LTR visa Thailand

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G.A.M. Legal Alliance > Services > Immigration > Thai Visas > LTR visa Thailand

There are a number of visa options for Thailand. Below we have shown you some of these, so speak to our immigration lawyer for more information. Firstly there is Permanent Residency (PR), Retirement Visa, Thai Elite Visa, and Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa as well. Note that each visa gets its own requirements as well a limitations and benefits. These are the other main visa issues.

LTR visa Thailand

1.1 Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa

Firstly the first visa is the LTR visa which is the 10 year visa which was created to attract wealthy people. These could be retired people, professionals or digital nomads. There are work privilege’s as well as the visa itself. This is for the initial 5 years of the visa and then this is followed by another 5 years to complete the 10 year period. This is the basic overview of the visa.

1.2 Thailand Elite Visa

The second option is the Thailand Elite Card. This is part of the first attempt by the Thai government to allow wealthy people to live in Thailand with certain requirements and privilege’s. This is a government department which operates as the Thailand Privilege Card program under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. This is a 5 to 20 years which would depend on the membership package.

1.3 Permanent Residency (PR)

The other option is the PR option. This is where foreigners want to stay in Thailand permanently. This is no further fees for the permanent residency option. Once you have the PR status you can also later apply for Thai citizenship. Note that if you want to apply then you have to do it before the end of the year. Each year the Thai government also gives each country an annual quota.

1.4 Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant O-A and O-X Visa)

Note that the retirement visa in Thailand is the most common issued between all four of these. Note that there is the Non-Immigrant O-A Visa and the Non-Immigrant O-X Visa. Likewise you will note that the individuals who apply must be over aged 50 and above. Additionally you will also note that the O-A visa is typically valid for one year and can be renewed annually. Likewise we the O-X visa provides a 5-year stay. Additionally, this is also renewable for another 5 year.

Eligibility Requirements

2.1 Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa

You will note that the LTR visa in Thailand comes from different categories and that there is also no specific age requirements for this long term resident visa. Likewise there are also the financial requirements. Likewise this will vary by category which will need to show that you have a very good income. Lastly your investments as well as professional qualifications will also help. Lastly note that you will also need to have health insurance and will also require to have a background check. Speak to our immigration lawyer for more information on this.

2.2 Thailand Elite Visa

The Thailand Elite Visa also does not have an age limit. Much like the LTR visa it does not have an age requirements. Likewise compare this to the retirement visa which needs you to be at least 50 years old. Likewise you will also need to see the membership fees as the financial requirements. These range from low to very highs. Likewise the health insurance is not mandatory however it is recommended. Note however that you will need to have a background check.

2.3 Permanent Residency (PR)

Much like the Thailand Elite Card the PR or Thai permanent residency also does not have an age requirement. You can apply at any age for the PR status. Likewise you will also need to show that you have financial stability as well as an investments amounts if this is part of what you wish to do. Note that the PR comes from having 3 consecutive years of having had an annual visa or work permit. Unlike others you will need to ensure that you have a basic Thai language prophecy in Thailand for the PR. Lastly there will also be loads of checks and balances looking at your health as well as a criminal record check.

2.4 Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant O-A and O-X Visa)

The retirement visa does have an age requirement. You will need to be at least 50 years old before you apply for the visa. There are the financial requirements for this visa :

• O-A Visa: Proof of monthly income of at least 65,000 THB or deposit of 800,000 THB in Thailand.

• O-X Visa: A deposit of 3 million THB or an annual income of 1.2 million THB; a maintained balance of 1.5 million THB is required.

Likewise you will note that as for the health insurance you will need this for both the O-A as well as the O-X. Lastly those who have passports from Africa will also need to have a criminal record check in Bangkok.

Benefits

– 3.1 Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa

Income Tax: Your personal income tax will be capped at 17% instead of the regular 35%.
Family Benefits: You to bring your spouse and children (who are single and under 20 years old).
Simplified Reporting: Instead of reporting every 90 days you can now report once a year.

– 3.2 Thailand Elite Visa

Long-Term Stay: 5 to 20 years without frequent renewals.
VIP Treatment: Airport fast-track, lounge access, concierge services.
Lifestyle Benefits: Discounts on luxury services like golf, spa treatments, and shopping.
Convenience: Simplified process for administrative tasks and government procedures.

