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What are the experiences and differences between the Thai Elite Visa and LTR Visa?

Thai Elite VisaLTR VisaVisa OptionsExpat AdviceLong Term ResidencyVisa RequirementsTax RegulationsImmigration in Thailand
Apr 1, 2024
8 months ago
Faith ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello. Does anyone currently have the Thai Elite Visa and give any advice about your experience obtaining/having one vs the LTR visa? Thank you.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
This discussion revolves around the experiences and advice concerning the Thai Elite Visa and the Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa. Users share insights into the advantages and disadvantages of both visas. The LTR visa is highlighted as a more cost-effective option with less stringent reporting requirements, while the Elite Visa offers more flexibility without the need for financial disclosures but at a significantly higher cost. Participants emphasize the importance of personal circumstances in choosing between the two and recommend checking specific criteria and benefits associated with each visa type.
LONG TERM RESIDENT (LTR) VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Peter ************
LTR is a lot cheaper but quite hard to qualify for one,elite is expensive and if you have the funds then easy to get….
8 months ago
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Marty *********
@Peter ***********
 The pensioner LTR is about passive income. The Elite visa is about cash on hand. The pensioner LTR is incredibly easy to apply for and get if you meet the insurance and $80,000/yr passive income requirements. The staff at the Thailand Board of Investment office are very helpful and friendly. I’m sure the Elite visa people are helpful too but you have to have the cash and be willing to pay the Elite fee.

As I’ve said elsewhere in this thread, the Elite Visa is a good option for people under 50 who have few options to stay long term. For expats over 50 there are other options and you need to weigh the details of each visa type with your own individual circumstances.
8 months ago
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Marcin *******
@Marty ********
 What makes you say that LTR is about passive income, what about "LTR Work From Thailand Professional" ?
8 months ago
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Marty *********
@Marcin ******
 Sorry. I was speaking about the pensioner LTR. I corrected my comment
8 months ago
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Marty *********
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Neil ******
LTR is hardly about passive income considering 2 of the categories require you to be working....and it requires cash for investment if you're "Wealthy Pensioner" or "Wealthy Global Citizen".
8 months ago
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Marty *********
@Neil *****
 Sorry. I was speaking about the pensioner LTR. I corrected my comment.

No investment required for the pensioner LTR if you meet the $80,000/year passive income requirement
8 months ago
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Marty *********
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Thomas *******
@Marty ********
 is the 80k solely from a pension or can pension, social security and 401k withdrawal all add up to 80k to satisfy the requirements? Is it just at time of application or each and every year the visa is valid? TIA.
8 months ago
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Marty *********
@Thomas ******
 The $80,000/yr can be a combination of sources. They just looked at my US tax returns. Besides pension and Social Security I don’t know what other sources of income qualify as passive. I know other sources do qualify. I’m pretty certain 401k withdrawals won’t count
8 months ago
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Steve **********
@Ma***
 may I ask what they are looking for on the tax returns? I ask because if a pension just went over $80K or some is non taxable income is that an issue?
8 months ago
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Marty *********
@Steve *********
 Tax returns are one easy way to see all or some of your income. If you have other income then you need to talk to them about it. I’ve seen in LTR discussions that income other than straight work or government pensions can qualify. I believe they are looking at pre-tax income.
8 months ago
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Thomas *******
@Marty ********
 thank you for your information.
8 months ago
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Thomas *******
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Jo **********
I have the LTR based on remote working and it was easier than I thought make sure you tax returns are in order. and if they are in a foreign language other than english or Thai make sure they are translated by a registered translator and stamped. Also the process can drag on so call them frequently to see if they have everything and push them along. Remember the LTR costs only 50k baht and there is no 90 day reporting only yearly. So the LTR is far superior to the elite
8 months ago
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Ruth *******
@Jo *********
 is LTR the high income visa?
8 months ago
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Jo **********
@Ruth ******
 yes I needed to give my tax returns
8 months ago
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Jo **********
@Ruth ******
 80k USD
8 months ago
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Ruth *******
@Jo *********
 that’s what I thought. It’s the one where one needs to open their books to the Thai government. I just wanted to clarify.
8 months ago
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Ruth *******
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Marty *********
I have had a pensioner LTR since January, 2023. If your finances are simple then applying yourself online is very easy. As far as travel goes, you don’t need re-entry permits and you can use the fast track lane at the airport but no one will meet you and drive you around. One year reporting, not 90 day reporting but if you are traveling often you would never report. Obviously much much less expensive. If you are over 50 I don’t see how the Thai Elite makes much sense. For the few interactions you will have with them, you will find the staff at the Thailand BOI to be friendly and a pleasure to deal with.
8 months ago
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Kim **********
@Marty ********
 With Thai Elite Visa, you don't have to maintain a bank balance of 800K BHT, no insurance requirement, no minimum age, come and go as you please and, Thai Elite does your 90 day reporting for you. 900K Baht, one-time payment.
8 months ago
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Marty *********
@Kim *********
 As I said, the Elite is great for expats under 50 years old. The pensioner LTR does not require a bank deposit of 800,000 baht. The LTR is multiple entry. The LTR requires one year reporting. If you travel outside Thailand then the 1 year clock resets on return. The LTR is a one time fee of 50,000 baht for 10 years. (Thai Elite is 1.5 million baht for 10 years)The LTR does require insurance but it is a little more lenient than the OA requirement by allowing a $100,000 bank deposit in your home country to qualify as insurance coverage.

