LTR Visa is Now available for Long Term Residency

[Cocon]

17 hours ago, Misty said:

An update on the overall application process: 

 

I just submitted a new LTR visa application. Compared to my first application a year ago, there was a dramatic improvement in ease of use.  No real hiccups, other than that I had to have a different email address from my original application.  Different documents were required for this version of the visa, but overall the process went smoothly.  The application status went from "draft" to "pending" as I completed the submission. The LTR unit says it should take 20 business days for them to review and hopefully approve the new application.

 

 

@Misty why you need a new LTR Visa application because I thought you have already a LTR visa?

[JackGats]

From Royal decree 743:

 

"Section 5 Income tax under Part 2 of Chapter 3 in Title 2 of the Revenue Code shall be exempted for a foreigner categorised as Wealthy Global Citizen, Wealthy Pensioner, or Workfrom-Thailand Professional who is granted a Long-Term Resident Visa under immigration law for assessable income under section 40 of the Revenue Code derived in the previous tax year from an employment, or from business carried on abroad, or from a property situated abroad, and brought into Thailand."

[Misty]

8 hours ago, Cocon said:

@Misty why you need a new LTR Visa application because I thought you have already a LTR visa?

Yes, I do already have an LTR visa since last year.  However with the expansion in the industry categories for the LTR-HSP visa earlier this year, I  now qualify for one of those. The LTR-HSP visa comes with a lower 17% flat tax on salary and bonuses.  This would mean significant tax savings for me (well above the cost of the new visa), so I'm switching to that visa type.

[El Matador]

On 9/20/2023 at 6:59 PM, K2938 said:

It would also have a big effect on Thai Elite since many people use the - then absent - tax savings to justify the enormous cost of the visa for themselves.  If you look into the various Thai Elite discussion forums, countless people have already announced there that they would leave if their remittances are taxed and others are wondering if they should continue with their application.

I was very close to buy the 20 years Thai Elite visa at 1 million and thought I could make interesting tax saving which would pay for the visa in the long run. Fortunately I was unable to get the cash in time. It is saving me lots of headaches.

They could get way more remote workers if they scrapped that stupid 150M entreprise rule.

The 17%tax of all those big earners freelancers would be nice for the Thai budget. But Thailand wouldn't be Thailand without a proper stupid rule coming from nowhere.

Edited September 22, 2023 by El Matador

[K2938]

On this fb thread the BOI now appears to have confirmed that for LTR visa holders foreign earnings regardless of their remittance stay tax-free: 

Question:  "????????????, ???????????? ???????????????? ???????????????????? ???????????????????????????? ???????????????????????? ???????????????????????????? ???????????????? ????????????????????????????????? That is really what is supposed to be taxed based on the new tax law changes, regardless of the time it is brought into Thailand. Please kindly also comment on this for LTR visa holders."

Answer BOI:  "We would like to address that for the LTR tax benefits: the revenue department has already announced a royal decree to exempt the LTR- Wealthy Global/ Wealthy Pension/ Work from Thailand from paying the income tax derived from oversea business/ work and assets." 

So if this is true, then this would be good news.

[Debaurazl]

I recently had my 10-year LTR visa issued under the "Wealthy Pensioner" category after a three-week application period and am sharing my experience. Below I've outlined my application and appointment processes and included notes and tips. In addition, I've explained the benefits I've found with the LTR visa over the Non-Immigrant O.

 

Application Process

1. Created my account on the BOI website: https://visa.boi.go.th/

2. Submitted application and required documents

3. Within 7 business days, received email requesting additional documents

4. Uploaded requested documents to the BOI website

5. Within the next few days, received 2-3 additional emails requesting additional documents

6. Uploaded requested documents within 1-2 days

7. Shortly thereafter, received an email that my application was endorsed by relevant government agencies

8. As requested, I updated my information and uploaded additional required documents to the BOI website

9. Two days later, I received an email that my application was moved to pre-approval status

10. I was asked to email additional required documents, which I did the same day

11. The following day, I received an email that my application was approved for visa issuance

Appointment Process

1. Made an appointment on the BOI website

2. Printed all documents in the "3. COLLECT YOUR LTR VISA" section of this website: https://ltr.boi.go.th/page/visa-issuance-info.html

