Visa Rules Change Frequently
Quick Answer
What is the LTR Visa — Long-Term Resident?
10-year multiple-entry visa for high-net-worth individuals, premium retirees, remote professionals, and skilled workers.
The Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa is Thailand's flagship offering for affluent foreigners who want to base themselves in the Kingdom long-term. Launched in September 2022 by the Board of Investment (BOI), it offers a 10-year renewable visa, streamlined immigration (a dedicated fast-track counter at major airports), a 17% flat income tax option for qualifying remote workers, and a 90-day reporting requirement reduced to annual reporting.
The LTR comes in four sub-categories: Wealthy Global Citizen (USD 1M+ assets, USD 80K+ annual income or special investment in Thailand), Wealthy Pensioner (retirement income USD 80K/year or USD 40K/year with qualifying investment), Work-from-Thailand Professional (remote employee earning USD 80K/year for a SET-listed or equivalent company), and Highly Skilled Professional (specific in-demand sectors). Each category has different income/asset thresholds and requirements.
Required Documents
| Document | Required |
|---|---|
| Valid passport (6+ months validity) | |
| LTR application form (submitted via BOI online portal) | |
| Proof of income (category-specific thresholds) | |
| Health insurance policy (coverage ฿40,000+ per year) | |
| Criminal background check (apostilled) | |
| Evidence of assets (for Wealthy Global Citizen) | Optional |
| Employment verification letter (for Work-from-Thailand) | Optional |
Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| LTR Visa fee | ~$50 USD |
| Visa issuance fee | ฿50,000 |
Step-by-Step Process
Determine your LTR category
Review the four LTR categories and decide which one you qualify for. The BOI website (ltr.boi.go.th) has a pre-screening tool. The most commonly sought categories are Wealthy Pensioner and Work-from-Thailand Professional.
Submit application via the BOI portal
Create an account at ltr.boi.go.th and submit your complete application including all supporting documents. The BOI reviews your application for preliminary approval (typically 3–5 days).
Receive preliminary approval from BOI
Once the BOI grants preliminary approval, you receive a letter confirming you meet the income/asset criteria. This is not yet the visa — it is confirmation of eligibility.
Submit the letter and documents to a Thai embassy
Take the BOI approval letter plus your full documents to a Thai embassy in your home country (or, if already in Thailand, to the One Stop Service Center for Visas & Work Permits in Bangkok).
Receive the LTR visa sticker
The embassy issues a 10-year multiple-entry LTR visa sticker. On entry to Thailand, immigration grants 5 years' permission to stay (not 90 days, and not a 30-day stamp — the LTR is handled differently at the booth).
Expert Tips
- The LTR's reduced annual reporting (vs. quarterly 90-day reports) is a major quality-of-life improvement for long-term residents — factor this into the cost-benefit calculation.
- The 17% flat income tax option (Work-from-Thailand category) can be very valuable for high earners normally facing Thailand's progressive rate up to 35%.
- Use a reputable immigration lawyer to prepare your application — the documentation requirements are strict and a rejected application wastes months.
- The BOI has a dedicated hotline and online chat for LTR queries: call or message them before spending on documents to confirm your eligibility.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying for the wrong sub-category — for example, applying as a Work-from-Thailand Professional without realising your employer must be listed on a recognised stock exchange or equivalent.
- Obtaining a criminal background check without apostille, or from the wrong country.
- Not renewing health insurance annually — if your insurance lapses, your LTR status may be affected.
Important Warnings
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Visa Guides
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Visa & Legal Specialist · Phuket · 15+ years in Thailand
Tom is a former immigration consultant who has helped over 2,000 foreigners navigate Thailand's visa system. Based in Phuket since 2011, he maintains direct relationships with Thai immigration offices and stays current on policy changes. He writes ThailandKnowledge's visa guides, nationality-specific entry requirements, and long-stay documentation guides.
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