If want to stay in Thailand in the medium to long term, then you will need to get an appropriate visa. Various types of visas are available that will give you certain rights to stay or work, while different types of visas also have different qualification requirements.
Many Thailand visas will expire after three months, albeit there’s often an option to extend the visa at your nearest immigration office. However, the visa will have an ultimate expiry date with no more extensions possible, meaning you’ll have to apply for a new visa.
Applying for a new visa can be costly and time-consuming. You will need to apply from a Thai embassy or consulate, which means visiting another country, and at least one night’s overnight stay is usually required.
This cost and inconvenience can be enough to turn some people away from staying in Thailand in the long term, so the Thai government introduced the ten-year Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa to attract more high-quality immigrants to the country. In addition to permission to stay in the long term, the LTR visa also offers other incentives to attract immigrants Thailand believes will benefit the country.
This article takes a look at the LTR visa, its benefits, and how to qualify.
Benefits of the LTR Visa
In addition to the permission to stay long term, the LTR visa also gives the holder permission to apply for a work permit in Thailand. Finding employment is also made easier because the holder is exempt from the law that states a company must employ at least four Thais for every work permit they can give to a foreigner.
Another benefit is the multiple re-entry permit that lets you travel freely to and from the country without affecting the validity of your visa. You will also only be expected to report to immigration once every year instead of the usual 90 days. Other benefits include reduced personal income, overseas tax exemption, a fast-track service at Thai airports, and streamlined immigration services.
An LTR visa holder can also bring up to four family members with them. Any children they bring must be aged twenty or below.
How to Qualify
As mentioned, the LTR visa has been created with the intention of attracting high-end foreigners to the country. As such, the requirements are harder to meet than most other visa types. Some of these requirements include:
- Income of at least $80,000 USD annually and at least $1 million USD in assets
- Must have health insurance with at least $50,000 in coverage
- Be a foreign specialist with a relevant PHD and at least five years of experience
- Be an industry specialist with at least five years of working in their field.
What are the Alternatives?
Many people will not be able to meet the requirements for an LTR visa in Thailand, but that doesn’t mean they can’t stay in the long term. Alternatives are available, with some of the most common options below.
Remember that when applying for any type of visa for Thailand, it must be done at a consulate or embassy in another country. Visas for Thailand cannot be granted when you are in the country.
Non-B Visa
A non-B visa is usually granted to foreigners who legally work in the country. To qualify for the visa, the applicant will usually need to have an official offer of work in the country or be starting their own business. Regardless of the reason, the applicant will need to supply the appropriate documentation. Some of the documents will need to be supplied by your potential employer.
A non-B visa will usually let the holder stay for three months, although extensions are available. Foreigners can work with a Non-B visa, although they will still need to apply for a work permit. This is a separate process from acquiring the visa and can be done while staying in Thailand.
Non-O Visa
A non-O visa is typically given to individuals who have families and dependents in Thailand. When applying for the visa, the applicant will usually have to provide legal documents to prove they are married to a Thai citizen or have Thai children. A non-O visa will let the holder stay for three months, but extensions are available provided the applicant meets the requirements.
A non-O visa can also be obtained by people looking to perform voluntary work in Thailand, such as with charity organizations. Foreigners can also find work with a non-O visa, although they will need to apply for a work permit to do so.
Non O-A Visa (Retirement Visa)
Thailand is a popular destination for retirees, with many investing in property and enjoying their later years in the lands of smiles. Thailand has made it easier for qualifying foreigners to retire in the country thanks to the Non O-A visa, which is more commonly known as the retirement visa. To qualify for a retirement visa, the applicant must meet the following requirements.
- Be aged 50 or above
- Have a bank balance of at least 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account for at least three months before applying
- Have a pension income of at least 65,000/month
- Have Medical insurance of at least $100,000
It should be noted that employment is not permitted on a retirement visa, and those looking for work will need to apply for another visa instead.
Summary
The ten-year LTV visa offers foreigners permission to stay in the long term in addition to a range of other benefits. However, the vis is aimed toward attracting highly skilled or high-income individuals, so the requirements are somewhat stricter than many other types of visa.
If you can meet the requirements, then an LTV visa will help make your stay easier. But if you can’t meet the requirements then alternatives are available. If you are unsure, then the team at Thai Visa Expert will be happy to help. Not only can we let you know what your options are, but we can also help with the process to help ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible.
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