Thailand Long -Term Resident Visa (LTR)

Thailand has recently introduced a new visa program called the "Long-Term Resident (LTR)" to attract high-potential foreigners to live and do business in the country. The program offers a range of tax and non-tax benefits to enhance Thailand's attractiveness as a regional hub for foreign investment, technology, and talent. The Thai government aims to attract one million wealthy or talented foreign residents over the next five years to boost domestic spending and investment and support economic growth.

The LTR visa program is designed to attract foreign residents who are likely to contribute to the Thai economy and society. The program offers several benefits, including the right to stay in Thailand for up to ten years without the need to renew a visa, the ability to own land, and the opportunity to work in certain fields without a work permit. The program also provides tax incentives for foreigners who invest in Thailand or bring their businesses to the country.

The LTR program is part of Thailand's efforts to attract foreign investment and promote economic growth. The program is particularly targeted at high-potential foreigners who are likely to invest in the country, create jobs, and contribute to the development of new technologies and industries. The program is expected to attract wealthy individuals, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals who are looking for a high-quality living environment and business-friendly environment.

The Thai government has set ambitious targets for the LTR program. It aims to attract one million high-potential foreigners over the next five years, which would significantly increase the number of foreign residents in the country. The program is expected to have a positive impact on the Thai economy, creating new jobs and opportunities for local residents, promoting the development of new industries and technologies, and boosting domestic spending and investment.

To qualify for the LTR program, foreigners must meet certain criteria, including having a minimum annual income of THB 3 million (approximately USD 100,000), owning property in Thailand, or having a job in certain fields, such as science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Applicants must also pass a security screening and meet other requirements set by the Thai government.

The LTR program is an important initiative for Thailand as it seeks to position itself as a hub for investment, technology, and talent in the region. The program is part of a broader strategy to attract foreign investment and promote economic growth, which includes initiatives to improve the business environment, enhance infrastructure, and develop new industries and technologies.

Thailand's new Long-Term Resident visa program is a bold move to attract high-potential foreigners to live and do business in the country. The program offers a range of tax and non-tax benefits to enhance Thailand's attractiveness as a regional hub for investment, technology, and talent. The Thai government's target of attracting one million high-potential foreigners over the next five years is ambitious but achievable. The success of the LTR program will depend on how well the Thai government can promote the program and attract the right kind of foreigners to the country.

Which category of foreigners will be given an LTR visa in Thailand?

The Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa program in Thailand is primarily designed to attract high-potential foreigners who are likely to contribute to the Thai economy and society. The program aims to attract wealthy individuals, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals who are looking for a high-quality living environment and business-friendly environment.

To qualify for the LTR program, applicants must meet certain criteria, including having a minimum annual income of THB 3 million (approximately USD 100,000), owning property in Thailand, or having a job in certain fields, such as science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Applicants must also pass a security screening and meet other requirements set by the Thai government.

In addition to the above categories, the LTR program also offers benefits for foreign investors and business owners who bring their businesses to Thailand. Foreign investors who invest a minimum of THB 10 million (approximately USD 333,000) in certain industries, such as technology or advanced manufacturing, are eligible for a tax incentive that allows them to pay a reduced corporate income tax rate of 17%.

Overall, the LTR program in Thailand is targeted at high-potential foreigners who are likely to invest in the country, create jobs, and contribute to the development of new technologies and industries. The program is part of Thailand's efforts to attract foreign investment and promote economic growth, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the Thai economy by creating new jobs and opportunities for local residents and boosting domestic spending and investment.

The Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa program in Thailand will provide visas to foreigners falling under four distinct categories - Wealthy Global Citizens, Wealthy Pensioners, Work-from-Thailand Professionals, and Highly Skilled Professionals. Additionally, the spouses and dependents of LTR visa holders will also be eligible for the same visas-

  • Wealthy Global Citizen
  • Wealthy Pensioner
  • Work - From - Thailand Professional
  • Highly - Skilled Professional
  • Dependants

Wealthy Global Citizen

The "Wealthy Global Citizen" category is one of the four distinct categories of foreigners who may be eligible for the Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa program in Thailand. This category is designed for wealthy individuals who hold at least USD 1 million in assets and investments in Thailand.

The program is aimed at attracting high net worth individuals who can bring substantial investment and spending to the country. In addition to the financial requirement, applicants must also meet other criteria such as passing a security screening and demonstrating that they will not pose a threat to public order or security.

If approved, successful applicants will be granted a 10-year visa which can be renewed without the need to leave the country. This visa will allow them to live and invest in Thailand for an extended period, without having to go through the hassle of renewing their visa annually or applying for a new visa every time they leave and re-enter the country.

Overall, the Wealthy Global Citizen category is part of Thailand's broader strategy to attract high-potential foreigners and promote economic growth. By attracting wealthy individuals who are willing to invest in the country, Thailand can create new jobs, develop new industries, and improve its overall economic outlook.

Wealthy Pensioner

The "Wealthy Pensioner" category is one of the four distinct categories of foreigners who may be eligible for the Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa program in Thailand. This category is designed for retirees aged 50 years and older who have an annual pension or stable income.

