Thailand LTR Visa: Requirements and Benefits
10 years’ residency and a wide range of benefits
What is the Long-Term Resident visa?
The LTR visa is a 10-year residency and work visa administered by Thailand's Board of Investment (BOI). Launched in 2022, the Thailand LTR visa is intended to attract financially independent and highly skilled expats to Thailand. It targets three categories of applicants:
- Successful individuals able to invest in Thailand
- Professionals working remotely from Thailand
- Overseas experts employed by Thai businesses, institutions, or agencies
The LTR visa offers many advantages for expats wanting to reside in Thailand long term. The benefits and application procedures will be explained below.
Baan Thai Immigration Solutions is your single source of LTR expertise: Our bilingual counselors will help you through every step of the application process.
Benefits of the LTR visa Thailand
Immigration and Lifestyle Benefits
The long-term resident visa in Thailand provides practical advantages over shorter-term visa options:
- Permission to live in Thailand for up to 10 years, structured as an initial five-year visa with a five-year renewal
- Includes a spouse and up to four children on the same application
- 90-day residence reporting reduced to once a year
- No need for re-entry permits when traveling in and out of Thailand
- Fast-track immigration service at Thai international airports
For expats comparing long-term visa options in Thailand, the LTR removes much of the friction that comes with annual renewals, frequent reporting, and re-entry paperwork.
Work and Tax Advantages
Certain LTR categories include work authorization and tax benefits:
- Highly Skilled Professionals receive a digital work permit for employment with Thai entities, with a flat 17% personal income tax rate in BOI-promoted industries (compared to the standard progressive rate of up to 35%)
- Work-from-Thailand Professionals are authorized to work remotely for their foreign employer under the terms of the LTR visa itself, without a separate work permit
- Companies employing LTR holders are exempt from the 4:1 Thai-to-foreign employee hiring ratio
- Wealthy Global Citizens and Wealthy Pensioners are exempt from personal income tax on foreign-sourced income
Tax benefits vary by category. Confirm your category’s specific benefits with the BOI or a qualified advisor before applying.
- Permission to live and work in or from Thailand for up to 10 years
- Includes a spouse and up to four children
- A one-time 50k baht visa fee
- 90-day residence reporting reduced to once a year
- No need for re-entry permits
- Fast-track service at Thai airports
- Exemption from foreign-worker hiring quotas
- 17% personal income tax if working for a Thai company
Applying for Thailand’s LTR visa
Eligibility
The LTR visa is an initiative by Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI). The BOI’s stated mission is the development of Thailand through innovation, technology, and increased competitiveness, and it offers several work visas for expats to achieve this mission. New for 2022 is the revised LTR visa with four applicant categories. One of the categories is highly skilled professionals who are expected to boost Thailand’s industrial and educational capabilities. These LTR holders will work in universities, research institutes, and government agencies.
However, the Thai government’s primary objective with the LTR visa is to attract foreign residents who will “contribute to domestic spending and investment while supporting economic growth.” The visa therefore openly targets high-net-worth individuals and families who are expected to bring overseas wealth into the Thai economy.
You will frequently see the term “wealthy” associated with the LTR visa. Note that this is relative to the local incomes and cost of living in Thailand, which means the Thailand LTR visa requirements are within reach for many developed countries’ citizens.
The BOI lists the following categories and criteria for LTR applicants:
Notice: The BOI announced upcoming changes to the LTR visa requirements, which are not yet in effect. Schedule a free consultation with our team to check your eligibility under the current BOI LTR qualifications and prepare for these future changes.
Wealthy Global Citizen
- Have at least USD1,000,000 in assets
- Invest at least USD500,000 in Thai government bonds, foreign direct investment, or property
Wealthy Pensioner
- Over the age of 50
- Have a personal yearly income of at least USD80,000
Work-from-Thailand global professional
- Work for a public company listed on a stock exchange or a private company with revenue of at least USD150 million for the last three years
- Have a personal yearly income of at least USD80,000
Have a personal yearly income of at least USD40,000 and a graduate degree or own intellectual property or receive Series A funding
- Have at least five years’ experience in the relevant field of employment
Highly Skilled Professional
- Work for a business in one of the targeted industries, a higher educational institution, research institution, specialized training institution, or Thai government agency
- Have a personal yearly income equivalent to at least USD80,000
- Have at least five years’ experience in the relevant field of employment or hold a PhD in the targeted industry
In addition to the above criteria, all applicants must hold health insurance or social security benefits with at least USD50,000 coverage, or pay a USD100,000 deposit.
Whether you’re applying under the Thailand long-term resident visa’s wealth-based tracks or the professional tracks, meeting the exact threshold for your category is the single biggest factor in a successful long-term visa Thailand application.
LTR Visa Thailand Cost & Fees
Understanding the full cost of a long-term resident visa Thailand application means looking at two separate government charges, plus how those charges scale for a family application.
