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What are the eligibility requirements for the LTR visa in Thailand, and is the Elite visa a viable alternative for someone who doesn't meet them?

Apr 26, 2024
2 years ago
Donovan *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Want to move to Thailand this year, I was advised to apply for the LTR visa even though I don’t meet the financial requirement, I have 400000 us dallors. I reached out to a visa company Siam legal and they said I don’t meet the requirement, but I’ve been told i a group chat I should still be able to get it. Who is correct. Or is the elite visa my only option at the age of 45.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user wants to relocate to Thailand but is confused about eligibility for the Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa. Despite having $400,000, they were advised by a visa company that they do not meet the requirements. Comments confirm the strict requirements for the LTR visa, indicating that the user's finances alone do not suffice. Suggestions include the Elite Visa as a feasible alternative, which costs around 900,000 baht for five years, or exploring an educational visa, business visa, or marriage visa options. There is a consensus that pursuing the Elite Visa may be the best option given the user's age and financial situation.
LONG TERM RESIDENT (LTR) VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Henrik *****
Have you ever tryed to stay a longer period ( months ) in Thailand ?

Else you could start out with a 60 days touristvisa + 30 days extension as a trial run, where you will experience every day life is different from holiday life, before committing large ressources into moving.

You also need to have a financial plan, as it will be hard to find and get a income in Thailand, unless you are some kind of specialist.
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Pertti *************
Buy dormant company and you can work here and ofcourse go all the way to citizenship if desire.. easy, cheap no hassle🙏
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Dave *********
Financial requirements is 800,000 Thai baht; that’s only about $23,000 US dollars. You can check on Thai immigrations website for forms and the requirements.
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Onne ***********
@Dave ********
42 years to young
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Onne ***********
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Mccurry ********
Start a small business, anything, get a working visa.
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Deanna *******
Do the elite visa until you reach 50. Then retirement.
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**
Study thai language for 1st year. use 1 year time to find gf, if cant get gf, continue study again for 2nd year. Maybe that time u will feel thai may not suitable?
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Bob *********
Go to Cambodia get a business visa ($300 I think), then visit thailand for 30 on exception, extend, then border bounce with agent, do another 30 plus extension. Then return to Cambodia for 30, then come back to Thailand for 30 more, extend, etc. after te year is up extend Cambodia 1 year business visa for another few hundred USD...
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Sam *********
@Bob ********
its so welcoming and refreshing to see a place like Cambodia offering such relatively easy access to business visas. I encourage more people to check the country out, it had a lot of things going for it over Thailand, of course some things lag behind, but it will get better.
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Brandon ************
@Bob ********
you can only enter Thailand 2 times without a visa per calendar year at a land border.
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Garry ********
@Brandon ***********
are you talking about the automatic 30 day visa on arrival?? Because I go 4 or 5 times a year and just get the arrival visa sometimes do a border run as well.
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Brandon ************
@Garry *******
yes. I clarified my post to indicate you can only do it 2 times at a land border as the person who I replied to kept saying coming back from Laos which wouldn't be possible unless flying.
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Brandon ************
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Donovan *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
ya I want to do it the right way, I don’t want to border run, or worry one day they catch me and I have to leave, I want to retire in peace, elite visa is my best but, was trying to find a cheaper way but safe is more important. I do appreciate everyone’s feedback.
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Donovan *********
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Terary **********
1 year in Thailand is 1 Multiple Entry Tourist visa ($200) + 1 Single Entry Tourist Visa ($60).
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Dan ********
@Terary *********
that is true, but not a long term solution beyond 1yr.
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Terary **********
@Dan *******
I am sorry, I miss read that, I read "I want to Thailand for a year", my mistake.

oy
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Terary **********
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Richard *******
I applied for the wealthy pensioner, however they deemed copies of my last 3 years paid tax returns from the UK tax office not proof ….
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Todd *********
@Richard ******
the tax returns demonstrated over $80k USD annually in passive income? Also - only need 2 years
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Richard *******
@Todd ********
the tax I paid in each year was over $80USD so yes more than sufficient income.
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Todd *********
@Richard ******
so did they explain why the rejection? Seems odd. If it’s clearly $80k annually in passive income for 2 years…. that’s all they need
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Richard *******
@Todd ********
They didn’t explain but I believe the proof of income is only accepted if it’s from investment companies or pension funds.
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Todd *********
@Richard ******
it can be from investment, pension, rentals, crypto etc.

