Thailand•AsiaLTR-HSP — LTR Visa - Highly-Skilled Professional
At a Glance
3 weeks – 1 month
From THB ฿50,000
Other charges may apply
5 to 10 years
5 yr initial · extendable to 10 · Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Long-term residency for skilled professionals in targeted Thai industries; minimum $80,000 annual income (or $40,000–$80,000 with Master's in STEM).
The Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa for Highly-Skilled Professionals enables residency in Thailand for experts in automotive, electronics, biotechnology, digital, or medical sectors. Applicants require a valid Thai employment contract and minimum income of 80,000 USD annually (or 40,000–80,000 USD with advanced degrees). The visa grants ten-year renewable residency.
Applicants must maintain health insurance with 50,000 USD coverage or a 100,000 USD cash deposit. Processing takes 20–30 working days for Qualification Endorsement. Application fee is 50,000 THB plus 3,000 THB annually for digital work permit. Spouses can work without restriction. Dependents (spouse, children under 20, parents) may accompany with no limit; same-sex spouses recognized.
This visa is ideal for highly skilled professionals in specialized technical or research roles seeking long-term stability in Thailand.
Cost Breakdown
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 5 years |
| Extendable up to | 10 years |
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Work in a targeted industry or for a Thai government agency, educational, or research institution.
Valid employment contract or service agreement with a business entity in Thailand.
Minimum personal income of 80,000 USD/year for the past 2 years (or 40,000-80,000 USD/year with a Master's degree in science/technology or special expertise).
Health insurance with minimum 50,000 USD coverage, social security benefits, or a 100,000 USD cash deposit.
KEY CRITERIA
Education
master or higher
Min. Income
40,000 USD/yr
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
Photograph (taken within the last 6 months)
Proof of income (tax returns, pay slips, etc.)
Employment contract or service agreement
Proof of work experience (resume, employment certificates)
Educational certificates
Proof of health insurance or financial guarantee
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- 10-year renewable residency—critical stability for long-term commitment in Thailand
- Pathway to permanent residency under Thailand's LTR framework
- Spouse can work without restrictions, enabling dual-income household models
- Dependents (spouse, children, parents) can accompany with no numerical limit
- Same-sex spouses recognized—comprehensive family inclusion without discrimination
- Reduced 17% personal income tax rate for high-earning professionals
- Digital work permit streamlines annual renewal vs. traditional Thai work permits
- No nationality restrictions—open to professionals from any country
Worth Knowing
- Minimum 80,000 USD annual income required (or 40,000–80,000 USD with Master's degree in STEM/expertise)
- Valid employment contract mandatory—cannot sponsor self or freelance
- Approval contingent on targeted industry focus (automotive, biotech, digital, medical hubs)
- Processing takes 20–30 working days for Qualification Endorsement Letter plus visa issuance
- Annual digital work permit fee of 3,000 THB required after visa issuance
- Employment-dependent—visa immediately at risk if job contract terminates
- Health insurance requirement (50,000 USD coverage or 100,000 USD cash deposit) creates ongoing compliance burden
Application Process
Register and submit an application for the Qualification Endorsement Letter (QEL) via the official BOI LTR website.
Receive notification of the QEL (approx. 20 working days).
Apply for the LTR Visa at a Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate or the Thailand Investment and Expat Services Center (TIESC) within 60 days of QEL issuance.
Upon arrival/visa issuance, apply for the digital work permit via the LTR system.
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