Permanent Residency and Long-Term Residency Visa Services: Secure Your Future in Thailand

Thailand offers two key pathways for those who want to settle long-term: Permanent Residency (PR) and the Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa. Permanent Residency grants indefinite stay in Thailand, while the LTR Visa provides a renewable 10-year option with exclusive benefits. Both options are ideal for retirees, investors, skilled professionals, or family members of Thai citizens.

However, these applications require meeting strict eligibility criteria, preparing detailed documentation, and navigating government procedures. With my experience, I’ll guide you through every step of the process, ensuring all requirements are met for a seamless application.

Permanent Residency:

The Permanent Residency (PR) program is a pathway to indefinite residency in Thailand for those looking to make the country their permanent home. PR status eliminates the need for visa renewals and provides a host of other legal and financial benefits.

PR is an incredibly limited program - with a quota of 100 people accepted per year.

Important: The criteria are reviewed yearly and regularly changes, applications are generally open in the last 2-3 months of the year.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Have held a Non-Immigrant Visa for at least 3 consecutive years.

• Provide proof of stable income or financial assets.

• Meet the specific requirements under one of the following categories:

  • Investment

  • Employment

  • Family support (e.g., Thai spouse or child)

  • Experts (e.g., highly skilled professionals)

Key Benefits of Permanent Residency

• Indefinite Stay: No need for annual visa renewals or visa runs.

• Pathway to Citizenship: Apply for Thai citizenship after holding PR for 5 years.

• Work Privileges: Eligible to apply for a work permit without needing a Non-B Visa.

• Business Opportunities: Easier to manage and own businesses in Thailand.

• Family Benefits: Simplifies visa processes for your spouse and children.

Eligibility for Permanent Residency

To qualify for Thai Permanent Residency, you must:

1. Hold a Non-Immigrant Visa:

   • You must have held a Non-Immigrant Visa for at least 3 consecutive years before applying.

2. Meet Financial Requirements:

   • Stable income and/or savings.

   • Business owners must show annual tax filings.

3. Maintain a Clean Record:

   • No criminal history in Thailand or your home country.

4. Application Categories, Comply with one of these:

   • Investment: Invest at least 10 million THB in Thailand.

   • Employment: Hold a high-level position in a Thai company for at least 3 years.

   • Family: Be married to or the parent of a Thai citizen.

   • Expert Contribution: For researchers, academics, or professionals contributing to Thai society.

Application Process for Permanent Residency

• Step 1: Pre-Application and Documentation Preparation:

  Collect required documents, including proof of visa history, income, and relationship details (if applicable).

• Step 2: Submit During Quota Period:

  Applications are accepted annually, typically between October and December.

• Step 3: Attend an Interview:

  Immigration officials will assess your application during an interview conducted in Thai.

• Step 4: Await Approval:

  Processing times vary, but it typically takes 6-12 months.

• Step 5: Receive Your Residency Certificate:

  Upon approval, you’ll receive a Certificate of Residence and must register your address within 30 days.

Documents Required for Permanent Residency

1. Passport: Valid for at least 1 year.

2. Non-Immigrant Visa History: Proof of consecutive renewals for at least 3 years.

3. Proof of Income: Salary slips, bank statements, or investment documents.

4. Police Clearance Certificate: From your home country and Thai authorities.

5. Marriage or Birth Certificates: If applying under family criteria.

Long-Term Residency (LTR) Visa

The Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa is a modern solution for individuals who want to live and work in Thailand for an extended period. Designed for global citizens, retirees, professionals, and their families, the LTR Visa offers a renewable 10-year stay with unique benefits, such as work permit eligibility, reduced immigration reporting, and access to premium privileges.

Important: The criteria for the LTR regularly changes, however I endeavor to keep this page as up to date as possible.

Eligibility Criteria:

The LTR Visa is tailored for specific groups of foreign nationals. To qualify, you must meet the criteria of one of the following categories:

1. Wealthy Global Citizens:

   • Assets of at least USD 1 million.

   • Annual income of at least USD 80,000.

   • Investment of at least USD 500,000 in Thai government bonds, real estate, or foreign direct investment.

2. Wealthy Pensioners:

   • Age 50 or older.

   • Annual income of USD 80,000 OR

   • Annual income of USD 40,000 plus investment of at least USD 250,000 in Thai government bonds, real estate, or foreign direct investment.

3. Remote Workers (Work-From-Thailand Professionals):

   • Employment with a reputable company with annual revenue of at least USD 150 million.

   • Annual income of USD 80,000 OR USD 40,000 with a Master’s degree, intellectual property, or 5 years of relevant work experience.

4. Highly Skilled Professionals:

   • Working in one of Thailand’s targeted industries (e.g., digital, healthcare, robotics, or renewable energy).

   • Employment with a Thai government agency or accredited institution.

   • Annual income of USD 80,000 OR USD 40,000 with a Master’s degree or specialized skills.

5. Dependents of LTR Visa Holders:

   • Spouses and children (under 20 years old) can apply under the same visa.

Key Benefits of the Long-Term Residency (LTR) Visa

• 10-Year Residency: No annual visa renewals required.

• Tax Incentives: Possible reduction in personal income tax for certain categories (17% for Skilled Professionals).

• Work Permit: Eligible applicants can work without needing a separate work permit.

• Family Inclusion: Spouses and children can also apply for dependent visas.

• Simplified Reporting: Annual residence reporting instead of the standard 90-day check-ins.

Application Process for the Long-Term Residency (LTR) Visa

• Step 1: Pre-Screening and Eligibility Assessment

  • Submit preliminary details to determine your eligibility for the LTR Visa.

• Step 2: Document Submission

  • Submit the required documents to the Thai Immigration Bureau or the Long-Term Residence Unit.

  • Ensure all supporting documents meet the specific requirements for your category.

• Step 3: Approval and Notification

  • Once the application is reviewed and approved, you’ll be notified by the Immigration Office.

• Step 4: Visa Issuance

  • Collect your LTR Visa at a Thai Embassy, Consulate, or Immigration Office.

• Step 5: Work Permit (Optional)

  • If applicable, apply for a work permit through the streamlined process included with the LTR Visa.

Documents Required for the Long-Term Residency (LTR) Visa

1. General Documents for All Applicants:

   • Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity.

   • Recent photo (passport size).

   • Completed visa application form.

   • Criminal background check (issued within 3 months).

   • Health insurance covering at least USD 50,000.

2. Category-Specific Documents:

   • Proof of assets, income, or investments (e.g., bank statements, property deeds).

   • Employment letter or contracts (for professionals and remote workers).

   • Proof of family relationships (for dependents).

How I Can Help

The application process for both Permanent Residency and Long-Term Residency Visas can be complex and time-consuming. I provide personalized assistance to make the process seamless:

• Eligibility Assessment: Determine the best residency option based on your circumstances.

• Document Preparation: Help gather, review, and submit all required documents.

• Application Submission: Guide you through submission to the Thai Immigration Bureau or relevant authorities.

• Test: I can help test you in a mock exam for the Thai Language part.

• Follow-Up: Monitor the progress of your application and provide timely updates.

📅 Ready to take the significant step toward making Thailand your permanent home? Contact me to assess your PR/LTR readiness and begin building your application strategy.