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What is LTR Visa Thailand?

LTR Visa Thailand or the Long-Term Resident LTR Visa is a 10-year visa aimed at attracting high-potential foreigners who wish to reside in Thailand on a long-term basis. As a leading economy in the ASEAN region, Thailand seeks to attract these individuals to bolster the country's standing and to stimulate overseas investment and economic development in the kingdom. The long term resident visa allows holders to live and legally work in Thailand for up to ten years and provides many benefits, including access to healthcare, education, tax incentives, and the ability to open a bank account.

Benefits of the LTR Visa

• Provides up to 10 years of uninterrupted stay in Thailand
• Provides a 5-year multiple-entry visa that's renewable up to a maximum of 10 years
• Free access to immigration fast-tracking services upon arrival at Thai international airports
• Report to Thai Immigration once a year (rather than the default 90-day reporting process that other visa holders are required to undergo)
• Tax exemption on foreign-sourced income*
• Holders of an LTR Visa in the Highly-Skilled Professionals category benefit from a flat income tax rate of 17%
• Facilitated work permit and immigration services at the One Stop Service Center
• The opportunity to legally work in Thailand for a Thai company
• Not considered as a foreigner under the employee quota regulations.

* Tax exemption is in effect as soon as the visa is issued. It also doesn't matter when the income is earned.

What are the Thailand LTR Visa Categories

The Thailand LTR Visa is offered to four categories of foreign individuals:

• Wealthy Global Citizens
• Wealthy Pensioners
• Work-From-Thailand Professionals
• Highly-Skilled Professionals

Thailand LTR Visa holders may also bring up to 4 family members; their legal spouse and children under the age of 20. Spouses and dependents will qualify for the same visa category as the LTR Visa holder.

How to Qualify for the LTR Visa Thailand

Each LTR visa category has different eligibility requirements and applications are considered based on the set criteria for the category applied for. For each category, all requirements must be satisfied in order to qualify. Documents will need to be provided as evidence. Applicants for every category must also have health insurance with at least USD 50,000 coverage or at least USD 100,000 deposit in a Thai bank account.

Thai LTR Visa for Wealthy Global Citizens

For wealthy individuals holding at least USD 1 million in assets.

• Assets of a minimum of USD 1 million are required for the wealthy global citizens category
• An annual income of at least USD 80,000 for the past two years.
• Minimum investment in Thailand of USD 500,000; This could be Thai government bonds, company shares, real estate, or any combination.

Thai LTR Visa for Wealthy Pensioners

For persons aged 50 years or older who have an annual pension or stable passive income.

• Passive income of at least USD 80,000 for the past 12 months at the time of application.
• Applicants with a personal income ranging between USD 40,000 and USD 80,000 a year may also be eligible, granted they have a minimum investment of USD 250,000 in Thai government bonds, foreign direct investment, Thai property, or any combination. Therefore, meeting the income requirement alone is not sufficient for this income range; the investment is also necessary to qualify.
• Income from employment will not be considered under this category. However, you may use social security benefits to help meet the personal income requirements.

Thai LTR Visa for Work-From-Thailand Professionals

For remote workers of well-established overseas companies.

• An annual income of at least USD 80,000 for the past two years.
• Applicants with an annual income ranging between USD 40,000 and USD 80,000 may also be eligible if they have a Master's degree or above, own intellectual property, or have received Series A funding.
• Current employer must be a Public company listed on a stock exchange or a Private company that has been in operation for a minimum of three years with a combined revenue of at least USD 150 million in the past three years.
• Non-profit organizations and Government entities are not considered.
• The applicant must have at least 5 years of experience in the relevant fields of their current employment over the past 10 years.

Thai LTR Visa for Highly-Skilled Professionals

For professionals or experts in targeted industries working for Business entities, institutions, and government agencies in Thailand.

• Must already be holding a valid Non-Immigrant "B" Visa and Work Permit.
• An annual income of at least USD 80,000 for the past two years.
• Applicants with an annual income ranging between USD 40,000 and USD 80,000 may also be eligible if they have a Master's degree or above in science and technology or special expertise relevant to the job assignment in Thailand.
• There are no minimum income requirements for applicants who intend to work in government higher educational institutions, research centers, specialized training centers or government agencies.
• Business must be in one of the targeted industries.
• The applicant must have at least 5 years of experience in the targeted industries or have a PhD in relevant fields or work for a Thai government agency.

LTR Visa Thailand for Spouses and Dependents

• Must be legal dependents of the applicant (spouses and children under 20 years of age)
• Same-sex marriage or partnerships are currently not currently recognized under Thai Law.
• Health insurance with at least USD 25,000 coverage.
• Children will only be eligible as dependents until 20 years of age.

For more information about applying LTR visa for your spouse and dependents, check the page LTR Visa Thailand for Spouses and Dependents.

LTR Visa Fee

The Visa fee is THB 50,000* for a 10-year visa. This fee is paid directly to immigration on the day of issuance or when applying for an e-Visa.

This visa fee ensures that you have access to all the benefits and services associated with the LTR Visa, including immigration fast-tracking, tax incentives, and facilitated work permit services. If you are applying with dependents, the fee also covers their visa processing, providing a comprehensive package for your long-term stay in Thailand.

* If applying for an e-Visa this fee will be dependent on which Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate the visa is applied to.

Other Long-Term Resident Visa Conditions

The requirements for the LTR Visa Thailand established by the BOI are subject to change, therefore if you are interested in this visa, it is encouraged to research the most up-to-date information or contact us for a consultation.

Applicants for the LTR Visa Thailand must submit their application and supporting evidence to the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI). The 10-year LTR visa Thailand 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.

