The country’s Ministry of Interior unveiled in September 2022 its Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa—hailed as the Thailand digital nomad visa—available to a range of individuals, including digital nomads, under categories such as Wealthy Global Citizens, Wealthy Pensioners, Work-from-Thailand Professionals, and Highly-Skilled Professionals. This visa program aims to attract foreign residents, technologies, and talents, fostering economic growth and investment, with a target of welcoming one million wealthy or talented foreigners over the next five years.
However, the LTR requirements can be stiff ($80,000 minimum income!). Hence, an alternative for digital nomads is to apply for a tourist visa with multiple entries for six months and extend it at immigration offices for an additional 30 days, allowing them to stay in Thailand for a total of 90 days. Conditions apply, though, if your remote gig requires a work permit or not, which we’ll explain further below.
In this guide, you’ll see the benefits and the process for the LTR Visa, as well as the dos and don’ts of the visa tourist option for digital nomads. Our team has gathered key information from official sources and interviewed remote work colleagues in the country to help you get started on the right foot. We’ll also update this guide with hot-off-the-press Thailand digital nomad visa news, if any.
Quick Facts
- Visa length: 10 years
- Minimum income: $80,000 annual
- Cost of a visa: $1450
- Timeline for visa processing: about 15 days
Thailand Digital Nomad Visa Table of Contents
- What Is Thailand Digital Nomad Visa a.k.a. Long-Term Resident Visa?
- Why Would You Want the LTR Visa?
- Who Can Apply?
- LTR Visa Requirements
- Steps to Apply for Thailand’s LTR “Digital Nomad” Visa
- Visa Options for Digital Nomads
- If Your Visa Is Rejected
What Is Thailand Digital Nomad Visa a.k.a. Long-Term Resident Visa?
It’s been hailed as the Thailand digital nomad visa, but not too fast. Officially termed the Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR Visa), it allows a 10-year renewable stay, targetting remote workers, retirees, wealthy individuals, and highly-skilled professionals to call Thailand home. But there’s a rub, a big one.
For regular digital nomads, the LTR Visa may be unattainable. It requires a minimum annual income of $80,000. Not to mention, your employer should be well-established and have a compound revenue of $150 million for the last three years. To put that into context, Malaysia only requires remote workers $24,000 annual income.
An option is to go for the Visa Exemption scheme for 30 days or the Visa on Arrival, which extends up to 90 days for select countries. (conditions apply, we’ll explain the details below).
Why Would You Want the LTR Visa?
Because you can. The benefits of an LTR visa simply outclass those of a tourist visa.
- Stay for long. With a 10-year renewable visa and multiple re-entry benefit, holders can enjoy long-term stability and flexibility in their business pursuits.
- Work without worries. One of the key advantages of the LTR Visa is the permission to do digital work in Thailand. This opens up a world of opportunities for professionals to explore new markets, collaborate with local businesses, and contribute to the country’s vibrant economy.
- Hire international talents. Thailand’s welcoming environment for foreign residents and its streamlined regulations make it easier for businesses to hire international talent. The LTR Visa facilitates the hiring process, enabling businesses to access a diverse pool of skilled professionals and drive innovation in their operations.
- Discounted tax. Digital nomad tax benefits are also in store for highly skilled professionals under the LTR Visa. With a reduced personal income tax rate of 17%, individuals can optimize their earnings and retain a larger portion of their profits.
- Convenience in and out of airports. For frequent travelers, the visa provides a fast-track service at international airports in Thailand, streamlining the entry process and saving valuable time.
- Less hassle in immigration reporting. The visa further simplifies administrative requirements. Instead of reporting to immigration every 90 days, LTR Visa holders only need to make an annual report.
Who Can Apply?
The LTR Visa targets digital nomads, albeit the high-net-worth type:
- You should have had a personal income of at least $80,000 per year in the past two years.
- Your current employer must be a public company on a stock exchange or a private company operating for at least three years with a combined revenue of at least $150 million in the last three years.
- A minimum of five years of work experience in relevant fields within the past 10 years is required.
- For those with a personal income below $80,000 but not less than $40,000 per year in the past two years, alternative qualifications such as a Master’s degree or above, ownership of intellectual property, or receipt of Series A funding can be considered.
- Dependents, including spouses and children under 20 years old, can also be included in the Thailand digital nomad visa application, with a maximum of four dependents per visa holder or applicant.