To qualify for the program, applicants must demonstrate that they have a reliable source of income, such as a pension or other stable income stream. They must also have a minimum balance of THB 3 million (approximately USD 100,000) in a Thai bank account, or a combination of a bank account and other assets.

If approved, successful applicants will be granted a 10-year visa which can be renewed without the need to leave the country. This visa will allow them to retire in Thailand and enjoy the country's warm climate, beautiful beaches, and affordable cost of living.

The Wealthy Pensioner category is part of Thailand's efforts to attract retirees from around the world, as the country recognizes the potential economic benefits of attracting a growing population of retirees. Retirees can bring significant spending power to local communities, which can create new jobs and boost the local economy.

In addition to economic benefits, retirees can also contribute to the social fabric of local communities by volunteering, participating in cultural events, and sharing their skills and knowledge with others. Overall, the Wealthy Pensioner category is an attractive option for retirees looking to spend their golden years in a beautiful, welcoming, and affordable environment.

Work - From - Thailand Professional

The "Work-From-Thailand Professional" category is one of the four distinct categories of foreigners who may be eligible for the Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa program in Thailand. This category is designed for remote workers who are employed by well-established companies overseas.

To qualify for the program, applicants must demonstrate that they have a stable income of at least THB 50,000 per month (approximately USD 1,500) and that they are employed by a reputable overseas company. The company must have a minimum annual revenue of THB 1.2 million (approximately USD 37,000) and have been in business for at least a year.

If approved, successful applicants will be granted a 4-year visa which can be renewed without the need to leave the country. This visa will allow them to work remotely from Thailand, while still being employed by their overseas company.

The Work-From-Thailand Professional category is aimed at attracting digital nomads and remote workers who can work from anywhere in the world. By offering a long-term visa option, Thailand hopes to attract these workers to live and work in the country, which can help stimulate the local economy and promote cross-cultural exchange.

In addition to economic benefits, the program can also provide a high quality of life for digital nomads and remote workers who can enjoy the beautiful scenery, affordable cost of living, and vibrant culture of Thailand while still being able to work remotely.

Overall, the Work-From-Thailand Professional category is an attractive option for digital nomads and remote workers looking to relocate to a beautiful and welcoming environment while still being able to work for their existing employer.

Highly - Skilled Professional

The "Highly Skilled Professional" category is one of the four distinct categories of foreigners who may be eligible for the Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa program in Thailand. This category is designed for professionals or experts in targeted industries who are working for business entities, higher education institutes, research centers, specialized training institutions in Thailand or Thai government agencies.

To qualify for the program, applicants must have at least 10 years of work experience in their field, hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and earn a monthly salary of at least THB 200,000 (approximately USD 6,000). The targeted industries include but are not limited to the following: agriculture and biotechnology, food, automation and robotics, aviation and logistics, biofuels and biochemicals, digital, healthcare and wellness, medical hub, and tourism.

If approved, successful applicants will be granted a 4-year visa which can be renewed without the need to leave the country. This visa will allow them to work and live in Thailand while contributing their expertise to the local economy and promoting the country's development in targeted industries.

The Highly Skilled Professional category is aimed at attracting top talent in targeted industries to work and live in Thailand. By offering a long-term visa option, Thailand hopes to attract highly skilled professionals to contribute to the local economy and promote innovation and development in these targeted industries.

In addition to economic benefits, the program can also provide an opportunity for highly skilled professionals to broaden their experience and knowledge by working in a different cultural environment.

Overall, the Highly Skilled Professional category is an attractive option for professionals and experts looking to work and live in a dynamic and growing economy while also being able to experience the beauty and culture of Thailand.

Dependants

The Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa program in Thailand also allows for dependents of LTR visa holders to be included in the application. Dependents refer to the spouse and children under the age of 20 of the LTR visa holder.

Each LTR visa holder is allowed to include a maximum of four dependents in their application. To be eligible for inclusion in the LTR visa application, dependents must be legally married to the LTR visa holder or be a biological child under the age of 20.

If approved, dependents will be granted the same visa as the LTR visa holder, allowing them to reside and work in Thailand for up to four years. This means that the spouse and children under the age of 20 of the LTR visa holder will also be able to enjoy the same benefits as the LTR visa holder, such as tax and non-tax benefits, and the ability to live and work in Thailand without the need for additional visa applications.

The inclusion of dependents in the LTR visa application is aimed at promoting family reunification and supporting LTR visa holders in settling down and integrating into Thai society. It also ensures that LTR visa holders are able to maintain their family structure and provide for their loved ones during their time in Thailand.

Overall, the LTR visa program with the inclusion of dependents offers an attractive option for individuals and families who are seeking to relocate to Thailand for a longer period. It provides an opportunity to experience the vibrant culture and beautiful scenery of Thailand, while also offering access to economic opportunities and benefits.

What privileges will be provided to LTR visa holders?

For those looking to reside in Thailand for a longer period, the Long-Term Residence (LTR) visa offers numerous privileges that make living in the country more convenient and less bureaucratic. The LTR visa program simplifies the regulations surrounding foreign residents, and also makes it easier for businesses to hire foreign experts, thus strengthening the private sector of Thailand.

