Do I need to provide 1 or 2 years of 80k income for the LTR visa for pensioners in Thailand?

May 24, 2023
a year ago
Mena ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi

Regarding ltr visa for pensioner do i need to provide 1 or 2 year 80k income.last november it was only 1 year.have they changed it.

Thanks
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TLDR : Answer Summary
There seems to be some confusion regarding the income requirement for the Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa for pensioners in Thailand. Initially, it was indicated that only one year of income documentation was required, but some BOI staff are suggesting two years based on standard practices for other visa types. However, recent confirmations indicate that only the current year's income (approximately 12 months) needs to be shown. The income of 80k is generally required to be gross income. Additionally, questions have arisen about whether joint tax returns can be used and if it needs to be pre- or post-tax income, as these details are not clearly defined in the regulations.
LONG TERM RESIDENT (LTR) VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Colin *******
The tax return issue is the remaining challenge I have, as in Australia pension payments are tax exempt and therefore are not even declared on a tax return!
Colin *******
Todd McGowan they really don't like regular income if you have the choice as to the quantum.
Colin *******
Yes Erik. The problem , latest they have raised, is that under Aussie pension rules like a lot of countries including the US, UK Canada and even Thailand is that you can take lumps sums, even on a periodic basis. They are not liking this one little bit. If they play hard ball on this then it could exclude a lot of applications. Silly thing is they are known to accept dividend income which could be highly variable. Go figure.
Erik *******
@Colin ******
Hi Colin. Interesting topic here (your discussion with Alan). From my understanding , tax return is just one document they accept for Wealthy Pensioner. I think you can provide other types of documents like your pension statements, pension bulletins etc…
Todd *********
@Erik ******
any regular income is fine
Colin *******
Clearly the $80k would not add up to too much spending in Thailand if it has to support the other half in the home country. So many 'issues' that were not considered in the legislation, which is why the LTR Visa processing teams appear to have so much work on their hands :-)
Colin *******
The 2nd Q is also a good Q. Is the $80k person or for a family unit. If for a couple then what happens if only one person goes to live in Thailand and the other does not
Colin *******
Good question Alan. I raised this point yesterday with the LTR Visa team as some jurisdiction's pensions are taxable and others not. You would think that it is post tax being the expected level of expenditure. If it is pre-tax then they need to make another number for thoses that have pensions where taxation is not applied?
Colin *******
It appears that for pensioner status they have conceded that only the current year, assume 12 months, data for income is required. Had confirmation today.

One down, one to go.🤣
Colin *******
They said it is gross?
Colin *******
On the other hand someone with $78k net, single and no fiscal commitments could be refused. Crazy legislation which is why the LTR processing staff are having a very difficult time processing WP applications which make up the bulk of the LTR visa applications
Colin *******
And therein is one of the problems. The legislation is silent on this matter. Which means a retiree with 80k gross, which could be as low as $55k, could be supporting a spouse, and teenage children, paying alimony to ex and children, have mountains of debt, court orders etc and still meet the needs for the LTR WP Visa!
Alan ******
@Colin ******
Do you happen to know if using tax returns for proof of income, is the 80k based on gross income or adjusted income after deductions and exemptions? Also, can one person use the income of joint tax returns if married?
Alan ******
Thank you. I already sent an inquiry to them with the same questions and they said yes, as long as it doesn’t include spouses employment income.
Todd *********
@Alan *****
gross income is all you need. If one person uses joint income, and then the spouse joins it should be fine. Send it in to them and let them figure it out
Cassandra ******
Try to contact 0983323103 they can surely help you for LTR, free consultation.
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*****
*****
they can surely help you for LTR, free consultation.
Mena ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Colin *******
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Also says current income.
Colin *******
The BOI web site AND the legislation says at time of application. Some of the BOI processing staff appear to think you need 2 years as is the case for other LTR visas. This really is a case of various staff being ultra cautious and following the legislation. Stupid thing is, the legislation is on the BOI web site in original Thai and English translation. Makes life so hard when the staff can't/ don't follow the legislated rules.
Brandon ************
Ask the BOI or check their website. Nothing has changed.
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