Thailand’s Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa: How to Get One
Type 1
Work From Thailand
Professionals
Type 2
Highly Skilled
Professionals
Type 3
Wealthy
Global Citizens
Type 4
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:
The 4 Different Types of LTR Visa
The LTR Visa has 4 distinct sub-types of visa, each meant for a specific category of applicant. The benefits amongst most of them are very similar, but the requirements differ dramatically. Let’s break down each type.
Type 1
Work From Thailand
Professionals
Work From Thailand Professionals
Who Is This Type of LTR Visa Meant For?
It’s the second half of that definition that makes it difficult for the average digital nomad to qualify. The visa’s requirements specifically dictate the need for an employment contract with an established company that needs to meet some very strict criteria. It’s safe to say there’s no effective loophole opportunity involving setting up an LLC so you can technically produce an employment contract.
View the full requirements list in this section, right below the benefits.
Benefits for Visa Holders
Requirements for Eligibility
Do you fit the definition of a “Work From Thailand Professional” based on the description and requirements above? If so get in touch with us so we can help you get your LTR Visa without the stress and complexity of applying yourself.
Type 1
Work From Thailand
Professionals
Who Is This Type of LTR Visa Meant For?
It’s the second half of that definition that makes it difficult for the average digital nomad to qualify. The visa’s requirements specifically dictate the need for an employment contract with an established company that needs to meet some very strict criteria. It’s safe to say there’s no effective loophole opportunity involving setting up an LLC so you can technically produce an employment contract.
View the full requirements list in this section, right below the benefits.
Benefits for Visa Holders
Requirements for Eligibility
Do you fit the definition of a “Work From Thailand Professional” based on the description and requirements above? If so get in touch with us so we can help you get your LTR Visa without the stress and complexity of applying yourself.
Type 2
Highly Skilled
Professionals
Highly Skilled Professionals
Who Is This Type of LTR Visa Meant For?
Thailand’s board of investment describes the target of this type of LTR visa as, “Professionals or experts in [the] targeted industries working for business entities or higher education institutes or research centers or specialized training institutions in Thailand or Thai government agencies”
The Thai government maintains a list of “targeted industries” that it considers key to the future development of the country and in support of its economic interests. Essentially, this type of LTR visa is for well-qualified experts working in those industries.
View the targeted industries and visa requirements lists in this section, right below the benefits.
Benefits for Visa Holders
Targeted Industries for the Highly Skilled Professionals LTR Visa
Industry
Industry
Industry
Industry
Industry
Center
Expertise
Requirements for Eligibility
If you’re a qualified, highly-skilled professional, the LTR Visa may be an exceptional option for you to come live and work in Thailand. Thailand also offers another visa targeted specifically at a similar (but not identical) group of professionals, so if you’re not sure if you qualify for the LTR Visa, get in touch with us anyway. We’ll help you figure out the best option—and the easiest path forward—for you.
Type 2
Highly Skilled
Professionals
Who Is This Type of LTR Visa Meant For?
Thailand’s board of investment describes the target of this type of LTR visa as, “Professionals or experts in [the] targeted industries working for business entities or higher education institutes or research centers or specialized training institutions in Thailand or Thai government agencies”
The Thai government maintains a list of “targeted industries” that it considers key to the future development of the country and in support of its economic interests. Essentially, this type of LTR visa is for well-qualified experts working in those industries.
View the targeted industries and visa requirements lists in this section, right below the benefits.
Benefits for Visa Holders
Targeted Industries for the Highly Skilled Professionals LTR Visa
Industry
Industry
Industry
Industry
Industry
Center
Expertise
Requirements for Eligibility
If you’re a qualified, highly-skilled professional, the LTR Visa may be an exceptional option for you to come live and work in Thailand. Thailand also offers another visa targeted specifically at a similar (but not identical) group of professionals, so if you’re not sure if you qualify for the LTR Visa, get in touch with us anyway. We’ll help you figure out the best option—and the easiest path forward—for you.
Type 3
Wealthy
Global Citizens
Wealthy Global Citizens
Who Is This Type of LTR Visa Meant For?
Thailand’s Board of Investment describes the target of this type of LTR Visa as, “Wealthy individuals holding at least USD 1 million in assets.”
This type of LTR Visa is relatively straightforward, and it’s very focused on ensuring a high level of wealth in those eligible to apply. You’ll need more than just the USD 1 million to be eligible.
View the full requirements list in this section, right below the benefits.
Benefits for Visa Holders
Requirements for Eligibility
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.
Type 3
Wealthy
Global Citizens
Who Is This Type of LTR Visa Meant For?
Thailand’s Board of Investment describes the target of this type of LTR Visa as, “Wealthy individuals holding at least USD 1 million in assets.”
This type of LTR Visa is relatively straightforward, and it’s very focused on ensuring a high level of wealth in those eligible to apply. You’ll need more than just the USD 1 million to be eligible.
View the full requirements list in this section, right below the benefits.
Benefits for Visa Holders
Requirements for Eligibility
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.
Type 4
Wealthy
Pensioners
Wealthy Pensioners
Who Is This Type of LTR Visa Meant For?
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 the previous Type 3 targeting 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
Requirements for Eligibility
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.
