Long-Term Resident Visa Thailand. The LTR Visa is a product of Thailand’s strategic initiative to enhance economic growth by attracting high-net-worth individuals, skilled professionals, retirees, and digital nomads. It is not merely a visa but a legally structured residency program with clearly defined eligibility criteria, benefits, and obligations.
Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979): Forms the legal basis for Thai immigration control and visa issuance.
Board of Investment (BOI) Regulations: Define the eligibility, application process, and benefits for LTR Visa holders.
Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. (TPC): Manages premium visa programs, but the LTR Visa is directly overseen by the BOI and Immigration Bureau.
The LTR Visa is legally enforceable as an immigration status under Thai law. It grants holders a right of residence but does not confer work rights without a separate digital work permit. Violations of LTR Visa conditions (e.g., false information in the application, breach of Thai law) may result in cancellation.
Wealthy Global Citizens:
Minimum assets: USD 1 million.
Minimum annual income: USD 80,000.
Investment in Thailand: USD 500,000 (in property, Thai government bonds, or foreign direct investment).
Wealthy Pensioners:
Age: 50 years or older.
Minimum annual income: USD 80,000.
Alternative: USD 40,000 income with an investment of USD 250,000.
Work-from-Thailand Professionals:
Minimum annual income: USD 80,000.
Employment with a company abroad generating USD 150 million in revenue over three years.
Minimum work experience: 5 years in the relevant field.
Highly Skilled Professionals:
Minimum annual income: USD 80,000.
Employment in targeted industries (technology, healthcare, renewable energy).
Minimum work experience: 5 years.
The LTR Visa is designed to channel foreign capital into Thailand, boosting the real estate, government bonds, and foreign direct investment sectors.
Income tax incentives (17% personal income tax rate) for highly skilled professionals attract experienced talent, promoting technology transfer.
Applicants must first determine which LTR category aligns with their financial and professional background. This decision is critical, as the financial requirements and documentary evidence differ for each category.
Proof of Income:
Tax returns or bank statements showing annual income.
For retirees, pension statements.
Proof of Assets (for Wealthy Global Citizens):
Bank account statements.
Property ownership documents.
Government bond certificates.
Proof of Investment (if applicable):
Property purchase agreements.
Thai government bond certificates.
Professional Documentation (for Skilled Professionals):
Employment contracts.
Professional certifications.
Company profile (for remote workers).
Applications are submitted online to the BOI for initial screening.
The BOI verifies financial status, employment, and other eligibility criteria.
Average processing time: 30-45 days.
Approved applicants receive an endorsement letter.
The visa is issued at a Thai Embassy or Consulate or at the One Stop Service Center in Bangkok.
Visa fee: THB 50,000 per person.
A 10-year multi-entry visa eliminates the need for frequent renewals.
Simplified 90-day reporting (once per year).
Eligible for a digital work permit for remote or local work in Thailand.
Foreigners can legally work without requiring a traditional work permit.
Spouses and children (up to 4 dependents) are covered under the same visa, reducing the administrative burden.
17% flat personal income tax rate for highly skilled professionals.
Exemption from foreign income tax for remote workers (income earned abroad).
Applicants must ensure that all documents submitted are accurate. Providing false information can result in:
Immediate rejection.
Visa revocation.
Possible blacklisting from Thailand.
LTR Visa holders do not automatically have work rights.
A digital work permit is required for employment in Thailand.
LTR Visa holders must maintain a clean criminal record.
Violations of Thai laws may result in visa cancellation.
LTR Visa holders who become tax residents (residing in Thailand for 183 days or more) are subject to Thai income tax on Thai-sourced income.
The LTR Visa provides a secure base for managing Thai investments, with the added benefit of residency.
Ideal for financially stable retirees seeking a long-term stay without complex visa renewals.
Offers a legal pathway to live in Thailand while maintaining foreign employment.
Attracts talent to critical industries, with tax incentives for high-income earners.
The LTR Visa is not just a long-term visa — it is a strategic tool for Thailand to attract wealth, talent, and economic opportunity. By understanding its financial, legal, and procedural aspects, qualified foreigners can leverage this visa to secure a stable and prosperous life in Thailand.