Thailand LTR Visa for Wealthy Global Citizens: 2026 Rules

01

What is the LTR visa?

The LTR is a long-stay visa under a Cabinet-approved measure to attract high-potential foreigners. The rules are in BOI Announcement Por 3/2568.pdf), announced on 4 February 2025, which replaced the 2022 and 2023 announcements (item 1). It has four categories: wealthy global citizens, wealthy pensioners, work-from-Thailand professionals and highly skilled professionals (item 2.1). This page covers the first.

02

Who qualifies as a wealthy global citizen?

You must meet all of these (item 3.1):

• assets in Thailand or abroad appraised at US$1 million or more on the date you apply;
• an investment in Thailand, in your own name, of at least US$500,000, made before you apply;
• health insurance covering medical costs in Thailand of at least US$50,000, or Thai social security cover, or a bank deposit of at least US$100,000 held for 12 months; and
• none of the characteristics that bar entry under Thai immigration law.

There is no age limit and no income test in this category.

03

How the investment works

The US$500,000 must already be invested, or owned, when you apply. It can sit in one or more of three asset types (item 3.1.1):

1. Thai government bonds from the Ministry of Finance with at least five years left to maturity;
2. direct investment in a Thai private or public limited company, or in a venture capital or private equity trust company registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission or certified by the relevant authority; or
3. property.

The US$1 million asset test is separate. It counts your total wealth at home and abroad, valued on the application date (item 3.1.2).

You must keep every condition for the life of the visa, including the investment, bank balances and insurance (BOI). Selling the Thai investment can therefore cost you the visa.

In our view, government bonds are the simplest way for most families to hold the US$500,000. The property limb needs a careful look at what a foreigner can actually own.

04

How does the visa work?

BOI first issues a qualification endorsement letter. You then have 60 days to collect the visa at a Thai embassy or consulate, or at the One Stop Service Center in Bangkok. The fee for the 10-year multiple-entry visa is THB 50,000 per person if you collect it in Thailand. Abroad, the fee may vary and can be considerably higher (BOI).

BOI lists these benefits:

• a first permission to stay of five years, extendable by five more if you still qualify;
• a yearly report instead of the usual 90-day report, and no separate re-entry permit;
• fast-track service at international airports; and
• permission to work through a digital work permit. Wealthy global citizens can apply for one; work-from-Thailand professionals cannot (FAQ).

05

Which family members are included?

Your legitimate spouse, your parents, and your children under 20 or other legal dependants can apply (items 2.2 and 3.5). Each needs health insurance of US$50,000, social security cover, or an extra US$25,000 per person held for 12 months in your account or theirs.

06

Does it lead to permanent residence or citizenship?

The LTR is a long-term visa. The announcement says nothing about permanent residence or naturalization.

07

What should families from Asia and the Gulf check?

Tax residence. Anyone in Thailand for more than 180 days in a calendar year is Thai tax resident. Residents pay tax on Thai income and on foreign income brought into Thailand (Revenue Department). BOI lists a tax exemption for overseas income among LTR benefits. Confirm with a Thai tax adviser how it applies to you before you remit money.

Gulf-based families. The BOI criteria we cite set no minimum stay, so a family based in the UAE can hold an LTR without moving.

In our view, the LTR suits families who want a second Asian base with real rights to stay and work, and who are comfortable keeping US$500,000 in Thailand.

08

FAQ