal income of a minimum of 80,000 USD/year in the past two years
• In case of having personal income only between USD 40,000 to USD 80,000/ year in the past two years or before retirement, the applicant must have a Master’s degree or above in science and technology or special expertise relevant to the job assignment in Thailand
• There is no minimum income requirement for foreign workers who intend to work in government higher educational institutions, research centers, specialized training centers, or government agencies.
• Must present a health insurance policy covering medical expenses in Thailand of no less than USD 50,000. The remaining coverage period shall be at least ten months on the date of the application, OR provide evidence of savings of at least USD 100,000 held in a Thai or overseas bank account for at least 12 months before the date of application.

Other Long-Term Residence Visa Conditions

The government has established the requirements and regulations for the LTR visa. However, it is essential to note that these requirements may experience changes. Therefore, if you are interested in this visa, you are encouraged to research the most up-to-date information or contact us for a consultation.

Applicants for the LTR visa must submit their application and supporting evidence to the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI). The 10-year LTR visa is divided into two terms of five years each. The initial permission to stay in the country will be granted for a period of five years, which may then be extended for an additional five years, for a total length of stay not exceeding ten years.

LTR visa holders and their dependents (spouses and children) must report their residence status to the relevant government agency annually. Once the LTR visa has been acquired and the work permit application has been filed, the LTR visa holder may commence work immediately without waiting for the work permit issuance.

For working professionals and specialists with an employer, the work permit will be issued for a maximum of five years, with the possibility of an extension for an additional five years. For those without an employer (conducting their own business), the work permit will be issued for a term requested by the applicant, but not exceeding five years, with the possibility of an extension for an additional five years. Please note that the work permit will become void if the LTR visa is terminated or expires.

LTR visa holders and their dependents may apply to change their visa type according to the measures and regulations established by the immigration bureau. Failure to comply with the regulations and conditions of the LTR visa may result in the cancellation of the visa.

How to Apply for the LTR Visa Thailand

If you meet the eligibility criteria, here’s how to apply for a Thailand LTR Visa.

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before you begin the visa application process, gathering all the necessary documents is essential. You will need the following:

• A passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of application
• Two passport-sized photographs
• Proof of residency in Thailand for the past three consecutive years, such as a copy of your lease agreement, utility bills, or a letter from your employer
• Proof of income, such as a letter from your employer or bank statements that show a minimum monthly income of 65,000 THB or a deposit of at least 3 million THB in a Thai bank account
• A medical certificate that shows you are free from communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis
• A police clearance certificate from your home country and Thailand
• A completed visa application form

Step 2: Submit the Application

Once you have the necessary documents, you can submit the visa application. You can do this either at a Thai embassy or consulate in your home country or at the Immigration Bureau in Thailand. If you are applying outside of Thailand, you should provide all required documents and pay the visa fee at the embassy or consulate.

Step 3: Wait for Processing

The processing time for a Thailand LTR Visa is typically two to four weeks, but it may vary depending on the embassy or consulate. During this time, the Immigration Bureau will review your application and determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria.

Step 4: Pick Up the Visa

If your visa application is approved, you will receive a notification from the embassy or consulate. You can then pick up your visa and any additional required documents.

Step 5: Register at the Immigration Bureau

Once you have your visa, you must register at the Immigration Bureau within 90 days of your arrival in Thailand. You will need to provide the following documents:

• Your passport
• Two passport-sized photographs
• Your visa
• Proof of residency in Thailand
• Proof of income

Step 6: Renew the Visa Annually

The Thailand LTR Visa is valid for one year and must be renewed annually for up to five years. To renew the visa, you will need to provide the same documents as when you first applied and a certificate of residency for the past year.

In conclusion, applying for a Thailand Long-Term Residence (LTR) Visa can be straightforward if you have all the necessary documents and meet the eligibility criteria. By following these steps, you can successfully obtain a Thailand LTR Visa and enjoy the many benefits of living and working in Thailand for an extended period.

Long-Term Residence VisaTimeline

The processing time for a Thailand LTR Visa can vary and is dependent on various factors, such as the application's completeness and the processing agency's workload. However, the processing time is typically between 4 to 8 weeks. Therefore, it is advisable to check with the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) for the current processing time and ensure all required documents are submitted to avoid delays.

Should you be interested in applying for an LTR Visa Thailand, please do not hesitate to contact us.