LTR Visa- Ive got questions. Please help !!

[craig letvin]

I'm considering getting my LTR VISA-  can anyone suggest a good place to go that will basically do everything for me?

 

[Upnotover]

You might want to post this question in the visa forum, this one has tumbleweeds blowing through it.

[metisdead]

Moving to the Thai Visas forum. 

[DrJack54]

6 hours ago, craig letvin said:

I'm considering getting my LTR VISA-  can anyone suggest a good place to go that will basically do everything for me?

 

You can read the zillion threads re this .

He is one thread

https://aseannow.com/topic/1328779-ltr-visa-how-long-does-it-take-from-applying-to-decision/

 

 

I also looked into this option.

Be aware that you need to meet the requirements. 

 

[BrandonJT]

9 hours ago, craig letvin said:

I'm considering getting my LTR VISA-  can anyone suggest a good place to go that will basically do everything for me?

 

The BOI LTR website has a list of approved agents for work with the BOI.  But as far as "do everything for you." The only thing they can do is take the information that you have to gather yourself and submit it on your behalf.  You still have to get all the information, as the agent won't have access to your bank accounts, your work and tax records, etc.

[Tod Daniels]

I concur with BrandonJT, 👍

 

Go to the boi / LTR website and read the page that has the list of approved agents.

 

https://ltr.boi.go.th/

[DrJack54]

OP, here is thread of one posters experience with assistance from agent. Has several links. 

 

[JimGant]

On 5/20/2025 at 3:09 PM, craig letvin said:

I'm considering getting my LTR VISA-  can anyone suggest a good place to go that will basically do everything for me?

 

What any agent can't do for you -- is take your passport to BoI in Bangkok to finalize matters, and to pay your 50k, and get you new visa stamp from the co-located Immigration. This must be done in person. So, if you live upcountry -- pack your bags. But an agent can do your annual residence report, without you having to go to Bangkok, or to your local Imm office.

[Tod Daniels]

Here's the link that lists the certified agencies approved thru LTR to hawk their visa
https://ltr.boi.go.th/page/ca.html

[ronnie50]

Here's another question. after reading this thread, and the previous thread/link above by Dr Bob.

 

More often I see 'income tax return' as a document required for LTR and particularly LTR-WP. Do we know if an income tax return is mandatory for BOI consideration? In my case, I don't have one, and will be considered a Thai resident for tax purposes by the time (if) I apply. Main source of annual income (occupational pension) is sourced in one country (where I am non-res and don't pay tax), is then sent to a financial institution in a 2nd country (also non-res and non-taxpayer) and finally I remit funds to Thailand, when and how much at my discretion. So no tax returns from anywhere. I do have foreign government tax documents from investments where interest or capital gains have been withheld annually and, of course, I have the proof of the pension income. Is that enough (if it surpasses the 80k)? 

[Presnock]

17 hours ago, ronnie50 said:

Here's another question. after reading this thread, and the previous thread/link above by Dr Bob.

 

More often I see 'income tax return' as a document required for LTR and particularly LTR-WP. Do we know if an income tax return is mandatory for BOI consideration? In my case, I don't have one, and will be considered a Thai resident for tax purposes by the time (if) I apply. Main source of annual income (occupational pension) is sourced in one country (where I am non-res and don't pay tax), is then sent to a financial institution in a 2nd country (also non-res and non-taxpayer) and finally I remit funds to Thailand, when and how much at my discretion. So no tax returns from anywhere. I do have foreign government tax documents from investments where interest or capital gains have been withheld annually and, of course, I have the proof of the pension income. Is that enough (if it surpasses the 80k)? 

just email the BOI or call them and ask and you will get an honest answer.  I had proof of my pension from the US government but they still said that they needed my tax forms - same with health insurance - mine said for hospitalization - unlimited - the BOI needed a letter stating that hospitalizatiion of 50K was covered - a soon as I uploaded (all is done online anyway so no need of an agent) those two documents, within another week I was approved and picked up my LTR while the immigration at BOI cancelled my retirement visa.  for the 1 year provide address, I spent less than 10 minutes at BOI (immigration) for that stamp.

[oldcpu]

I agree with Presnock, ask BoI. They have staff who speak excellent English.

 

I recommend you phone BoI.  My experience is their email reply record is dismal at best, while their phone response is very good.

 

My speculation is if you have no tax returns as income proof, you will have to have very good other records (confirmation) as to your income proof.  I believe BoI like to use income tax returns as income proof as it provides them more confidence someone is not 'scamming' them as to an income that does not exist.

 

In my case, when I applied in January-2023, I provided Boi my year 2020 and year 2021 tax assessment from Canada (which lists my global income).  BoI then asked for my year 2022 tax Canadian tax assessment (where I had not even yet submitted my Canadian 2022 tax return).  It was weeks later before I could obtain the income information/tax slips to file my 2022 Canadian tax return, and weeks more before I could get a Canadian government tax assessment for year 2022 (which lists global income) and then provide that to BoI.  That slowed down my LTR application process.

