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.

For Wealthy Global Citizens:

• There is no minimum personal income that is required under the current regulations.
• ⁠The applicant is required to have a combined investment in Thai government bonds, direct investment in companies registered in Thailand, or real estate in Thailand, for a total minimum of USD 500,000.
• The applicant must own at least USD 1,000,000 in assets under their own name.
• The applicant must hold insurance from a health insurance policy with a minimum coverage of USD 50,000, be receiving social security benefits in Thailand, or have deposited and maintained a minimum balance of USD 100,000 in a personal bank account for at least the 12 months preceding the application.

For Highly Skilled Professionals:

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

For Work-from-Thailand Professionals: 

• ⁠The applicant must have earned an average personal income of USD 80,000 per year in 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 equivalent qualification.
• The applicant must have a valid employment contract with one of the following: (1) a public company listed on a stock exchange; (2) private company with at least three years of operation and a combined revenue of USD 50 million over the past three years ; (3) a wholly owned subsidiary of a listed public company or a wholly owned subsidiary of a qualifying private company as defined above.
• There is no work experience requirement under this category.
• ⁠The applicant must be insured under a health insurance policy with a minimum coverage of USD 50,000, or be receiving social security benefits in Thailand, or have maintained a minimum balance of USD 100,000 in a personal bank account during the 12 months preceding the application.

For Wealthy Retirees: 

• The applicant must have earned a passive income of at least USD 80,000 per year at the time of application.A non-exhaustive list of passive income includes 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 investment in Thai companies, or Thai property.
• The applicant must be insured under a health insurance policy covering at least USD 50,000, or be receiving social security benefits in Thailand, or have maintained a personal bank account balance of at least USD 100,000 during the 12 months prior to application.

For Spouses and Dependents: 

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

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.
You can learn more about the government’s LTR visa requirements on the Thailand Board of Investment’s official website.

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.

Conclusion 

The LTR Visa offers a unique opportunity for foreign investors, professionals, retirees, and their families to settle in Thailand under beneficial circumstances. With a 10-year validity, simplified immigration proceedings, work authorization, and tax incentives (such as a 17% flat rate for experts), the visa is designed to appeal to talent and capital from all over the world.

By relaxing requirements in regards to work experience and eligible sectors, Thailand is clearly positioning itself as a competitive destination in Asia. For those planning to live, work, or invest in the Kingdom, the LTR Visa provides both stability and attractivity.

To receive support with your application, our team at Benoit & Partners is here to assist you at every stage.

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