Thailand’s LTR Visa Made Easier: Key Reforms to Requirements

Thailand Eases LTR Visa Requirements to Attract Global Talent and Boost Investment

On January 13, 2025, Thailand’s Cabinet announced Important changes to the Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa program. These updates are designed to attract skilled professionals, global investors, and their families while fostering increased foreign investment in the country.

Highlights of the LTR Visa Updates

1. For Foreign Professionals

  • Previous Rule: Employers were required to have a combined income of at least USD 150 million over the past three years.
  • New Rule: This threshold has been lowered to USD 50 million over the same period.
  • Effect: This change significantly reduces the entry barriers for skilled professionals, especially those working in innovative sectors such as technology and digital services.

2. For Wealthy Global Citizens

  • Previous Rule: Applicants needed to demonstrate an annual personal income of at least USD 80,000 for two consecutive years before applying.
  • New Rule: The personal income requirement has been completely removed.
  • Effect: By eliminating income thresholds, the new rules enable asset-rich investors to qualify for the visa, encouraging a wider range of foreign investment in Thailand.

3. For Family Members

  • Previous Rule: LTR Visa holders could include a maximum of four dependents, excluding parents or other legal dependents.
  • New Rule: The cap on dependents has been abolished, allowing spouses, children, parents, and legal dependents to be included without restriction.
  • Effect: This adjustment makes the visa program more family-friendly, encouraging long-term relocation for foreign nationals and their families.

Streamlining the SMART Visa Program

The Cabinet has also revised the SMART Visa program to simplify visa offerings and avoid overlap. All overlapping categories have been discontinued, leaving only the SMART-S Visa for startup entrepreneurs establishing businesses in Thailand. This streamlining complements the expanded scope of the LTR Visa, ensuring clarity and efficiency.

Next Steps

The Thai government has tasked relevant agencies, including the Board of Investment (BOI), with revising existing regulations and accelerating the implementation of these changes. Detailed guidelines and application procedures for the revised LTR Visa and SMART Visa are expected to be released soon.

With these updates, Thailand is well on its way to enhancing its appeal as a destination for international talent and investment, paving the way for greater economic growth and global engagement.

If you have any questions about applying for the visa, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]

About the Writer

Andreas Seela

Andreas primarily focuses on corporate/commercial, tax law, and real estate law. He previously worked for an international law firm in Germany and has experience in the Asian legal sphere. He holds a Master’s degree in business law and economics (LLM.oec.) and is currently working on his Ph.D. thesis at Chulalongkorn University in international law.

Andreas Seela