Requirements Eased for Thai Long-Term Resident Visas
Thailand has taken another step to improve its economy by attracting global talent and investment by revising its Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa requirements. These updates simplify the application process and broaden eligibility, making it easier for professionals, retirees, and investors to secure a 10-year stay in Thailand. The key updates include easier income requirements, more professional sectors being opened up, and lifting restrictions on family dependents.
What is the LTR Visa?
Launched in 2022, the Thai LTR Visa aims to attract skilled professionals, high-net-worth individuals, and affluent retirees to live and work in Thailand. Managed by the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), the visa provides a 10-year residency, tax benefits, travel privileges, and a convenient digital work permit.
There are four primary categories of the LTR Visa, each with distinct benefits and eligibility requirements:
- Wealthy Global Citizens: High-net-worth individuals looking to invest in Thailand.
- Wealthy Pensioners: Retirees with substantial savings or pension income.
- Work-from-Thailand Professionals: Remote workers employed by international companies.
- Highly Skilled Professionals: Experts in target industries such as technology, healthcare, and now disaster management.
Primary LTR Visa holders can also apply for derivative LTR visas for their dependent immediate family members.
Reduction in Minimum Income Requirements for the LTR Visa
The first major updates announced by the BOI are the removed or reduced income thresholds. This will make qualifying for the LTR Visa easier and the application process more accessible.
- Wealthy Global Citizens:
Previously, you had to meet a strict annual income requirement for this category. Now, the focus is on your total wealth and investments in Thailand. This change highlights how you can contribute economically over time rather than relying on yearly earnings. - Work-from-Thailand Professionals:
Before, companies sponsoring remote workers had to show $150 million in revenue over three years. Now, the requirement is reduced to $50 million. If you’re an employee of a multinational subsidiary, you can qualify if your parent company shows it is financially stable. These changes make it easier for more companies and workers to take part in the LTR Visa program.
Easier to Qualify for the LTR Visa as a Highly Skilled Professional
The updated LTR Visa rules have widened the scope for professionals in specialized fields, removing previous hurdles that limited applications.
- Expanded Target Sectors:
The listed sectors now include disaster and risk management, along with integrated innovation. Before, it was mostly focused on areas like science and technology. But now, this shift shows how Thailand is stepping up to address global challenges and attract experts. - Removal of Experience Requirement:
The previous requirement of at least five years of work experience in the field has been removed. This change opens the door for professionals with specialized skills or unique expertise, even if they don’t meet traditional experience standards.
Dependent Family Member Limit Removed
The recent changes to the LTR Visa program have removed restrictions on the number of dependents who can join the primary visa holder.
In the past, applicants were limited to bringing up to four immediate family members, including parents and legal dependents. This restriction has been lifted, allowing visa holders to move to Thailand with an unlimited number of dependent immediate family members.
This change offers more flexibility and makes the LTR Visa more appealing to professionals and retirees who have large families and want their loved ones with them in Thailand.
Professional Assistance with Your LTR Visa with Siam Legal
Thailand’s updated LTR Visa program offers an easier path for skilled professionals, retirees, and investors to enjoy a flexible 10-year stay with exclusive benefits. By removing income thresholds, broadening professional sectors, and lifting dependent limits, these changes make Thailand more attractive than ever for global talent and capital.
If you’re ready to explore how the LTR Visa can fit your needs, our team is here to help guide you through the process and ensure a swift and smooth application. Contact Siam Legal today to start your journey toward living and thriving in Thailand.
Category: Thailand Visa