3. Arrived at the One Start One Stop Investment Center (OSOS) 30 minutes early

4. Submitted my documents at the front desk where my paperwork was checked

5. Sat down and waited comfortably about 10 minutes, and was then asked to sign a couple documents and enter information on a tablet

6. About 10 minutes later, I was escorted to Immigration across the hall to get my picture taken

7. The BOI staff member handed in my documents to Immigration

8. I waited an additional 20 minutes in the OSOS until Immigration contacted BOI

9. I was then led back to Immigration to pay the 50,000 Baht fee using bank transfer (QR code)

10. I sat and waited at Immigration approximately 5 minutes until my name was called

11. Received my passport with the LTR visa and original documents returned

Notes & Tips

• I used my U.S. 1040s and 1099s to show passive income from rental properties

• Most of the email communication was regarding requests for additional insurance documentation

• Documents must be in Thai or English

• Because my spouse is Thai, I had to provide our marriage certificate, the Kor.Ror.2 form and a copy of my spouse's Thai ID

• For me, the application process took 21 calendar days from the day I submitted my application to the day it was approved

• Once the visa is approved for issuance, you have 60 days to have it issued

• If you’re in Thailand, the only option for visa issuance is the (OSOS) in Bangkok

• Once you schedule your appointment, you can reschedule it as many times as you like

• Masks are required at the OSOS but not provided so bring your own

• One staff member attended to me during the entire appointment process (white glove service). He explained everything clearly and answered all my questions

• Although the LTR visa is valid for 10 years as the stamp shows in my passport, Immigration issues a 5-year visa stamp (also in my passport). I was told I will be notified via email 90 days before the 5-year expiration to submit updated financial and insurance information to confirm eligibility. No additional payment will be required

Benefits of LTR Visa over Non-Immigrant O

• I originally entered Thailand on a non-immigrant O visa; the LTR visa is easier and cheaper in the long run

• Because I have a Thai husband, I was not required to show financial information for the Non-Immigrant O; however, I had to do a TM.47 every 90 days, pay separately for the multiple re-entry permit and reapply for the Non-Immigrant O visa every year

• I would have had to pay 1900 Baht for the non-immigrant O visa renewal and 3800 for the mutliple re-entry permit each year so the LTR visa is less expensive

• Multiple re-entry is included in the cost of the LTR visa

• I can use the VIP Fast Track lane at the airport (foreigner side)

• The TM.47 Notification of Staying in the Kingdom is required every year (rather than every 90 days). If I leave the country, I was told to start counting 365 days from my entry stamp. Therefore, if I leave Thailand every year, which I plan to do, the TM.47 is not required

I chose this visa because it was easy for me to meet the financial requirements and I like that I am not required to keep or invest money in Thailand. I can retain my funds in the U.S. where they are earning higher interest.

 

I would be happy to help with any questions regarding the application or appointment processes.

 

LTR visa process explained: https://www.hlbthai.com/thailands-ltr-visa-process-explained/

 

[Pib]

@Debaurazl

Outstanding report!!!....and Congrats!

[OneZero]

6 minutes ago, Pib said:

@Debaurazl

Outstanding report!!!....and Congrats!

Agree, but just to clarify /avoid confusion, the LTR annual address report should use TM95 not TM47.

[JimGant]

2 hours ago, Debaurazl said:

Because I have a Thai husband, I was not required to show financial information for the Non-Immigrant O;

Presumably this means no requirement for 400K in the bank, or its monthly remittance equivalent, for an extension based on marriage?

[mrmagyar]

19 hours ago, K2938 said:

On this fb thread the BOI now appears to have confirmed that for LTR visa holders foreign earnings regardless of their remittance stay tax-free: 

Question:  "????????????, ???????????? ???????????????? ???????????????????? ???????????????????????????? ???????????????????????? ???????????????????????????? ???????????????? ????????????????????????????????? That is really what is supposed to be taxed based on the new tax law changes, regardless of the time it is brought into Thailand. Please kindly also comment on this for LTR visa holders."

Answer BOI:  "We would like to address that for the LTR tax benefits: the revenue department has already announced a royal decree to exempt the LTR- Wealthy Global/ Wealthy Pension/ Work from Thailand from paying the income tax derived from oversea business/ work and assets." 

So if this is true, then this would be good news.

Could you link to the facebook thread please? Or tell us which page it's on?

