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What legal framework governs Thailand’s Investment Visa program and the prestigious LTR Visa scheme?
The Thai Immigration Act B.E. 2522 introduced the Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa, a 10-year visa for high-net-worth executives, entrepreneurs, and retirees. This Thailand investment visa is evaluated by the BOI’s One Start One Stop division for eligibility. Although issued by the Immigration Bureau, it highlights Thailand’s goal to strengthen global partnerships and its business role in Southeast Asia.
At Benoit and Partners, we assist clients in obtaining the LTR Visa, especially the “Wealthy Global Citizen” category. We collaborate with the BOI, Immigration Bureau, and the Revenue Department to guide clients through the application process. Whether you’re looking to invest, relocate, or establish long-term residency in Thailand, our team is here to provide you with comprehensive advice on how to qualify and benefit from this unique visa option.
Applicants must prove substantial investments in Thailand and significant global assets to qualify for this category. We provide tailored support throughout the process.
While “Investment Visa Thailand” is not an official term, it commonly refers to the LTR Visa.
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Table of Contents
What is the investment visa in Thailand (LTR Wealthy Global Citizen category), and what LTR Visa categories does it include?
Definition and categories of the LTR Visa
Designed to entice five elite professions, the Long-Term Resident Visa grants renewable decade-long residency to following categories:
- The Wealthy Global Citizens
- Wealthy Pensioners
- Work-from-Thailand Professionals
- Highly-Skilled Professionals, and
- Dependents such as spouses and children of the primary applicant.
Advantages of the wealthy global citizen category
The Wealthy Global Citizen category offers a unique opportunity for individuals with substantial global financial holdings who have invested in Thailand’s growth. This category of the Investment Visa in Thailand provides several advantages, making it especially attractive to investors. It grants a renewable 10-year visa, replaces the usual 90-day reporting with an annual submission, and allows expedited immigration processing at international airports.
Additionally, it offers multiple re-entry privileges and the right to work in Thailand with a digital work permit. Certified professionals benefit from a consistent 17% private earnings tax rate, providing a significant tax incentive.
These features make the Wealthy Global Citizen category highly appealing to foreign nationals investing or planning to invest in Thai property, government bonds, or publicly listed companies. It is one of the most favorable Investment Visas in Thailand.
What are the eligibility necessities for the Wealthy Global Citizen LTR Visa in Thailand?
Financial criteria for this investment visa in Thailand
To qualify for the Investment Visa in Thailand under the Wealthy Global Citizen category, applicants must meet several conditions. First, they must have global assets worth at least one million US dollars. These assets must be financial in nature. Cryptocurrencies, collectibles, luxury goods, and gold futures are not eligible.
Second, applicants must invest at least five hundred thousand US dollars in Thailand. Eligible investments include government bonds with a minimum five-year maturity, freehold condominium units registered at the Land Office, or shares in publicly listed companies on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). Ventures approved by the Thai Securities and Exchange Commission for risk capital investments also qualify.
Health insurance and solvency requirements for this investment Visa in Thailand
The candidate must provide proof of medical insurance covering at least fifty thousand US dollars for healthcare costs in Thailand. The insurance must be valid for a minimum of ten continuous months. Alternatively, the applicant can show proof of enrollment in the Thai social security system or submit a bank statement with a balance of at least one hundred thousand US dollars, maintained without interruption for the past twelve months.
All these requirements must be met before applying for the Investment Visa in Thailand under the Wealthy Global Citizen category.
What documents are required to apply for the Investment Visa in Thailand as a Wealthy Global Citizen?
Personal identification and health records needed for this investment Visa in Thailand
Applicants for the Investment Visa in Thailand must provide a clear copy of their current passport. The passport must have at least six months of validity and two blank pages. The PDF scan should include the biodata page and all pages with Thai immigration stamps, arranged chronologically in a single file. In some cases, previous passports may be required to verify travel history. Passports must be in good condition; water damage or missing sections may lead to rejection.
For the Wealthy Global Citizen category, applicants must also submit a recent passport-style photo. The photo should be taken within six months, against a white background, and show formal business attire. It should exclude eyewear or headwear and be under two megabytes in file size.
Applicants must provide proof of health insurance or sufficient financial resources for medical expenses in Thailand. Three options are accepted:
A health insurance policy covering at least USD 50,000 for treatment in Thailand, valid for at least ten months.
Proof of enrollment in the Thai social security system, providing equivalent medical benefits.
A bank statement showing a balance of at least USD 100,000 for the past twelve consecutive months. Investment portfolios are not accepted.
All documents must be in Thai or English, and any translations must be notarized. If the insurance policy is unavailable at the time of submission, applicants may provide a signed Document Request Acknowledgement Form, with the final policy required during the Governmental Review stage.
Applicants entering Thailand before 1 July 2022 or with a TM.6 arrival card at a land border must upload a copy. TM.47 forms are no longer required for LTR applicants.
Proof of investment and financial assets
Applicants for the Investment Visa in Thailand (LTR Wealthy Global Citizen category) must prove a qualifying investment of at least USD 500,000 in Thailand. Only specific investments meet BOI and Immigration Bureau regulations:
Government bonds: Bonds with at least a five-year maturity qualify. Applicants must provide a purchase certificate and supporting documents from the financial institution.