 

Further, BoI, knowing I was a pensioner (with pensions from Europe and from Canadian Old Age security) asked for my Canadian pension tax slip copy !!  I had to contact them and advise them, I did not get a Canadian pension (yet) as I had deferred the receipt of that pension to age-70.

So BoI were very thorough in what they asked.  I did in the end obtain the LTR-WP.

 

Which I believe, simply points to the usefulness of your contacting BoI, ( by phone )  explain to them your financial situation, and find out early from them, exactly what documents they want in your specific case.

[Presnock]

12 minutes ago, oldcpu said:

I agree with Presnock, ask BoI. They have staff who speak excellent English.

 

I recommend you phone BoI.  My experience is their email reply record is dismal at best, while their phone response is very good.

 

My speculation is if you have no tax returns as income proof, you will have to have very good other records (confirmation) as to your income proof.  I believe BoI like to use income tax returns as income proof as it provides them more confidence someone is not 'scamming' them as to an income that does not exist.

 

In my case, when I applied in January-2023, I provided Boi my year 2020 and year 2021 tax assessment from Canada (which lists my global income).  BoI then asked for my year 2022 tax Canadian tax assessment (where I had not even yet submitted my Canadian 2022 tax return).  It was weeks later before I could obtain the income information/tax slips to file my 2022 Canadian tax return, and weeks more before I could get a Canadian government tax assessment for year 2022 (which lists global income) and then provide that to BoI.  That slowed down my LTR application process.

 

Further, BoI, knowing I was a pensioner (with pensions from Europe and from Canadian Old Age security) asked for my Canadian pension tax slip copy !!  I had to contact them and advise them, I did not get a Canadian pension (yet) as I had deferred the receipt of that pension to age-70.

So BoI were very thorough in what they asked.  I did in the end obtain the LTR-WP.

 

Which I believe, simply points to the usefulness of your contacting BoI, ( by phone )  explain to them your financial situation, and find out early from them, exactly what documents they want in your specific case.

What I think has happened, is that the BOI folks that we meet and discuss our documents but after thuosands of applicants, they have seen  a multitude of different documentation.  They know what the final officials that say yes or no to an applicant based on the documentation.  While it may be valid for what is originally asked for, those officials may not really understand them so that is why we usually recommend that anyone desirring an LTR, just contact the BOI and they should know whether or not you can use a particular document for one of the requirements.  I do wish you good luck and feel privileged that I have the LTR at least for the next 9 years.

[mran66]

On 5/29/2025 at 3:57 PM, oldcpu said:

I agree with Presnock, ask BoI. They have staff who speak excellent English.

 

I recommend you phone BoI.  My experience is their email reply record is dismal at best, while their phone response is very good.

 

My speculation is if you have no tax returns as income proof, you will have to have very good other records (confirmation) as to your income proof.  I believe BoI like to use income tax returns as income proof as it provides them more confidence someone is not 'scamming' them as to an income that does not exist.

 

In my case, when I applied in January-2023, I provided Boi my year 2020 and year 2021 tax assessment from Canada (which lists my global income).  BoI then asked for my year 2022 tax Canadian tax assessment (where I had not even yet submitted my Canadian 2022 tax return).  It was weeks later before I could obtain the income information/tax slips to file my 2022 Canadian tax return, and weeks more before I could get a Canadian government tax assessment for year 2022 (which lists global income) and then provide that to BoI.  That slowed down my LTR application process.

 

Further, BoI, knowing I was a pensioner (with pensions from Europe and from Canadian Old Age security) asked for my Canadian pension tax slip copy !!  I had to contact them and advise them, I did not get a Canadian pension (yet) as I had deferred the receipt of that pension to age-70.

So BoI were very thorough in what they asked.  I did in the end obtain the LTR-WP.

 

Which I believe, simply points to the usefulness of your contacting BoI, ( by phone )  explain to them your financial situation, and find out early from them, exactly what documents they want in your specific case.

 

I have not filed income tax returns anywhere for over 10 years and got my LTR WP so not mandatory as long as you have evedince to prove your income that is qualified.

 

I just submitted my statements from financial institution that holds my stuff and that was good enough. 

[Yumthai]

17 hours ago, mran66 said:

I have not filed income tax returns anywhere for over 10 years and got my LTR WP so not mandatory as long as you have evedince to prove your income that is qualified.

 

I just submitted my statements from financial institution that holds my stuff and that was good enough. 

Yes indeed. It's utterly obvious that they are not able to check the validity of your foreign statements and it's clear they don't care.

[oldcpu]

1 hour ago, Yumthai said:

Yes indeed. It's utterly obvious that they are not able to check the validity of your foreign statements and it's clear they don't care.

I would not go so far as to say that they don't care.

 

I believe it more accurate to state they will make exceptions to their policy ( when asking for tax returns as income proof) when it makes sense to them.

[Yumthai]

13 minutes ago, oldcpu said:

I would not go so far as to say that they don't care.

 

I believe it more accurate to state they will make exceptions to their policy ( when asking for tax returns as income proof) when it makes sense to them.

