Answered3 years ago

Is the LTR visa for retirees a good option for moving to Thailand?

LTR visa Thailand immigration retirement visa visa application expatriate living foreign passport

Sean ********

asked Mar 8, 2024

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I've been reading the embassy information about visas. My Thai/American wife and I are seriously considering moving to Thailand this year or early next. I can use either an American or UK passport, but it appears to me that the LTR visa for retirees is a good deal. And I can apply for it here in Washington DC. Am I missing something, or is this a good visa?

Answer summary

The LTR visa for retirees is being considered by an individual planning to move to Thailand. They have found the visa appealing due to its provisions and the ability to apply from the US. Community comments suggest that applications can be completed online with the Board of Investment (BOI) and that using the in-country application process may provide benefits, such as avoiding high embassy fees and ensuring proper documentation, including re-entry permits. Additionally, advice was shared about considering different visa options and consulting with tax advisers for a smoother transition.

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Jo **********

the LTR visa is the best visa. I have it very nice

3 years ago

Terary **********

You can apply online from the Embassy in DC. You will want to consider the different visas. One you get in country and one you get in the US (from the Embassy). They have different requirements. A buddy of mine prefers says getting the visa in Thailand is better because of insurance requirements.

3 years ago

Sean ********

@Terary *********

Thank you. Can you explain that a little more for me. What do you mean by insurance requirements?

3 years ago

Shayne **********

Maybe you should look at talking with

@American *****************************

to assist with your transition and planning.

@https://www.facebook********************

3 years ago

Sean ********

Could you tell me why?

3 years ago

Shayne **********

@Sean *******

a lot of Americans sell up and bring lots of dollars out of savings plans and stuff or selling houses and bring it to Thailand. Then find out they have a large tax liability. I've heard of people that the IRS wants USD$200k from because of bad decisions. It's just a suggestion.

3 years ago

Sean ********

@Shayne *********

Well, yes, I agree tax advice can be beneficial. The US taxes people on their global income, for sure, but there are deductions for foreign-paid tax. Yes, tax is complicated. I intend to file in the US and in Thailand.

3 years ago

Shayne **********

@Sue *********

but I am mostly talking about American and Thai Americans with there normal IRS burden and best ways to transition USA to Thailand as per the post.

3 years ago

Sue **********

@Shayne *********

I was told by a thai lawyer that LTR Visa is excluded from all tax liability, but only LTR. On the other side its not that easy to het this Visa as many think and it perhaps sounds like on the according websites

3 years ago

Graham ******

There are different LTR Visas so if you find one that suits your needs go for it

3 years ago

Sean ********

Thank you both. According to the embassy here it's $1600, which is about 50,000 Baht. They also say Fast Track at the airport - is that a worthy benefit?

3 years ago

Brandon ************

@Sean *******

the airport has been quite crowded lately. I've never waited more than 5 minutes at fast track, both arrival and departure.

LTR is by far the best visa available right now if you qualify.

3 years ago

Sean ********

@Brandon ***********

Thank you.

3 years ago

Brandon ************

You can apply for the LTR anywhere. You apply online with the BOI. If they approve you, you can either apply for it evisa (USA or UK) or go to Thailand first and then make an appointment with the BOI and pick it up there.

I'd recommend you do the 2nd option as you'll have a stamp in your passport along with the re-entry permit instead of having to carry a print out around with you for 10 years, and you'll only pay exactly 50,000 baht, not whatever inflated price the embassies are charging.

3 years ago