Best Golden Visa Lawyers in Bangkok Noi

About Golden Visa Law in Bangkok Noi, Thailand

Thailand does not have an official program called Golden Visa. In practice, people use the term to describe long-stay or investment-linked visas that provide multi-year residence rights. The main options are the Thailand Privilege program previously called Thailand Elite, the Long-Term Resident visa commonly called LTR, the SMART Visa for tech and innovation sectors, and visas and work permits available through the Board of Investment known as BOI. These are national programs that apply uniformly across Thailand. Bangkok Noi is a district within Bangkok, so applications and compliance are handled through Bangkok-based immigration offices that serve the whole city.

The Thailand Privilege program offers 5 to 20-year membership packages that come with a multiple-entry long-stay visa and concierge services. The LTR visa grants a 10-year permission to stay for qualified investors, retirees, remote employees, or highly skilled professionals. SMART Visa and BOI-sponsored routes are tied to targeted industries, innovation, or promoted companies.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Selecting the right pathway is not one-size-fits-all. A lawyer can compare Thailand Privilege, LTR, SMART, and BOI routes against your goals, timeline, budget, family needs, and risk tolerance, then map a compliant strategy.

Investment and source-of-funds issues often require careful structuring. Counsel can verify acceptable investment types, evidence trail, and anti-money-laundering documentation to avoid refusals or delays.

Property and business planning benefit from legal review. Foreigners face land ownership restrictions and condominium quotas, and using a Thai company as a proxy landholder is risky. Lawyers can guide leases, condominium due diligence, and legitimate corporate structures.

Tax planning is crucial. Thailand’s tax residency rules and recent changes to the taxation of foreign-sourced income remitted into Thailand can affect investors, retirees, and remote workers. A lawyer working with a tax advisor can help minimize double taxation and ensure treaty compliance.

Document preparation saves time. You may need translations, notarization, and legalization by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Thai embassies. A lawyer can coordinate certifications and consular steps.

Compliance and aftercare matter. LTR and Thailand Privilege have different reporting, insurance, and renewal requirements. A lawyer helps with 90-day or annual reporting, re-entry planning, dependents, and changes of address or employment.

If problems arise, such as an overstay, refusal, or need to appeal, legal representation can protect your options and help regularize your status quickly.

Local Laws Overview

Legal framework. Thai immigration is governed primarily by the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 and related regulations. The LTR visa framework is set by cabinet resolutions and implementing notices administered by the Board of Investment and the Immigration Bureau. The Thailand Privilege program is administered by Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. SMART Visa is governed by regulations for targeted industries overseen by the BOI.

LTR visa focus. The LTR is a 10-year visa for four groups. Wealthy global citizens typically must show at least USD 1 million in assets, USD 500,000 investment in Thai government bonds, FDI, or real estate, qualifying income, and health insurance. Wealthy pensioners are 50-plus with pension or passive income thresholds and may need a USD 250,000 Thai investment if income is lower. Work-from-Thailand professionals need income thresholds, relevant experience, an eligible foreign employer, and health insurance. Highly skilled professionals in targeted industries may receive a digital work permit and a 17 percent personal income tax rate when conditions are met. Spouses and dependents are eligible within limits.

Thailand Privilege focus. Membership packages generally range from about 900,000 to 5,000,000 Thai baht depending on duration and benefits. Members receive a multiple-entry long-stay visa with one-year permission-to-stay stamps per entry and concierge services. It does not grant work rights and does not create a direct path to permanent residency or citizenship. Insurance is typically not mandated by regulation but program policies can change.

SMART Visa and BOI. SMART categories cover talent, investors, executives, and startups in targeted sectors. Benefits can include up to 4-year permission to stay and relaxed work authorization. BOI-promoted companies can sponsor visas and digital work permits processed at specialized service centers.

Work authorization. LTR highly skilled professionals receive a digital work permit and access to a 17 percent personal income tax rate if they work in qualifying sectors. Thailand Privilege members do not have work rights inside Thailand. Most other non-immigrant categories require an employer-sponsored work permit.

Reporting and re-entry. Most long-stay foreigners must perform 90-day reporting. LTR beneficiaries have annual reporting privileges. If you hold an extension of stay, you generally need a re-entry permit before traveling to preserve your permission to stay. Thailand Privilege holders obtain a new permission-to-stay stamp up to one year per entry.

Tax. You are a Thai tax resident if you spend 180 days or more in Thailand in a calendar year. Thai residents are taxed on Thailand-source income and foreign-source income remitted into Thailand. From 2024, foreign income brought into Thailand by residents is generally taxable regardless of the year earned, subject to evolving guidance and treaty relief. Professional tax advice is recommended.

Property. Foreigners may own condominium units subject to a 49 percent foreign quota by building. Land ownership by individuals is restricted. Long-term registered leases up to 30 years with options are common but renewal is not guaranteed in law. Careful due diligence and contract drafting are essential.