There are several categories of LTR. I am only commenting on the pensioner category for those over 50 years of age.
8 months ago
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Kim **********
Just to add, 1.5 million THB, for the 10 year Thai Elite is about $41,000 USD.
8 months ago
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Kim **********
@Marty ********
 You forgot to mention, Personal income of at least $80,000 USD at time of application, Investment of at least $250,000 in Thai government bonds, foreign direct investment, or Thai property. Yes, this is the Pensioner version of the Thai LTR but the Elite has no such requirement.
8 months ago
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Marty *********
@Kim *********
. Both the LTR and the Elite visa are targeted toward wealthier Expats. Yes, the pensioner LTR requires a passive income of $80,000/yr but it does not require any investments. Really the only requirements for the pensioner LTR are the $80k/yr and insurance.
8 months ago
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Kim **********
@Marty ********
 I was quoting the requirement for the Pensioner LTR Visa from the Siam Legal website and it clearly states $250,000 in investments along with the $80K
8 months ago
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Marty *********
@Kim *********
 Ah! Now I remember. There is an option to have $40,000/year passive income + investments. I didn’t have to do that. I have a pension that meets the $80,000/yr retirement
8 months ago
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Kim **********
@Marty ********
 Cool
8 months ago
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Marty *********
@Kim *********
 I got my pensioner LTR in January, 2023. You might want to go the the Thailand Board of Investment website and review the requirements for the four categories of LTR. Better to go to website of the office that issues the LTR visa, the BOI, rather than a visa agent.
8 months ago
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Kim **********
@Marty ********
*****************************************************************************************
8 months ago
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Kim **********
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Neil *********
The ltr visa is by far the best one available now. No comparison against the elite. Speak to Mark and his team at baan Thai Immigration services in Bangkok excellent and will get you through it no problem at all. Tell Mark Neil from Melbourne capital group gave you his name.

Honestly the best decision
8 months ago
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Dave **********
@Neil ********
 so easy to do your own LTR why pay?
8 months ago
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JP *******
@Dave *********
 ok, my thought was an agent would know the “right one” to submit the paperwork at BOI to make sure the LTR is granted.
8 months ago
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Dave **********
@JP ******
 BOI was so very helpful and answered all my e mails timely.

Most of the documents for retirement are your own financial records or passport so not much of anything for an agent to gather

As its all done on line, until you go to pick up your approved LTR I see no need to pay for a retirement LTR. Maybe for other types. Good luck.
8 months ago
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Dave **********
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JP *******
can an AGENT help me "qualify" for the LTR?

I am over 50, but not sure I have enough income on paper.

Udon Thani area
8 months ago
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Brandon ************
@JP ******
 no. The BOI runs the program and makes all the decisions. An agent would only help you gather and present the documents.
8 months ago
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Brandon ************
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Neil *********
@Dave *********
 some people prefer to use an agent. Always their choice eh leave them to it I say
8 months ago
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Dave **********
@Neil ********
 I say make them aware how simple and easy to work with BOI on a LTR and then leave to them!
8 months ago
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Dave **********
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Dan ********
@Neil ********
 yes if you fit the criteria.
8 months ago
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Neil *********
@Dan *******
 of course but that’s the same with all the visas here if you fit the criteria
8 months ago
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Neil *********
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Todd *********
If you qualify for LTR, it’s an absolute no brainer. By far the best visa in Thailand. Only 50k baht for 10 years. Multiple entry. NO TAX. No 90

Day reporting. FastTrack at the airport. And easy online application
8 months ago
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Christopher ********
@Todd ********
 where can I find more info about this visa ?
8 months ago
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Todd *********
@Christopher *******
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8 months ago
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Todd *********
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Dan ********
@Todd ********
 being that I saw I'd never qualify for LTR without some nefarious accounting, fabricating a Masters Degree, and 5 years experience working at a PLC , I switched off from the benefits. I should've at least tried applying. It is clearly a no brainer. I've had to cut back on my lunches at 'The Cliff'.
8 months ago
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Todd *********
@Dan *******
 well, on the positive side, there are definitely better spots than the Cliff!
8 months ago
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Dan ********
@Todd ********
 not that I can walk home from, and still in my dressing gown....
8 months ago
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Dan ********
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Dan ********
There is a specific group for Elite Visa. Can't be hard to find. If you don't qualify for LTR, then Elite the only option, unless over 50, married to a thai, have a child with a thai, setting up a business, or investment $1m with the BOI. I got the Elite just before the price increased by 50%. Now I'd question the value, as I don't bounce in/out often at all, just enjoy the long stay. You won't get accepted for Elite curently, if you've had ED Visa, or volunteer Visa.
8 months ago
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Faith ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dan *******
 Thank you for your advice Dan. Much appreciated. I noticed the price did go up considerably but might be worth it as I have 5 adult children in the States I will visit regularly. I do qualify for both the retirement and LTR visas but wanted this one d/t help with all the paperwork through the concierge services provided with the elite visa.
8 months ago
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Dan ********
@Faith **********
 well any lawyer firm (and dare I say......Agents) can assist with applications for all visas. So if its the paperwork/administration side you were not confident with you can get help. With the Elite, the agents are paid a commission, so usually no charge, but that's the most simple of application's. If I were you, I'd find a recommended lawyer in your chosen destination and apply for LTR at 5000 baht per year, with fasttrack immigration perks. Failing that, the retirement visa is your next best bet, just 1900 baht a year, remembering you can always buy your own 'fasttrack service' for $30-50us per time (and buy lounge access if you're caked with cash - I never get to the airport early enough). Lawyers/agents will do the work for you, and most will know if your application is good before pulling the trigger anyway. Good luck 👍
8 months ago
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Dan ********
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Michael ********
There is a group that specifically deals with elite visa
8 months ago
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John ******
I do not expect that will get a reply from someone who has experience withand ltr and elite!
8 months ago
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Faith ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *****
 thought I'd try multiple groups. Thanks.
8 months ago
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John ******
@Faith **********
 I understand that but believe there are not many people who did the same.
8 months ago
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John ******
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