The new long-term resident visa is aimed at enhancing Thailand’s attractiveness to ‘high-potential’ foreigners as a regional hub to live and do business in. It will also embrace a crucial role to promote Thailand as a ‘Remote Worker Friendly’ destination and help the country tap this targeted segment.

It is expected to attract foreign talent and expertise that can contribute to domestic spending and support economic growth. The Thai Government says it aspires to bring one million wealthy and talented foreigners to Thailand in the next five years.

The LTR visa is available to four categories of foreigners:

• Wealthy global citizens – having total assets of not less than US$1 million, personal income of not less than US$80,000 per year in the past two years, who invest in Thailand to the value of not less than US$500,000.
• Foreign retirees (wealthy pensioners) – having personal income of not less than US$80,000 per year.
• Work-from-Thailand professionals – having personal income of at least US$80,000 per year in the past two years, work experience of not less than five years, and be working in a legally registered company which has income of not less than US$150 million within the past three years.
• Highly skilled professionals – having personal income of not less than US$80,000 per year, are skilful in the target industry, and have not less than five years of work experience.
Spouse and children under 20 years of age of an LTR visa holder also qualify (up to four dependants per visa holder).

The LTR visa offers multiple benefits to the holder, including:-

• A visa with 10-year validity (which can be extended);
• The requirement to report to immigration once a year instead of every 90 days;
• Fast track service at international airports in Thailand;
• Multiple re-entry permit;
• Permission to work in Thailand (digital work permit);
• Personal income tax rate reduction to 17% for highly skilled professionals;
• Exemption from the four Thais to one foreigner employment requirement ratio.