Thailand relaxes visa rules for wealthy foreign workers

Thailand has recently introduced significant updates to its Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa program. Approved by the Thai Cabinet on January 13, 2025, these changes are designed to attract foreign experts, investors, and executives, and strengthen Thailand's position as a global hub for investment and high-potential talent.

The program now includes expanded eligibility, targeting sectors like disaster and risk management, integrated innovation, development and sustainability, and higher education lecturers. Additionally, the five-year minimum work experience requirement for highly skilled professionals and work-from-Thailand professionals has been removed.

Financial requirements have also been reduced, with the corporate revenue threshold for overseas employers lowered from USD 150 million to USD 50 million over the past three years. The minimum annual income requirement for wealthy global citizens has been eliminated, shifting focus to cumulative wealth and investments in Thailand.

LTR visa holders can now bring an unlimited number of dependents, including parents and legal dependents, compared to the previous limit of four. The program continues to offer tax benefits, including a reduced personal income tax rate of 17% for specialized professionals and tax exemptions for overseas income.

Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), stated:

“By ensuring a more inclusive and competitive approach, we believe these changes will further enhance Thailand’s position as a global hub for investment and high-potential talent. Smooth visa procedures are an essential part of our focus on the ease of doing business.”

Since its launch in September 2022, the LTR program has already attracted more than 6,000 high-potential foreign workers. Thailand also offer a Digital Nomad Visa, officially known as Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), which was launched in July 2024.