Last Updated on March 21, 2023
This article was originally published on 11 August 2022 and was updated on 21 March 2023 to reflect new information.
21 March 2023 Update: The government of Thailand updated qualification requirements for skills and activities eligible for the country’s 10-year Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR Visa). The new list of special skills and activities will include:
- Research and development in targeted industries or targeted technologies such as Biotechnology, Nanotechnology, Advanced Material Technology and Digital Technology
- Human resource development in science and technology at the vocational or higher education level
- Application of automation and robotic technology in business operations
- Digital planning and development to enhance business production and services
- Provision of financial or marketing services or advice
- Environmental and energy management
- Management or consulting of incubation programs, accelerator programs, innovation support programs and startup ecosystem programs
- Alternative dispute resolution services
- Promotion and support of economic development, trade and investment by institutions such as foreign chambers of commerce in Thailand, and foreign trade and investment promotion organizations.
Key Points
- The government of Thailand will launch a long-term resident visa on 1 September 2022
- The long-term resident visa will be available to highly skilled foreign nationals, remote workers and wealthy foreign nationals
Overview
The government of Thailand will launch a 10-year long-term resident (LTR) visa on 1 September 2022. The visa will be available to high potential foreign nationals and will be offered in four categories:
- Wealthy global citizens: for foreign nationals holding at least ฿ one million in assets;
- Wealthy pensioners: for retirees aged 50 years and older who have an annual pension or stable income;
- Work-from-Thailand professionals: for remote workers working for well-established overseas companies; or
- Highly skilled professionals: for professionals or experts who have been hired to work in target industries in Thailand. These industries include higher education institutions, research centers or specialized training institutions in Thailand or a Thai government agency.
Spouses and children under 20 years of age will be permitted to travel and remain with the primary LTR visa holder throughout the validity period of the LTR visa. The LTR visa will be granted for a maximum period of 10 years and can be renewed.
In addition, the government will introduce reduced requirements for the LTR visa application process, including removing employment ratios. As such, companies hiring a foreign national under an LTR visa will not be required to employ four Thai citizens per foreign national employee. Holders of the LTR visa will also be exempt from having to obtain a re-entry permit when exiting and returning to Thailand.
For additional qualification requirements for each category under the LTR visa, check here.
What are the Changes?
The government of Thailand will launch a new long-term resident visa on 1 September 2022. According to the government announcement, this visa will help boost Thailand’s economy and expand the government’s ability to attract more foreign nationals. The government stated that it aims to attract over one million high potential foreign nationals over the next five years.
Looking Ahead
Continue to check the government of Thailand’s website and Envoy’s website for the latest updates and information.
Content in this publication is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. For additional information on the issues discussed, consult an attorney at one of the two U.S. Law Firms working with the Envoy Platform or another qualified professional. On non-U.S. immigration issues, consult an Envoy global immigration service provider or another qualified representative.