The Thailand digital nomad visa program is also open to wealthy individuals, retirees, and highly skilled professionals. If you think you don’t fit the profile above, despair not. Not a few digital nomads have worked around a tourist visa, especially since Thailand offers a visa exemption scheme to numerous countries, including the U.S., the U.K., Australia, and a host of E.U. countries.
LTR Visa Requirements
If you’re applying for the LTR Visa as a digital nomad, here’s what you need:
General documents
- Passport – A copy of your current passport with a validity of at least 6 months when collecting the LTR visa. The passport copy should have at least 2 blank pages for LTR Visa and Stay Permit stamps. The scanned file should include the biodata page and all pages with Thai immigration stamps arranged in chronological order and merged into a single PDF file. You may be asked to provide your old passport for further checks (on a case-by-case basis).
Note: A damaged passport may not be accepted on the appointment date, and the applicant will not receive the LTR Visa. Damage signs include tears, missing pages, and unofficial annotations. - Clear passport-size photograph – With a white background, taken within the last six months. The photograph should show your face straight ahead of the camera. Dress in business attire (t-shirts are not allowed) and avoid wearing glasses or headgear. The file size of the photograph should not exceed 2 MB.
- Curriculum Vitae – It should showcase your expertise, educational background, and professional experience related to the work assignment or position in targeted industries in Thailand. The CV should be in English or Thai language only.
Proof of work
Obtain a signed employment letter from your company stating your current position, termination date (if applicable), and permission to work remotely from Thailand (for the “Work-from-Thailand” category). The letter must be issued within 3 months from the submission date and be in English or Thai language, or provide a notarized translation.
Proof of income
Submit documents, such as bank statements or dividend receipts, demonstrating your current-year income and its source. Ensure the financial evidence is in English or Thai language, or provide a notarized translation.
Individual income tax return
Submit your individual income tax return indicating an income of at least USD 80,000 or 40,000 per year in the past 2 years. Ensure the income tax return is in English or Thai language, or provide a notarized translation.
Additional requirements may apply
- Health insurance. Provide valid health coverage: A) international health insurance policy with minimum coverage of 50,000 USD for hospitalization throughout the stay, B) proof of valid social security benefits covering treatment in Thailand, or C) financial evidence of a deposit of at least 100,000 USD (or 25,000 USD for dependents) held for 12 months. Documents must be in English or Thai language.
- Proof of qualification. Such as a copy of your Master’s degree or higher. The document must be in English or Thai language, or provide a notarized translation.
- Proof of complete intellectual property ownership. Such as patents. The document must be in English or Thai language, or provide a notarized translation.
- An audited corporate annual financial statement. Any financial report demonstrating the company’s revenue exceeding 150 million USD in the last 3 years, or evidence of listing on a stock exchange.
As the requirements may be subject to a case-to-case basis, be sure to confer with the consular office for the actual items that apply to your situation.
How to Apply for the Thailand Digital Nomad Visa
Step 1: Application Submission and Qualifications Endorsement
- Register and submit your application online, including all required supporting documents, for the endorsement of qualifications for the Long-Term Residence (LTR) Visa.
- Ensure that your application is complete and valid, as it will be registered and forwarded to the relevant agencies responsible for qualifications endorsement, such as Immigration, Thailand’s Board of Investment, and the Department of Consular Affairs.
- Expect to receive the result of the qualifications endorsement within 20 working days, although the processing time may be longer if additional documents are requested to support the consideration by government agencies.
Step 2: Additional Documents and Qualifications Endorsement Result
- Upon receiving complete and valid documents, the relevant agencies will review your application and may request additional documents or information during the endorsement process.
- You will be notified of the qualifications endorsement result within 20 working days. The processing time may be extended if further documents are required.
- Be prepared to provide any additional documents or information requested to support the consideration of the government agencies.
Step 3: Pre-Approval and Visa Issuance
- Once your application is approved through qualifications endorsement, you will receive a notification to submit additional information and documents for the pre-approval process, which typically takes 1-3 working days.
- After the pre-approval request is granted, you will receive a qualifications endorsement letter, allowing you to schedule an appointment for LTR Visa issuance at the Royal Thai Embassies, the Royal Thai Consulate Generals overseas, or the One Stop Service for Visa and Work Permit Center in Bangkok within 60 days from the letter’s issuance date.
- Please note that the processing fee for a 10-year visa with multiple entries is 50,000 Baht per person (about $1450) if collecting the LTR Visa in Thailand. However, if collecting the LTR Visa at the Thai embassies/consulates overseas or through E-visa, the fee may vary and could be more expensive based on the currency exchange rate of each country.
