Thailand's Long-Term Resident visa is not an annual renewal. It is not a retirement visa with a bank deposit requirement. It is a 10-year visa issued by the Board of Investment, designed for a specific group of people: high-income retirees, remote professionals, skilled workers in targeted industries, and wealthy investors. If you qualify, it is the most stable and administratively simple long-stay option available in Thailand. If you do not qualify, there are better alternatives. This guide tells you which situation you are in.
What Is the Thailand LTR Visa?
The Long-Term Resident visa was launched on 1 September 2022 by the Thai Board of Investment (BOI) as part of a government strategy to attract high-value foreign residents. The BOI, not the Department of Consular Affairs or local immigration offices, manages the programme. This is the reason the LTR has a different application process, a different fee structure, and a different set of conditions from most other Thai visas.
The LTR is granted initially as a 5-year stamp, extendable to 10 years total without a new application. Holders must report to immigration once per year rather than every 90 days. They receive a multiple re-entry permit, fast-track service at major Thai airports, and depending on their category, either a tax exemption on overseas income or a 17% flat personal income tax rate. Applications from dependants spouses, children, parents, and legal dependants can be made alongside the main application at a reduced fee.
LTR vs other Thai long-stay options at a glance
The LTR is one of several long-stay visa options. Here is where it sits:
| Visa | Duration | Income threshold | Tax benefit | 90-day reporting | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LTR Visa | 10 years | USD 40–80k/yr (category-dependent) | ✓ Significant | Annual only | High-income retirees, remote workers, skilled professionals |
| DTV Visa | 5 years (180 days/entry) | ~500k THB savings | ✗ None | Required | Digital nomads, remote workers below LTR threshold |
| Retirement Visa (Non-OA) | 1 year (renewable) | 65k THB/month or 800k THB in bank | ✗ None | Required | Retirees below LTR income threshold |
| Thailand Elite (Privilege) | 5–20 years | None (purchase fee) | ✗ None | Required | Those who prefer a no-questions membership model |
The LTR's advantages annual reporting, genuine tax benefits, and 10-year validity make it the strongest product, but the income thresholds mean it is not for everyone.
The Four LTR Visa Categories Explained
You apply under one category. Each has its own income, asset, employment, and eligibility requirements. You do not choose the category you prefer you qualify under whichever one you meet.
| Category | Who it's for | Key income/asset requirement | Overseas income exemption | 17% flat PIT rate | Work permit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highly Skilled Professional | Professionals working in Thailand in BOI-targeted industries | USD 80k/yr, or USD 40k/yr + Master's in science/technology | ✗ | ✓ On Thai-source employment income | ✓ Via BOI |
| Work-from-Thailand Professional | Remote employees of overseas companies | USD 80k/yr, or USD 40k/yr + Master's/IP/Series A funding of USD 1M+ | ✓ 0% on all overseas income | ✗ | ✓ Digital work permit |
| Wealthy Global Citizen | High-net-worth investors with significant assets | No income requirement. USD 500k investment in Thailand + USD 1M total worldwide assets | ✓ 0% on all overseas income | ✗ | ✗ |
| Wealthy Pensioner | Retirees aged 50+ | USD 80k/yr passive income, or USD 40k/yr + USD 250k in Thai qualifying investments | ✓ 0% on all overseas income | ✗ | ✗ |
Highly Skilled Professionals
This category is for professionals employed in Thailand not working remotely by a qualifying organisation in one of 15 BOI-designated target industries. These include automotive, electronics, digital, medical, biofuels, aviation, and others. Following the 2025 criteria update, the work experience requirement was removed, and academic professors across all fields were made eligible.
The income threshold is USD 80,000 per year over the past two years (Option 1), or USD 40,000 per year with a Master's degree in science or technology (Option 2). The tax benefit for this category is a flat 17% personal income tax rate on Thai-source employment income, compared to the progressive rate that reaches 35%.
Work-from-Thailand Professionals
Designed for employees working remotely for overseas companies. The employer must be a public company listed on a stock exchange, or a private company with at least 3 years of operation and combined revenue of USD 50 million in the last 3 years. Following the 2025 update, wholly-owned subsidiaries may use their parent company's financials to meet this revenue threshold.