[Debaurazl]

3 hours ago, OneZero said:

Agree, but just to clarify /avoid confusion, the LTR annual address report should use TM95 not TM47.

Yes, you are correct. The TM.47 is for 90 days and the TM.95 is for the LTR one-year notification requirement.

Edited September 23, 2023 by Debaurazl

[Debaurazl]

1 hour ago, JimGant said:

Presumably this means no requirement for 400K in the bank, or its monthly remittance equivalent, for an extension based on marriage?

Correct. There is no financial requirement for foreign wives married to Thai husbands, unlike foreign husbands married to Thai wives. Regardless of having no financial requirements for my Non-Immigrant O visa, I am still finding the LTR Wealthy Pensioner visa less of a hassle and less expensive over the long term.

[Misty]

26 minutes ago, mrmagyar said:

Could you link to the facebook thread please? Or tell us which page it's on?

This is from the LTR BOI website, privileges of the LTR visa:  https://ltr.boi.go.th/#pri

[mrmagyar]

2 hours ago, Misty said:

This is from the LTR BOI website, privileges of the LTR visa:  https://ltr.boi.go.th/#pri

Understood on that. But anything that reconfirms this, from the horses mouth, post-tax changes, would be welcome.

[K2938]

7 hours ago, mrmagyar said:

Could you link to the facebook thread please? Or tell us which page it's on?

You can find it in the discussion below this post:

[K2938]

1 minute ago, K2938 said:

You can find it in the discussion below this post:

 

[JimTripper]

On 7/8/2022 at 11:19 PM, CrossBones said:

It seems if you make $80k a year or have assets worth $1m you can stay here for 5 - 10 years.

 

I am wondering why there isnt much talk about this on this forum.

Wealthy Global Citizens

For wealthy individuals holding at least USD 1 million in assets.

• Assets of a minimum of USD 1 million.
• An annual income of at least USD 80,000 for the past two years.
• Minimum investment of USD 500,000 in Thai government bonds, foreign direct investment, Thai property or any combination.

Wealthy Pensioners

For retirees aged 50 years or older who have an annual pension or stable passive income.

• Personal income of at least USD 80,000 a year at the time of application.
• Applicants with a personal income ranging between USD 40,000 and USD 80,000 a year may also be eligible, granted they have a minimum investment of USD 250,000 in Thai government bonds, foreign direct investment, Thai property or any combination.
• Income from employment will not be considered under this category

Edited September 24, 2023 by JimTripper

[LivinLOS]

On 8/15/2022 at 1:27 PM, Lacrimas said:

They have such a fixed old mindset, most people making good money are freelancers nowadays and they exclude that category. 

Because they culturally believe everyone will lie all the time.. 

Employer means control, salary proof and contracts that are harder to forge.. Freelancers would just lie (in a Thai mindset context) and claim the eligibility.. Many of these Thai 'centralized' top down type demands stem from a suspicion of total distrust / lack of honesty expectations. 

[LivinLOS]

31 minutes ago, JimTripper said:

• minimum investment of USD 500,000 in Thai government bonds, foreign direct investment, Thai property or any combination.
•  
• Applicants with a personal income ranging between USD 40,000 and USD 80,000 a year may also be eligible, granted they have a minimum investment of USD 250,000 in Thai government bonds, foreign direct investment, Thai property or any combination.

and these inward remittances will be taxed next year ?? ????

 

Left hand.. right hand !!! 

[RafPinto]

On 9/23/2023 at 10:11 AM, Debaurazl said:

I recently had my 10-year LTR visa issued under the "Wealthy Pensioner" category after a three-week application period and am sharing my experience. Below I've outlined my application and appointment processes and included notes and tips. In addition, I've explained the benefits I've found with the LTR visa over the Non-Immigrant O.

