How long does it take to get a Thailand LTR Visa?
Thailand LTR Visa lets you stay in the country for up to 10 years with valuable, exclusive benefits. But getting this coveted visa requires a long and complex application process, and if you miss a step, it can drag on or fall apart. Mistakes lead to rejection, which costs time and delays your plans.
Siam Legal has been assisting foreigners with their Thai visa applications for over 20 years, and we’ve been successfully helping applicants acquire the LTR visa since its inception. In that time, we have answered a lot of questions about the Thailand Long-Term Resident Visa. This article answers the questions most commonly asked of our visa consultants so you can learn what causes delays, what problems to watch out for, and how to avoid errors that can derail your application.
The Thailand LTR Visa
The Thailand LTR Visa allows you to stay in Thailand uninterrupted for up to 10 years. It’s meant for people who earn a high income, have valuable skills, or hold strong financial assets and will contribute to Thailand’s economy. You must apply for the LTR Visa under one of four categories:
- Wealthy Global Citizens
- Wealthy Pensioners
- Work-From-Thailand Professionals
- Highly-Skilled Professionals
There is also a fifth category reserved for immediate family members of primary LTR Visa holders.
Each category comes with its own eligibility criteria, which typically include income and asset rules as well as distinct documentation requirements. But once you are approved, you get access to some of the most coveted benefits in Thailand.
You can leave and re-enter Thailand without applying again, only need to check in with immigration once a year (instead of every 90 days), and apply for a work permit if your category allows it. Some categories also get a lower tax rate on income earned in Thailand or even full tax exemption for foreign-earned income.
Thailand LTR Visa FAQs
Before you apply, it’s important to know what to expect so you can avoid mistakes that could cause a rejection of your application. These are the most common questions people ask about the LTR Visa and how the process works.
Can you apply for an LTR Visa while staying in Thailand on another visa?
Yes. You can apply in Thailand while holding a different visa and collect it while here, but this does not grant any advantage. You must still meet all requirements for your chosen category and prepare the right documents.
How long does the LTR Visa application take?
It usually takes 4 to 8 weeks. The timing depends on how complete your application is and whether your documents are correct.
What if your LTR Visa application is denied?
You can apply again after fixing the issues that led to the denial, but your 50,000 THB application fee will not be refunded. It’s better to prepare carefully the next time to avoid more lost time and money.
Can LTR Visa holders buy property in Thailand?
Yes. You can buy property, but foreign ownership of land in Thailand is limited. Most people buy condos or use leasehold options.
Are there work restrictions under the LTR Visa?
If you’re in the Work-From-Thailand group, you can’t get a work permit as you are expected to work for a foreign company. Other categories may allow work with the right approval.
Can your dependents work if they hold an LTR Visa?
Yes. After they receive their visa, they can apply for a work permit if they meet the basic requirements.
Can you leave and re-enter Thailand while holding an LTR Visa?
Yes. The LTR Visa is a multiple-entry visa that allows unlimited travel in and out of Thailand without affecting your visa status.
How often do you need to report to Thai Immigration?
Once a year. You don’t need to report every 90 days like other visa types.
What’s the difference between the LTR Visa and the Thailand Elite Visa?
The LTR Visa is for people with specific skills, income, or investments looking to work or settle in the country. The Thailand Elite Visa is a long-term tourist visa option with fewer work benefits but with a far easier application process and many more luxury and lifestyle benefits. It is suited for those who wish to live in or frequently visit Thailand but do not work.
Is health insurance required?
Yes. You must show insurance coverage of at least USD 50,000. If you don’t have insurance, you can show a Thai bank deposit instead of at least USD 100,000.
Do you need a job offer or contract to apply?
Yes, if you’re applying as a Highly-Skilled Professional or Work-From-Thailand applicant. Other groups don’t need a job offer.
Can you use Social Security or other pension payments to qualify for the retirement category?
Yes. If you’re applying as a Wealthy Pensioner, your monthly Social Security income can help meet the income requirement.
Does Thailand recognize same-sex marriage for LTR applications?
Yes. After the passing of the Marriage Equality bill in 2025, the Thai government recognizes same-sex marriages for all legal purposes, including visa applications.
Where is the LTR Visa Service Center?
Starting March 17, 2025, all LTR Visa services are now handled at the Thailand Investment and Expat Services Center (TIESC). You will find it on the 6th and 7th floors of One Bangkok. The easiest way to get there is by MRT at Lumphini Station.
Where can you get help submitting your LTR Visa?
Siam Legal’s experienced Thai visa consultants have been helping applicants submit their applications for LTR Visas since the first day it was introduced. Thanks to the expanded E-Visa System, we can provide application assistance no matter where in the world you are.
What are the tax benefits of the LTR Visa?
If you’re in the Highly-Skilled Professional group, you pay a flat 17% rate for Thai income tax. This is lower than the usual rates. If you have a Work from Thailand LTR Visa, your foreign-earned income is exempt from Thai income taxes.
How much does the LTR Visa cost?
The fee is 50,000 baht. This covers the full 10-year period and includes multiple re-entry privileges. Note that this fee is non-refundable if your application is rejected.
How can you make the Thailand LTR Visa process easier?
Applying for the Thailand LTR Visa sounds simple until you start checking income rules, gathering financial records, and sorting through documents. Each category has different eligibility qualifications, and one mistake can delay your application or lead to rejection. If you’re serious about staying in Thailand long-term, getting expert help will save you time, money, and stress.
Siam Legal helps you prepare your documents, choose the right visa category, and submit everything correctly. If you want to get it right from the start and begin your life in Thailand on the right foot, contact Siam Legal today.
Category: Thailand Visa
