How to Apply for the Thailand Long Term Resident Visa

Looking for a fantastic place to live and work as a digital nomad? Consider Thailand—a country known for its sandy beaches, super fun cities and nightlife, incredible food, wonderful people, and relatively affordable cost of living for remote workers.

Thailand Digital Nomad Visa / Long Term Resident Visa

While Thailand has always been a paradise for digital nomads, the country has recently launched a Long Term Resident Visa aimed specifically for this demographic of travelers. But there are some restrictions.

In September 2022, Thailand announced a 10-year digital nomad / long term resident visa aimed at attracting highly-skilled foreigners who want to work remotely and live in the country. A bit different from the Thai SMART Visa and with much longer stay than a standard Tourist Visa, the Digital Nomad Visa, or Long Term Resident Visa, exists to bring in remote workers of a certain skill type and income level.

Benefits of the LTR Visa

A few benefits of this long-term digital nomad visa include:

• Validity for 10 years (five years at initial application with the option to extend for another five years)
• 90-day report extended to one-year report
• Multiple re-entry permits (no need to apply separately)
• Personal tax rate of 17% for Highly Skilled Professionals on Thai-sourced income
• Tax exemption for overseas income (for categories 1-3)
• Ability to bring your spouse and dependents (unlimited as of 2025 – previously capped at 4)
• No requirement to hire 4 Thai employees (exemption from standard work permit rules)
• Fast-track service at international airports
• Digital work permit issued with visa
• Can work immediately upon visa approval (no waiting for work permit)

Major Updates for 2025

The Thai government approved significant changes to the LTR visa program in January 2025:

Relaxed Requirements:

• Income verification removed for past 2 years (Wealthy Global Citizens)
• Work experience requirement removed (Work-from-Thailand Professionals)
• Employer revenue reduced from $150M to $50M
• Unlimited dependents now allowed (including parents)
• Subsidiary employees can now use parent company financials

LTR Visa Categories and Requirements

1. Wealthy Global Citizens

Perfect for investors and high-net-worth individuals.

Requirements:

• Have at least $1 million in assets
• Invest at least $500,000 in Thai property, government bonds, or foreign direct investment
• Health insurance coverage of at least $50,000 OR social security benefits OR deposit of $100,000

2025 Update: No longer need to prove $80,000 annual income!

2. Wealthy Pensioners

Ideal for retirees aged 50 and above.

Requirements:

• Annual passive income of at least $80,000 (pensions, investments, etc.)
• If income is $40,000-$80,000, must invest $250,000 in Thai property/bonds
• Age 50 or older
• Health insurance coverage of at least $50,000 OR social security benefits OR deposit of $100,000

Note: Only passive income counts – salaries/wages don’t qualify.

3. Work-from-Thailand Professionals

For remote workers and digital nomads employed by foreign companies.

Requirements:

• Annual income of at least $80,000
• If income is $40,000-$80,000, need master’s degree OR Series A funding OR own intellectual property
• Work for a company that is either:
  • Publicly traded on stock exchange, OR
  • Private company with $50 million revenue over past 3 years (reduced from $150M!)
• Health insurance as above

2025 Updates:

• 5-year work experience requirement REMOVED
• Can work for smaller companies now

4. Highly Skilled Professionals

For experts working in targeted industries or for Thai institutions.

Requirements:

• Annual income of at least $80,000
• If income is $40,000-$80,000, need master’s degree in relevant field
• Work in targeted industries or for Thai government/universities
• Expertise in fields Thailand needs
• Health insurance as above

2025 Update: Work experience requirement removed if you have relevant qualifications.

Bringing Family Members

As of 2025, you can bring:

• Legal spouse (same-sex marriages now recognized following Thailand’s Marriage Equality Act)
• Children under 20
• Parents (NEW!)
• Other legal dependents
• No limit on number (previously capped at 4)

Each dependent needs:

• Health insurance of at least $25,000
• Consent form confirming relationship

How to Apply

Step 1: Online Application

• Register at ltr.boi.go.th
• Submit qualifications for endorsement
• Upload all required documents

Step 2: Endorsement Process

• BOI reviews application (20 working days)
• May request additional documents
• Receive endorsement letter if approved

Step 3: Visa Issuance

• Pay 50,000 THB fee (about $1,400)
• Can collect visa at:
  • Thai embassy/consulate abroad
  • Immigration in Thailand (if converting from another visa)
  • Via e-Visa system (new in 2025)

Step 4: Work Permit (if applicable)

• Digital work permit issued with visa
• Can start working immediately
• Work-from-Thailand Professionals don’t get work permits (work for foreign employer)

Processing Time

• Typically 4-8 weeks total
• Faster if all documents are complete

Important Considerations

Tax Implications

• 17% flat tax rate for Highly Skilled Professionals on Thai income
• Tax exemption on foreign-sourced income (categories 1-3)
• Thailand has new tax residency rules – consult a tax advisor

Reporting Requirements

• Annual reporting only (not 90-day)
• Must maintain all qualifying conditions
• Report address changes

New One Stop Service Center

• Moved to One Bangkok, PARADE Zone (as of March 2025)
• Handles visa and work permit services
• More convenient location than old Chamchuri Square

LTR vs Other Options

LTR vs Thailand Privilege:

• LTR: Stricter requirements, work benefits, lower cost
• Privilege: Easier qualification, lifestyle perks, higher upfront cost

LTR vs DTV (Destination Thailand Visa):

• LTR: 10 years, better tax treatment, higher requirements
• DTV: 5 years, 180-day stays, much easier requirements, only 10,000 THB

LTR vs Retirement Visa:

• LTR Pensioner: Higher income requirement but 10-year visa
• Regular Retirement: Lower requirements but annual renewals

Is the LTR Visa Right for You?

Consider the LTR if you:

• Meet the financial requirements
• Want long-term stability in Thailand
• Appreciate reduced bureaucracy (annual vs 90-day reporting)
• Need work authorization
• Want to bring family members

Get updates about the digital nomad visa here, and see some more details about the application process here.

Other Thailand Visa Options

• Comprehensive Guide to Thailand Tourist & Resident Visas: Digital Nomads, Semi-Retired, Investors & More
• Thailand Tourist Visa: How to Apply and How to Extend Your Stay
• Thailand SMART Visa: Requirements & How to Apply
• Thailand Elite Visa: Cost, Requirements & Benefits
• Thailand Retirement Visa: Requirements & How to Apply
• Thailand Permanent Residency: Qualifications & How to Apply

Featured image via Unsplash.