The Thai cabinet has approved several changes that make 2025 the ideal year to apply for a Long Term Traveler (LTR) visa for Thailand. These changes simplify the application process and ease the requirements for obtaining the LTR visa. Skilled professionals, investors, and high-income foreign nationals will be eligible for this visa.
This article examines the various changes being implemented this year and how they make it easier than ever to obtain one of Thailand's most flexible visas and benefit from the exclusive family, employment, and tax advantages it offers.
What is the LTR visa?
The LTR visa is a long-term visa that allows you to stay in Thailand for up to 10 years. It offers numerous benefits that facilitate long-term residency in the country, such as tax exemptions and special work permits. You can apply for the visa through one of four different programs, each tailored to a specific background and with its own eligibility criteria:
The Long Term Traveler (LTR) visa is one of the most sought-after visas in Thailand due to its flexibility and financial advantages, but it has historically been notoriously difficult to obtain. The Thai Investment Board (BOI) has now implemented several changes to improve visa regulations and simplify the application process. The goal is to increase the influx of qualified and high-net-worth expats to Thailand.
Reduction of the minimum income requirements for the LTR visa
Previously, applicants for a Long Term Traveler (LTR) visa had to meet certain annual income requirements. The source of income and the required income level varied depending on the visa type. However, the Thai government is changing these requirements to encourage foreign investment in the country.
No minimum income requirement for wealthy global citizens
As long as you meet the minimum financial and investment requirements, you are eligible for the "Wealthy Global Citizen" program, regardless of your annual income. Previously, a minimum annual income of US$80,000 was required, earned within the last two years. The removal of this requirement has simplified qualification for this category, as you now only need a significant investment in Thailand to meet the financial criteria.
Reduced income requirement for companies employing remote workers
To work remotely under the "Working Skilled Workers from Thailand" program, you need support from your company. However, the old regulations stipulated that a company could only support you if it had generated annual revenue of at least US$150 million in the previous three years.
The government has lowered this requirement to US$50 million, thereby expanding the pool of companies eligible to sponsor remote workers. So even if your company isn't a large corporation with hundreds of millions in revenue, you can now meet the requirements for the LTR visa and live and work in Thailand.
It is easier to qualify as a highly skilled professional.
The LTR visa is known for its stringent entry requirements. Therefore, the Thai government is working on changes to encourage more foreigners to apply, particularly those with rare expertise who can bring significant added value to Thai businesses. The new regulations will make it easier to meet the requirements for the "Highly Skilled Professional" category.
More industries qualify for LTR visa applicants
To apply for the highly skilled professionals program, you must be employed in one of the target sectors. These are sectors with a strong focus on science, technology, and other industries that are important for Thailand's economic growth. To increase the number of applicants, the government has expanded this program to include new sectors such as disaster and risk management, and integrated innovation.
No more 5 years of professional experience required
The Thai government has removed the requirement of five years of professional experience for qualification as a highly skilled professional. This is particularly advantageous for newcomers to the industry or career changers, as the application process is now simpler and years of professional experience are no longer necessary.
Restriction on the number of dependent family members lifted
As a holder of an LTR visa, you can bring family members into the country with an LTR dependent visa. Eligible family members must include your spouse, your parents, and your unmarried children under 20 years of age. This regulation is currently being improved to increase the attractiveness of the LTR visa.
There is no limit to the number of parents and other dependents who can accompany the main owner.
Before the new regulations, holders of an LTR visa were only allowed to bring four family members with the same visa. Thanks to the new rules, you can now invite any number of relatives to Thailand, provided they are part of your immediate family. Your children, parents, or spouse enjoy the same benefits as holders of a dependent visa as they do with an LTR visa – without restrictions.
Contact Siam Legal for professional support.
To obtain your LTR visa quickly and easily, contact Siam Legal. As a full-service law firm and visa consultancy with over 20 years of experience in Thailand, our LTR visa consultants have the necessary expertise and experience to help you obtain your visa quickly and smoothly.
Our specialized LTR visa team will assist you in determining your eligibility and help you obtain and compile all the necessary documents. We will then review your application and submit it on your behalf, allowing you to plan your new, successful life in Thailand without worry.
Contact Siam Legal today to enjoy a long and comfortable life in Thailand without any immigration concerns.
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