– 3.3 Permanent Residency (PR)

Indefinite Stay: No need for visa renewals or 90-day reporting.
Pathway to Citizenship: Eligibility to apply for Thai citizenship after five years.
Legal Rights: Ability to purchase property, easier access to work permits, and can act as a guarantor.
Family Benefits: Easier visa process for family members.

– 3.4 Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant O-A and O-X Visa)

Long-Term Stay: O-X Visa allows a 10-year stay; O-A requires annual renewal.
Designed for Retirees: Specifically tailored for individuals over 50.
Re-entry Permits: Multiple re-entry permits for travel.
Simplified Financial Requirements: Less stringent compared to PR or Elite Visa options.

Drawbacks

– 4.1 Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa

Eligibility Requirements: The process is stringent and category-specific.
Cost: Health and taxes make it more complicated and with the initial cost.
No Path to Citizenship: There is no path to becoming a Thai national.

– 4.2 Thailand Elite Visa

Cost: The high membership fees could be prohibitive for some.
No Work Rights: This type of visa does not allow for a work permit
No Path to Permanent Residency or Citizenship: Exclusively a privilege visa.

– 4.3 Permanent Residency (PR)

Complex Application Process: Very bureaucratic process with nationality quotas.
Language Requirement: You must also pass the basic Thai language proficiency test.
No Automatic Benefits for Family: Likewise family members need separate applications.
Work Permit Still Required: PR holders must still obtain work permits for employment.

– 4.4 Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant O-A and O-X Visa)

Age Restriction: The age limit is set at aged 50 and above.
Health Insurance Requirement: Mandatory health insurance can be costly.
90-Day Reporting: Note that regular 90 day reporting to immigration is required.
Renewals: This is an annual visa, this O-A visa.

Application Process

5.1 Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa

Initial Application: You can submit online or through Thai consulates.
Documentation: Likewise proof of income, insurance, and background check.
Approval: Process can take several months.
Visa Issuance: Receive the LTR visa upon approval.

5.2 Thailand Elite Visa

Application Submission: Online or through authorized agents.
Background Check: Criminal background check is mandatory.
Payment: Membership fee depending on package.
Approval and Visa Issuance: Visa is issued once approved.

5.3 Permanent Residency (PR)

Non-Immigrant Visa: Hold for at least three consecutive years.
Application Submission: Annual submission window (usually October-December).
Documentation and Interview: Proof of income, work history, health, and Thai language proficiency.
Approval: Can take several months to years.
Residence Certificate: Issued upon approval.

5.4 Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant O-A and O-X Visa)

Visa Application: At a Thai embassy or consulate.
Documentation: Proof of age, financials, health insurance, and criminal background.
Approval and Visa Issuance: Issued upon successful application.
90-Day Reporting: Report to immigration every 90 days.
Renewal: As needed based on visa type (O-A or O-X)

Comparison and Recommendations

6.1 For High-Net-Worth Individuals

– The Thailand Elite Visa offers luxury, convenience, and long-term residency with exclusive benefits, making it ideal for those who value comfort and can afford the membership fees.

6.2 For Long-Term Stability

– Permanent Residency (PR) is suitable for those committed to making Thailand their permanent home. It offers the most stable residency option with the potential for citizenship.

6.3 For Retirees

– The Retirement Visa is the best choice for those aged 50+ looking to enjoy their retirement in Thailand. The O-X visa provides a longer stay with less frequent renewals compared to the O-A visa.

6.4 For Skilled Professionals and Investors

– The LTR Visa is ideal for skilled professionals, investors, and digital nomads who meet specific income and employment criteria and seek a flexible, long-term stay with some work privileges.

Living in Thailand

If you are going to live in Thailand then there area a number of options. Likewise see the Thailand permanent residency cost as well as the certificate of permanent residence as well. Lastly there is also the Thailand 10 year retirement visa which you can also look at. There is also the article which we wrote on the how to obtain permanent residency in Thailand.

The information contained in our website is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advices. For further information, please contact us.