What are the best options for hiring an immigration attorney in Phuket for a long-term resident visa?

LTR visa immigration attorney Phuket visa application Thai Visa Centre Board of Investment legal advice expat resources

Jan 21, 2024

10 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello,

Does anyone have recommendations for an experienced and trusted immigration attorney in Phuket who can advise on visa options and provide support for the application process?

I'm hoping to qualify for the long term resident (LTR) visa and be able to provide consulting for some Thai friends in starting up their business. [members only]

Any recommendations for a good attorney, an estimate of cost to hire an attorney or any other experience to share would be greatly appreciated. 

Thanks in advance 🙏🏻✨￼￼

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The community discussion centers around seeking recommendations for a reputable immigration attorney in Phuket for assistance with the Long Term Resident (LTR) visa application. Several comments suggest that hiring a lawyer may not be necessary for the LTR visa, as direct application with the Board of Investment (BOI) is sufficient and poses no financial risk until the visa is approved. Some participants recommend specific agents and attorneys, such as the Thai Visa Centre and a lawyer named Sam at ILO, emphasizing personal experiences with support services. Overall, while there are options for legal help, many believe that direct engagement with authorized agents for LTR is the preferred route.

LONG TERM RESIDENT (LTR) VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic Long Term Resident (LTR) Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Long Term Resident (LTR) Visa.
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the Long Term Resident (LTR) Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

Ian *****

For LTR go to Thai Visa Centre . They did mine

10 months ago

Chris ****

I am on the LTR and used Star which is one of the five agents authorized by BOI. I was their first client to obtain the LTR and we learned together. For lawyer I use Sam at ILO who did my original visa and my 30 lease as well as my other leases. He is solid in my experience.

10 months ago

Brad ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Chris ***

. Did you feel the help of an attorney was necessary and worthwhile, or is this something you would've done on your own if you had to do over?

10 months ago

Chris ****

@Brad *******

for the LTR I did not use an attorney. Only an agent. For my non-O I used a lawyer. It was helpful in so much as I was able to focus on other things (in that case it was chartering a boat for my birthday). I agree with other commenters that you don’t need anybody to apply for an LTR.

10 months ago

Reply to

Chris ****

Henrik *****

Be aware that the information is from a private compagny, that exploit a webadress, implying they are a Thai government authority.

Don’t rely on such crooks.

10 months ago

Brad ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks

@Henrik ****

. Good to know.

10 months ago

Reply to

Brad ********

Marty *********

Which LTR are you going for?

10 months ago

Brad ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Marty ********

. I'm hoping that I have some "special skills" in business creation and marketing that will be valuable to my Thai friends who want to start their own businesses, and qualify me for the LTR visa.

10 months ago

Felix *******

@Brad *******

You'd qualify for one of the SMART visa categories if you're going to work with Thais and under a Thai company. That's easier in case you don't qualify for LTR

10 months ago

Marty *********

@Brad *******

OK. There are multiple types of LTR. I have the pensioner LTR which is easy to get on your own. The one you want might indeed need a lawyer. Sorry, I can’t help you.

10 months ago

Reply to

Marty *********

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

As far as the LTR visa goes, there's not much a lawyer can do for you. The Board of Investment makes all the qualification decisions and it's best to work with them directly. And since you don't pay anything until you're actually picking up your visa, there's no risk in applying and asking your questions to them directly.

There are a few official agents for the LTR that are listed on the website, but I've heard they're quite expensive.

10 months ago

Brad ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks

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

. I appreciate your feedback.

10 months ago

Chris ****

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

yes about 120-150K. It makes sense if time is money. Usually pensioners need no help whereas those living off investment income appreciate it. For instance I needed to supply proof of real estate investments and let my agent work with my lawyer back home while I was traveling. Super convenient.

10 months ago

Brad ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks

@Chris ***

. I'm definitely looking for the most affordable way to proceed. Given what I had heard about the bureaucracy, I thought an attorney might be the way to go, but it seems not. I appreciate your feedback.

10 months ago

Reply to

Brad ********

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