Local administration for Bangkok Noi. Immigration services for Bangkok residents, including Bangkok Noi, are handled by Immigration Division 1 at the Government Complex Chaeng Watthana and related service centers. Land and condominium matters are handled at Land Department offices in Bangkok. TM30 address reporting is the responsibility of the house master, owner, or possessor within 24 hours of a foreigner’s arrival at the premises, with online systems available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Thailand have a Golden Visa program

Not by that name. The term Golden Visa in Thailand usually refers to the Thailand Privilege program or to the LTR visa for investors, retirees, remote employees, and highly skilled professionals. These programs deliver long-stay rights with different eligibility, costs, and benefits.

What is the difference between Thailand Privilege and the LTR visa

Thailand Privilege is a paid membership that gives multi-year stay rights and services but no work authorization. LTR is a 10-year visa based on meeting income, asset, investment, health insurance, and professional criteria. LTR can include work authorization for eligible highly skilled professionals and relaxed annual reporting.

How much do I need to invest for the LTR investor track

The wealthy global citizen category typically requires at least USD 500,000 invested in Thai government bonds, foreign direct investment, or real estate plus proof of at least USD 1 million in assets and additional income and insurance criteria. Thresholds and acceptable assets are defined by regulation and can be updated, so verify before committing funds.

Can I work in Thailand on a Thailand Privilege visa

No. Thailand Privilege members do not have the right to work in Thailand. If you intend to work, consider LTR for highly skilled professionals, SMART Visa categories, or employer-sponsored BOI routes that include a work permit.

Can my spouse and children join me

LTR holders can include a spouse and qualifying children as dependents within specified limits. Thailand Privilege offers add-on membership options for family members at additional cost. Documentation of marriage or parentage will need official translation and legalization.

Do I have to report to immigration while living in Bangkok Noi

Yes. Most visa holders must complete 90-day reporting. LTR beneficiaries have annual reporting instead. Address reporting by the property owner via TM30 is also required after you move in or return from abroad.

Can I buy a condo in Bangkok Noi and does it qualify for the LTR investment requirement

Foreigners can buy condominiums subject to the 49 percent foreign quota for the building. Certain LTR categories accept real estate as part of the qualifying investment if it meets program rules on type, valuation, and proof of ownership. Legal due diligence is strongly advised.

What taxes will I pay if I become a Thai tax resident

Thai residents are taxed on Thai-source income and on foreign-source income remitted into Thailand. From 2024, remittance of foreign income by residents is generally taxable regardless of the year the income was earned, subject to guidance and double tax treaties. LTR highly skilled professionals who qualify may access a 17 percent personal income tax rate on employment income from eligible activities.

How long does the process take

Timeframes vary. Thailand Privilege can often be completed in a few weeks after due diligence and payment. LTR screening through the BOI pre-approval stage can take several weeks, followed by visa issuance at a Thai embassy or in Thailand. Processing times depend on document readiness, background checks, and peak seasons.

Can I apply inside Thailand or must I apply from abroad

LTR applications begin with online pre-approval and can lead to visa issuance either at a Thai embassy abroad or at designated offices inside Thailand. Thailand Privilege processing is typically completed in Thailand after approval, or at an embassy if preferred. A lawyer can help you choose the route that fits your travel plans and current status.

Additional Resources

Immigration Bureau - Immigration Division 1, Government Complex Chaeng Watthana, Bangkok.

One Stop Service Center for Visas and Work Permits, Chamchuri Square, Bangkok.

Board of Investment - Investor and LTR facilitation centers.

Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. - Member services and program administration.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Department of Consular Affairs for legalization and consular services.

Revenue Department - International Tax Division for residency and remittance rules.

Department of Lands - Bangkok Land Offices for condominium registrations and due diligence.

Bank of Thailand - Foreign exchange control guidelines on bringing funds into Thailand.

Ministry of Labour - Digital work permit administration for eligible categories.

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration - District offices for civil registrations such as marriage that support dependent applications.

Next Steps

Define your objective. Decide whether your priority is long-term residence without working, the ability to work in Thailand, or a sector-specific pathway. This determines whether Thailand Privilege, LTR, SMART, or BOI is the right fit.

Assess eligibility and budget. Check income, assets, investment capacity, age, education, experience, employer profile, and health insurance. Confirm current thresholds and documentary proof requirements.

Consult a qualified lawyer. Ask for experience with LTR, Thailand Privilege, SMART, and BOI. Request a document checklist, a timeline, and a plan for dependents, tax, and property. Verify professional credentials and engagement terms.

Prepare documents. Gather passports, police clearances if required, bank and investment statements, income proof, employer letters, health insurance certificates, marriage and birth certificates, and translations. Arrange notarization and legalization where needed.

Plan funds and remittances. Coordinate the timing of investments and money transfers to meet program rules and to manage tax exposure on foreign income brought into Thailand.

File and follow through. Complete pre-approval, schedule biometrics if required, and attend visa issuance either at a Thai embassy or at the designated office in Bangkok. For Bangkok residents, expect to visit Immigration Division 1 or the One Stop Service Center depending on your route.

Maintain compliance. Calendar your 90-day or annual reporting, TM30 address obligations, re-entry planning, health insurance renewals, tax filings, and any work permit updates. Keep records accessible for inspections or renewals.

This guide is informational only. Immigration and tax rules change and specific facts matter. Work with a licensed lawyer to receive advice tailored to your situation in Bangkok Noi, Thailand.