What are the steps and considerations for obtaining an LTR visa in Thailand, especially with same-sex marriage and dependent visas in mind?

LTR Visa Same-Sex Marriage Visa Dependant Visa DTV Visa Thailand Immigration Visa Agents Visa Application Process Koh Samui BOI Culinary Schools in Koh Samui

Dec 27, 2024

2 days ago

Teddee ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Update: thanks for all the helpful replies. I'm definitely sticking with the LTR visa and the BOI confirmed my wife will qualify for a dependant's visa once same sex marriage takes effect. I'm no longer using that visa agent and found a list of accredited agents on the BOI website to choose from. 

Hi all, I'm looking for a little clarification on something. I'm looking to move to Koh Samui next year.

My original visa plan was to get an LTR visa based on working for a large off shore company. I meet all the requirements and have been working on gathering all the paperwork. I have a wife, and I was hoping once same sex marriage passed she could get a dependant's visa under me. 

I spoke to an agent, and she told me that the LTR is prohibitively hard to get and that even though in January same sex marriage will be law that it will not validate for dependant's visas. 

She suggested I get a DTV workcation visa and my wife get a DTV soft powers visa. She said Thailand will ask for my employer's tax fillings for LTR, which isn't something I can get. I was under the impression I wouldn't need that since it's publicly traded. Without the option for a dependant's visa, I guess my wife's only real option is a DTV visa. 

My questions are: 

1. Does anyone have experience getting an LTR visa working for off shore company? If so, how was that process?

2. Is it true that even after same sex marriage passes, it won't count for visas? 

3. Are there any DTV accredited culinary schools in Koh Samui?

I get that Facebook probably isn't the best place to get concrete info; however, I'm starting to doubt my agent. If anyone can suggest an agent in Koh Samui for a second opinion, that would also be great.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post discusses obtaining an LTR visa for expats wanting to relocate to Koh Samui, Thailand, and the complexities surrounding dependence visas for same-sex couples. The author is looking for clarity on the LTR visa process, implications of upcoming same-sex marriage laws on visa eligibility, and information on DTV workcation options. Responses from the community provide insights into personal experiences with LTR visas, the potential challenges of dependent visas due to changing legislation, and recommend consulting the BOI for accurate information.

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Alex ********

If u can get the ltr get that, you'll only pay 10% tax

Use the rest to get elite for your spouse

a day ago

Graham ******

There are no DTV approved schools etc. as each Embassy set their requirement

2 days ago

Michael ********

Same sex marriages will become law i think January 25th, until clarification is given once its law is basically hearsay whatever agents are saying.. Doesnt affect me but its going to be interesting to see how immigration deal with it.

2 days ago

Teddee ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Michael *******

luckily someone put me in touch with the BOI and they clarified my wife will qualify for a dependant's visa after the 25th. That's a huge relief for me.

a day ago

Michael ********

@Teddee *******

Yes there shouldnt be any issues for that despite what others have said its the law and also well accepted by society here.

a day ago

Reply to

Michael ********

Bob **********

My friend just got his LTR with not to much problems but not sure about dependent,same sex marriage was approved but it could take years to accept foreign same sex marriages good luck

2 days ago

Pygo ********

Good luck to you both, I found all the different visas, rules and restrictions confusing until I moved here and my girlfriend introduced me to her friend who has had much experience of dealing with the Immigration about her farang husband's visa.

None of which helps with your situation, but again, I wish you both good luck.

2 days ago

Phil ******

@Teddee *******

1. DTV Varies from different embassies type of application and also the person involved so that's really hard.

2. Unsure but next month we will know alot more

3. Probably. Google or a walkabout is best

2 days ago

Garrett ***********

@Phil *****

Embassies don't process or issue the LTR, the BOI does.

2 days ago

Phil ******

@Garrett **********

yep but she's changing her mind and now wants a DTV.

2 days ago

Reply to

Phil ******

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

Sounds like the agent has no money to be made with an LTR so instead they suggest the DTV where they can make money.

I have the remote worker LTR and I didn't find it difficult at all. The entire process is online and the application is free. You'll know if you're approved before you ever have to spend a dime. Just apply for it and if it doesn't work out you can look at the DTV.

And your agent is talking a load of bullshit about dependant visas, because no one knows what will happen when the same sex marriage law finally goes into effect. Likely dependant visas will be available, but I assume there will be a lag time as various government agencies have to update their internal policies to match the law.

The BOI would be a much better place to ask that question to since they are the ones that run the LTR program.

2 days ago

Teddee ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

than you so much for this information! I was getting some red flags when she dismissed the LTR so quickly with me already having most of the paperwork. I'll definitely reach out to the BOI.

2 days ago

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

@Teddee *******

they are normally very responsive. Just be aware there's a very long new years holiday coming up.

But I love the LTR. Never have to do 90 day reports, fast track at the airport, can do all my immigration stuff at Chamchuri which is right on the MRT line instead of having to go to Chaeng Watthana.

The only downside is that so many people have no idea about the LTR that it always takes longer for things. More than 50% of the time when I'm entering Thailand the officer will call over a supervisor. At the DLT it took them 20 minutes to decide if my drivers license would be a 2 year or 5 year renewal.

2 days ago

Teddee ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

you're right about their responsiveness. I already heard back confirming that my wife will be eligible for a dependant's visa once same sex marriage takes effect.

2 days ago

Reply to

Teddee ********

John **********

Will you work remotely from inside Thailand or will you travel to work and return to Thailand on your time off? The answer will narrow down your options. If you will travel that rules out the DTV and probably the LTR options.

You should speak to the BOI and explain your situation, they are very helpful by all accounts and will give you proper information rather than what an agent wants you to believe

**********************

2 days ago

Teddee ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

hi, thanks for the info. I'll definitely reach out to them. I'm totally remote, and would be staying in Thailand full time. I have permission from my employer to work remotely from Thailand keeping my US job, and they'll provide any paperwork needed to verify that status.

2 days ago

John **********

@Teddee *******

then either visa would work for yourself but the LTR visa has the huge benefit of tax exemption on overseas income. I've no idea on the same sex marriage question, I guess also ask the BOI about that

2 days ago

Reply to

John **********

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