This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
What are the updated requirements and benefits of the LTR 10-year Visa in Thailand?
LTR VisaThai Visa RequirementsForeign Investment in ThailandPassive IncomeVisa TypesImmigrationLong-Term VisasTax ExemptionExpat BenefitsWealthy Global CitizensWealthy PensionersIntellectual Property Ownership
Apr 20, 2025
a year ago
James ********
ORIGINAL POSTERUpdated requirements for the LTR 10 year Visa.
For those who qualify, I believe it is the best Thai Visa available today.
For those who qualify, I believe it is the best Thai Visa available today.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The 10-year LTR Visa is considered one of the best options for expats in Thailand, especially for those who can meet its criteria. Key points discussed include the types of investments required (like buying Thai bonds or property), potential costs, benefits over other visa types like the DTV, and concerns about qualifying. While some view it as beneficial due to its long-term nature and possible tax exemptions, others express skepticism about the investment requirements and accessibility for average expats.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV 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.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted DTV Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Ian *********
Wish i even had a million usd
Patrick ********
Is it possible to just buy bonds and be done with it?
Dennis *********
@Patrick *******
Private bonds no, equity yes. But maybe government bonds - not sure about those.Patrick ********
@Dennis ********
thanks 👍James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dennis ********
government bonds are okay 👍Patrick ********
@James *******
stupid question really. How does one get government bonds. Would you know the process please?James ********
ORIGINAL POSTERJames ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Patrick *******
Thai LTR Visa for Wealthy Global CitizensFor wealthy individuals holding at least USD 1 million in assets. An annual income of at least USD 80,000 for the past two years. Minimum investment in Thailand of USD 500,000; This could be Thai government bonds, company shares, real estate, or any combination.
Patrick ********
@James *******
thanks 🙏James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER********************************************************************************************
Reply to
James ********
Reply
Anonymous ******************
Thanks a lot for sharing. I have a question for the High-skilled professionals. I’m an academic professor who works at university and I meet the personal income requirements (option 2) with a PhD in economics.
Would I be eligible anyway since the news says the LTR is expanded to professors across all fields?
Would I be eligible anyway since the news says the LTR is expanded to professors across all fields?
James ********
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 849 suggest you ask your good question with the Thai Board of Investment. They are VERY helpful and reply to questions.
***************************************
%20Investment%20and%20Expat%20Services%20Center%20(TIESC)Anonymous ******************
@James *******
Thank you very much! Actually I've just asked and they sent me thefile with the regulation.
************************************************************************************************************
They said that to be eligible as a university professor, I should be
employed in a Thai university. But I were permanently employed in a
Thai university, I would already have a work permit and regular visa,
so why should I apply for a ltr visa? It sounds a contradiction to
me...
Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Rob ********
Not sure if anyone’s addressed this question
Can passive income be considered a combination of actual private pension and any way that you pay yourself into a Bank account (from brokerage asset withdrawals, for example) that adds up to 80K per year? We’d be about 25k short including social security and private pension but have way more than enough in 401K and IRA accounts to create 80K in passive income
Can passive income be considered a combination of actual private pension and any way that you pay yourself into a Bank account (from brokerage asset withdrawals, for example) that adds up to 80K per year? We’d be about 25k short including social security and private pension but have way more than enough in 401K and IRA accounts to create 80K in passive income
Sam ******
IF thailand government open visa free to west Europe, America, korea etc who make a higher GDP countries. They will make a lot of money helping economy
Patrick ********
@Sam *****
my thoughts exactlyReply to
Patrick ********
Reply
Kelsey ********
Does this provide a path to citizenship?
Dennis *********
@Kelsey *******
No, unfortunately.Helen ********
@Kelsey *******
no per a previous comment. ***********************************************************************************************************************************************
**********
**********
**********
*****
*****
*****
4/?comment_id=*****
*****
*****
8&reply_comment_id=*****
*****
*****
4Melanie ********
@Kelsey *******
I just saw this and was going to tag you 🤣Reply to
Melanie ********
Reply
Danish *********
Do we know their definition of targeted work industry or expertise area?
Andrew ********
Such a weird post. Most people on a DTV are younger and working overseas. Not buying property and investing. Such an out of touch statement.
Marc *************
I read the 500.000 USD investment can be done in Thai Property as well.
Is this ANY property or just selected ones?
Is this ANY property or just selected ones?