Shares listed on the stock exchange of Thailand (SET): Long-term shareholders may submit confirmation from a licensed broker or certified statements from the SEC, showing continuous ownership for at least twelve months.
Freehold condominium units: Owners of freehold condominium units may submit the title deed (Chanote or Nor Sor 4 Jor), the sale agreement, payment receipts, and proof of registration at the Land Office (e.g., Tor Dor 13).
Important: Only freehold condominiums qualify as real estate investments. Leasehold interests, land leases, villa rights, and usufruct arrangements do not qualify.
Proof of global assets: In addition to the Thai investment, applicants must show global financial assets of at least USD 1 million. Acceptable assets include cash, fixed deposits, securities, and regulated portfolios. Cryptocurrencies, precious metals, collectibles, and luxury items do not qualify.
All documents must be in Thai or English, or accompanied by a certified translation.
Criminal background documentation
Applicants may need to provide documentation confirming a clean criminal record. Two forms are accepted:
A police clearance or criminal record certificate issued by the national authorities of the applicant’s country of citizenship or residence, dated within the last three months.
A police clearance issued by the Royal Thai Police’s Police Clearance Certificate Center.
If unavailable during the initial submission, applicants can temporarily provide a signed Document Request Acceptance Form. The final certificate must be uploaded once the application reaches the Government Bodies’ consideration stage.
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What is the application process for the Investment Visa in Thailand under the LTR Visa Wealthy Global Citizen Scheme?
The process to get an Investment Visa in Thailand under the LTR Visa Wealthy Global Citizen program involves three main stages.
- First Step: the submission of the documents
In the preliminary stage, the candidate must electronically submit all supporting papers through the BOI’s dedicated online platform for LTR Visa applications. The Board of Investment will then assess the submission for completeness and compliance. During this phase, further records may be asked for by the BOI if it views the initial submission as incomplete or requiring extra substantiation. Provided it’s satisfactory, the BOI passes the application to the pertinent government organizations for assessment.
- Second Step: the letter of endorsement
Once all the documents submitted by the applicant have been validated by the LTR Officer, the applicant for this Investment Visa in Thailand will receive a letter of endorsement which may allow proceeding to the visa issuance appointment. Relying on whether the individual is applying from inside Thailand or from abroad, the meeting may occur at a Thai Consulate, Embassy, or Immigration Bureau, within a period of 2 months after the reception of the letter of endorsement. At this appointment, the involved applicant submits their lengthy passport and any outstanding records. The visa is then issued and affixed to the applicant’s passport during the meeting.
- Third Step: the post-approval requirements
The final stage involves post-approval steps, such as residence notification and, when applicable, the issuing of a digital work permit. The applicant must report their address within a brief fifteen days of entering Thailand. If the individual intends to be employed, the work permit is processed simultaneously with the visa.
The Investment Visa procedure in Thailand (LTR Wealthy Global Citizen category) typically takes six to eight weeks. Delays may occur if documentation is incomplete or additional checks are required.
Conclusion
For affluent individuals with substantial global assets and long-term plans in Thailand, the Investment Visa under the Wealthy Global Citizen category offers an attractive residency option. It provides long-term stability, tax advantages, and simplified immigration procedures. These include annual reporting, multiple re-entry privileges, and eligibility for a digital work permit. These features make it one of the best options for investors seeking both comfort and legal certainty in Thailand.
While the program offers many benefits, the application process is technical and documentation-heavy. Full compliance with BOI review and Immigration Bureau requirements is crucial to avoid delays or rejections.
At Benoit & Partners, our legal team helps high-net-worth applicants from initial eligibility assessment to final visa issuance. We ensure a smooth, secure, and compliant process. If you’re considering the Investment Visa in Thailand, our firm is ready to offer tailored guidance and a clear strategy for your relocation or investment plan. You may book a consultation with our legal team.
FAQ
This visa is intended for foreigners with at least US$1 million in global assets, who have invested a minimum of US$500,000 in Thailand (real estate, bonds, stocks), and who can provide proof of health insurance or sufficient resources to cover their medical care. It is designed for wealthy individuals who wish to settle permanently in Thailand and benefit from an attractive tax environment.
Beneficiaries receive a 10-year renewable visa, expedited processing at border checkpoints, exemption from 90-day reporting requirements (annual reporting), and a 17% tax rate on qualified professional income. They may also obtain a digital work permit.
Eligible assets:
- Five-year Thai government bonds,
- Real estate registered with usufruct or long-term lease,
- Shares in companies listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET),
- Investments in funds approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Thailand.
- Cryptocurrencies, luxury items, and speculative contracts are excluded.
The procedure consists of three steps:
- Submission of the application via the BOI portal, with preliminary evaluation of the documents.
- Receipt of a letter of approval, followed by an appointment at the embassy, consulate, or immigration office.
- Post-approval formalities, including registration of address and, if necessary, issuance of a digital work permit.
The entire process usually takes 8 to 12 weeks, provided that all documents are complete and compliant. Delays are possible in the event of missing documents or additional checks.