The State of Thailand’s Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa Program in 2025

Various changes have been made in 2025 to Thailand’s Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa Program to make it easier to qualify for and acquire. This is part of the government’s plan to streamline the application process for new applicants, increasing the applicant pool and attracting more highly qualified foreigners to Thailand. 

This article will examine how the LTR Visa program will evolve in 2025 and what these changes will mean for its benefits and application process compared to previous years.  

What is Thailand’s Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa Program?

Valid for up to 10 years, the LTR Visa is a long-term visa that attracts high-value and wealthy foreigners to live in Thailand and contribute to its economy. It is an attractive immigration solution if you want to work, retire, or stay in the country for extended periods. To apply, you will first need to choose from one of five different streams:

• Wealthy Global Citizens: for high-income earners who have made substantial investments in the Thai economy
• Wealthy Pensioner: for retirees over the age of 50 who have been receiving passive income (such as a pension)
• Highly Skilled Professionals: for talented foreign professionals who have received a job offer from a local company in a targeted industry
• Work-From-Thailand Professionals: for digital nomads and freelancers looking to work remotely from Thailand for an overseas-based business
• Dependents: for spouses, parents, and unmarried children (under the age of 20) of an existing LTR Visa holder 

Each stream has its own set of additional criteria you need to satisfy, beyond the base LTR Visa requirements. 

Thailand’s LTR Visa Program Benefits

The LTR Visa program boasts a variety of benefits designed to make your long-term stay in Thailand more convenient and, in some cases, profitable. After securing an LTR Visa, you’ll be able to enjoy the following benefits:

• Fast-tracked immigration clearance via the premium lane at Thai international airports upon arrival
• Unlimited entries into Thailand without the need for a re-entry permit
• Only needing to report to immigration every year rather than every 90 days
• Expedited work permit processing and visa services at the One Stop Service Center
• Tax exemption on foreign income brought into Thailand (Work from Thailand stream)

It’s important to point out that some of these benefits are exclusive to certain streams. For instance, if you qualify for the Highly Skilled Professionals stream, you can benefit from a flat tax rate of 17% on your personal income.

How the LTR Visa Program Has Changed in 2025

Obtaining an LTR Visa in 2025 is simpler, faster, and more cost-effective than before. Changes in how applicants qualify and apply for the LTR visa will not only accelerate the application process but also open the door to many people who were previously ineligible.

Lower Requirements for Certain LTR Visa Streams

Previously, you had to satisfy a series of strenuous entry requirements to qualify for the LTR Visa program. As of this year, the Thai government has removed or lowered certain requirements for specific categories to encourage more applicants to apply:

• When applying through the Wealthy Global Citizen stream, you no longer need to meet any yearly income requirements.
• Revenue requirements for eligible employers have been reduced from (in USD) $150 million to $50 million for the Work-From-Thailand Professionals category. This means that employees of smaller foreign companies can now qualify for this category.
• 5 years of work experience in relevant fields is no longer needed for the Highly Skilled Professionals and Work-From-Thailand Professionals streams. 
• The number of eligible target industries for the Highly Skilled Professionals stream has been increased, making professionals in these newly targeted industries eligible for the LTR Visa. 
• You can bring as many members of your immediate family (such as spouse, parents, and children under 20 years old) as you’d like, without being limited to just 4 individuals as was the previous rule. 

The LTR Visa Application Can Be Completed Online 

The government rolled out an expanded E-Visa system in early 2025, making it available at all Royal Thai Consulates and Embassies globally. The E-Visa system enables you to submit certain visa applications online from anywhere in the world without having to travel in person to the nearest embassy or consulate. 

The LTR Visa is on the list of visas you can apply for using this system, making your application process more convenient, especially if you’re not currently in Thailand. If you don’t want to do it yourself, you can hire a local Thai visa agent to simplify the process for you, and since the E-Visa system is available globally, they can provide direct assistance no matter where you are.

The One Stop Service Center Has Relocated

Another noteworthy update is the relocation and expansion of the One Stop Service Center for Visa and Work Permit (OSS), which provides expedited visa and work permit services, including issuing LTR Visas. On March 17, 2025, the OSS was moved from Chamchuri Square to the One Bangkok complex. If you’re collecting your LTR Visa at the OSS, you will have to visit the Thailand Investment and Expat Services Center (TIESC) at: 

• One Bangkok (Parade Zone, 6th-7th Floor), Rama IV Road, Lumphini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330

Getting Professional Assistance With Your LTR Visa Application

While the recent updates have made the LTR Visa easier to qualify for, it’s best to reach out to a reliable Thai visa consultant for professional assistance. The application process is still complex with specific document requirements, and approval rates are still low due to how valuable the LTR Visa is.

An experienced Thai visa consultant can assist with every stage of your application by: 

• Helping you meet eligibility requirements for your desired LTR Visa category
• Preparing your application packet by collecting all required documentation
• Checking your application for errors and correcting them before it's submitted
• Handling the submission of your application to the relevant authorities on your behalf
• Continuing to liaise with the Board of Investments (BOI) and other authorities for updates on your application

Applying for an LTR Visa is difficult and expensive, and rejections lead to you wasting your time and money. To avoid delays and unnecessary stress, it's important to contact a Thai visa lawyer to obtain your LTR Visa seamlessly and enjoy all its exclusive benefits.