Long Term Resident Visa in Thailand

The Long Term Resident Visa in Thailand introduced by Thailand in 2022 represents a significant evolution in the country’s immigration policy. Unlike traditional Thai visa categories, which focus on short-term stays or annual renewals, the LTR Visa creates a residency mechanism structured around economic contribution, professional expertise, and demographic alignment with Thailand’s long-term development objectives.

Authorized through a Cabinet Resolution and jointly administered by the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) and the Immigration Bureau, the LTR Visa reflects a migration model based on measurable value, offering 10 years of residency, employment flexibility, favorable tax treatment, and family inclusion within a legally integrated framework.

II. Legal and Administrative Basis

A. Authorizing Instruments

• Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) – Governs the legal framework for foreign entry and stay in Thailand.

• Cabinet Resolution (2022) – Establishes the LTR Visa as a specialized residency track with enhanced privileges.

• BOI Ministerial Regulations – Define administrative procedures, sectoral eligibility, and reporting obligations.

B. Key Institutions

• BOI (Thailand Board of Investment): Oversees eligibility, sector verification, and digital work permit issuance.

• Immigration Bureau: Executes visa issuance, manages entry/exit status, and monitors compliance.

• One Stop Service Center (OSSVC): Centralizes services for visa renewals, family applications, and tax guidance.

III. Structure and Duration of the LTR Visa

IV. Categories of Eligibility and Strategic Objectives

The LTR Visa is limited to individuals who fall within one of four categories, each serving a national policy objective.

1. Wealthy Global Citizens

• Eligibility:

  • Net assets ≥ USD 1 million.

  • Annual income ≥ USD 80,000 (past two years).

  • Thai investment ≥ USD 500,000 (real estate, government bonds, or equity).

• Strategic Purpose: To stimulate foreign investment in the property and capital markets.

2. Wealthy Pensioners

• Eligibility:

  • Age ≥ 50 years.

  • Income ≥ USD 80,000/year, or USD 40,000 with USD 250,000 in Thai investments.

• Strategic Purpose: To promote stable, long-term residency by foreign retirees with no public financial burden.

3. Work-from-Thailand Professionals

• Eligibility:

  • Employed by a foreign company with ≥ USD 150 million in annual revenue.

  • Annual income ≥ USD 80,000.

  • ≥ 5 years’ experience.

  • Work conducted remotely only.

• Strategic Purpose: To benefit from global digital workforce migration without affecting domestic labor markets.

4. Highly Skilled Professionals

• Eligibility:

  • Income ≥ USD 80,000/year (or USD 40,000 with master’s degree).

  • Employer must be in a BOI-prioritized industry.

  • ≥ 5 years’ experience in the relevant field.

• Strategic Purpose: To support Thailand’s technology and innovation ecosystem by attracting international expertise.

V. Work Authorization: Digital Work Permit

LTR holders in categories 3 and 4 may be granted a digital work permit issued by the BOI. This differs fundamentally from standard work permits governed by the Ministry of Labour.

Legal Advantages:

• Quota Exemption: Not subject to the standard 4 Thai employees per 1 foreigner ratio.

• Duration: 5 years (renewable).

• Format: Issued digitally; no physical booklet.

• Employer Qualification: Must be registered under BOI or a government-approved entity.

The permit enables lawful employment within eligible sectors without the procedural burdens associated with Non-Immigrant B visas.

VI. Tax Treatment under the LTR Regime

Thailand’s territorial taxation system is complemented by favorable tax provisions exclusive to LTR Visa holders.

1. Flat 17% Personal Income Tax

• Applies to: Highly Skilled Professionals only.

• Scope: Thai-sourced income from BOI-endorsed employment.

• Administered through: BOI in cooperation with the Revenue Department.

This flat rate replaces the standard progressive PIT system (5%–35%).

2. Foreign Income Exemption (Section 41 Revenue Code)

• Income earned outside Thailand is not taxable if not remitted into Thailand in the same calendar year.

• This applies broadly to:

  • Remote professionals.

  • Pensioners.

  • Investors with offshore portfolios.

3. Tax Filing and Residency

• Residency Threshold: 183 days or more in a calendar year.

• Filing Obligation: Required annually, even if no tax is owed due to exemptions.

VII. Real Estate and Investment Rights

LTR Visa holders may engage in property and financial activities subject to Thai legal constraints.

Permitted:

• Condominium ownership: Allowed, subject to 49% foreign ownership cap per development.

• Leasehold: Up to 30 years (residential land/homes), with renewal options.

• Investments: Government bonds, BOI-certified projects, Thai equities.

Not Permitted:

• Freehold land ownership: Restricted under the Land Code; not altered by LTR status.

VIII. Family and Dependent Inclusion

LTR holders may include up to four dependents:

• Legally married spouse.

• Children under 20.

Dependent Privileges:

• Same visa term (10 years).

• Children can attend any school in Thailand.

• Spouse may apply for work authorization separately if qualified.

• All applications processed via OSSVC under a single administrative file.

IX. Immigration and Operational Benefits

• Fast-track immigration lanes at airports.

• No need for re-entry permits.

• Centralized renewal and reporting procedures at OSSVC.

• Simplified documentation for tax filing and status verification.

These benefits are particularly valuable for globally mobile individuals managing offshore income, family relocation, and Thai employment.

X. Maintenance Requirements and Revocation Conditions

Ongoing Requirements:

• Maintain qualifying income, employment, or investment.

• Comply with annual health insurance or Thai Social Security enrollment.

• Submit yearly address report.

• File personal income tax (if resident).

Revocation Grounds:

• Criminal conviction.

• Non-compliance with eligibility conditions.

• Submission of false or misleading documentation.

• National security or public order concerns.

XI. Illustrative Scenarios

Case 1: Remote Developer (United States)

• Category: Work-from-Thailand Professional.

• Income: USD 150,000 from a U.S.-based employer.

• Outcome: Tax-exempt under Section 41 if income is not remitted; no Thai labor compliance burden.

Case 2: Retiree (Switzerland)

• Category: Wealthy Pensioner.

• Income: CHF 90,000 pension.

• Investment: USD 300,000 in Thai condominium.

• Outcome: Long-term stay without retirement visa renewal or lump-sum deposit requirements.

Case 3: Robotics Engineer (Japan)

• Category: Highly Skilled Professional.

• Income: THB 4 million.

• Employer: Thai AI firm certified by BOI.

• Outcome: Flat 17% income tax; eligible to include spouse and child under unified LTR package.

XII. Conclusion

The Long-Term Resident Visa is not merely an extended-stay visa—it is a legal framework for economic migration, combining immigration, labor, and fiscal law under a single platform. For those who meet the clearly defined eligibility criteria, it offers legal certainty, administrative simplicity, and long-term integration into Thai society.

Unlike general-purpose visas, the LTR is reserved for individuals who offer demonstrable value—capital, knowledge, or stable consumption—and in return, Thailand offers a stable, efficient, and attractive residency model.