Note: Once you have your LTR Visa, if you plan to work for a company in Thailand, you need to apply for permission to work either right after getting the visa or before you start your job. This can be done through the LTR Visa application system, and it usually takes 3-5 working days (but it could take longer if they ask for more documents).
Visa Options for Digital Nomads
If like us you find the Thailand digital nomad visa requirements unattainable, you have five visa options up your sleeves:
- Tourist visa
- Business & investor visa
- Long-stay visa for 50 years old and above
- Smart visa
- Transit visa
Tourist Visa Exemption
Digital nomads can apply for a tourist visa exemption as an option for the LTR visa. The Tourist Visa in Thailand serves various purposes, including tourism, visiting family, receiving medical treatment from registered hospitals, and participating in MICE events supported by TCEB (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions & Exhibitions). It also caters to digital nomads, as long as their work doesn’t require a permit.
Period of stay
Thailand offers a Visa Exemption scheme for tourists, allowing them to stay for up to 30 days (or even up to 90 days for select countries) without a visa. Visitors from countries like the U.S., U.K., Australia, the E.U., and others can enjoy a 30-day visa exemption. Notably, countries such as Argentina, Chile, Brazil, and Korea have a 90-day visa exemption. To check the specific visa exemption details for your country, here is Thailand’s list of countries and their visa validity period.
Requirements
- passport or travel document with a validity of at least 6 months
- recent photograph of yourself taken within the past six months
- show evidence of your travel plans from Thailand, such as a fully paid air ticket
- demonstrate your financial capacity by having 20,000 Baht (roughly USD 500-600) per person or 40,000 Baht (roughly USD 1,200) per family
e-Visa
For added convenience and quicker processing, eligible travelers have the option to apply for an eVisa when visiting Thailand as tourists. The same requirements and validity as in the Tourist Visa Exemption apply to e-Visa.
Introduced in 2018, the Thailand eVisa on arrival is an electronic travel authorization that allows qualified citizens to pre-register for a short stay in Thailand for tourism purposes. The streamlined online process simplifies entry into Thailand by enabling travelers to directly apply for a visa online and use a dedicated fast lane for expedited entry.
Eligible countries include the U.S., U.K., Canada, Korea, China, Germany, and France, while countries such as Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and India are not eligible for this option.
Business & Investor Visa
Non-Immigrant B
The Non-Immigrant B visa is designed for individuals who intend to work or engage in business activities in Thailand. However, you need a registered employer in Thailand and obtain a permit from the country’s labor ministry.
Period of stay
Initially, visa holders are granted a maximum stay of 90 days in the country, unless instructed otherwise by the Office of Immigration Bureau. Qualified individuals can acquire an additional one-year stay permit, starting from the date of entry, in accordance with the regulations set by the Office of Immigration Bureau for extending their stay. Ultimately, the decision to grant an extension lies at the discretion of the Immigration officer.
Non-Immigrant IB
If you’re looking to invest in or work for a BOI-registered company in Thailand, the Non-Immigrant type IB Visa is the way to go.
Period of stay
Initially, the visa allows a stay of up to 90 days in the Kingdom, unless instructed otherwise by the Office of Immigration Bureau. The possibility of extending the stay is solely at the discretion of the Immigration officer.
Long-Stay Visa for 50 years old and above
Non-Immigrant O-A
The Non-Immigrant O-A visa is available for foreigners aged 50 and above, with a requirement of permanent residence in the country where the application is submitted.
Period of stay
It grants a one-year period of stay that can be extended annually. Employment is not allowed, and notification of stay with the immigration bureau must be made every 90 days.
Requirements
- valid passport
- recent photograph
- financial evidence (bank guarantee or income certificate)
- certificate of criminal record clearance
- medical certificate stating you’re free from prohibited diseases
Non-Immigrant O-A
The Non-Immigrant O-A visa is available to individuals aged 50 years and above, holding an ordinary passport from countries including Japan, Australia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States of America. Spouses and children under 20 years old are also eligible.
Period of stay
This visa allows for a 5-year period of stay, with the option to extend for an additional 5 years. While employment is not permitted, holders can engage in volunteer work, purchase vehicles in compliance with motor vehicle laws, and acquire condominiums following the regulations outlined in the Condominium Act. Regular notification of stay every 90 days with the immigration bureau is required.
