Thailand’s cabinet has introduced relaxed regulations for long-term visa applicants, aiming to attract more high-income individuals to the country.
As part of these changes, the government has decided to discontinue Smart visa categories, opting instead to focus on the Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa program with simplified requirements for digital nomads and affluent individuals.
Key updates include lower revenue thresholds and an expanded allowance for dependents, making it easier for applicants to relocate with their families. The Thai Cabinet has agreed to abolish the requirement for LTR visa applicants to have an annual income of at least USD 80,000 for two consecutive years, addressing a barrier for some applicants who met investment criteria but were previously denied due to income restrictions.
Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) Secretary General Narit Therdsteerasukdi stated that these updates, developed after consultations with stakeholders, aim to strengthen Thailand’s position as a global hub for investment and talent.
“These updates to the LTR program were developed following extensive consultations with stakeholders, such as the foreign chambers of commerce in Thailand, and approved by the LTR committees to address obstacles and streamline processes,” Narit Therdsteerasukdi said.
“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.”
Key Highlights from Thailand’s updated LTR Visa rules
- Thailand expands the sectors eligible for Highly Skilled Professionals, including non-STEM fields.
- The 5-year work experience requirement for Highly Skilled and Work-from-Thailand Professionals is removed.
- Corporate revenue requirement for sponsoring employers reduced to USD 50 million.
- Wealthy Global Citizens no longer need to meet a minimum annual income requirement.
- Dependents of LTR visa holders now have expanded rights with no cap on the number of dependents.
- The LTR visa offers 10-year residency, digital work permits, and tax privileges.
- The $80,000 annual income requirement for applicants is abolished.
Streamlined process for professionals
The updates remove the five-year work experience requirement for Highly Skilled and Work-from-Thailand Professionals, making the program more accessible.
Revenue requirements for overseas employers sponsoring Work-from-Thailand applicants were lowered to $50 million from $150 million over three years. Employees of multinational subsidiaries can now use parent company financials to qualify, making the program more attractive to digital and technology specialists critical for economic transformation.
Previously focused on science and technology industries, the list now encompasses a broader range of non-STEM fields, such as Development and sustainability, Disaster and risk management, and integrated innovation.
Thailand is the second-most popular destination for digital nomads, just behind Mexico. Three of the most popular cities in Thailand for digital nomads are Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Koh Phangan.
Enhanced incentives for wealthy individuals and families
The Wealthy Global Citizens category no longer requires a minimum annual income, focusing instead on cumulative wealth and investments in Thailand. Rights for dependents of LTR visa holders have been expanded, allowing unlimited family members, including parents and legal dependents, to join. These changes aim to create a more family-friendly environment and encourage foreign investments.
Growing interest in Thailand resident visa
Launched in September 2022, Thailand’s Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa offers applicants a 10-year residency, digital work permits, personal income tax benefits, and other incentives, aimed at boosting the economy in the post-pandemic era.
Since its inception, over 6,000 individuals have obtained the visa, with Europeans leading the way at 2,500 recipients, followed by the United States (1,080), Japan (610), China (340), and India (280).
The changes will take effect following official announcements by the BOI and Ministry of Interior, further supporting Thailand’s competitiveness and ease of doing business.