Thailand has introduced significant updates to its Long-Term Resident (LTR) program in 2025 to make it easier for foreigners to move. Find out who will be interested in obtaining an LTR permit and what the permit application rules are in 2025

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In 2025, the Thai government announced significant changes to the Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa process to make it more accessible to skilled professionals, high net worth foreigners, and global investors. For more information on the current immigration changes and the rules for obtaining an LTR permit, see this article.

What is a Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa in Thailand?

The Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa in Thailand is a special long-term resident program designed for high-potential foreigners who intend to move to Thailand for a long period of up to 10 years.

Expat Category Who Can Apply for LTR Visa in Thailand

The Thai LTR visa will be of most interest to: investors, wealthy retirees, professionals working from Thailand, and individuals with exceptional skills who are supported by Thai government agencies.

What are the benefits of a Thailand LTR visa?

In addition to the right to long-term residence in Thailand, the LTR visa offers a number of other benefits:

- A reduced personal income tax rate of 17%, which can be beneficial for those working in the stock market.

- The right to obtain a work permit for professionals working from Thailand and highly skilled individuals.

- Family relocation is allowed - family members of Thai LTR visa holders can also obtain a visa.

LTR Visa Requirements for Thailand

Each group of expats has their own specific set of requirements that must be met to obtain an LTR visa:

1. High Net Worth Foreign Nationals

This includes individuals with “special” skills in categories including high-income foreigners who wish to work or invest, and individuals seeking to establish a business in Thailand, which may include intellectual property.

Requirements for High Net Worth Foreign Nationals:

- Instead of meeting a specific income threshold, applicants will now be assessed based on their overall wealth, investments, and economic contribution to Thailand.

- A clean criminal record.

- Proof of financial standing of assets located both in and outside of Thailand.

This program also attracts well-known foreign companies seeking to expand their presence in the region. In addition, foreigners must follow the instructions of the Thai government agency and invest a minimum of USD 500,000 in Thai government bonds, foreign direct investment, Thai property, etc.

2. Retirees

The minimum age for a visa to Thailand is over 50 years old. This category of expats must also demonstrate an annual income of at least USD 80,000 at the time of application.

Pension funds are not acceptable as evidence of financial capacity and applicants must demonstrate financial status with total assets in Thailand or abroad of at least USD 1 million at the time of application.

3. Highly qualified professionals

Professionals working from Thailand must meet the following requirements:

- Minimum personal income of at least USD 80,000 for the past two years.

- An employment contract or service agreement with a company in Thailand or abroad

Target industries for highly skilled professionals applying for an LTR visa to Thailand include the automotive sector and other specific industries that the government is keen to promote.

How to apply for an LTR visa in Thailand?

Before applying for an LTR visa, you must gather all the necessary documents. This includes proof of employment and a health insurance policy that covers medical expenses in Thailand with a minimum coverage of USD 50,000.

After gathering all the necessary documentation, you can submit your LTR visa application and supporting documents directly to the Board of Investment of Thailand (BOI). The BOI usually processes your LTR visa application within 5-15 business days.

Once you receive the BOI confirmation letter, you must proceed to submit your visa application at the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country within 60 days.

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Changes to Thailand’s LTR Visa in 2025

In January 2025, the Thai government approved changes to the LTR visa, which are aimed at attracting top talent and foreign capital, and strengthening Thailand’s position as a leading business and innovation hub in Asia:

1. No income requirement for global high net worth individuals

The annual income threshold for the Global High Net Worth category has been removed. Instead of achieving a specific income level, applicants will now be assessed based on their overall wealth, investments, and economic contribution to Thailand.

2. Reduced corporate sponsorship criteria

Thailand has relaxed the eligibility criteria for corporate sponsored applicants, lowering the minimum income threshold for multinational corporate sponsors from US$150 million to US$50 million over the past three years.

3. Expanded list of industries for highly skilled workers

Highly skilled professionals in the fields of technology, innovation and disaster relief can now work in Thailand.

4. Work experience requirement removed

Previously, applicants had to demonstrate at least five years of relevant work experience to be eligible for an LTR visa, but this requirement has been removed, making it easier for young professionals and executives to obtain long-term residency without extensive work experience.

5. No restrictions on dependents

LTR visa holders can now bring an unlimited number of dependents with them, providing more flexibility and stability for foreigners wishing to relocate with their families.

Whether you are a technology entrepreneur, investor or skilled professional, an LTR visa to Thailand can be your gateway to new opportunities in a thriving economy.

Reminder! Thailand is making travel easier with the full rollout of its e-visa system in January 2025. You can now apply for your visa from anywhere, anytime, for a faster and smoother entry process. We’ve already covered who can visit the kingdom under the simplified immigration system and what the entry permit process is.

Consultation with a specialized lawyer from Visit World will help you understand all the intricacies of Thailand's migration legislation.

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