Requirements
- financial evidence in the form of a Certificate of bank deposit showing a fixed deposit of either at least 3 million Baht in a Thai bank located in Thailand
- or, a fixed deposit of at least 1.8 million Baht in a Thai bank located in Thailand along with a certificate of annual income of no less than 1.2 million Baht.
- proof of insurance coverage is required, with a minimum of 40,000 Baht for outpatient care and 400,000 Baht for inpatient care
Smart Visa
The SMART Visa is available for foreign experts, executives, entrepreneurs, and investors interested in working or investing in Thailand’s targeted industries, also known as the “10 S-Curve” industries. These industries include Next-Generation Automotive, Smart Electronics, Affluent, Medical and Wellness Tourism, Agriculture and Biotechnology, Food for the Future, Automation and Robotics, Aviation and Logistics, Biofuels and Biochemicals, Digital, and Medical Hub.
Period of stay
Smart Visa holders enjoy a maximum 4-year stay permission, exemption from the work permit requirement, and various additional privileges.
Transit Visa
Ordinary passport holders seeking to enter the Kingdom of Thailand for specific purposes may be eligible for a Transit visa. These include traveling in transit through Thailand to reach their final destination or to return to their home country, engaging in sports activities for a period not exceeding one month (applicable to sportsmen and sportswomen), and individuals serving as personnel or crew members of a conveyance arriving at a port, station, or designated area in Thailand.
Period of stay
Travelers holding a Transit visa are allowed to stay in Thailand for a maximum duration of 30 days. An extension may be requested but is subject to approval by the immigration officer.
Requirements
- passport or travel document with a validity of at least 6 months
- recent photograph
- evidence of confirmed air ticket for travel from Thailand
- proof of adequate finances (10,000 Baht per person or 20,000 Baht per family)
- hold a valid visa for a third country in their passport or travel document
- a letter of invitation or acceptance confirming participation in sports or training activities in Thailand, if applicable.
Digital Nomad Work Scenarios—Do You Need a Work Permit?
To work legally in Thailand, individuals must meet visa, work permit, and tax obligations. But how does that apply to digital nomads?
Determining if activities like digital nomad work or business preparation in a hotel room count as work is not straightforward due to the absence of specific provisions in Thai law. That said, a good rule of thumb to know if your activity is illegal is—Does it impact Thai security and local employment to determine the boundaries and potential concerns? Here are some scenarios when you need to secure a work permit:
- You’re actively selling your services while in Thailand (e.g., web design, SEO, yoga, English teaching, coding). But there’s a rub. If you’re marketing to a global market and Thailand just happens to be included, and you’ve been doing this before coming to Thailand, it is likely that you won’t need a work permit because you’re not competing directly with the locals.
- You’re sourcing materials, products from Thailand
- You’re renting out a place in Thailand
- You’re playing at a music gig in Thailand whether you get paid or not
Most digital nomads will likely not require a work permit if they’re just in a workation in Thailand. So, yes, go ahead with your meeting with the boss while soaking it up in Thailand.
If Your Visa Is Rejected
If your visa application is rejected, you can submit another application. The reason for rejection will be emailed to you, so make sure your email address is right off the bat. When you reapply, make sure to take the steps to address the specific reason for the visa refusal. Also, application fees are not refundable.
Here are some common mistakes that can result in visa rejection:
- Misspelling your own name or omitting parts of your full name.
- Providing a different name than what is stated on your passport.
- Making mistakes between the numbers 0 and O.
- Failing to submit all the required documents.
- Presenting financial evidence that is inadequate for someone traveling abroad.
- Submitting a self-created declaration form, as these forms are not accepted.
- Typing your own email incorrectly.
- Using a cropped photo from your passport that does not accurately represent your current appearance.
- Becoming confused about your nationality, especially when you hold multiple nationalities.
See you in Thailand!
The Thailand Digital Nomad Visa offers an exciting opportunity for remote workers and digital nomads. By meeting the visa requirements, staying updated on any changes, and planning ahead, applicants can enhance their chances of a successful application. Embrace the adventure and enjoy your digital nomad journey in Thailand! Safe travels!
Sources:
- Thai E-Visa Official Website: https://www.thaievisa.go.th/
- Royal Thai Embassy, Washington D.C.: https://thaiembdc.org/visas/
- Long-Term Residents visa Thailand: https://ltr.boi.go.th/
- ThaiEmbassy.com: https://www.thaiembassy.com/