_{READ & LEARN} Legal Things You Should Know about Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visas

Thailand’s Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa is a great option for people planning to live in Thailand long-term. It’s designed for retirees, professionals, and investors, offering up to 10 years of renewable residency along with tax benefits and other perks. This visa makes it easier for individuals to enjoy Thailand’s lifestyle while exploring its opportunities.

Knowing the legal requirements is important to ensure a smooth process. Each category has its own rules, including financial qualifications and documentation. For those ready to settle in Thailand, the LTR Visa opens the door to a stable and exciting future in a country full of potential.

Eligibility Requirements
The Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa in Thailand is an excellent option for foreigners planning to stay long-term, offering tailored pathways for various groups such as retirees, professionals, and investors. Each category comes with specific eligibility requirements and documentation needs. Here’s a breakdown:

Wealthy Global Citizen
This category is designed for individuals with significant financial resources:

• Minimum Assets: Hold at least USD 1 million in assets.
• Income Requirement: Maintain a personal income of at least USD 80,000 per year for the past two years.
• Investment: Invest a minimum of USD 500,000 in Thai government bonds, direct investments, or properties.
• Documentation Needed: Provide proof of income, asset verification, and investment documentation.

Wealthy Pensioner
Tailored for retirees aged 50 and older:

• Income requirement: A yearly unearned income of USD 80,000, or USD 40,000 if combined with a USD 250,000 investment in Thai bonds, direct investments, or properties.
• Documentation needed: Proof of unearned income and investment documentation.

Work-from-Thailand Professional
Ideal for remote workers or digital nomads:

• Income requirement: An annual income of USD 80,000, or USD 40,000 with a master’s degree, intellectual property ownership, or receiving Series A funding.
• Employer requirements: Employment with a public company listed on a stock exchange or a private company with substantial revenue.
• Work experience: At least five years of relevant work experience.
• Documentation needed: Employment verification, proof of income, and educational qualifications.

Highly Skilled Professional
Designed for specialists in targeted industries:

• Income requirement: An annual income of USD 80,000, or USD 40,000 with a master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Work experience: At least five years in the industry.
• Employer requirements: Employment with the company in the targeted industries, recognised institutions, or government agencies in Thailand.
• Documentation needed: Proof of employment, educational qualifications, and income verification.

Common Requirements for all Categories

• Health insurance with coverage of at least USD 50,000 or proof of social security benefits for treatment in Thailand.
• A valid passport and recent photographs.
• Additional documents specific to each visa category.

Understanding these requirements is crucial for a smooth application process. Each category has distinct conditions, so careful preparation is needed to ensure compliance with Thai immigration laws.

Application Process
The application process for Thailand’s Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa involves a few key steps. It’s straightforward if all required documents are prepared and submitted on time. Here’s how it works:

Step-by-Step Process
1. Register and submit application

• Create an account on the official LTR Visa website and upload your application with supporting documents.
• For dependents, they need separate accounts. The main applicant initiates the process and provides a document number (DOC.NO) for dependents to link their applications.

2. Qualifications endorsement

• After submission, agencies like Immigration and the Board of Investment review the documents.
• Applicants are notified of the result within 20 working days. If more documents are needed, this timeline may extend.

3. Visa issuance

• Once endorsed, submit additional documents for pre-approval (takes 1-3 working days).
• Schedule a visa issuance appointment at One Stop Service Centre or manage to receive the LTR visa in the form of e-visa from the Thai e-visa system within 60 days of receiving the endorsement letter.

4. Work permit (if applicable)

• If employed in Thailand, apply for a work permit immediately after getting the LTR visa.
• Processing usually takes 3-5 working days, depending on the documents submitted.

Documents Needed

• Proof of income: Tax records verifying your income or bank statement and pay slips.
• Health insurance: Coverage of at least USD 50,000 for medical expenses in Thailand.
• Criminal record check: A certificate confirming no criminal history from your home country.
• Investment proof: For retirees or wealthy individuals, proof of investments in government bonds, direct investments, or property.
• Educational qualifications: For professionals, copies of relevant degrees or certifications.

Timelines to Remember

• 20 working days: Time to receive qualifications endorsement results.
• 1-3 working days: Pre-approval processing time after endorsement.
• 60 days: Deadline to schedule a visa appointment after receiving the endorsement letter.
• 3-5 working days: Time needed to process a work permit after getting the visa.

Tax Implications
The Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa in Thailand offers significant tax benefits, making it an appealing choice for many. At the same time, visa holders need to stay on top of their legal obligations regarding income reporting and tax payments. 


Tax Benefits for LTR Visa Holders

• Lower tax rate: Highly skilled professionals on the LTR visa enjoy a flat personal income tax rate of 17% for income earned in Thailand. This is much lower than the usual rates, which range from 5% to 35%.
• Exemptions on foreign income: Income earned outside Thailand is not taxed. This offers more flexibility for those with global income sources.
• Investment incentives: Certain investments may qualify for additional tax benefits, especially if they align with Thailand’s economic priorities.

Legal Obligations for Tax Compliance

• Income reporting: LTR Visa holders must report all income earned in Thailand to the Thai Revenue Department every year. The annual tax return is due by March 31st.
• Tax payments: Taxes are calculated based on either the flat 17% rate or the progressive scale, depending on the visa holder’s category. Payments must be made on time to avoid penalties.

How it Compares to Regular Tax Rules

• For regular residents: Taxes are based on a progressive system, with rates as high as 35%, which can result in higher liabilities than the fixed 17% rate for LTR Visa holders.
• Foreign income: Regular residents are taxed on worldwide income if it is brought into Thailand, unlike LTR Visa holders who enjoy exemptions on foreign earnings.

Visa Benefits

The Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa in Thailand is a great option for foreigners planning to live and work in the country long-term. It offers several benefits that make life easier and more convenient.

Length of Stay and Renewal
The LTR Visa provides an initial stay of five years and can be renewed for another five years if the requirements are met. This gives visa holders the flexibility to settle and plan for the future without frequent renewals.

Rights and Privileges
One of the biggest advantages of the LTR Visa is the inclusion of a digital work permit, allowing holders to work in Thailand without needing a separate application. Families also benefit, as spouses and dependents can apply for the same visa, making it easy for families to stay together.

Access to Services

• Healthcare: LTR visa holders can access public and private healthcare facilities. Many choose private hospitals for their high-quality care and reasonable costs.
• Banking: Opening local bank accounts is straightforward, allowing easier financial management.
• Other perks: Fast-track immigration at airports, annual reporting instead of every 90 days, and exemptions from certain employment regulations make everyday life smoother.

The Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa is a practical choice for those planning to live in Thailand long-term. It offers up to 10 years of renewable residency, work permissions without a separate work permit, access to quality healthcare, and favourable tax benefits. For families, it’s even better—spouses and dependents can join under the same visa, making it a convenient option for settling down in Thailand.

At True Digital Park, we’ve worked with many individuals going through the LTR Visa process in Thailand. We understand the importance of getting it right—eligibility criteria, documentation, and compliance with Thai laws can feel overwhelming. With the right guidance, the process becomes much smoother, giving you more time to focus on enjoying all that Thailand has to offer.