How to get a Visa Long-Term Resident in Thailand as a foreigner ?

What is an Visa LTR ?

Certain countries, including Thailand, issue a Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa which allows foreign nationals to stay in the country for an extended period, usually longer than one year. The visa LTR is intended for individuals who wish to establish long-term residence for retirement, employment, investment or family reunification.

In the context of Thailand, the Long-Term Resident Visa is known as the Non-Immigrant Visa “O-A” (Long Stay). This visa is specifically designed for foreigners aged 50 and above who wish to retire in Thailand. It grants the holder the right to stay in Thailand for one year, which can be extended for additional one-year periods, as long as the visa requirements are met.

The Thai Non-Immigrant Visa “O-A” (Long Stay) requires applicants to demonstrate financial stability, usually through proof of sufficient funds or a pension, and to meet health insurance requirements. In addition, applicants may be required to undergo medical examinations and provide other supporting documentation as part of the application process.

The Long-Term Resident Visa allows eligible individuals to establish a long-term presence in Thailand and enjoy the country’s cultural richness, natural beauty and lifestyle offerings.

Who is eligible for a visa LTR ?

The eligibility criteria for obtaining a Long-Term Resident visa can vary depending on the country issuing the visa and the type of LTR visa being applied for. However, I’ll provide a general overview of the typical eligibility requirements for a Long-Term Resident visa in Thailand:

• Age requirement : In Thailand, the non-immigrant visa “O-A” (Long Stay) is usually available to individuals aged 50 years or older who wish to retire to Thailand. This age requirement is specific to retirement visas and may vary for other extended stay visas.

• Financial requirements : Applicants must often demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves in the country. For retirement visas in Thailand, applicants may be required to present a certain monthly income or savings level. This requirement ensures that retirees have the financial means to support themselves without relying on employment in Thailand.

• Health Insurance : In Thailand, applicants for Non-Immigrant Visa “O-A” (Long Stay) are generally required to have health insurance that meets specific minimum standards. This requirement ensures that retirees can access adequate medical care while in Thailand.

• Clean criminal record : LTR visa applicants may be required to provide a police clearance certificate or similar document to show they have no criminal record.

• Medical examination : Some countries, including Thailand, may require LTR visa applicants to undergo a medical examination to ensure they are in good health and not pose a public health risk.

• Other requirements : Depending on the specific type of LTR visa and the country issuing the visa, applicants may be required to meet additional requirements relating to employment, investment, family reunification or other factors.

It’s important to note that the eligibility criteria for LTR visas can vary widely by country and visa type. Therefore, individuals interested in applying for a Long-Term Resident visa should carefully review the requirements and procedures provided by the immigration authorities of the country they wish to visit or reside in.

How do you qualify for the LTR visa in Thailand?

To qualify for the Long-Term Resident Visa in Thailand, applicants must meet specific criteria tailored to different categories. Each category has its own set of eligibility requirements, all of which must be met to qualify. All supporting documents must be attached to the application. In addition, all applicants, regardless of category, must have health insurance coverage of at least US$50,000 or have at least US$100,000 in a Thai bank account.

Wealthy Global Citizen :

• Applicants must have total assets of at least US$1 million.
• An annual income of at least US$80,000 for the last two years.
• A minimum investment of USD 500,000 is required in Thai government bonds, foreign direct investment, Thai real estate or a combination thereof.

Wealthy retirees:

• Retirees aged 50 and above must have an annual income of at least USD 80,000.
• Applicants earning between USD 40,000 and USD 80,000 per year may qualify if they invest a minimum of USD 250,000 in specified assets.
• Income from employment is not taken into account for this category.

Work from Thailand professionals: 

• Eligible candidates must have earned an annual income of at least USD 80,000 in the last two years.
• Those earning between USD 40,000 and USD 80,000 may qualify if they meet additional criteria, such as holding a Master’s degree or receiving Series A funding.
• Employment must be with an established foreign company that meets specific criteria.

Highly skilled professionals: 

• For the last two years, professionals or experts in eligible industries must have earned at least $80,000 per year.
• Additional qualifications include a master’s degree, relevant expertise, or work in certain government institutions or research centers.

Spouses and dependents:

• Legal dependents, including spouses and children under 20, are eligible.
• Medical insurance of at least $25,000 is required.
• Please note that Thai law does not currently recognize same-sex marriages or partnerships.

These criteria are guidelines for determining eligibility for the LTR visa in Thailand, with each category being tailored to specific circumstances and qualifications.

What are the requirements to obtain a Long-Term Resident Visa in Thailand?

Applicants must meet certain conditions and provide specific documentation to obtain a Long-Term Resident Visa in Thailand, typically called a Non-Immigrant Visa “O-A” (Long Stay). Below are the general requirements for obtaining an visa LTR in Thailand:

• Age requirement: Applicants must be 50 years of age or older. This visa is primarily for retired persons who wish to stay in Thailand for an extended period.

