Best Golden Visa Lawyers in Bang Khen

About Golden Visa Law in Bang Khen, Thailand

Thailand does not use the term Golden Visa in its laws, but the phrase is commonly used to describe premium long-stay visas that offer special benefits. The two main options that people often mean by Golden Visa in Thailand are the Long-Term Resident Visa, known as the LTR Visa, and the paid membership Thailand Privilege Visa. A lesser-known route is a one-year renewable extension of stay based on investment for those who invest significant funds in Thailand.

Bang Khen is a district in Bangkok. If you live in or near Bang Khen, most immigration services are handled at Immigration Division 1 located at the Government Complex on Chaeng Watthana Road in nearby Lak Si. LTR Visa qualification is administered nationally by the Thailand Board of Investment, with visa stamping available in Bangkok after approval. The Thailand Privilege Visa is managed nationally by Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd., with immigration processes also completed in Bangkok.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Golden Visa style applications in Thailand involve strict eligibility tests, document legalization, and ongoing compliance. A lawyer can help you choose the right path, such as LTR, Thailand Privilege, or investment-based extensions, and can prepare a strategy that aligns with your goals to live, work, or retire in Bang Khen.

Common reasons to get legal help include confirming eligibility and evidence for LTR categories, structuring investments to meet qualifying thresholds, handling dependents and family status, switching visa categories inside Thailand without interrupting work or school, obtaining and maintaining a work permit where allowed, company setup and compliance if you plan to work or run a business, condominium purchases and lease arrangements, TM30 and 90-day or annual reporting, and tax planning for Thai tax residency and international income.

Lawyers are also useful for correcting errors and defending against penalties after overstays, missed reports, or employer changes, and for coordinating with local offices such as Immigration Division 1 on Chaeng Watthana Road, the Department of Employment for work permits, and the Revenue Department for tax registration.

Local Laws Overview

Core immigration framework. The Immigration Act B.E. 2522 governs entry and stay. LTR Visa is implemented through Board of Investment notifications and Immigration Bureau orders. Thailand Privilege Visa is a membership-based multiple-entry visa administered by a state enterprise. A one-year extension of stay based on investment is available under Immigration Bureau orders for qualifying investments.

LTR Visa overview. The LTR Visa is a 10-year multiple-entry visa for four groups. Wealthy global citizens must show significant assets and income and invest in approved Thai assets. Wealthy pensioners must be age 50 or older with qualifying pension income, or lower income plus a specified investment. Work-from-Thailand professionals must be employed by financially strong companies with specified income and experience. Highly skilled professionals must work in targeted industries or roles with specified income and qualifications. Typical benefits include a 10-year visa, permission to bring a spouse and children under age 20 within category limits, fast-track services at certain airports, reduced reporting to once per year, and a digital work permit for those eligible to work. Highly skilled professionals endorsed for targeted activities receive a 17 percent personal income tax rate on employment income from those activities. LTR applicants must maintain health insurance or other accepted financial coverage and pass background checks. Government fees apply at issuance.

Thailand Privilege Visa overview. This is a paid membership visa with multiple tiers and durations. It allows long stays with convenient services but does not grant the right to work. It is not a direct path to permanent residence or citizenship. Membership fees vary by tier and benefits.

Investment-based extension overview. A one-year renewable extension of stay may be available to foreign nationals who invest at least 10 million Thai baht in approved assets, such as Thai government bonds, qualifying fixed deposits, or certain real estate. Spouses and minor children can often derive their extensions from the main applicant. Work is not automatically permitted.

Work authorization. In Thailand, a visa alone does not usually grant the right to work. LTR holders in eligible categories may obtain a digital work permit tied to specific employment. Other visa holders typically require a separate work permit under labor laws. Working without a permit is unlawful and can result in fines, detention, and removal.

Reporting and re-entry. Most long-stay foreigners must report their address every 90 days. LTR holders report once per year. Landlords must file TM30 notifications when accommodating foreigners. If you have an extension of stay and you leave Thailand, you must obtain a re-entry permit in advance or your extension will cancel automatically when you depart.

Overstay penalties. Overstays incur fines and may trigger entry bans for longer overstay periods. Prompt action through a lawyer can reduce risks if issues arise.

Property and investment rules. Foreigners can own condominium units subject to the foreign quota and can enter long-term leases up to 30 years with possible renewal structures. Owning land is highly restricted. For condominium purchases, funds should be remitted from overseas in foreign currency with proper bank documentation to support ownership and future repatriation. The Condominium Act and Land Code apply, along with Bank of Thailand exchange control rules.

Tax residency and foreign income. You are generally tax resident if present in Thailand for 180 days or more in a calendar year. From 2024, Thai tax residents are taxed on foreign-sourced income when it is brought into Thailand, regardless of the year it was earned, with transitional relief for income earned before 2024. LTR highly skilled professionals may receive a 17 percent tax rate only on qualifying employment income as endorsed. Double tax treaties, allowable deductions, and foreign tax credits may apply. Get tailored tax advice before remitting funds.

