Thailand’s Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa: Wealthy Pensioners

Thailand’s recently-launched LTR Visa opens up new doors to those interested in living and working in one of Southeast Asia’s most attractive destinations. To help you understand this appealing new visa option and determine if you qualify for one, we’ve put together this comprehensive overview page.

If you’re serious about pursuing any of these visa options and in need of a qualified local expert in visa & business law who can help expedite and simplify the process for you, we encourage you to reach out to us so we can personally advise you. Your initial consultation is 100% free.

What you’ll Learn on this page:

Thailand’s Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa for Wealthy Pensioners

LTR VISA

WEALTHY PENSIONERS

Wealthy Pensioners

Who Is The Wealthy Pensioner LTR Visa Aimed At?

Thailand’s Board of Investment describes the target of this type of LTR Visa as, “Retirees aged 50 years and older who have an annual pension or stable passive income.”

This version of the LTR Visa is similar in many ways to wealthy global citizens, but for many may be more attainable. There is no mandatory investment requirement for this version, but an investment component may be utilized by the applicant in order to reduce the minimum requirement for passive income level.

View the full requirements list in this section, right below the benefits.

Benefits for Visa Holders

10-Year Total Visa Term (5-year  initial term + 5-year extension)
Potential eligibility for work permit without Thai employer
Can be hired by Thai companies without them needing 4 Thai employees for every foreigner
Exempt from Thailand’s tax on income earned overseas
Your legal residence & many benefits extend to your family
Priority access to Bangkok’s One-Stop Service Center for  visa and work permit services
Includes a multiple re-entry permit for international travel
Receive fast track service at  Thailand’s international airports
Report only once per year vs.  the normal every 90 days

Requirements for Eligibility

Minimum unearned or passive income* of USD 80,000 / year at the time of application (Note that earned income and salaries WILL NOT be considered for the personal income requirement for wealthy pensioners)
If passive income is lower than USD 80,000 but above USD 40,000, the applicant must make additional investments of USD 250,000 in Thai government bonds, companies registered in Thailand OR Thai property
Have health insurance with minimum total coverage of USD 50,000 OR be currently receiving social security benefits in Thailand OR maintain at least USD 100,000 in a Thai bank account for 12 months
Have health insurance with minimum total coverage of USD 50,000 OR be currently receiving social security benefits in Thailand OR maintain at least USD 100,000 in a Thai bank account for 12 months

If this sounds like you—or if you’ve ever previously considered paying for an Elite Visa—an LTR Visa could be your ticket to a luxurious long stay in Southeast Asia’s most appealing and in-demand nation. Set up a free call with us so we can get to work making an LTR Visa a reality for you today.

The LTR Visa is an extremely attractive option, and for good reason. It offers long-term stays of up to 10 years in Thailand, while avoiding many of the limitations, costs, and administrative downsides of alternative visa options.

Interested in a full breakdown of all of your best visa options for Thailand? Visit our comprehensive visa overview page to learn more. If you’re ready to chat with a real Thai visa expert about the best visa options for you, we’re ready to consult for you on a 100% free introductory call.

How to Obtain an LTR Visa

If you’re confident you meet the requirements and you’re ready to apply, you have 2 essential options:

You can submit your application yourself and try to manage the process with the Thai government directly, or
You can work with an agent who can not only make the process simple and painless, but may even be able to improve your eligibility and chances of being approved.

How to Apply for the LTR Visa By Yourself

In case you want to give it a go on your own, we’ve outlined the steps in the process for you. Be aware that the process for direct applicants frequently extends beyond a month in total, and if corrections or additional documents are requested by the government, expect that to be significantly longer.

Step 1

Gather Documents

Prepare everything needed in order to support your application. To clarify what you need, contact us.

Step 2

Create an Account

To apply directly, you need to create an online account.

Step 3

Submit Your Application

Fill out the application via your online account and submit.

Step 4

Wait For

Within about 3 working days, an officer will review your application.

Step 5

Supply Additional Documents

If you’ve left anything out or the officer wants to see more in support of your qualifications, they’ll let you know.

Step 6

BOI Officer Registers Application

If everything checks out, the BOI officer will register your application so it can proceed.

Step 7

Government Agency Consideration

Within about 20 working days, the relevant government agencies will consider your application.

Step 8

Qualifications Acceptance

If your qualifications are approved, an endorsement will be registered for you.

Step 9

Supply Documents for Visa / WP

You’ll then be asked to provide additional documents to support your visa and work permit.

Step 10

Immigration Pre-Approval Process

Your application will then be forward to and pre-approved by the immigration department.

Step 11

Visit One-Stop-Service Center for Visa & Work Permit

Once approved you’ll make an appointment and then go in-person to take a photo for your visa.

Step 12

LTR Visa & Work Permit Issued

Finally, you’ll receive your LTR Visa and work permit at the One-Stop Service Center.

The Right Agent Can Make it Possible

And a whole lot easier…

Many people exploring long-term visas for Thailand quickly get discouraged when they encounter the long and complex lists of strict requirements for obtaining one. What they don’t realize, though, is that true eligibility can often be a matter of interpretation. Visa applications sent directly by individuals to the government also have high rejection rates regardless of a candidate’s actual qualifications.

When you connect with an experienced agent in Thailand you gain the help of knowledgeable, qualified professionals whose job it is to know visa law and help get applicants approved, plus key advantages like:

Identifying (often easy) paths you can take to become eligible, if not already
Clarity on exactly what many requirements mean and how most people meet them
The guarantee that all of your important application documents are complete and error-free, prior to submission
Reliable advice on your realistic chances of being approved
Real, attainable alternative options if you’re not eligible for your preferred visa

If you’re serious about getting your long-term visa (of any kind), don’t leave it to chance. A professional agent with a legal background and years of experience getting professionals the results they want is worth having on your side.

Better Fit For Other Options?

Speak With the Experts in Thai Visa Law & Consulting

If you find you’re not a fit for the LTR Visa, don’t give up hope! There are many different long-term visa options in Thailand, and we know how to make qualifying for them as easy as possible.

Explore your choices, gain clarity on requirements and make the process simple with professional legal help from some of Bangkok’s leading expat experts.
If you’re not sure where to start or need help getting from points A to B in pursuit of your LTR, Non-B or Elite Visa, our team at Siam Visa and Business Law are ready and able to help.

Check out our other recent article all about the best visa options for living and working in Thailand, or let us help you find the best option for you. Schedule your free initial consultation today!