LTR Visa Thailand for Highly Skilled Professionals

The Highly Skilled Professionals category is one of four pathways under Thailand’s Long-Term Resident visa program. It is designed for experts working in targeted industries or specialized roles that contribute to Thailand’s economic development.

This page outlines the official qualification endorsement criteria, income thresholds, exemption rules, targeted industry framework, documentation standards, and compliance considerations specific to this category.

For a full overview of the Long-Term Resident program and all four categories, refer to the LTR Visa Thailand guide.

Official Qualification Endorsement Criteria

To obtain qualification endorsement from the Thailand Board of Investment under the Highly Skilled Professionals category, applicants must:

• Be a highly skilled expert working in a targeted industry or specialized field
• Meet the required income threshold (unless exempt)
• Be employed or engaged in a qualifying role in Thailand

Applicants must also hold:

• A health insurance policy covering medical expenses in Thailand of not less than USD 50,000 with at least ten months remaining validity at the time of endorsement, OR
• Social security rights covering medical treatment in Thailand, OR
• Deposits in Thailand or abroad of not less than USD 100,000 held for at least twelve months

Income Requirements

Retired Science and Technology Experts

A retired science and technology expert may demonstrate personal income averaging not less than USD 40,000 per year for the two years prior to retirement.

Income Exemption for Certain Public Sector Roles

Experts working for:

• A Thai government agency
• A state-owned higher education institution
• A research center
• A specialized training institution in Thailand

Are exempted from showing evidence of past income.

Targeted Industries for Highly Skilled Professionals

The targeted industries for qualification endorsement include:

1. Automotive Industry
2. Electronics Industry
3. Affluent Tourism Industry
4. Agriculture, Food, and Biotechnology Industry
5. Transportation and Logistics Industry
6. Automation and Robotics Industry
7. Aviation, Aerospace, and Space Industry
8. Biofuels and Bio-Chemical Industry
9. Petrochemical and Chemical Industry
10. Digital Industry
11. Medical Industry
12. National Defense Industry
13. Direct and significant supporting industries for the circular economy, such as fuel production from waste or water resource management
14. International Business Center (IBC)

In addition, foreign applicants may qualify if they work with special expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Research and development in targeted industries or technologies such as biotechnology, nanotechnology, advanced material technology, or digital technology
• Human resource development in science and technology at vocational or higher education levels
• Application of artificial intelligence, automation, and robotics in business operations
• Planning and development of digital systems to enhance business productivity and services
• Financial or marketing analysis and advisory services
• Environmental and energy management
• Management or advisory roles in incubation programs, acceleration programs, innovation, and startup ecosystems
• Alternative dispute resolution services
• Promotion and support of economic development, trade, and investment by foreign chambers of commerce or organizations promoting foreign trade and investment

Qualification endorsement may require confirmation that the applicant’s role aligns with one or more of the above industries or expertise areas.

Compliance and Due Diligence Considerations

Applications are subject to verification of:

• Employment contracts
• Professional qualifications
• Academic credentials
• Industry relevance
• Employer certification

Authorities assess whether the applicant’s expertise contributes to Thailand’s strategic development goals and whether employment arrangements are legitimate and properly documented.

Incomplete documentation or unclear job scope may result in additional review.

Typical Applicant Profiles

Senior Technology Specialist

An AI engineer earning USD 110,000 annually works for a Thai technology company operating in the digital industry. Income documentation and employer certification satisfy the primary income threshold.

Research Scientist with Advanced Degree

A biotechnology researcher earning USD 55,000 annually holds a master’s degree and works in a research and development role in Thailand. The reduced income threshold applies due to academic qualification.

Public Sector Academic Expert

A senior university lecturer working at a Thai state university is exempt from showing past income due to public sector qualification, supported by institutional certification.

This category is generally suitable for experts whose skills directly support Thailand’s targeted industries.

Required Supporting Documents

Supporting documentation depends on the applicant’s qualifications but may include:

• Curriculum Vitae showing expertise, education, and professional background
• Employment certificates from current and past employers
• Employment contract or engagement letter
• Tax returns and bank statements demonstrating income
• Academic qualifications
• Evidence of employer status
• Evidence of investment (if applicable)
• Health insurance meeting LTR standards
• Criminal record certificate where required

A notarized translation must be provided if any document is not in English or Thai.

All documents are subject to verification by the Thailand Board of Investment prior to visa issuance.

Not Sure If Your Industry Qualifies?

Applicants should carefully assess whether their role aligns with Thailand’s targeted industry framework and whether income thresholds or exemption provisions apply.

A structured eligibility review can help determine:

• Whether academic qualifications support reduced income eligibility
• Whether a public sector exemption applies
• Whether the employment arrangement meets BOI endorsement standards

For a complete overview of all LTR categories and program benefits, refer to the main LTR Visa Thailand guide.

Should you be interested in applying for an LTR Visa Thailand, please use the form below to contact us.