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

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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.

Ask Thailand · Answer

The post discusses the user's plans to apply for an LTR visa while working for an offshore company and exploring the possibility of obtaining a dependant's visa for their wife after same-sex marriage becomes law. The user has faced conflicting advice from a visa agent about the visa options and is seeking clarification. They received various comments offering insights on the LTR visa process, the status of dependant visas after the same-sex marriage legislation, and recommendations for alternative options like the DTV visa. Overall, there is a mix of experiences shared regarding the visa process, with encouragement to consult directly with the BOI for accurate information.

Alex ******** · Answer

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

Use the rest to get elite for your spouse

Graham ****** · Answer

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

Michael ******** · Answer

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.

Bob ********** · Answer

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

Pygo ******** · Answer

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.

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

Phil ****** · Answer

[mention redacted]

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

Brandon ************ · Answer

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.

John ********** · Answer

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

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

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