 

Application Process

1. Created my account on the BOI website: https://visa.boi.go.th/

2. Submitted application and required documents

3. Within 7 business days, received email requesting additional documents

4. Uploaded requested documents to the BOI website

5. Within the next few days, received 2-3 additional emails requesting additional documents

6. Uploaded requested documents within 1-2 days

7. Shortly thereafter, received an email that my application was endorsed by relevant government agencies

8. As requested, I updated my information and uploaded additional required documents to the BOI website

9. Two days later, I received an email that my application was moved to pre-approval status

10. I was asked to email additional required documents, which I did the same day

11. The following day, I received an email that my application was approved for visa issuance

Appointment Process

1. Made an appointment on the BOI website

2. Printed all documents in the "3. COLLECT YOUR LTR VISA" section of this website: https://ltr.boi.go.th/page/visa-issuance-info.html

3. Arrived at the One Start One Stop Investment Center (OSOS) 30 minutes early

4. Submitted my documents at the front desk where my paperwork was checked

5. Sat down and waited comfortably about 10 minutes, and was then asked to sign a couple documents and enter information on a tablet

6. About 10 minutes later, I was escorted to Immigration across the hall to get my picture taken

7. The BOI staff member handed in my documents to Immigration

8. I waited an additional 20 minutes in the OSOS until Immigration contacted BOI

9. I was then led back to Immigration to pay the 50,000 Baht fee using bank transfer (QR code)

10. I sat and waited at Immigration approximately 5 minutes until my name was called

11. Received my passport with the LTR visa and original documents returned

Notes & Tips

• I used my U.S. 1040s and 1099s to show passive income from rental properties

• Most of the email communication was regarding requests for additional insurance documentation

• Documents must be in Thai or English

• Because my spouse is Thai, I had to provide our marriage certificate, the Kor.Ror.2 form and a copy of my spouse's Thai ID

• For me, the application process took 21 calendar days from the day I submitted my application to the day it was approved

• Once the visa is approved for issuance, you have 60 days to have it issued

• If you’re in Thailand, the only option for visa issuance is the (OSOS) in Bangkok

• Once you schedule your appointment, you can reschedule it as many times as you like

• Masks are required at the OSOS but not provided so bring your own

• One staff member attended to me during the entire appointment process (white glove service). He explained everything clearly and answered all my questions

• Although the LTR visa is valid for 10 years as the stamp shows in my passport, Immigration issues a 5-year visa stamp (also in my passport). I was told I will be notified via email 90 days before the 5-year expiration to submit updated financial and insurance information to confirm eligibility. No additional payment will be required

Benefits of LTR Visa over Non-Immigrant O

• I originally entered Thailand on a non-immigrant O visa; the LTR visa is easier and cheaper in the long run

• Because I have a Thai husband, I was not required to show financial information for the Non-Immigrant O; however, I had to do a TM.47 every 90 days, pay separately for the multiple re-entry permit and reapply for the Non-Immigrant O visa every year

• I would have had to pay 1900 Baht for the non-immigrant O visa renewal and 3800 for the mutliple re-entry permit each year so the LTR visa is less expensive

• Multiple re-entry is included in the cost of the LTR visa

• I can use the VIP Fast Track lane at the airport (foreigner side)

• The TM.47 Notification of Staying in the Kingdom is required every year (rather than every 90 days). If I leave the country, I was told to start counting 365 days from my entry stamp. Therefore, if I leave Thailand every year, which I plan to do, the TM.47 is not required

I chose this visa because it was easy for me to meet the financial requirements and I like that I am not required to keep or invest money in Thailand. I can retain my funds in the U.S. where they are earning higher interest.

 

I would be happy to help with any questions regarding the application or appointment processes.

 

LTR visa process explained: https://www.hlbthai.com/thailands-ltr-visa-process-explained/

 

You do not need hlb. Go straight onto the BOI/ltr website, register and do your application.
I didn't use any agent and from start to getting the visa it took less then 3 weeks.

[No Forwarding Address]

On 9/22/2023 at 5:11 PM, Debaurazl said:

I recently had my 10-year LTR visa issued under the "Wealthy Pensioner" category after a three-week application period and am sharing my experience. Below I've outlined my application and appointment processes and included notes and tips. In addition, I've explained the benefits I've found with the LTR visa over the Non-Immigrant O.