Government Fees
The BOI LTR visa issuance fee is 50,000 THB per person for the full 10-year period when collected in Thailand. For applicants collecting the visa at a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate overseas, the fee may be higher depending on local processing charges and currency conversion.
If your category requires a digital work permit, the annual maintenance fee is 3,000 THB per person per year. Payment options at the BOI’s service center include Thai mobile banking (QR code scanning) and cash only.
Family and Dependent Costs
LTR visa holders can include qualifying dependents (spouse, children under 20, or parents) on their application. Each dependent also pays the 50,000 THB government visa issuance fee.
BTI Solutions offers discounted service packages for families applying together:
- Single Dependent: 30,000 THB (BTI service fee)
- Family Package (2 or more dependents): 24,500 THB per person, an 18% discount (BTI service fee)
Planning a family application early helps streamline documentation and avoid scheduling delays with the BOI.
LTR Visa Family Package
Add Your Family Members:
- LTR Visa for Dependents: (Children under 20, Parent or Spouse):
- - Single Dependent: 30,000 THB
- - Family Package Offer (2 or more dependents): 24,500 THB per person (18% discount)
How to Apply for the LTR Visa Through the BOI
The BOI lists four steps for Thailand LTR visa applications.
Step 1: Online Submission
Create an account on the BOI’s LTR portal and upload your supporting documents. These typically include proof of income or assets, qualifying health insurance, employment verification where applicable, and passport copies. Each dependent must have a separate account linked to the main applicant’s submission.
Step 2: Qualification Endorsement
The BOI reviews your submission with input from relevant Thai government agencies, and standard processing takes roughly 1 to 3 weeks. Requests for additional documents can extend this timeline, so it helps to have your paperwork fully in order before you submit.
Step 3: Visa Issuance
If your application is successful, you have 60 days to contact your local Thai embassy, consulate, or immigration office to pay the 50,000 THB fee, register any accompanying dependents, and complete visa issuance. Applicants already in Thailand can complete this step at the BOI’s Thailand Investment and Expat Services Center (TIESC) at One Bangkok, near MRT Lumphini. Applicants overseas can collect the visa at their nearest Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate.
Step 4: Work Permit Issuance
This step applies only where work permission is needed, and the process differs by category. If you’re working under the LTR, register for your digital work permit at the BOI’s Service Center in Bangkok. Work-from-Thailand Professionals do not require a separate work permit, since their remote work authorization is built into the LTR visa itself.
- 1. Apply on the BOI website with your supporting documents.
- 2. Wait 1–3 weeks for notification of the result.
- 3. If successful, contact your local Thai embassy, consulate, or immigration office within 60 days to pay the THB50,000 fee and register any accompanying dependents.
- 4. If working under the LTR, register for your digital work permit at the BOI’s Service Center in Bangkok.
The Thai government maintains an English-language BOI website with an online E-submission portal.
Do You Need an LTR Visa Agent in Thailand?
Why Applications Get Delayed or Rejected
Almost every LTR visa criterion depends on the ability to demonstrate income or wealth, which is the clear motivation behind a visa designed to attract wealthy expatriates who will spend and invest in the Thai economy. Beyond that, the BOI’s application process is complex, time-consuming, and demanding for applicants who try to go it alone. Common issues that cause delays or rejection include:
- Unclear or insufficient proof of income, especially for applicants with multiple income sources, self-employment, or non-traditional compensation
- Investment evidence that doesn’t match BOI-approved asset categories
- Employer documentation that fails to meet the revenue or industry classification thresholds for the Work-from-Thailand or Highly Skilled categories
- Formatting, translation, or notarization issues with supporting documents
- Applying under the wrong BOI category for your financial or professional profile
It can be difficult to understand exactly which documents will satisfy the requirements of Thailand’s LTR visa and how they should be presented, and BOI decision-making itself is not always easy to predict from the outside.
How BTI Solutions Helps
As a trusted LTR visa agent in Thailand, BTI Solutions provides hands-on support at every stage of the BOI application process. Our experience with the BOI lets us build a strategy for your application and check that every box is covered. Our counselors help you:
- Assess which of the four BOI categories fits your income, asset, and professional profile
- Prepare and organize all required documentation to meet BOI submission standards
- Reduce avoidable errors and formatting issues that lead to delays
- Manage communication with the BOI throughout the review and endorsement process
Our long-standing relationships with Thai authorities help ensure your application and review are handled with the attention they deserve.
BAAN THAI IMMIGRATION SOLUTIONS
Why Choose BTI as Your Thailand LTR Visa Expert
We are an international law firm based in Bangkok that specializes in helping expats establish lives and livelihoods in Thailand. We also help international firms set up operations in the Kingdom and hire overseas staff.