Yes, I meant what they do care is to tick the boxes of their requirements list. If your piece of financial evidence shows "nice" amounts then it's ok. Again there is no way they can check it's valid.

[mran66]

3 hours ago, oldcpu said:

I would not go so far as to say that they don't care.

 

I believe it more accurate to state they will make exceptions to their policy ( when asking for tax returns as income proof) when it makes sense to them.

 

2 hours ago, Yumthai said:

Yes, I meant what they do care is to tick the boxes of their requirements list. If your piece of financial evidence shows "nice" amounts then it's ok. Again there is no way they can check it's valid.

 

 

For me they cared enough to ask for statement of portfolio where the income is derived from. Initially I only submitted income report for 2024. 

 

I guess the purpose of the request was to kind of verify the income is truly 'passive', not some non-qualified income structured into passive income 

[ThreeCardMonte]

I got mine without the help of any agent.

 

If you can read, you can do it yourself.

 

If you don’t have $ 80,000 USD in qualified income, don’t waste your time.

[mran66]

15 minutes ago, ThreeCardMonte said:

I got mine without the help of any agent.

 

If you can read, you can do it yourself.

 

If you don’t have $ 80,000 USD in qualified income, don’t waste your time.

 

The LTR must be one of the simplest thai visas that one can get, though I only have experience of a tourist visa (in Vientiane over a decade ago) and non-o retirement, both of which I managed to do myself without any major trouble.

 

With LTR the big thing is you don't need to go visit immigration office multiple times telling you that something is not as they wish even if according to official requirements). Instead you just upload the pdfs of required documents to their website and if they ask foe something more, upload those. No hassles with immigration officers with varying requests and going back and forth to immigration and waiting on queues. 

 

If you are able to  get the required documents (that agent can't do for you anyway), you must be able to upload them to their website too.

 

I can't see any added value from any middleman, just additional hassle. 

 

As a bonus you get rid of the 90 day reporting and from keeping your cash locked into bank account - not to speak about the tax worries 

[persimmon]

What about the need for insurance though - could the cost of this outweigh any tax savings ?

[mran66]

58 minutes ago, persimmon said:

What about the need for insurance though - could the cost of this outweigh any tax savings ?

 

Well, insurance is something at least I have had and will have as long as I qualify for one so no savings from that to skip LTR. 

 

And in case the worldwide taxation would come, cost of insurance would be meaningless compared to tax savings. Even with the tax on remittances only insurance far less than tax savings 

[oldcpu]

6 hours ago, mran66 said:

With LTR the big thing is you don't need to go visit immigration office multiple times telling you that something is not as they wish even if according to official requirements).

 

 

This was a BIG advantage for me, even thou my LTR-WP took a rather long time to get.  I had MANY information requests, and in the most part (with on major exception) I was able to address them from the comfort of my condo, sitting on the balcony with my laptop computer, with a sea view and sipping a glass of wine.

[oldcpu]

5 hours ago, persimmon said:

What about the need for insurance though - could the cost of this outweigh any tax savings ?

 

I am of the view health insurance is incredibly useful, so its just a matter as to how one wishes to obtain their Health Insurance. 

 

In comparison to the Type-OA visa, the LTR is superior for the LTR does NOT require health insurance from the Thai branch of a health insurance company.  Health insurance from a foreign branch of a health insurance company is viable for the LTR if one can get the company to write a letter of compliance with Thailand's LTR health insurance requirement (by including certain key words/phrases and financial coverage numbers in the letter). One can NOT do that with a a Type-OA.

 

In terms of the Type-O visa, then yes.  I agree.  If one can not afford health insurance, and/or wants to gamble on staying healthy and never wanting to spend a cent on health insurance, then the LTR visa is not the visa to choose and the Type-O makes more sense.

[JackGats]

On 5/24/2025 at 10:30 AM, ronnie50 said:

Here's another question. after reading this thread, and the previous thread/link above by Dr Bob.

 

More often I see 'income tax return' as a document required for LTR and particularly LTR-WP. Do we know if an income tax return is mandatory for BOI consideration? In my case, I don't have one, and will be considered a Thai resident for tax purposes by the time (if) I apply. Main source of annual income (occupational pension) is sourced in one country (where I am non-res and don't pay tax), is then sent to a financial institution in a 2nd country (also non-res and non-taxpayer) and finally I remit funds to Thailand, when and how much at my discretion. So no tax returns from anywhere. I do have foreign government tax documents from investments where interest or capital gains have been withheld annually and, of course, I have the proof of the pension income. Is that enough (if it surpasses the 80k)? 

Tax return not essential. I got my LTR on the strength of my pension slips alone.  I explained though why my pension was paid free of withholding tax and why I had no tax return to show.

[ThreeCardMonte]

5 hours ago, persimmon said:

What about the need for insurance though - could the cost of this outweigh any tax savings ?

My insurance qualified for LTR but not for my OA annual extension.

 

No idea to this discrepancy.

 

TIT.