Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR)
Thailand's premium visa for high earners with a flat 17% tax rate
Best For
Eligibility Requirements
Step-by-Step Application Process
Determine Your LTR Category
The LTR visa has four distinct categories, each with different eligibility requirements. Most digital nomads and remote workers will target the Work-from-Thailand Professional category, which requires $80K/yr income and employment with a substantial company.
1 day- The Work-from-Thailand Professional category is the most common for remote workers
- If your income is $40K-80K, you may still qualify with a master's degree or IP ownership
- Your employer must have $150M+ revenue or be publicly listed - verify this before applying
- Self-employed individuals may qualify under Wealthy Global Citizen if they meet asset requirements
Apply Online via BOI Portal
Create an account on the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) LTR portal and submit your application with all required documents. The application is submitted entirely online.
1-2 days- The BOI portal is at ltr.boi.go.th
- Prepare digital copies of all documents before starting - the portal has session timeouts
- You can apply from anywhere in the world
- Pay the application fee online via the portal
Submit Supporting Documents
Upload all supporting documents including income proof, investment certificates, employment verification, health insurance, and criminal record clearance. Documents may need to be apostilled or notarized depending on your country.
1-2 weeks- Tax returns are the strongest proof of income - include 2 years of returns
- Bank statements should show consistent income deposits over 12 months
- Get a letter from your employer confirming your role, salary, and remote work arrangement
- Criminal record checks from your country of citizenship and any country you have lived in for 1+ year
Background Check and Review
The BOI conducts a thorough review of your application, including background checks through Thai security agencies. This is the longest phase and you may be contacted for additional information.
1-2 months- Processing can take longer during peak application periods
- Check the BOI portal regularly for status updates or requests for additional documents
- Having a clean application with all documents properly formatted speeds up review
Receive Pre-Approval and Enter Thailand
Upon approval, you receive a pre-approval notification. Travel to Thailand and visit the BOI One Stop Service Center (OSSC) to complete your visa endorsement and obtain your initial 5-year LTR visa stamp.
1-3 days- The OSSC is located in Bangkok at the Chamchuri Square building
- Bring your passport, pre-approval letter, and original documents
- You will receive a digital work permit alongside your LTR visa
- The LTR visa exempts you from the 90-day reporting requirement that other visa holders must follow
Set Up Tax Registration and Banking
Register with the Thai Revenue Department for your 17% flat tax rate. Open a Thai bank account and set up your local infrastructure. Your LTR visa entitles you to a reduced 17% flat income tax rate instead of the standard progressive rates of 0-35%.
1-2 weeks- The 17% flat rate applies to Thai-sourced employment income
- LTR holders under the Work-from-Thailand Professional category are exempt from tax on foreign-sourced income, even if remitted to Thailand
- Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn Bank are popular with expat LTR holders
- You can extend for another 5 years (10 years total) before expiry as long as you still meet the criteria
Required Documents
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| LTR visa application fee | ฿50,000 (~$1,400 USD) | Paid to BOI at time of application |
| Digital work permit | Included | Issued free with LTR visa |
| Health insurance | ~$100-300/mo | Minimum $50,000 coverage required |
| Criminal record checks | ~$50-100 per country | Varies by issuing country |
| Document apostilles / notarization | ~$100-300 total | Varies by country and number of documents |
| 90-day TM30 reporting | Waived | LTR holders are exempt from 90-day reporting |
Timeline Overview
Recommended Tools for Thailand Expats
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the tax rate for LTR visa holders?
LTR holders benefit from a flat 17% tax rate on Thai-sourced employment income, compared to the standard progressive rates of 0-35%. Work-from-Thailand Professional category holders are also exempt from tax on foreign-sourced income remitted to Thailand.
Can I work for a Thai company on the LTR visa?
Yes. The LTR visa includes a digital work permit that allows you to work for both Thai and foreign employers. The Highly-Skilled Professional category is specifically designed for those employed by Thai companies.
What happens if my income drops below $80K during the visa period?
The income requirement is assessed at the time of application and renewal. If your income temporarily dips during the visa period, it should not affect your current visa. However, you will need to demonstrate qualifying income again when applying for the 5-year extension.
Do I still need to do 90-day reporting?
No. LTR visa holders are exempt from the standard 90-day TM30 reporting requirement that applies to other long-term visa holders in Thailand. This is one of the key benefits of the LTR program.
Can I include my family?
Yes. Up to 4 dependents (spouse and children) can be included with your LTR visa application. Dependents receive the same visa duration and benefits. Each dependent pays a separate application fee.
How does the LTR compare to the Thailand Elite Visa?
The LTR visa costs significantly less (~$1,400 vs $17,000+), includes a work permit, and offers the 17% flat tax benefit. The Elite Visa has no income requirements and no work permit. Choose LTR if you qualify and want to work; choose Elite for hassle-free long-term access without work rights.