 

Application Process

1. Created my account on the BOI website: https://visa.boi.go.th/

2. Submitted application and required documents

3. Within 7 business days, received email requesting additional documents

4. Uploaded requested documents to the BOI website

5. Within the next few days, received 2-3 additional emails requesting additional documents

6. Uploaded requested documents within 1-2 days

7. Shortly thereafter, received an email that my application was endorsed by relevant government agencies

8. As requested, I updated my information and uploaded additional required documents to the BOI website

9. Two days later, I received an email that my application was moved to pre-approval status

10. I was asked to email additional required documents, which I did the same day

11. The following day, I received an email that my application was approved for visa issuance

Appointment Process

1. Made an appointment on the BOI website

2. Printed all documents in the "3. COLLECT YOUR LTR VISA" section of this website: https://ltr.boi.go.th/page/visa-issuance-info.html

3. Arrived at the One Start One Stop Investment Center (OSOS) 30 minutes early

4. Submitted my documents at the front desk where my paperwork was checked

5. Sat down and waited comfortably about 10 minutes, and was then asked to sign a couple documents and enter information on a tablet

6. About 10 minutes later, I was escorted to Immigration across the hall to get my picture taken

7. The BOI staff member handed in my documents to Immigration

8. I waited an additional 20 minutes in the OSOS until Immigration contacted BOI

9. I was then led back to Immigration to pay the 50,000 Baht fee using bank transfer (QR code)

10. I sat and waited at Immigration approximately 5 minutes until my name was called

11. Received my passport with the LTR visa and original documents returned

Notes & Tips

• I used my U.S. 1040s and 1099s to show passive income from rental properties

• Most of the email communication was regarding requests for additional insurance documentation

• Documents must be in Thai or English

• Because my spouse is Thai, I had to provide our marriage certificate, the Kor.Ror.2 form and a copy of my spouse's Thai ID

• For me, the application process took 21 calendar days from the day I submitted my application to the day it was approved

• Once the visa is approved for issuance, you have 60 days to have it issued

• If you’re in Thailand, the only option for visa issuance is the (OSOS) in Bangkok

• Once you schedule your appointment, you can reschedule it as many times as you like

• Masks are required at the OSOS but not provided so bring your own

• One staff member attended to me during the entire appointment process (white glove service). He explained everything clearly and answered all my questions

• Although the LTR visa is valid for 10 years as the stamp shows in my passport, Immigration issues a 5-year visa stamp (also in my passport). I was told I will be notified via email 90 days before the 5-year expiration to submit updated financial and insurance information to confirm eligibility. No additional payment will be required

Benefits of LTR Visa over Non-Immigrant O

• I originally entered Thailand on a non-immigrant O visa; the LTR visa is easier and cheaper in the long run

• Because I have a Thai husband, I was not required to show financial information for the Non-Immigrant O; however, I had to do a TM.47 every 90 days, pay separately for the multiple re-entry permit and reapply for the Non-Immigrant O visa every year

• I would have had to pay 1900 Baht for the non-immigrant O visa renewal and 3800 for the mutliple re-entry permit each year so the LTR visa is less expensive

• Multiple re-entry is included in the cost of the LTR visa

• I can use the VIP Fast Track lane at the airport (foreigner side)

• The TM.47 Notification of Staying in the Kingdom is required every year (rather than every 90 days). If I leave the country, I was told to start counting 365 days from my entry stamp. Therefore, if I leave Thailand every year, which I plan to do, the TM.47 is not required

I chose this visa because it was easy for me to meet the financial requirements and I like that I am not required to keep or invest money in Thailand. I can retain my funds in the U.S. where they are earning higher interest.

 

I would be happy to help with any questions regarding the application or appointment processes.

 

LTR visa process explained: https://www.hlbthai.com/thailands-ltr-visa-process-explained/

 

This is all good information, very clear and concise.  One question, I am currently in USA for at least the next 6 months, do you know if I can apply for the LTR Visa here, or do I have to be in Thailand?   Closest Consulate is in California, I am in Hawaii, I would have to mail my passport to them.........Thanx again for informative post.       Cheers

 

[Misty]

2 hours ago, No Forwarding Address said:

This is all good information, very clear and concise.  One question, I am currently in USA for at least the next 6 months, do you know if I can apply for the LTR Visa here, or do I have to be in Thailand?   Closest Consulate is in California, I am in Hawaii, I would have to mail my passport to them.........Thanx again for informative post.       Cheers

 

Hi I applied for my initial LTR visa last year while I was outside of Thailand.  The LTR BoI unit approved the application and issued an approval letter. I then had 60 days to either make an appointment in person in Thailand, or to use the approval letter to apply for an LTR e-visa from a US consulate.  I chose to apply for the LTR e-visa from the NY consulate and received the pdf of the visa very quickly.  I then had plenty of time to enter Thailand with the LTR e-visa print out.