Thailand LTR Visa holders and their dependents (spouses and children) must report their residence status to their local Immigration if they reside in Thailand consecutively for 365 days (1 year).

Thailand LTR Visa holders under the "Highly-Skilled-Professionals" category can benefit from a discounted personal income tax rate of 17%. A digital work permit will be issued at the same time as the visa. Thai LTR Visa holders under the "Work-from-Thaialnd Professional" category can not obtain a work permit. Other LTR Visa holders and dependents may obtain a work permit after the issuance of their visa.

The processing time for a Thailand LTR Visa is dependent on the strength of the application and supporting documents. The typical processing time is between 4 to 8 weeks. It is advisable to submit all required documents during the initial application to avoid future delays. The BOI reserves the right to request further documents during the application process as needed.

How to Apply for an LTR Visa Thailand

Siam Legal can assist with your Thailand LTR Visa application. First, we will review your documents in our initial consultation to determine your eligibility and the most suitable category for your application. After the consultation, we will gather all the necessary documents and prescreen them before the submission of the application. We will only submit your application if we are satisfied that your documents satisfy the criteria for your chosen category. Throughout the entire process, we will be in contact with government agencies and will inform you of any requests for additional documents.

If the application is approved, you will have 60 days to collect your visa after the endorsement letter has been issued. You can choose to collect your visa in Bangkok or at a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate overseas. If you choose to collect your visa in Bangkok we will accompany you to the BOI to receive your visa.

Should you be interested in applying for an LTR Visa Thailand, please do not hesitate to contact us or your nearest Royal Thai Embassy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I apply for the LTR Visa while I’m in Thailand on another visa type?

Yes, you can apply for the Long-Term Resident Visa while you’re in Thailand on another visa. However, you must meet all the eligibility criteria for your chosen category and provide the necessary documentation.

2. How long does it take to process an LTR Visa application?

The typical processing time for an LTR Visa is between 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the completeness of your application and the supporting documents provided.

3. What happens if my LTR Visa application is rejected?

If your application is rejected, you may reapply after addressing the reasons for the rejection. We recommend consulting with us to improve your application’s chances of approval.

4. Can LTR Visa holders purchase property in Thailand?

Yes, LTR Visa holders can purchase property in Thailand, subject to the country’s regulations on foreign ownership of land and property.

5. Are there any restrictions on employment for LTR Visa holders?

LTR Visa holders in the Work-From-Thailand Professionals category cannot obtain a work permit, while others may obtain one depending on their visa category. Highly-Skilled Professionals, in particular, benefit from facilitated work permit services.

6. Can my dependents work in Thailand if they hold an LTR Visa?

Your dependents can apply for a work permit after receiving their LTR Visa. They must meet the necessary qualifications and requirements for employment in Thailand.

7. What if I need to leave Thailand during my LTR Visa validity?

The LTR Visa is a multiple-entry visa, allowing you to leave and return to Thailand as needed during its validity period without affecting your visa status.

8. How often do I need to report to Thai Immigration?

LTR Visa holders are required to report to Thai Immigration once a year, rather than every 90 days as required for other visa types.

9. What is the difference between the LTR Visa and the Thailand Elite Visa?

The LTR Visa is aimed at specific categories of foreign nationals, offering a 10-year stay with conditions tied to economic contribution, professional skills, or investment. The Thailand Elite Visa is a membership program offering longer stays (5 to 20 years) with more relaxed requirements but without the professional work benefits associated with the LTR Visa.

10. Is health insurance mandatory for LTR Visa applicants?

Yes, all LTR Visa applicants must have health insurance coverage of at least USD 50,000, or alternatively, a deposit of at least USD 100,000 in a Thai bank account.

11. Do I need an employment contract in order to apply?

An employment contract is necessary if you are applying under the "Highly-Skilled Professionals" or "Work-From-Thailand Professionals" categories. For these categories, you must demonstrate employment with a qualifying company or institution, meeting the income and experience requirements. However, if you are applying under the "Wealthy Global Citizens" or "Wealthy Pensioners" categories, an employment contract is not required.

12. Can I use my social security benefits to meet the LTR visa requirements?

Yes, you can use your social security benefits as part of your income to meet the LTR Visa requirements, particularly if you are applying under the "Wealthy Pensioners" category. The income from your social security benefits must meet the minimum income thresholds specified for the category you are applying for.

13. Does the LTR Visa application process recognize same-sex marriage?

Currently, the LTR Visa application process does not recognize same-sex marriages or partnerships under Thai law. Only legally recognized opposite-sex marriages are eligible for spousal and dependent visas under the LTR Visa program.

14. Where is the service center for visa applications located?

The primary service center for LTR Visa applications is the One Stop Service Center for Visa and Work Permit in Bangkok. This center handles visa applications, work permits, and related immigration services, making the process more streamlined for applicants. The current address is:

One Stop Service Center for Visa and Work Permit
Chamchuri Square Building, Floor 18
Phayathai Road, Pathumwan
Bangkok 10330, Thailand

15. Where can I find the visa facilitation services to obtain my new visa?

Visa facilitation services, including those for the LTR Visa, are available at the One Stop Service Center for Visa and Work Permit in Bangkok. Additionally, Siam Legal can assist you throughout the application process, providing guidance and support to ensure all requirements are met before submitting your application to the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI).

Alternatives for Thailand LTR Visa

If you find that the LTR Visas are not to your liking, there are other long-term Thai visas that you can consider instead. The Royal Thai Embassy can offer you several long-term resident visa types.

The Thailand Elite Visa is one of them, offering membership periods from 5 to 20 years along with a large number of benefits. There's also the Thai retirement visa which grants renewable year-long stays in the country with fewer requirements if you are at least 50 years old. Contact Siam Legal with any questions about these and other Thai visa options.