Anything except work
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Lien ******
@Todd ********
is there an age requirement for it?
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Todd *********
@Lien *****
for the retiree visa, you must be 50 or above
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Lien ******
@Todd ********
the wealthy pensioner?
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Todd *********
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Lien ******
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Lien ******
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THAI ******************************
The LTR visa application process is fairly strict, and thorough.

If you do not meet the requirements then approval is unlikely (we have handle hundreds LTR of cases, if anything you can be rejected when meeting all of the requirements in error).

Since you are 45 it may make sense to get the 5 year elite, and then transition to a retirement visa.

Our team offers a free consultation to explore all of your options.

You can reach out to us at
**********************
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Christopher *************
Talk to the Thai visa centre
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Geoff ********
Siam are top class! You did well speaking with them. It's a big headache here at 45. I found out the hard way by just flying in 5 years ago. The amount if runs into Laos, Malaysia, Mental and leaving for a while.. Running around like a dog..no peace if mind. Seriously.

I would consider the newly named " Thai Elite.... Blah blah visa @ a whopping 900,000 baht for 5 years.
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Todd *********
You won’t qualify. But Elite is easy. Expensive, but easy… just gotta buy one. Get the 5 year to carry you over to 50
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Marco *******
@Todd ********
I was thinking of. Doing the same might be best option but need to see what they gonna do with taxes
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Todd *********
@Marco ******
no taxes in external income with LTR which could be critical…
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Marco *******
@Todd ********
ya need to see I'm gonna probably do Panama residency instead
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Marco *******
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Donovan *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Todd ********
that’s my plan👍 thank you
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Donovan *********
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Jo **********
it’s not clear if you work for a company
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Marty *********
The 5 year Elite Visa is 900,000 baht or $24,300.
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Kenny *****
@Marty ********
for another 100,000B will get you another 5 years - total 10 years if he choose to go with elite.
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Todd *********
@Kenny ****
you need bring your Elite visa fee understanding up to date
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Marty *********
@Kenny ****
The 10 year Elite Visa is 1.5 million baht, so only 600k more for a 10 year. They changed the prices last year
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Marty *********
@Kenny ****
He said he was 45. Once he is 50 he can get a non-O visa as a retiree for 1,900 baht but I have met expats over 50 that have the Elite visa and are happy with it. I have a 10 year pensioner LTR.
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Marty *********
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Steve **********
These are the qualifications. There is no scenario where having $400,000 makes you eligible. So whatever group was saying that is uninformed.
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Anthonie *******
@Steve *********
Steve Barsalou do you need to qualify on all 3 criteria or only one of them?
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Steve **********
@Anth****
to be honest for that category I am not sure. It doesn’t say “or” so I would guess it’s all 3. But I was told BOI is very responsive to queries. I would ask them.
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Neil ******
@Steve *********
it’s all 3.
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Neil ******
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Donovan *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
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Donovan *********
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Brandon ************
If you don't meet the requirements you can't get it. It's not like other visa types that are done through immigration and some agents can grease the wheels to overlook a few things.

The LTR has all decisions on if you qualify or not from the BOI itself. They evaluate you, approve your application, and walk you to the Chamchuri immigration office who will provide another check of your qualifications.

5 Years won't be easy get through without a legit long term visa.

A few options in terms of cost:

1) Register for a degree seeking course at a Thai university. This ED visa can last until the end of your study (when you get your degree)

2) Create a business and hire 4 Thai employees which then makes you eligible for a work permit and visa as well

3) Elite visa

4) Get married to a Thai person and get a visa based on marriage
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Craig ********
@Brandon ***********
don't forget you need 2 million in declared capital for that business to employ yourself and sponsor the work permit.
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Pertti *************
@Craig *******
millions are on paper they don't need to be in account👍
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Neil *********
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Ekkehard *******
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Neil *********
@Ekkehard ******
The need for you to correct such a small mistake puts you in the category of Dick. W⚓️
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Neil *********
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Paul *************
@Craig *******
although those wheels can be greased 😉
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Pertti *************
@Paul ************
no grease needed🙏
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Pertti *************
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