Thailand Long-Term Residency Visa

Thailand Long-Term Residency Visa. The Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa is a special 10-year visa introduced by the Thai government to attract high-potential foreign residents — wealthy global citizens, retirees, highly skilled professionals, and work-from-Thailand specialists.
It offers long-term stay, tax incentives, and streamlined work permit processes to encourage investment, skill transfer, and economic growth.

1. Legal and Administrative Framework

Issuing Authority: Board of Investment (BOI) in cooperation with the Immigration Bureau.
Legal Basis: Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979), BOI Regulations, and Cabinet-approved LTR policy.
Visa Type: Multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years (issued in 5-year increments, renewable for another 5 years).
Work Authorization: Digital work permit issued for qualifying categories.

2. LTR Visa Categories and Eligibility Criteria

The program is divided into four main categories, each with specific requirements.

2.1 Wealthy Global Citizens

Minimum Assets: At least USD 1 million in global assets.
Annual Income: At least USD 80,000 in the past two years.
Investment in Thailand: At least USD 500,000 in Thai government bonds, foreign direct investment (FDI), or Thai property.

2.2 Wealthy Pensioners

Age Requirement: 50 years or older.
Annual Income: At least USD 80,000 in the past two years;
If income is between USD 40,000–80,000, the applicant must invest at least USD 250,000 in Thai bonds, FDI, or property.
Retirement status must be proven with pension documents.

2.3 Work-from-Thailand Professionals

Annual Income: At least USD 80,000 in the past two years;
For USD 40,000–80,000, must have a Master’s degree, own intellectual property, or receive Series A funding.
Employment: With a public company listed on a stock exchange or a private company operating for at least 3 years with annual revenue of USD 150 million or more.
Experience: At least 5 years in the relevant industry.

2.4 Highly Skilled Professionals

Annual Income: At least USD 80,000 in the past two years;
For USD 40,000–80,000, must have a Master’s degree in science/technology or special expertise.
Employment: In targeted industries or at Thai government agencies, universities, or research centers.
Experience: At least 5 years in the relevant field (waived for PhD holders).

3. Benefits of the LTR Visa

10-Year Stay: Issued initially for 5 years, renewable for another 5 years without leaving Thailand.
Multiple Entries: Freedom to travel in and out without re-entry permits.
Digital Work Permit: Allows legal employment for LTR holders in eligible categories.
Tax Incentives:
- Flat 17% personal income tax rate for highly skilled professionals.
- Exemption from tax on overseas income (if not remitted within the same tax year).
Annual Immigration Reporting: Instead of 90-day reporting.
Fast-Track Immigration Lanes: At major Thai airports.
Spouse and Children Privileges: Up to 4 dependents can be included in the application.

4. Application Process

Step 1 — Pre-Qualification

Submit an application to the BOI’s LTR Visa Unit with:

Passport copy.
Financial statements, tax returns, or proof of income.
Employment contracts or company registration documents.
Proof of investments (if applicable).

Step 2 — Endorsement

The BOI reviews and verifies qualifications. This can take up to 20 working days.

Step 3 — Visa Issuance

Once endorsed:

Apply for visa at a Thai embassy/consulate abroad or the Immigration Bureau in Bangkok.
Pay the government fee (50,000 THB per person for the full 10-year term).

Step 4 — Work Permit (if applicable)

LTR holders in employment categories can apply for a digital work permit at the One Stop Service Center (OSS) for Visa and Work Permits.

5. Obligations and Conditions

Annual Report: Immigration reporting once a year.
Maintaining Eligibility: Must continue to meet category requirements (e.g., investment holdings, employment).
Work Permit Compliance: Work only in approved sectors or with endorsed employers.
Dependents: Can reside for the visa’s duration but may need separate work permits if employed.

6. Interaction with Thai Tax Law

Under Thai Revenue Code rules:

Residents are taxed on worldwide income, but foreign income is taxable only if remitted in the same year it is earned.
Highly skilled professionals benefit from the flat 17% PIT on employment income in targeted sectors.

7. Common Real-World Scenarios

Case 1 — Tech Entrepreneur

A Singaporean founder of a listed tech company meets the USD 80,000 income requirement and uses the Work-from-Thailand category to base himself in Bangkok while managing regional operations. Gains work permit and avoids frequent visa renewals.

Case 2 — Retired Investor

A 60-year-old retiree from Europe with USD 1.5M in assets invests USD 500,000 in a Bangkok condominium and applies under the Wealthy Pensioner category, securing 10 years of residency without retirement visa renewals.

Case 3 — Renewable Energy Scientist

A European PhD in renewable energy is hired by a BOI-promoted solar energy company. Applies as a Highly Skilled Professional, benefiting from the 17% tax rate and work permit.

8. Risks and Limitations

No Path to Permanent Residency or Citizenship: LTR Visa is a residency permit, not an immigration pathway to PR or nationality.
Strict Documentation: Incomplete or unverifiable financial records often cause delays.
Category Switching: Changing categories may require a fresh application.

9. Key Legal References

Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) — Sections on long-term visa issuance.
Revenue Code — Provisions on personal income tax for foreign residents.
BOI Announcements on LTR Visa Eligibility and Benefits.

Conclusion

The Thailand LTR Visa is a strategic tool for attracting high-value residents who contribute economically and professionally to Thailand. It offers unmatched stay duration, work rights, and tax benefits compared to other visa types. However, its value depends on strict eligibility compliance and clear understanding of its scope, particularly for those expecting pathways to permanent residency. For qualified applicants, it removes the uncertainty of frequent renewals and provides a stable base for living, working, or retiring in Thailand.