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

What is an Visa LTR ?

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

In Thailand, the Long-Term Resident Visa is known as the Non-Immigrant Visa “O-A” (Long Stay). This visa is for foreigners aged 50 and above who want to retire in the country. It allows the holder to stay for one year, with the option for extensions in one-year periods, as long as the requirements are met.

Applicants for the Thai Non-Immigrant Visa “O-A” (Long Stay) must show financial stability through sufficient funds or a pension. They must also meet health insurance requirements and may need medical exams or additional documents.

The Long-Term Resident Visa allows eligible individuals to establish a long-term presence in Thailand and enjoy its culture, natural beauty, and lifestyle.

Who is eligible for a visa LTR ?

Eligibility criteria for a Long-Term Resident visa vary by the issuing country and visa type. Below is an overview of typical requirements for a Long-Term Resident visa in Thailand:

• Age requirement: In Thailand, the Non-Immigrant Visa “O-A” (Long Stay) is available to individuals aged 50 or older who wish to retire in the country. This age requirement is specific to retirement visas and may differ for other extended stay visas.
• Financial requirements: Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves in Thailand. For retirement visas, they typically need to provide proof of a certain monthly income or savings. This ensures retirees can live in Thailand without relying on employment.
• Health Insurance: Applicants for the Non-Immigrant Visa “O-A” (Long Stay) must have health insurance that meets minimum standards. This ensures retirees can access necessary medical care during their stay.
• Clean criminal record: LTR visa applicants must provide a police clearance certificate or similar documentation to confirm they have no criminal record.
• Medical examination: Some countries, including Thailand, require applicants to undergo a medical examination to ensure they are healthy and pose no public health risk.
• Other requirements: Depending on the LTR visa type and issuing country, applicants may need to meet additional requirements related to employment, investment, family reunification, or other factors.

It is important to note that eligibility criteria for LTR visas vary by country and visa type. Interested individuals should review the requirements and procedures outlined 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 based on their category. Each category has its own requirements, all of which must be met. Applicants must also submit all supporting documents with their application. Additionally, all applicants must have health insurance coverage of at least US$50,000 or maintain at least US$100,000 in a Thai bank account.

For wealthy global citizens:

• The current regulations do not set a minimum personal income requirement.
• Applicants must invest a combined total of at least USD 500,000 in Thai government bonds, direct investments in Thai companies, or Thai real estate.
• Applicants must also own at least USD 1,000,000 in assets under their name.
• Additionally, the candidate must have health insurance with at least USD 50,000 coverage, receive social security benefits in Thailand, or maintain a minimum balance of USD 100,000 in a personal bank account for at least 12 months before applying.

For highly skilled professionals:

• The applicant must have earned an average personal income of USD 80,000 per year over the last two years.
• If the income falls between USD 40,000 and USD 80,000, the applicant must provide additional documentation, such as a Master’s degree or higher in science and technology fields.
• This income requirement does not apply to applicants working for Thai government agencies.
• The applicant must have an employment contract with a Thai or foreign entity in the targeted industries or show evidence of specialized expertise in fields recognized by the Board of Investment.
• The revenue threshold for eligible companies has been lowered from USD 150 million to USD 50 million.
• There is no minimum work experience requirement under the current BOI regulations.
• ⁠The list of eligible industries has recently expanded to include new sectors, such as disaster and risk management, and integrated innovation.
• The applicant must have health insurance with at least USD 50,000 in coverage, receive social security benefits in Thailand, or maintain at least USD 100,000 in a personal bank account for the past 12 months.

Work-from-Thailand professionals: 

• The applicant must have earned an average personal income of USD 80,000 per year over the last two years.
• If the income is between USD 40,000 and USD 80,000, the applicant must submit additional documentation, such as a Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification.
• The applicant must have a valid employment contract with: (1) a publicly listed company, (2) a private company with USD 50 million revenue over three years, or (3) a wholly owned subsidiary of a listed company.

• There is no work experience requirement for this category.
• The applicant must have health insurance with a minimum coverage of USD 50,000, receive social security benefits in Thailand, or maintain at least USD 100,000 in a personal bank account for the 12 months before applying.

For wealthy retirees: 

• The applicant must earn a passive income of at least USD 80,000 per year at the time of application. Passive income includes, but is not limited to, pension, rental income, capital gains, dividends, and interest payments.
• If the applicant’s passive income is between USD 40,000 and USD 80,000, they must make an additional investment of USD 250,000 in Thai government bonds, direct investments in Thai companies, or Thai property.
• The applicant must have health insurance with at least USD 50,000 coverage, receive social security benefits in Thailand, or maintain USD 100,000 in a personal bank account for 12 months before applying.

For spouses and dependents: 

• Eligible dependents include the applicant’s spouse (including same-sex spouses), parents, and children under 20 years of age.
• There is no longer a limit on the number of dependent family members who may accompany the primary LTR visa holder.
• Each dependent must meet visa documentation requirements and undergo background checks and standard approval procedures.

These criteria serve as guidelines for determining eligibility for the LTR visa in Thailand. Each category is tailored to specific circumstances and qualifications.