LTR Visa
Thailand's 10-year Long-Term Resident visa introduced in 2022 for high-net-worth individuals, retirees, remote workers, and skilled professionals.
The Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa was launched by Thailand's Board of Investment in September 2022, replacing a patchwork of earlier residency programs with a single, structured 10-year visa system. The program is administered by the Board of Investment and targets four categories of applicants: Wealthy Global Citizens (minimum USD 1 million in assets and USD 80,000 annual income or USD 500,000 invested in Thailand), Wealthy Pensioners (minimum USD 80,000 annual income for those aged 50 and over), Work-from-Thailand Professionals (employed by overseas companies with minimum USD 80,000 annual income), and Highly-Skilled Professionals (working in targeted industries in Thailand with minimum USD 80,000 annual income).
The LTR visa grants a 10-year stay (issued initially as 5 years and then renewed for 5 more), a single multi-entry permit valid for the full term, an annual reporting requirement instead of the standard every-90-days check-in, work authorization for LTR holders and their spouses, and access to a fast-track service at international airports. LTR holders who meet the Wealthy Global Citizen criteria and invest at least USD 500,000 in Thai real estate, Thai government bonds, or Board of Investment-approved funds are also eligible for personal income tax exemptions on foreign-sourced income.
The program represents a meaningful improvement in Thailand's residency landscape. Prior to LTR, long-term foreign residents navigated annual or biennial retirement visas with complex extension requirements, or relied on the Thailand Privilege (Elite) paid-tier program.
What it means for buyersWhy this matters when you buy in Phuket.
For a high-net-worth buyer purchasing property in Phuket, the LTR Wealthy Global Citizen category offers a compelling combination: long-term residency certainty, tax advantages on foreign-sourced income, and a work permit for any business activity in Thailand. The USD 500,000 real estate investment threshold aligns naturally with the Phuket prime property market. Buyers should verify current Board of Investment requirements directly, as the program has been refined since launch.
Mario tracks LTR eligibility criteria for each buyer profile he works with. When a buyer's financial position and timeline align with LTR requirements, he coordinates with Board of Investment-registered consultants to run the visa process in parallel with the property purchase. He does not give visa advice himself, but he understands enough to spot when a buyer qualifies and to make the right introduction.