Answered3 years ago
What is the approval rate for Thailand's Long Term Resident Visa and is it worth the cost for families?
Hi, looking to move my family to Bangkok. Any expats with a Long Term Resident Visa? Would really like to know the approval rate and if its worth forking out so much money. I have no criminal record, debt, loans or anything of the sort that could (in my perspective) hinder me from getting approved. Any advice?
Answer summary
The discussion focuses on the Long Term Resident Visa (LTR) for Thailand, particularly regarding costs and approval rates for families. Key points include that the LTR visa costs 50,000 baht per person, and while it offers significant benefits like fast-track airport access and no 90-day reporting for a long duration, expenses can add up for larger families. Many expats highlight that meeting the basic requirements and having all necessary documents typically leads to successful applications within 20 working days. The forum provides insights into various visa types and their comparative advantages, while cautioning that not everyone qualifies for the more exclusive options.
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Steven *****
@Kidd *****
, may I ask which category did you apply for, Highly Skilled?Neil ******
You don't pay until you're approved. It's really cheap for what it is. There's no other visa that gets you a work permit and annual report (instead of 90 day) for 5k thb a year.
Kidd ******
OP@Neil *****
Hey Neil question, If I were to stay longer than 90 days are there any other options? Preferably a year without having to travel back home. I'm a digital nomad so I don't plan on working in the country unless I receive a job offer directly.Kidd ******
OPHahaha, basically my field of work is completely online/digital. No need for offices, depots, head quarters or anything of the sort. I travel with my livelihood. So it allows us to not be tied down to a certain area and Thailand is the next place I want to travel to I also believe its the best place for my family to thrive.
Kool *******
@Kidd *****
before you leave the country your passport is from, (SA), apply for a multi-entry tourist visa, a METV. This gives you a multi-entry tourist visa good for 6 months. You get a 60 day entry stamp each time you cross the border in that six month period, and you can extend each entry for 30 more days. If you time it all right you can get almost 9 months in Thailand with just crossing the border twice, and three extensions, then just exit to a neighboring country, apply for a single entry tourist visa. Enter with that, and extend it gives you almost a full year. But, you can only get the METV visa in your home country.Neil ******
@Kidd *****
I don't know. I don't even understand this "digital nomad" thing.Todd *********
@Neil *****
even a basic retirement visa with a multi entry stamp will cost 5700/year. Nothing really comes remotely close to LTR. It's the clear cut winner.
Robert **********
@Todd ********
plus losing interest on the ฿800k. (It’s about 0.1%)Todd *********
@Robert *********
absolutelyNeil ******
@Todd ********
agreed. Most people can't qualify for it. For those who can, it's a no-brainer.Neil ******
@Todd ********
I don't know. I'm waiting for the construction on my villa to finish so I can apply and switch from non B. Two non B's cost well more per year than 2 LTRs will over 10.Todd *********
@Neil *****
yes, high baseline to qualify for. But 100% worth it if you do. Wonder if they will eventually change the requirements…Todd *********
If you have the income to qualify, your application will very likely be successful and within 20 working days. Additional family member require their own visas, but i don't recall the cut off age for children.
Clay **********
? Visit
Marty *********
I have a pensioner LTR and it is 50,000 baht for ten years. It is convenient and not that much money for a 10 year duration. It is certainly cheaper than the Elite visa. The additional costs of family members, I don’t know.
Brandon ************
@Marty ********
each family member is also 50,000
Alistair **********
Don't have experience with the LTR, but Thailand, and especially anything government related is generally just a box ticking effort. If you meet the requirements and have all the required documents, then I don't see why you would get rejected
Kidd ******
OP@Alistair *********
I'll keep that In mind Thanks Alistair.Jeremy ********
The 20 year elite visa for ฿1 million baht if you break it down is only ฿50k a year plus you get fast track at the airports for 20 years…haters are going to come into my comments and just bring hate because they can’t afford it…but it’s the best bang for the buck
Jeremy ********
@Todd ********
not everyone is a 1%’er that qualifies for that visaTodd *********
@Jeremy *******
true- whatever the percentage is… it’s a high bar. I actually think it’s too high. But it’s definitely the best bang for the buck in Thailand visas.Jeremy ********
@Todd ********
if you’re a 1%’er you don’t care about the yearly cost…normal people care about lump sum cost and validate it by averaging it over the years you can reside on it…you must be a 1%’er so I’m glad for youTodd *********
@Jeremy *******
LTR 10 year breaks down to 5k/ year. It's basically 90% discount on Elite. You get FastTrack, unlimited entry and no 90 day reporting. Bit of a no brainer over Elite. But if you don't have the assets to qualify for LTR, the Thai 'elite' is basically the poor man's LTR and is a very solid visa.Todd *********
Adam Mada no, I definitely didn’t miss that part. You however, missed the part where there are multiple different versions of LTR. And if you think investing in a market like Thailand is ‘way too risky’ you are best off staying home anyway.
Jeremy ********
@Todd ********
one percent’r issues
David *********
LTR!
Brandon ************
Make sure you are aware that each person will cost 50,000 baht. So when you say move your family, you need to account for that. You, your spouse, each child, etc.
Kidd ******
OP@Brandon ***********
Yes I saw each Visa is about 1500 usd. Thank you. I didn't know this was per family member. I'll keep that in mind.
Steve ********
Which LTR visa are you looking at?
Kidd ******
OP@Steve *******
As far as I can see there is on;y one type of LTR Visa for my country (South Africa) The rest are tourist visas, work visas etc. This one seems like the best option for me considering I plan on staying.Kidd ******
OP@Steve *******
Didn't know this thanks Steve!👍 If the LTR proves to be too much, considering we're 4 I want to opt for something that can keep us in the country for at least 6 months to a year before having to travel back home.Steve ********
@Kidd *****
There's actually four different LTR visas, which are available to everybodyActivity
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