• Financial requirements: Applicants must demonstrate financial stability by meeting specific financial criteria. This usually includes proof of a certain monthly income or level of savings. The exact financial requirements may vary, but they are designed to ensure that retirees have sufficient funds to support themselves without working in Thailand.

• Medical insurance: Applicants must have health insurance that meets the standards set by the Thai immigration authorities. The insurance must cover medical expenses for the entire stay in Thailand and include inpatient and outpatient coverage.

• Medical certificate: Applicants must provide a medical certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner stating that they are free from certain infectious diseases, including leprosy, tuberculosis, drug addiction, elephantiasis and tertiary syphilis. The certificate should also confirm that the applicant is not suffering from any physical or mental condition that could endanger public safety.

• Police clearance certificate: Applicants must provide a police clearance certificate or criminal record check from their home country or the country where they have resided for an extended period. The certificate should confirm that the applicant has no criminal record.

• Passport validity: Applicants’ passports must be valid for at least 18 months from the date of entry into Thailand.

• Visa Application: Applicants must submit their visa application and supporting documents to the Thai embassy or consulate in their country of origin or residence.

• Other supporting documents: Additional supporting documents may be required depending on the applicant’s particular circumstances. These documents may include proof of accommodation in Thailand, marriage certificates (if applicable) and other relevant documents.

It’s essential that applicants carefully check the latest requirements and guidelines provided by the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in their country to ensure compliance with the visa application process for long-term resident status in Thailand.

What is the procedure for obtaining a Long-Term Resident Visa in Thailand?

The procedure for obtaining a Visa LTR in Thailand, specifically the Non-Immigrant Visa “O-A” (Long Stay), involves several steps. Here’s a general outline of the process:

Step 1. Preparation and Documentation: Gather all the necessary documents, such as proof of financial stability, medical insurance, a medical certificate, a police clearance certificate and a passport with sufficient validity.
Ensure that all documents meet the specific requirements of the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your home country or country of residence.

Step 2. Submit your application: Submit your visa application and required documents to the nearest Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your home country or country of residence.
Some Thai embassies and consulates may require applicants to make an appointment in advance to submit their visa applications.

Step 3. Processing your application: The Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate will process your visa application. Processing times may vary depending on the embassy or consulate and the volume of applications.

Step 4. Visa Issue: If your visa application is approved, the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate will issue you a long-stay visa (non-immigrant visa “O-A”).
The visa is usually stamped in your passport and states the length of time you can stay in Thailand.

Step 5. Travel to Thailand: Once you have received your long-term resident visa, you may travel to Thailand during the validity period of your visa.

Step 6. Arrival in Thailand: On arrival in Thailand, you must present your passport with your Long-Term Resident Visa to Thai immigration officials.
Immigration officials may ask you to complete an Arrival/Departure Card and conduct a brief interview.

Step 7. Notification of address: Within 24 hours of your arrival in Thailand, you must report your home address to the nearest immigration office or local immigration police station.
Failure to notify Immigration of your address may result in fines or other penalties.

Step 8. Extending your stay: Suppose you wish to extend your stay beyond the initial period granted by the Long Term Resident Visa. In that case, you may apply for an extension at the nearest Immigration Office in Thailand.
Extensions are usually granted in one-year increments, provided you continue to meet the visa requirements.

It’s essential to keep abreast of any updates or changes to Thai visa regulations and requirements throughout the application process. Contacting the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country or visiting their official website can provide you with the most up-to-date information regarding the application procedure for a long-term resident visa in Thailand.

What is the cost of a LTR visa in Thailand?

The cost of a Long Stay Visa in Thailand can depend on several factors, including the type of visa, the nationality of the applicant and the specific requirements of the application process. Specifically, the Non-Immigrant Visa “O-A” (Long Stay), which is one of the most common LTR visas for retirees in Thailand, comes with specific fees.

The Non-Immigrant Visa “O-A” (Long Stay) fees are approximately as follows :

• Visa Fee: The Non-Immigrant Visa “O-A” fee was approximately 5,000 Thai Baht (THB) for most nationalities. However, fees may vary slightly for different countries, so you must check with the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your home country for the exact fee applicable to your nationality.

• Health insurance: Applicants for the Non-immigrant Visa “O-A” (Long Stay) must have health insurance that meets the standards set by the Thai Immigration Department. The cost of health insurance may vary depending on age, coverage limits and pre-existing conditions.

• Other expenses: Besides the visa fee and health insurance, applicants may need to consider other costs associated with the visa application process, such as document certification, translation services and transportation to the Thai embassy or consulate for visa submission.

It’s important to note that visa fees and requirements are subject to change, so it’s recommended that you check the latest information on the official website of your country’s Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate or contact them personally for the most up-to-date details regarding the cost of a Visa LTR in Thailand.