The income thresholds mirror those for Highly Skilled Professionals: USD 80,000 per year (Option 1) or USD 40,000 per year plus a Master's degree, ownership of Intellectual Property, or Series A funding of at least USD 1 million (Option 2). The tax benefit here is a complete 0% exemption on overseas-sourced income remitted to Thailand under Royal Decree 743. This is a codified legal exemption, not a grey area.
Wealthy Global Citizens
The 2025 BOI criteria update removed the personal income requirement from this category entirely. Wealthy Global Citizens now qualify based on assets alone: a minimum USD 500,000 investment in Thailand (in Thai government bonds with 5+ years to maturity, direct company investments, or Thai property), plus total worldwide personal assets of at least USD 1,000,000 (which can include the Thai investment). There is no age requirement and no income threshold.
Like Work-from-Thailand Professionals, Wealthy Global Citizens receive the full overseas income tax exemption under Royal Decree 743.
Wealthy Pensioners
For retirees aged 50 or over. The income criteria are unchanged from the original LTR requirements. Option 1: USD 80,000 or more per year in pension or passive income. Option 2: USD 40,000 per year combined with a qualifying Thai investment of at least USD 250,000 (government bonds with 5+ years to maturity, direct company investments, or Thai property). Wealthy Pensioners receive the full overseas income tax exemption under Royal Decree 743.
For a full breakdown of how to evidence pension income by type and nationality, see the dedicated Wealthy Pensioner guide.
Key Benefits of the LTR Visa
- 10-year visa validity Issued as a 5-year stamp, extendable to 10 years without a new application. No annual renewal visits, no annual banking requirements, no annual proof of income.
- Annual reporting only Standard Thai visas require 90-day reporting to immigration. LTR holders report once per year. For anyone who has done quarterly immigration visits, this alone represents a significant quality-of-life improvement.
- Multiple re-entry permit included Leave and return to Thailand as many times as you like without losing your visa status or triggering a new entry process.
- 0% overseas income tax (WFT, WGC, Wealthy Pensioner categories) Under Royal Decree 743, three of the four LTR categories pay no Thai personal income tax on foreign-source income remitted to Thailand. Under the 2024 foreign income rules, this exemption is particularly valuable non-LTR holders who are Thai tax residents now pay PIT on remitted overseas income.
- 17% flat PIT rate (Highly Skilled Professional category) Instead of the progressive rate (which reaches 35%), HSP holders employed in Thailand pay a flat 17% on their Thai-source employment income.
- Dependant visas for the whole family Spouses, children under 20, parents, and legal dependants can all obtain LTR dependant visas at 10,000 THB per person. Following the 2025 update, there is no limit on the number of dependants.
- BOI fast-track at major airports Dedicated fast-track immigration lanes at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, and Chiang Mai international airports.
- Exemption from the 4:1 Thai-to-foreigner employment ratio Relevant for Highly Skilled Professionals and companies that employ them.
- Work permit facilitation via TIESC Work-from-Thailand Professionals and Highly Skilled Professionals can obtain digital work permits through the Thailand Investment and Expat Services Center at One Bangkok, rather than through the standard Labour Department process.
LTR Visa Requirements: An Overview
Income and asset thresholds by category
See the category comparison table above. The lowest qualifying income threshold is USD 40,000 per year (for Work-from-Thailand Professionals with a qualifying additional credential, or Wealthy Pensioners with a USD 250,000 Thai investment). The standard threshold across most categories and options is USD 80,000 per year.
Health insurance the universal requirement
All LTR applicants must meet one of three qualifying coverage options at the time of application and maintain it throughout the visa:
- Option 1 (most common): A qualifying health insurance policy covering treatment in Thailand with at least USD 50,000 in coverage, valid for no less than 10 months of the year
- Option 2: Social Security coverage that covers full medical treatment costs in Thailand
- Option 3: A bank deposit held continuously for 12 months at least USD 100,000 for the main applicant and USD 25,000 per dependant
For a full guide to compliant policies and what to look for, see the LTR health insurance guide.
Documents needed at a glance
- Valid passport with at least 12 months remaining validity
- Evidence of income or assets for the past two years (bank statements, payslips, pension statements, investment certificates as applicable)
- Health insurance certificate confirming qualifying coverage
- Criminal background check, notarised and apostilled where required
- Medical certificate confirming no listed communicable diseases
- Employment letter and company registration documents (categories 3 and 4)
- Investment evidence (categories 1 and 2 Option 2)
The full requirements guide covers each category in detail with the specific documents required and common reasons for rejection.
