The Thailand Long-Term Resident Visa is a specialized immigration program designed to attract high-net-worth individuals, skilled professionals, retirees, and investors. Launched in September 2022, the LTR Visa provides a 10-year residency with a range of benefits that surpass those of standard visa categories. This program is part of Thailand’s strategy to stimulate foreign investment, enhance knowledge transfer, and support economic development.
The LTR Visa is administered by the Board of Investment (BOI) in coordination with the Thai Immigration Bureau, under the authority of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) and related ministerial regulations.
II. Legal Basis and Regulatory Authority
A. Governing Law
Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979): The primary statute governing all immigration status, including the LTR Visa.
Ministerial Regulations on Long-Term Residency (LTR) Visa: Set out specific eligibility criteria, privileges, and application procedures.
Board of Investment (BOI) Regulations: Define the administrative process and specific conditions for eligibility verification.
B. Responsible Agencies
Board of Investment (BOI): Receives and verifies LTR Visa applications, particularly in investment and skilled professional categories.
Immigration Bureau (Ministry of Interior): Issues LTR Visas and oversees compliance.
Revenue Department (Ministry of Finance): Oversees tax obligations for LTR holders who become tax residents.
III. Eligibility Categories
The LTR Visa is available under five distinct categories, each with specific requirements:
1. Wealthy Global Citizens
Must have at least USD 1 million in assets.
Must invest a minimum of USD 500,000 in Thai government bonds, Thai real estate, or other qualifying investments.
Annual income of at least USD 80,000 for the past two years.
2. Wealthy Pensioners
Age 50 years or older.
Minimum annual income of USD 80,000.
If income is between USD 40,000–80,000, must invest at least USD 250,000 in Thai government bonds, Thai real estate, or other qualifying assets.
Employed by a company registered abroad with revenue of at least USD 150 million over the past three years.
Minimum annual income of USD 80,000 (USD 40,000 for those with a master’s degree, IP rights, or 5 years experience).
Health insurance with coverage of at least USD 50,000 or social security benefits.
4. Highly Skilled Professionals
Employed in targeted industries (e.g., digital, health, energy, logistics, biotechnology).
Minimum annual income of USD 80,000 (USD 40,000 for specialized professionals).
Employment contract with a Thai or foreign company operating in Thailand.
5. Dependents (Spouse and Children)
Spouses of primary LTR Visa holders are eligible.
Children under 20 years old (maximum of four children per family).
No separate income requirement for dependents.
IV. Application Process
A. Initial Qualification Submission
Applications are submitted through the BOI One Stop Service Center (OSSC) or online.
Required documents include:
Valid passport.
Proof of income or assets (e.g., tax returns, bank statements).
Proof of health insurance (if applicable).
Employment contract (for skilled professionals).
Investment documents (for investors).
B. Eligibility Verification by BOI
BOI verifies qualifications and financial status.
Additional information may be requested for complex cases.
Standard processing time: 30–60 days.
C. Visa Issuance by Immigration Bureau
Once approved, the applicant must visit the Immigration Bureau or a designated consular office for visa issuance.
Visa validity: 10 years, divided into two 5-year terms.
Visa fee: THB 50,000 per person for the full 10-year term.
D. Digital Work Permit (Optional)
LTR Visa holders in the Work-from-Thailand Professionals and Highly Skilled Professionals categories may apply for a Digital Work Permit through the BOI.
V. Rights and Privileges of LTR Visa Holders
LTR Visa holders enjoy several advantages over standard visa holders:
Privilege
LTR Visa
Standard Visa
Duration of Stay
10 years (5+5)
1 year (renewable)
Multiple Entry
✅ Yes
❌ No (re-entry permit required)
90-Day Reporting
Annual reporting only
Every 90 days
Work Permit Requirement
❌ Not required (in LTR category)
✅ Required for all work
Tax Benefits
Possible 17% flat tax (certain professionals)
None
Family Sponsorship
✅ Spouse and children included
Limited
Fast-Track Airport Services
✅ Yes
❌ No
Access to BOI Government Liaison
✅ Yes
❌ No
VI. Taxation and Financial Compliance
A. Tax Residency
LTR Visa holders become tax residents of Thailand if they reside in the country for 180 days or more in any tax year.
Income earned abroad is not taxable in Thailand unless remitted in the same year it is earned.
B. Special Flat Tax Rate
Qualified highly skilled professionals in targeted industries may benefit from a flat 17% personal income tax rate.
Eligibility is determined by the Revenue Department based on income source and industry type.
VII. Grounds for Revocation
The LTR Visa may be revoked under the following conditions:
Submission of fraudulent documents or misrepresentation.
Violation of Thai law leading to imprisonment.
Engagement in activities contrary to public order or national security.
Loss of eligibility (e.g., termination of employment for skilled professionals).
Continuous absence from Thailand without notification.
Revocation is at the discretion of the Immigration Bureau and may be appealed through administrative channels.
VIII. Comparison with Other Thai Long-Stay Options
Feature
LTR Visa
Retirement Visa (O-A/O-X)
SMART Visa
Permanent Residency
Duration
10 years (5+5)
1 year (renewable)
Up to 4 years
Indefinite
Work Authorization
✅ Yes (certain categories)
❌ No
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
Family Inclusion
✅ Yes (spouse, children)
❌ No
✅ Yes
❌ No
90-Day Reporting
✅ Annually
✅ Every 90 days
✅ Annually
✅ Annually
Investment Requirement
✅ Specific categories
❌ None
❌ None
✅ Minimum capital
Tax Benefits
✅ Flat 17% for skilled
❌ No
✅ Exemptions
❌ No
IX. Practical Considerations
The LTR Visa is most suitable for:
Wealthy investors seeking long-term residence.
Skilled professionals in strategic industries.
Digital nomads employed by foreign companies.
Applicants must ensure all documentation is accurate and complies with BOI verification standards.
LTR Visa holders must remain compliant with tax and immigration laws, including annual reporting.
X. Conclusion
The Thailand Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa is a modern immigration option that offers significant flexibility and benefits, combining long-term residency with work authorization and streamlined administrative processes. It reflects Thailand's effort to attract high-value residents who can contribute economically, technologically, or culturally.