[Debaurazl]

6 hours ago, RafPinto said:

You do not need hlb. Go straight onto the BOI/ltr website, register and do your application.
I didn't use any agent and from start to getting the visa it took less then 3 weeks.

I provided the hlb website for information only. I think the site explains the process well. I did not use an agent and my application was approved within three weeks as well.

Edited September 24, 2023 by Debaurazl

[tai4de2]

18 hours ago, No Forwarding Address said:

One question, I am currently in USA for at least the next 6 months, do you know if I can apply for the LTR Visa here, or do I have to be in Thailand?   Closest Consulate is in California, I am in Hawaii, I would have to mail my passport to them.........

Not only can you apply for it while you are in the US, it's arguably more convenient to do it that way. When the BOI endorses your application, you apply via eVisa (I believe LA is the designated consulate for Hawaii, not that this matters that much, except that you MUST use the correct one), and the visa is issued as a document you print out and carry with you to enter Thailand. You do not mail your passport anywhere, you do not collect a pile of documents and trudge off to an office in Bangkok, etc.

 

Assuming you have all your documents in order, the whole thing from start to finish can be done in under 6 weeks from the comfort of your home in Hawaii.

[No Forwarding Address]

20 hours ago, Misty said:

Hi I applied for my initial LTR visa last year while I was outside of Thailand.  The LTR BoI unit approved the application and issued an approval letter. I then had 60 days to either make an appointment in person in Thailand, or to use the approval letter to apply for an LTR e-visa from a US consulate.  I chose to apply for the LTR e-visa from the NY consulate and received the pdf of the visa very quickly.  I then had plenty of time to enter Thailand with the LTR e-visa print out.

I then had plenty of time to enter Thailand with the LTR e-visa print out.  Thank you for the information, very helpful, is there a time limit that you have to use the e-Visa if you are not ready to travel??       Cheers

 

[No Forwarding Address]

4 hours ago, tai4de2 said:

Not only can you apply for it while you are in the US, it's arguably more convenient to do it that way. When the BOI endorses your application, you apply via eVisa (I believe LA is the designated consulate for Hawaii, not that this matters that much, except that you MUST use the correct one), and the visa is issued as a document you print out and carry with you to enter Thailand. You do not mail your passport anywhere, you do not collect a pile of documents and trudge off to an office in Bangkok, etc.

 

Assuming you have all your documents in order, the whole thing from start to finish can be done in under 6 weeks from the comfort of your home in Hawaii.

Thank you all for the informative replies, I am not ready to travel yet, wonder if there is a time limit on using the completed eVisa - 3 months, 6 months??   Does it have a 'must enter Kingdom before (date)' on the eVisa.............Cheers

[Misty]

46 minutes ago, No Forwarding Address said:

Thank you all for the informative replies, I am not ready to travel yet, wonder if there is a time limit on using the completed eVisa - 3 months, 6 months??   Does it have a 'must enter Kingdom before (date)' on the eVisa.............Cheers

Yes, my LTR e-visa said the visa must be used 10 years from the issue date.

[Northwest87]

I understand that some people on this thread have been able to get BOI to accept US military Tricare as a medical plan, but has anyone been able to do the same with an FEHB federal plan (Aetna, Foreign Service/AFSPA, GEHA)?

 

NW

[khunjeff]

7 hours ago, Northwest87 said:

I understand that some people on this thread have been able to get BOI to accept US military Tricare as a medical plan, but has anyone been able to do the same with an FEHB federal plan (Aetna, Foreign Service/AFSPA, GEHA)?

 

NW

Yes, I think they changed their view on all of those US Government plans at the same time. They didn't accept my FSBP/AFSPA when I applied a year ago, but when my friend applied with exactly the same policy this past April, BoI took it with no problem.

[Northwest87]

9 hours ago, khunjeff said:

Yes, I think they changed their view on all of those US Government plans at the same time. They didn't accept my FSBP/AFSPA when I applied a year ago, but when my friend applied with exactly the same policy this past April, BoI took it with no problem.

Thanks, it's good to know, as I plan to retry for the LTR soon. Non-passive income sources were the main obstacle last time, but they also rejected my AFSPA plan.