LTR Visa Cost Overview
The government fee: 50,000 THB
The BOI charges 50,000 THB per main applicant. This fee is paid after your application is assessed and your endorsement letter is issued you do not pay upfront. It is, however, non-refundable if your subsequent visa issuance is rejected. Dependant fees are 10,000 THB per person. A family of four (main applicant plus three dependants) pays 80,000 THB in government fees.
Agent fees vs DIY
The BOI's online portal at ltr.boi.go.th is designed for self-service applications. Many applicants apply successfully without an agent, particularly those whose documents are straightforward (clean income history, standard employment relationship, no unusual asset structures). Agent fees for full-service LTR assistance typically run between 20,000 and 80,000 THB depending on complexity and the firm.
Total first-year budget estimate
| Cost item | DIY estimate | Agent-assisted estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Government fee | 50,000 THB | 50,000 THB |
| Health insurance (annual) | 20,000–60,000 THB | 20,000–60,000 THB |
| Document preparation | 5,000–15,000 THB | 15,000–30,000 THB (agent handles) |
| Agent fee | 20,000–80,000 THB | |
| Typical total | 75,000–125,000 THB | 105,000–220,000 THB |
For a complete breakdown including renewal costs and annual ongoing expenses, see the full LTR visa cost guide.
How to Apply for the LTR Visa
Overview of the BOI portal process
LTR applications are submitted through the BOI's online portal at ltr.boi.go.th. The process has two distinct stages: first, a qualification endorsement from the BOI; second, visa issuance through either the Immigration Bureau in Thailand or a Royal Thai Embassy abroad.
- Create an account on ltr.boi.go.th and select your qualifying category. The portal guides you through the application form step by step.
- Complete the application form and upload documents. Upload all required documents as PDFs or images. If any document is missing or unclear, the BOI will contact you requesting additional information this pauses the clock on processing time.
- BOI review 20 working days. Processing takes 20 working days from the date all required documents are fully submitted. You receive an endorsement letter if approved.
- Apply for visa issuance within 60 days of receiving your endorsement letter. You have two routes: Option 1 in person at the Immigration Bureau at TIESC (One Bangkok), where you pay 50,000 THB and receive a physical stamp; Option 2 via a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate through the e-Visa system (fee varies by currency).
- Collect your digital work permit (categories 3 and 4 only) from the Department of Employment at TIESC if required.
Timeline from application to stamp
The minimum timeline from starting the application to having a visa stamp is approximately 6–8 weeks in straightforward cases: 1–2 weeks to prepare and submit documents, 20 working days (4 weeks) for BOI review, and 1–2 weeks for visa issuance. Complex cases with additional document requests can extend to 3–4 months.
Can I apply from inside Thailand?
Yes. If you are already in Thailand on another visa, you can apply through the BOI portal and convert to the LTR without leaving. Visa issuance at the TIESC Immigration Bureau handles in-country conversions. You do not need to depart Thailand to apply.
For the complete step-by-step process including what happens at each BOI portal screen, see the full application guide.
2025/2026 Changes and Updates
The LTR visa launched in September 2022 with its original criteria. The BOI updated several criteria in 2025, all of which are reflected in this guide. The key changes were:
- Wealthy Global Citizens: The personal income requirement ($80,000/year) was removed entirely. Eligibility is now based on assets only USD 500,000 investment in Thailand and USD 1,000,000 total worldwide assets.
- Work-from-Thailand Professionals: The employer revenue threshold was lowered to USD 50 million combined over 3 years (from a higher previous threshold). Wholly-owned subsidiaries may now use their parent company's financials. The work experience requirement was removed.
- Highly Skilled Professionals: The work experience requirement was removed. Academic professors across all fields (not just science and technology) are now eligible.
- Dependants: The eligible dependant categories were expanded to include parents and legal dependants in addition to spouses and children under 20. The limit on the number of dependants was removed.
- TIESC relocation: The Thailand Investment and Expat Services Center moved to One Bangkok (Parade Zone, 6th and 7th floor), accessible from Lumphini MRT Station.
Frequently Asked Questions
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