Our team of bilingual counselors have years of experience and close connections with Thailand’s BOI offices. We will help with all phases of your LTR visa application, from explaining your options to reviewing your supporting documents to helping with the application process.
Contact us for a free consultation.
As the founder of a business in Thailand, I know my team can handle any challenge Thai officialdom throws at us.
Mark Friedman
Managing Director
Baan Thai Immigration Solutions
What our clients say
BTIS helped me to obtain my LTR visa. They provided an excellent service throughout the process and were really helpful and responsive with all the questions I had.
A wonderful, easy experience and efficient friendly service from Thitsana. Highly recommend their service and support for ease of getting my LTR VISA. Thank you Thitsana for all your help, advice and support.
Three cheers for Tea and the team at Baan Thai Immigration Lawyers.
Their, energy, commitment and tenacity to secure my visa from start to finish for a successful outcome is unparalleled.
We had a bit of a tricky process due to our situation however Thitsana was there all the way to the end. Thitsana provided amazing advice and a steady hand to make sure the process was successful.
I received a LTR visa thanks to Thitsana’s efforts at Baan Thai. The process went as smoothly as I could have hoped and I am very happy with Baan Thai’s services.
Free Thailand’s LTR Visa Consultation
- Complete the form so we can match you with the appropriate LTR expert.
- One of our counselors will reach out within 48 hours to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
- If we're a good fit, we'll start working on your application, preparing your paperwork, and scheduling your appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Thailand LTR Visa
Q: What are the requirements for the Thailand LTR visa?
A: The requirements depend on which of the four BOI categories you apply under: Wealthy Global Citizen, Wealthy Pensioner, Work-from-Thailand Professional, or Highly Skilled Professional. Each category has specific income, asset, and employment thresholds. All applicants also need qualifying health insurance with at least USD 50,000 in coverage (or a USD 100,000 deposit alternative) and must maintain the required conditions throughout the visa period.
Q: How much passive income do you need for the Thailand LTR visa?
A: For the Wealthy Pensioner category, the standard route requires at least USD 80,000 per year in passive income. A reduced threshold of USD 40,000 per year applies if paired with a qualifying investment of at least USD 250,000 in Thai government bonds, foreign direct investment, or Thai property. Applicants must also be over the age of 50.
Q: What are the benefits of the Thai LTR visa?
A: The main benefits include a 10-year visa structure (issued as 5+5), annual reporting instead of 90-day reporting, re-entry convenience without the need for re-entry permits, fast-track immigration at Thai airports, access to work authorization where applicable, and exemption from the 4:1 Thai-to-foreign hiring ratio for employers. Highly Skilled Professionals may also qualify for a flat 17% personal income tax rate.
Q: How is the LTR visa different from a regular work visa?
A: The LTR is valid for 10 years, while regular Thai work visas and permits are valid for only one or two years depending on the type. The LTR also offers fewer immigration reporting obligations (annual instead of every 90 days), fast-track airport processing, and the ability to sponsor dependents. Companies employing LTR holders are not constrained by the 4:1 Thai-to-foreign hiring ratio. Two of the four categories, Wealthy Global Citizen and Wealthy Pensioner, do not involve employment at all.
Q: How is the LTR visa different from the retirement visa?
A: The LTR visa is valid for 10 years, while the retirement visa (Non-O) must be renewed every year. The retirement visa also does not permit employment in Thailand. However, the eligibility criteria for the retirement visa are simpler and more accessible for applicants who do not meet the LTR’s income or investment thresholds.
Q: How is permanent residency (PR) different from the LTR visa?
A: PR is a lifetime residency and work authorization. It is seen as a step toward Thai citizenship and requires demonstrating Thai language skills in an interview, along with other long-term cultural commitments. The PR application process takes significantly longer (up to a year). The LTR visa is faster and more straightforward to obtain for applicants who meet the financial qualifications, though it is limited to 10 years.
Q: Is the LTR visa a "digital nomad" visa?
A: Remote workers can use the LTR visa to live in Thailand while earning income from overseas. The Work-from-Thailand Professional category was designed for exactly this purpose. However, the LTR targets higher-earning professionals compared to typical digital nomad visa programs. Applicants in this category must work for a public company listed on a stock exchange or a private company with substantial annual revenue. Individual salary thresholds start at USD 80,000 per year, or USD 40,000 with a qualifying graduate degree or intellectual property.
Q: Where is Thailand's Board of Investment (BOI) located?
A: The BOI has overseas offices in Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, India, Vietnam, Germany, France, Sweden, Australia, and the USA. The main BOI office in Thailand is in Bangkok, with seven regional offices around the country. LTR visas and digital work permits are processed at the Thailand Investment and Expat Services Center (TIESC) at One Bangkok, near MRT Lumphini station, not at the Immigration Center on the outskirts of the city.