What is the LTR Visa?
The Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa is Thailand's premium residence program, launched in September 2022. Administered by the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) rather than traditional immigration channels, it's specifically designed to attract high-value foreign residents who can contribute to Thailand's economic development.
Unlike other Thai visas, the LTR offers a genuine 10-year residence pathway with significant benefits including work authorization, tax advantages, and reduced administrative burden. As of late 2024, over 6,000 LTR visas have been approved, generating over THB 23 billion in economic impact.
Why the LTR Stands Out
The LTR is unique among Thai visas: it includes work permit eligibility, offers a flat 17% tax rate for skilled professionals (versus up to 35% progressive rate), requires only annual reporting instead of every 90 days, and provides fast-track airport immigration. For those who qualify, it's the most comprehensive long-term residence option available.
The Four LTR Categories
The LTR visa has four distinct categories, each with different requirements and benefits. Understanding which category fits your situation is the first step in your application.
Wealthy Global Citizens
High-net-worth individuals with significant assets and investment capacity. No age requirement.
Key Requirements
- $1,000,000 in assets
- $500,000 Thai investment
- $50,000 health insurance
- No income requirement (2025)
Wealthy Pensioners
Retirees aged 50+ with stable passive income and long-term financial security.
Key Requirements
- 50+ years old
- $80,000/year passive income
- OR $40K income + $250K Thai investment
- $50,000 health insurance
Work-from-Thailand Professionals
Remote workers employed by established foreign companies with significant revenue.
Key Requirements
- $80,000/year personal income (2 years)
- OR $40K + Master's/Series A funding
- Employer revenue $50M (3 years)
- $50,000 health insurance
Highly-Skilled Professionals
Experts working in Thailand's targeted industries, research, or higher education.
Key Requirements
- $80,000/year income (2 years)
- OR $40K + Master's in science/tech
- Contract with Thai targeted industry
- 17% flat tax rate benefit
Category 1: Wealthy Global Citizens
This category targets high-net-worth individuals who can make significant investments in Thailand. There is no age requirement, making it accessible to younger wealthy individuals.
Asset and Investment Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Assets | USD $1,000,000 minimum in applicant's name |
| Thai Investment | USD $500,000 minimum (bonds, FDI, or real estate) |
| Income Requirement | Removed as of January 2025 |
| Health Insurance | $50,000 coverage OR $100,000 Thai bank deposit |
Asset Composition Options
- All $1 million held in Thailand (real estate, company ownership, government bonds)
- $500,000 mandatory Thai investment + $500,000 in qualifying assets abroad
2025 Change: Income Requirement Removed
Previously, Wealthy Global Citizens needed $80,000/year income. As of January 2025, this requirement has been removed. Now only asset and investment requirements apply, making this category more accessible to those with wealth but variable income.
Category 2: Wealthy Pensioners
Designed for retirees seeking long-term residence in Thailand, this category focuses on passive income rather than assets or investments.
Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 50 years or older |
| Passive Income | $80,000/year minimum (unearned income only) |
| Alternative | $40,000-$80,000 income + $250,000 Thai investment |
| Health Insurance | $50,000 coverage OR $100,000 Thai bank deposit |
Qualifying Passive Income Sources
- Pensions (government, military, corporate)
- Rental income from real estate
- Interest and dividends from investments
- Realized capital gains
- Other unearned income streams
Earned Income Does Not Count
For the Wealthy Pensioner category, salaries and wages are NOT considered. Only passive, unearned income qualifies. If your income is primarily from active work, consider the Work-from-Thailand or Highly-Skilled categories instead.
Category 3: Work-from-Thailand Professionals
This category serves digital nomads and remote workers employed by established foreign companies - similar in spirit to the DTV but with higher requirements and better benefits.
Requirements
| Requirement | Standard Track | Alternative Track |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Income | $80,000/year (past 2 years) | $40,000-$80,000/year |
| Additional Requirement | None | Master's degree OR Series A funding ($1M+) |
| Employer Revenue | $50 million over past 3 years (reduced from $150M in 2025) | |
| Employer Type | Public company OR private company operating 3+ years abroad | |
| Work Experience | Removed in 2025 (was 5 years) | |
2025 Improvements
- Lower employer revenue threshold: Reduced from $150 million to $50 million
- Work experience removed: No longer need 5 years experience
- Subsidiary employees eligible: Can now use parent company financials
- Startup employees recognized: Series A-funded company employees qualify
This category does NOT provide a work permit for Thai company employment - it only authorizes remote work for your foreign employer.
Category 4: Highly-Skilled Professionals
This is the most beneficial LTR category, offering both work permit authorization for Thai employment AND the 17% flat tax rate. It's designed for experts in Thailand's targeted industries.
Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Income | $80,000/year (past 2 years) OR $40K + Master's in science/tech |
| Employment | Contract with Thai entity in targeted industry |
| Work Experience | Removed in 2025 (was 5 years) |
| Exception | No income requirement for higher education, research, or government |
Targeted Industries (2025)
Your Thai employer must operate in one of these sectors:
- Automotive, Electronics, Aviation/Aerospace
- Digital industry, AI, Automation/Robotics
- Medical industry, Biotechnology
- Agriculture, Food technology
- Petrochemicals, Biofuels
- Finance, Environment/Energy
- Higher education, Vocational instruction (expanded 2025)
- Research institutions, Startup incubation
Tax Benefits: The 17% Advantage
The LTR's tax benefits are a major draw, especially for high earners in the Highly-Skilled category.
Tax Rate Comparison
LTR Highly-Skilled Category
On Thai employment income
Standard Thai Progressive Tax
On income over 5 million THB
Tax Benefits by Category
| LTR Category | Tax Benefit |
|---|---|
| Wealthy Global Citizens | Exempt from Thai tax on foreign-source income |
| Wealthy Pensioners | Exempt from Thai tax on foreign-source income |
| Work-from-Thailand | Exempt from Thai tax on foreign-source income |
| Highly-Skilled | 17% flat rate on Thai employment income |
2024 Tax Rule Exception
In 2024, Thailand changed rules requiring tax residents (183+ days/year) to pay tax on foreign income remitted to Thailand. LTR holders in the Wealthy, Pensioner, and Work-from-Thailand categories are EXEMPT from this change - a significant benefit.
Work Permit Benefits
LTR visa holders receive a "digital work permit" with several advantages over traditional work permits:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Format | Digital/electronic - no physical card required |
| Processing | Streamlined through One Stop Service Center (OSS) |
| Employer Ratio | Exempt from 4 Thais to 1 foreigner requirement |
| Job Changes | Easier transitions through OSS facilitation |
| Spouse Work Rights | Legally married spouses can also work |
Application Process Through BOI
Unlike other Thai visas, the LTR is processed through the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), not immigration. Here's the process:
- Online Registration at BOI Register at ltr.boi.go.th and create your application account.
- Document Submission Upload all required documents online. Documents must be in English or Thai with notarized translations if needed.
- BOI Review (20 working days) Relevant agencies review your application. May request additional documents with 30-day response window.
- Qualification Endorsement Letter If approved, BOI issues endorsement letter valid for 60 days.
- Visa Application Apply at Thai Embassy/Consulate OR Thailand Investment and Expat Services Center (TIESC) in Bangkok.
- Visa Issuance Pay THB 50,000 fee and receive your 5-year LTR visa stamp.
Processing time: 4-8 weeks from complete document submission. As of 2025, all Royal Thai Embassies can process LTR applications online through the E-Visa system.
LTR vs DTV vs Elite Comparison
| Feature | LTR | DTV | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 10 years | 5 years | 5-20 years |
| Cost | 50,000 THB | ~10,000 THB | 650K-2.5M THB |
| Work Permit | Yes (digital) | No | No |
| Spouse Work Rights | Yes | No | No |
| Tax Benefits | 17% flat / exempt | No | No |
| Income Requirement | $80,000/year | 500K THB savings | None |
| Reporting | Annual | 90-day | Annual |
| VIP Services | Fast-track only | No | Full VIP |
| Application Complexity | High | Medium | Low |
When to Choose LTR
- You need legal work authorization in Thailand
- Your spouse needs to work in Thailand
- You're a high earner who can benefit from 17% flat tax
- You already plan to make Thai investments
- You meet the income/asset thresholds
Family and Dependents
The LTR allows you to bring family members, with significant improvements in 2025:
Eligible Dependents
- Legal spouse: Including same-sex spouses (Marriage Equality Act 2025)
- Children: Under 20 years old, unmarried
- Parents: Proof of relationship required
- Other legal dependents: With proper documentation
2025 Change: Unlimited Dependents
Previously limited to 4 dependents per principal applicant. As of January 2025, there is NO LIMIT on the number of dependents. This is ideal for larger families.
Dependent Benefits
- Same 10-year visa (5+5 years) as principal applicant
- Multiple re-entry privileges
- Annual reporting only
- Fast-track airport service
- Spouse work rights: Legally married spouses can obtain work permits
Each dependent pays the full THB 50,000 visa fee.
2025 Program Changes
The Thai Cabinet approved major revisions to the LTR program effective February 12, 2025:
Wealthy Global Citizens
- Removed: $80,000/year income requirement
- Now: Focus only on $1M assets + $500K Thai investment
Work-from-Thailand Professionals
- Reduced: Employer revenue from $150M to $50M (3 years)
- Removed: 5 years work experience requirement
- Added: Subsidiary employees can use parent company financials
Highly-Skilled Professionals
- Removed: 5 years work experience requirement
- Expanded: Now includes educators in vocational/higher education (all disciplines)
All Categories
- Unlimited dependents: Removed previous 4-person cap
- Expanded dependent eligibility: Now includes parents and all legal dependents
- Same-sex spouses: Recognized under Marriage Equality Act