Thailand LTR Visa 2025: How to Apply for the Long-Term Resident Visa

THE FOUR LTR CATEGORIES The LTR visa has four eligible categories. You must qualify under at least one: 1. WEALTHY GLOBAL CITIZEN Assets of at least USD 1,000,000 globally, AND one of: • Invest at least USD 500,000 in Thai government bonds, Thai property, or Thai companies; OR • Health insurance covering Thailand for at least USD 50,000 OR self-insured (deposit of USD 100,000 in a Thai financial institution) Plus: income or pension of at least USD 80,000/year for the past 2 years. 2. WEALTHY PENSIONER (50+) Pension or income of at least USD 80,000/year (from overseas sources), OR pension of USD 40,000–80,000/year with either: a Thai property investment of at least USD 250,000, OR a Thai government bond/deposit of at least USD 250,000. 3. WORK-FROM-THAILAND PROFESSIONAL (REMOTE WORKER) Employment or self-employment income of at least USD 80,000/year for the past 2 years, with an employer that has been operating for at least 3 years. Alternatively, income of USD 40,000–80,000/year if holding a master's degree or a specific patent or intellectual property, or having invested at least USD 100,000 in Thailand. 4. HIGHLY SKILLED PROFESSIONAL Working for a Thai or multinational company in certain strategic industries, OR working for a government agency or Thai state enterprise. Specific skills in target industries (biotech, aerospace, smart electronics, automotive, digital, food, medical hub, tourism, education, etc.) — the BOI publishes an industry and occupation list. THE APPLICATION — WHO APPLIES AND WHERE LTR applications are submitted to the Board of Investment of Thailand (BOI) One Stop Service Centre in Bangkok, not to the standard Immigration Bureau. The BOI has a specific LTR unit. For overseas applicants: apply at a Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country first to obtain the initial LTR visa stamp, then complete in-country formalities at the BOI. For applicants already in Thailand: apply directly at the BOI LTR Centre (located at ChamChuri Square, Bangkok). The BOI publishes a dedicated LTR portal and application instructions at: ltr.boi.go.th DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST (GENERAL — VERIFY WITH BOI) For all categories: • Passport (minimum 18 months validity) • Completed LTR application form (from ltr.boi.go.th) • Passport photograph • Proof of nationality (passport or equivalent) For Wealthy Global Citizen / Wealthy Pensioner: • Bank statements for the past 2 years (showing income or asset levels) • Pension income evidence (pension statements, government letters) • Health insurance policy or self-insured deposit evidence • Thai investment evidence (if applicable — e.g., title deed, bond certificate) For Work-From-Thailand Professional: • Employment contract or service agreement showing salary/income • Pay slips or income statements for the past 2 years • Employer's company registration documents (minimum 3 years in operation) • Evidence of remote work arrangement (company letter confirming you work remotely) For Highly Skilled Professional: • Employment or consulting contract with Thai or qualifying company • Qualifications and certifications relevant to the target industry • BOI/employer letter confirming the strategic industry and role WHAT YOU GET WITH AN LTR VISA • 10-year visa, renewable: issued as 5-year + 5-year extension, effectively a 10-year validity • Multiple-entry: unlimited international trips and re-entries • Work authorisation: the LTR includes a work permit equivalent for Work-From-Thailand Professionals and Highly Skilled Professionals — no separate work permit application needed • 80,000 THB income tax cap: Work-From-Thailand Professionals on a foreign income source are taxed at a flat 17% on Thai-sourced employment income (if any) — overseas income benefits from the DTA framework • Fast-track Immigration service: dedicated counters at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports; separate queue at the BOI One Stop Centre • Reduced 90-day report requirement: can report annually rather than every 90 days (confirm with BOI — policy details apply) PROCESSING TIME BOI target: 20 working days for document verification after submission of a complete application. In practice, plan for 4–8 weeks from initial submission to visa issuance if there are any document queries. Overseas applicants then need to allow for the consulate processing time on top of this. COSTS Government fee: 50,000 THB for the LTR visa issuance (as of June 2025). Verify current fee at ltr.boi.go.th. There is no visa renewal fee after the initial issuance for the first 10-year period. THE LTR vs NON-OA RETIREMENT VISA — WHICH IS RIGHT? For retirees who clearly meet the LTR Wealthy Pensioner requirements (USD 80k+/year income), the LTR is the superior option: longer validity, multiple-entry, dedicated service, annual reporting instead of 90-day. The 50,000 THB initial fee is offset over time compared to annual Non-OA extension fees and hassle. For retirees with income below the LTR threshold (USD 40k–80k/year), the Non-OA with 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account remains the practical pathway. Visa Centre assists with LTR visa documentation and BOI application preparation. All information reflects publicly available requirements as of June 2025 (Source: BOI Thailand ltr.boi.go.th). Requirements and fees are subject to change. Not legal advice. No outcome guaranteed.