James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Marc ************
MUST be pre-approved project construction by the Thai Board of Investment.Marc *************
@James *******
So overpriced scams, essentially. Thanks.James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER**********************
Reply to
James ********
Reply
Anthony *******
You must meet the criteria for all categories? Or only 1 category?
Dennis *********
@Anthony ******
You apply for a categoryJames ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Anthony ******
Only one categoryReply to
James ********
Reply
Brian *********
It’s not for the rich more for the frugal
Kyle *******
Dtv all the way and if ya lucky to have around 25 000 new Zealand dollar ya will pull it off go for cooking classes or thai soft power dtv visa is called if you dont have a online business
Benjamin *********
Useless, as it’s so easy to get a DTV
James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Benjamin ********
yes, but the DTV visa is subject to change in requirements for entry and or in country extension. Whereas...
The LTR visa is for 10 years.
Andrew ********
@James *******
firstly, hardly anyone does the extension. Secondly, if you are not leaving the country at all you missing the point of being in south east Asia. The border bounce is fine.James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andrew *******
I fully agree with you ✅ My point was in comparison to the Wealthy Pensioner LTR vs DTV. Thank You for your helpful replies 🙂Reply to
James ********
Reply
Benjamin *********
@James *******
dtv exit and come back = 5 yearsJames ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Benjamin ********
that's how it's supposed to work. The question is... what requirements might be added to entries? Hopefully none.Benjamin *********
@James *******
noneJames ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Benjamin ********
hopefully ✅Reply to
James ********
Reply
Werner ************
Most barely can scrape together funds for the DTV
David *****
for $80K passive income, is that gross or net of expenses?
Jordan *********
What is the benefit in getting this vs. the DTV? Avoid renewing in 5 years?
Seems pointless for the amount needed to ‘invest.’
Seems pointless for the amount needed to ‘invest.’
Kai *********
@Jordan ********
tax exemptionJames ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jordan ********
there's many people who meet the requirements for the Wealthy Pensioner... Earning US $80,000 or more annually... but NOW only one year proof required...vs two years required before.Reply to
James ********
Reply
Danny *******
LTR visa is for long term relationship with a Thai girl?
Wolf **********
@Danny ******
is that wishful thinking? 😅Reply to
Wolf **********
Reply
Milo *********
"investment in Thailand".. this is an oxymoron. You don't 'invest' in Thailand. You spend money here, with no expectations of ever seeing a real return. As the old saying goes; invest in home.. spend in Thailand.
Kd *********
Visas for rich.
David ********
@Kd ********
that’s the idea. That’s the clientele any smart country wantsReply to
David ********
Reply
Anonymous ******************
What's the cost for this visa? Doesn't say on there.
James ********
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 974 50,000 Thai baht, paid AFTER the LTR visa is APPROVED.
Anonymous ******************
@James *******
ok so significantly more money than the DTV.James ********
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 974 NOT necessarily...see my reply
James ********
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 974 but as Another forum member stated
...No 90 day reporting.
...Only yearly reporting.
...No yearly visit to immigration for extension renewal.
...No income tax liability on foreign income remittances to Thailand (wealthy pensioners).
...No need to exit the country for 10 years.
Add up the fees over 10 years for the DTV visa (5 years x 2)...vs the one time 10 year LTR visa.
...No 90 day reporting.
...Only yearly reporting.
...No yearly visit to immigration for extension renewal.
...No income tax liability on foreign income remittances to Thailand (wealthy pensioners).
...No need to exit the country for 10 years.
Add up the fees over 10 years for the DTV visa (5 years x 2)...vs the one time 10 year LTR visa.
Angelo ***********
@James *******
There is no mentioning about "no income tax". And "pensions" are under Thai tax law: not income.James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Angelo **********
The LTR VISA IS tax exempt for foreign sourced income.AND a reduced 17% tax on income inside Thailand.
Dennis *********
@James *******
Wrong. LTR category "Highly skilled professionals" has 17% but no exemption on foreign sourced income. The other categories have the exemption but not the 17% preferential rate.Dennis *********
@James *******
"Wrong" refers to your answer saying that both applyAnonymous ******************
@James *******
yeah I get it. I got the DTV because we don't stay in Thailand for longer than 180 days anyway, so we avoid the tax issues. 90 day report isn't a huge deal for me either as you can do it online. I qualify for both, and it makes sense if you never leave, but if you're a wealthy pensioner or someone like that most likely you're leaving periodically for vacations, business, etc anyway.
Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Aliz ****
Please can someone explain what "intellectual property ownership" means? 🙏
Johannes *****
@Aliz ***
A patent or something similar. A copyright, for example, will not be accepted!Aliz ****
thanks guys. it's such a strange requirement...
Reply to
Aliz ****
Reply
John **********
@Aliz ***
normally that means an patentReply to
John **********
Reply
Michael *******
For "Wealthy Global Citizens", some people can give me informations on what "investment" mean, if i buy 500k$ thai bond ? , if i buy 5 condo of 100k$ each ? , can i mix the 2 ways ?! (200k thai bond, 3 condo for 300 examples ?).
The main problems of this , i hear that i need to do the investment before, and apply for the visa after .. and you can still be declined the visa .. ( invest 500k to get a visa cancelled look not good .. )
The main problems of this , i hear that i need to do the investment before, and apply for the visa after .. and you can still be declined the visa .. ( invest 500k to get a visa cancelled look not good .. )
Dennis *********
@Michael ******
Bonds: no. 5x 100k RE: yes.James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Michael ******
payment for the LTR visa is after it's approved.Michael *******
@James *******
yes, I mean the 500k investment, not the visa fee... I will stay with dtv for now, but I will be happy to get feedback of somebody who did it.Reply to
Michael *******
Reply
John **********
@Michael ******
investment in condos needs pre approved and must be bought from the developerSébastien *********
@Michael ******
and you need to imvest in new project if i understand well also .... but new project are overpriced 😅Dennis *********
@Sébastien ********
No such requirementJames ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Sébastien ********
Correct as to a New project approved by the Thai Board of Investment.James ********
ORIGINAL POSTERLook at the Wealthy Pensioner...
What is your age?
What is your age?
Michael *******
@James *******
less than 50Reply to
Michael *******
Reply
Malcolm *****
The vast majority of people are not able to qualify for this visa
Martin **************
@Mal****
which is kind of the point. They want talent and wealthy people in.Dany ********
@Malcolm ****
because they earn peanuts or?Mike **********
@Dany *******
because the requirements make no sense. Iirc they projected 250k people a year to get these, and never even got 10.Reply to
Mike **********
Reply
Andi ***********
@Malcolm ****
That's why the DTV is way more popular. Thailand has something for everyone which is great.Reply to
Andi ***********
Reply
Ben ********
Thanks for sharing this. What makes it the best option?
Dennis *********
@Ben *******
1. tax exemption on foreign sourced income whether remitted or not.2. Exemption from the 4:1 rule
Dany ********
@Ben *******
its a true longterm visa and beeing seen like that. would it even qualify for permanent residency after x years?James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dany *******
not possible as you have not paid Thai income tax for employment in Thailand. Let's ask @Sebastien **************
as he does hold Permanent Residence in Thailand....AND a legal expert.Dennis *********
@James *******
You can pay income tax under LTR. But it still does not qualify since PR needs you to be on a B visa.Sebastien ***************
@James *******
thanks. @Dany *******
there are 5 categories to apply for PR in Thailand. I know it well, I have it.I wrote a little bit about them here and the numbers were checked today. PR is opened now until 15th May and this is rare. It normally opens around December each year.
Here’s the text:
*********************************************************************
James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Sebastien **************
thanks again for your helpful replies. 👍Reply to
James ********
Reply
Expat **********
@Ben *******
No 90 day reporting. Only yearly reporting. No yearly visit to immigration for extension renewal. No income tax liability on foreign income remittances to Thailand (wealthy pensioners). No need to exit the country for 10 years.Reply to
Expat **********
Reply
70 comments
a year ago
14 comments
a year ago
10 comments
a year ago
16 comments
2 years ago
25 comments
2 years ago
15 comments
2 years ago
9 comments
2 years ago
1 comments
2 years ago
69 comments
2 years ago
14 comments
2 years ago
65 comments
2 years ago
11 comments
2 years ago
23 comments
3 years ago
12 comments
3 years ago
18 comments
3 years ago
33 comments
3 years ago
151 comments
3 years ago
7 comments
3 years ago
448 comments
3 years ago
12 comments
4 years ago
26 comments
4 years ago
44 comments
4 years ago
21 comments
4 years ago
39 comments
9 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.