Type 4
Wealthy
Pensioners
Who Is This Type of LTR Visa Meant For?
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 the previous Type 3 targeting 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
Requirements for Eligibility
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.
Is the LTR Visa a Digital Nomad or Freelancer Visa for Thailand?
While many were hoping that the LTR Visa would be a golden ticket for remote-working freelancers to come live and work in Thailand, it is not a true digital nomad or freelancer visa. There are some who may consider themselves digital nomads or freelancers who will qualify for certain types of the LTR Visa, but the visa’s rather strict requirements indicate that its main purpose is not to appeal directly to these types of self-employed workers.
The LTR Visa is nonetheless extremely attractive to those in these roles, 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.
Alternative Visa Options
The Thai “Elite Visa” — Thailand Elite Privilege Card
Commonly called the Elite Visa, the Thailand Elite Privilege Card grants the visa holder a term of at least 5 years in Thailand. It’s technically a membership into a program, rather than an actual visa, but that membership gives you visa-equivalent access to the country and the right to live here.
There are multiple levels of membership and all come with a large list of benefits—with price tags to match. Aside from the up-front cost there are minimal other requirements—although critically Elite Visas are not work permit-eligible.
The SMART Visa
The SMART Visa was in many ways the precursor to the LTR Visa—the 3rd type targeted at Highly-Skilled Professionals, in particular. In the same vein, the SMART Visa is specifically meant for highly-qualified talented experts in advanced fields or those the Thai government considers critical to the country’s growth and success.
There is a lot of overlap between the SMART Visa and the LTR Visa, but certain key differences may make it more appealing or appropriate for certain applicants. For one, the list of targeted industries under the SMART Visa is significantly longer, which may allow some who don’t find a fit with the LTR Visa to successfully apply.
The “Business Visa” — Non-Immigrant Type-B Visa
The Business Visa, or B Visa for short, is the most popular visa choice for people serious about living and working in Thailand. It offers a long-term stay to any qualified individual who is able to secure employment with a Thai company, and can last as long as your Thai employer maintains your employment with them.
Like the LTR Visa, the B Visa is eligible for a work permit, which will not only enable you to work legally in Thailand, but also provide numerous other advantages in your daily life as well.
As an experienced organization specializing in Thai visa and business law, we maintain a network of exceptional companies that are always looking to hire talented professionals with proven qualifications in business and tech. Get in touch with us to learn more about the opportunities we may be able to connect you with.
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.
Gather Documents
Prepare everything needed in order to support your application. To clarify what you need, contact us.
Submit Your Application
To apply directly, you need to create an online account.
Submit Your Application
Fill out the application via your online account and submit.
Wait For
Review
Within about 3 working days, an officer will review your application.
Qualifications Acceptance
If your qualifications are approved, an endorsement will be registered for you.
Government Agency Consideration
Within about 20 working days, the relevant government agencies will consider your application.
BOI Officer Registers Application
If everything checks out, the BOI officer will register your application so it can proceed.
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.
Supply Documents for Visa / WP
You’ll then be asked to provide additional documents to support your visa and work permit.
Immigration Pre-Approval Process
Your application will then be forward to and pre-approved by the immigration department.
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.
LTR Visa & Work Permit Issued
Finally, you’ll receive your LTR Visa and work permit at the One-Stop Service Center.
Gather Documents
Prepare everything needed in order to support your application. To clarify what you need, contact us.
Create an Account
To apply directly, you need to create an online account.
Submit Your Application
Fill out the application via your online account and submit.
Wait For
Within about 3 working days, an officer will review your application.
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.
BOI Officer Registers Application
If everything checks out, the BOI officer will register your application so it can proceed.
Government Agency Consideration
Within about 20 working days, the relevant government agencies will consider your application.
Qualifications Acceptance
If your qualifications are approved, an endorsement will be registered for you.
Supply Documents for Visa / WP
You’ll then be asked to provide additional documents to support your visa and work permit.
Immigration Pre-Approval Process
Your application will then be forward to and pre-approved by the immigration department.
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.
LTR Visa & Work Permit Issued
Finally, you’ll receive your LTR Visa and work permit at the One-Stop Service Center.
Gather Documents
Prepare everything needed in order to support your application. To clarify what you need, contact us.
Create an Account
To apply directly, you need to create an online account.
Submit Your Application
Fill out the application via your online account and submit.
Wait For
Within about 3 working days, an officer will review your application.
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.
BOI Officer Registers Application
If everything checks out, the BOI officer will register your application so it can proceed.
Government Agency Consideration
Within about 20 working days, the relevant government agencies will consider your application.
Qualifications Acceptance
If your qualifications are approved, an endorsement will be registered for you.
Supply Documents for Visa / WP
You’ll then be asked to provide additional documents to support your visa and work permit.
Immigration Pre-Approval Process
Your application will then be forward to and pre-approved by the immigration department.
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.
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
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.
Calling All Highly-Skilled Professionals
If you’re someone who meets the requirements for any of the types of LTR Visa outlined above, we have corporate clients and business partners that are always looking for capable new talent.
If you’re a tech or tech-adjacent professional with experience looking to live and work in Thailand, drop us a message so we can talk about your options.
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, SMART, 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!