Document legalization. Foreign documents such as police clearances, marriage or birth certificates, and financial statements often require notarization and legalization by Thai consular authorities or the Department of Consular Affairs at Chaeng Watthana.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do people mean by Golden Visa in Thailand

People usually mean the Long-Term Resident Visa or the Thailand Privilege Visa. The LTR is a government program with strict eligibility and potential work rights. The Thailand Privilege Visa is a paid membership program that allows long stays and services but no work. There is also a separate one-year renewable extension based on a qualifying investment.

Can I work in Thailand with a Golden Visa

LTR holders in eligible categories can obtain a digital work permit and work only in the roles and entities endorsed. Thailand Privilege members cannot work. Investment-based extensions do not grant work rights. Working without the correct authorization is unlawful.

What are the typical LTR eligibility highlights

LTR categories have different thresholds. Examples include significant assets and income plus Thai investments for wealthy global citizens, pension income and age 50 plus for wealthy pensioners, high salary and experience with qualified employers for work-from-Thailand professionals, and salary plus qualifications for highly skilled professionals in targeted sectors. All categories require health insurance or equivalent coverage and background checks.

How long does LTR processing take

Qualification endorsement by the Board of Investment often takes around 20 business days after complete submission. After approval, you typically have a limited period to receive the visa at a Thai embassy or at Immigration in Bangkok. Timelines vary based on document readiness and appointment availability.

Can my family come with me

LTR applicants can include a legal spouse and children under age 20 within program limits. Under other routes, spouses and minor children can often apply as dependents. Evidence of family relationships must be properly legalized and translated.

Is there a minimum investment to get a long-stay status

Under the LTR program some categories require specified investment amounts in Thai assets. Separately, a one-year renewable extension of stay may be available for a minimum investment of 10 million Thai baht in approved assets. The Thailand Privilege Visa requires membership fees rather than a specified investment.

Can I buy property in Bang Khen to qualify

Condominium purchases can help meet investment criteria in certain programs if they meet program rules. Foreigners cannot generally own land. If you buy a condominium, ensure funds are transferred from overseas with proper bank forms and that the building has available foreign quota. A lawyer can review contracts and compliance.

What taxes will I pay if I move to Bang Khen

If you become a Thai tax resident, you are taxed on Thai-sourced income and, from 2024, on foreign-sourced income when remitted into Thailand, subject to transitional rules, double tax treaties, and credits. LTR highly skilled professionals may qualify for a 17 percent rate on approved employment income. Obtain tax advice before remitting funds.

Where do I handle immigration in or near Bang Khen

Most Bangkok immigration matters, including 90-day reports, re-entry permits, and visa extensions, are handled by Immigration Division 1 at the Government Complex on Chaeng Watthana Road. LTR applications start online with the Board of Investment and are finalized at designated offices in Bangkok.

What happens if I overstay or miss reporting

Overstays result in fines and may lead to entry bans for longer periods. Missing a 90-day or annual report can result in penalties. Landlords must also file TM30 notifications for foreign occupants. If you have a problem, consult a lawyer quickly to mitigate risks and correct records.

Additional Resources

Immigration Bureau, Immigration Division 1, Government Complex Chaeng Watthana, for Bangkok-based filings, reporting, re-entry permits, and extensions.

Board of Investment LTR Visa Unit, for LTR eligibility screening, endorsement, and visa issuance coordination.

Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd., for enrollment and member services related to the Thailand Privilege Visa.

One Stop Service Center for Visa and Work Permit in Bangkok, for certain work permit and visa services for eligible categories.

Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour, for work permit rules and employer compliance.

Thai Revenue Department, for tax identification numbers, filings, and rulings for residents and nonresidents.

Department of Consular Affairs, Chaeng Watthana, for legalization of foreign documents and translations.

Land Department and local Bangkok land offices, for property title checks, condominium quota confirmation, and registration of long-term leases.

Bang Khen District Office, for local civil registrations and administrative support that may be relevant for address documentation.

Lawyers Council of Thailand, for verifying a lawyer’s license and professional standing.

Next Steps

Clarify your goal in Thailand. Decide whether you want the ability to work, a purely lifestyle stay, or a retirement base. This will guide whether LTR, Thailand Privilege, or an investment-based extension is suitable.

Gather core documents. Prepare your passport, recent photos, proof of income and assets, health insurance certificates that meet program rules, police clearance from your country of nationality or residence, medical certificate if required, and relationship documents for dependents. Arrange certified translations and legalization where needed.

Get a professional eligibility review. Ask a Thailand-focused immigration lawyer to check your category, thresholds, and evidence. Have them identify any gaps, timelines, and realistic costs including government fees and taxes.

Plan tax and funds flow. Before you become tax resident or remit funds, obtain coordinated tax advice in Thailand and in your home country, especially if you will transfer investment proceeds or salary. Align your plan with new Thai rules on foreign-sourced income remittances.

Coordinate with local offices near Bang Khen. Schedule your immigration visits at Immigration Division 1 on Chaeng Watthana Road. For LTR, complete the online endorsement first, then finalize the visa and any digital work permit in Bangkok.

Protect your status after arrival. Comply with TM30, 90-day or annual reporting, re-entry permits, and work permit conditions. Keep digital and paper copies of filings and receipts. If you change address, employer, or marital status, file updates on time.

If issues arise, act early. Overstays, missed reports, or document discrepancies are easier to fix quickly. Contact a qualified lawyer to manage communication with immigration, labor, tax, and other authorities.