One of the most significant benefits of the LTR visa is the reduced administrative burden. With this visa, foreign residents can stay in Thailand for up to five years without the need for a visa run or a visa extension. The visa also allows individuals to apply for a work permit and set up a business without having to leave the country. This means that LTR visa holders can focus on their personal and professional goals, without having to worry about the hassles of constantly renewing their visas or navigating complex bureaucratic processes.

Another advantage of the LTR visa program is that it simplifies the process of hiring foreign experts. Under the LTR program, businesses can apply for work permits on behalf of their foreign employees without having to meet the minimum capital requirements that are typically required for work permit applications. This helps businesses attract and retain foreign talent, which can have a positive impact on their competitiveness and overall success.

Moreover, the LTR visa also makes it easier for foreign investors to establish their business in Thailand. The visa allows individuals to apply for a work permit and start their own business, without having to meet the minimum investment requirements that are typically necessary for obtaining a business visa. This means that individuals can focus on building their businesses, without having to worry about meeting arbitrary financial thresholds.

In conclusion, the Long-Term Residence (LTR) visa offers numerous advantages for those looking to reside in Thailand for an extended period. The program simplifies the regulations surrounding foreign residents and makes it easier for businesses to hire foreign talent, ultimately strengthening the private sector of Thailand. LTR visa holders can focus on their personal and professional goals, without the need to navigate complex bureaucratic processes, making Thailand an even more attractive destination for those looking to establish themselves in the region.

Eligibility Criteria for Thailand Long -Term Resident Visa (LTR)

To be eligible for a Thailand Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR), applicants must meet certain criteria. The specific requirements may vary depending on the type of LTR visa being applied for, but generally include the following:

Age: Applicants must be at least 50 years old at the time of application.

Financial Requirements: Applicants must have a minimum of ฿3 million (approximately USD $100,000) in a Thai bank account for at least one year before applying for the LTR visa. Alternatively, applicants can show proof of a guaranteed income of at least ฿100,000 (approximately USD $3,300) per month from sources outside of Thailand, such as a pension or investment income.

Health: Applicants must undergo a medical examination and show that they do not have any contagious diseases that could pose a public health risk.

Criminal Record: Applicants must not have any criminal record in their home country or in Thailand.

Employment: While the LTR visa does not require employment in Thailand, applicants must not engage in any type of work that is prohibited by Thai law.

Insurance: Applicants must provide proof of health insurance coverage for the entire duration of their stay in Thailand.

It's important to note that these eligibility criteria are subject to change, and it's advisable to check with the Thai embassy or consulate in your home country for the most up-to-date information before applying for a Thailand Long-Term Resident Visa. Additionally, there may be additional requirements depending on the specific type of LTR visa being applied for, such as marriage to a Thai citizen or investment in a Thai business.

How to apply for Thailand Long -Term Resident Visa (LTR)

To apply for a Thailand Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa endorsement, applicants must complete an online application and submit supporting documents.

Once the application is received with all required documents, applicants will receive a notification of the result within 20 working days.

Qualified applicants can then proceed to apply for the LTR Visa at the Royal Thai Embassies, Royal Thai Consulate Generals overseas, or Immigration offices in Thailand. This must be done within 60 days of the endorsement letter's issuance date. The fee for processing a 10-year visa with multiple entries is 50,000 Baht per person.

For applicants who intend to work in Thailand, digital work permits can be obtained from the Department of Employment at the One Stop Service Center for Visa and Work Permit. This center is located at the Chamchuri Square Building in Bangkok or provincial labor offices. The cost to maintain a digital work permit is 3,000 Baht per year.

It's important to note that the visa application process and fees are subject to change. It's advisable to check with the Thai embassy or consulate in your home country for the most up-to-date information before applying for a Thailand Long-Term Resident Visa.

Frequently asked questions

A Thailand Long-Term Resident Visa is a type of visa that allows foreigners to stay in Thailand for an extended period, up to 10 years, with multiple entries.

The eligibility criteria for a Thailand LTR Visa include being at least 50 years of age, having a certain amount of money in the bank or a monthly income, having a certain level of education or work experience, and passing a criminal background check.

To apply for a Thailand LTR Visa, applicants must complete an online application and submit supporting documents. After receiving the endorsement letter, qualified applicants can apply for the LTR Visa at the Royal Thai Embassies, Royal Thai Consulate Generals overseas, or Immigration offices in Thailand.

The processing time for a Thailand LTR Visa depends on the completeness of the application and supporting documents. Typically, it takes around 20 working days to receive a result notification after submitting a complete application. After receiving the endorsement letter, applicants have 60 days to apply for the LTR Visa.

The cost of a Thailand LTR Visa varies depending on the length of stay and number of entries. The processing fee for a 10-year visa with multiple entries is 50,000 Baht per person.

Yes, it is possible to work in Thailand with a Thailand LTR Visa. Applicants who intend to work in Thailand must obtain a digital work permit, which can be collected from the Department of Employment at the One Stop Service Center for Visa and Work Permit. The cost to maintain a digital work permit is 3,000 Baht per year.

 

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