Articles on: Asia and the Middle East

Thailand — Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa A complete guide to working remotely from Thailand

Knowledge Base – QUESTRAVEL

By Víctor Pizarro, Co-founder of QUESTRAVEL

Why Thailand

Picture replying to emails from a Chiang Mai terrace, taking your morning stand-up in a Bangkok coworking space, and closing the day with a Krabi sunset. Thailand blends affordability, connectivity, and culture—plus a long-horizon immigration option tailor-made for top remote professionals: the LTR Visa.


What is the LTR Visa?

The Long-Term Resident (LTR) is a 10-year residence class (issued as 5 + 5 years) designed to attract global talent, investors, retirees, and remote professionals. For digital nomads and remote employees, the relevant track is Work-from-Thailand Professional. It isn’t a “long tourist visa”—it’s a stable, rules-based status with streamlined immigration benefits and, for certain categories, specific tax incentives.


Who manages it

Primary authority: Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI). You start with online pre-qualification; once endorsed, you finalize your visa with Thai Immigration in Bangkok or a Thai embassy/consulate abroad.


Duration & key benefits

  • Validity: up to 10 years (5 + 5).
  • Mobility: multiple entries and exits without visa runs.
  • Work authorization: access to a digital work permit when required by your situation.
  • Admin relief: fewer routine immigration visits and a clearer path for long stays.
  • Tax notes: selected incentives exist for specific LTR categories (e.g., a flat personal-income-tax rate for Highly-Skilled Professionals). Always confirm how (or if) a benefit applies to your track.


Eligibility — Work-from-Thailand Professional (summary)

  • Foreign employer: you work for a company incorporated outside Thailand (well-established profile expected).
  • Experience: 5+ years in a relevant field within the last 10 years.
  • Income: typically USD 80,000+/year (averaged across the last 2 years).
    • If your income is USD 40,000–80,000/year, you may still qualify with additional credentials (e.g., master’s degree or above, registered intellectual property, or Series-A-funded startup background).
  • Insurance: international health coverage (commonly ≥ USD 50,000) valid in Thailand, or a qualifying cash deposit in a Thai account.
Exact evidence and employer criteria can vary by case. Always match your file to the BOI checklist for your category.


Step-by-step application

  1. Pre-qualify online (BOI portal): create your profile and upload evidence (passport, CV, experience letters, employer attestations, income proofs, insurance).
  2. BOI review: allow time for qualification vetting; you may be asked for clarifications.
  3. Endorsement issued: you’ll receive a BOI Endorsement Letter with next steps.
  4. Visa issuance: complete at a Thai embassy/consulate or Thai Immigration (Bangkok).
  5. After issuance: if applicable for your situation, request the digital work permit through the LTR system.


What to prepare (practical file list)

  • Passport + photo; completed forms
  • Employment proof (foreign employer letter/contract; company profile)
  • Experience verification (letters showing 5 of the last 10 years in relevant roles)
  • Income proof (tax returns, employer letters + payslips, bank statements)
  • Insurance (policy wording showing medical treatment + evacuation/repatriation coverage)
  • Extras if using reduced-income path (e.g., master’s diploma, IP certificates, startup funding evidence)


Life on the ground

  • First weeks: set up SIM, banking, and housing; many processes are smoother with your LTR stamp and (where relevant) digital work permit.
  • Where to base: Bangkok for corporate access and nonstop flights; Chiang Mai for calm, cafés, and maker/startup communities; Phuket/Krabi if you want beach life with solid coworking options.
  • Rhythm: many LTR holders structure Asia-regional travel around Thailand thanks to the multi-entry flexibility.


Taxes (quick orientation)

  • LTR introduces targeted tax incentives for specific categories (for example, a flat PIT rate for Highly-Skilled Professionals employed in qualifying Thai sectors).
  • Remote workers for foreign employers should evaluate source vs. residence rules, treaties, and any Thai-sourced income exposure. A cross-border tax consult is strongly recommended before arrival.


Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

  • Experience letters too vague: ask employers to specify job title, functions, and dates to clearly tally 5/10 years.
  • Income proofs inconsistent: align figures across tax returns, payslips, and bank statements.
  • Insurance wording light: ensure explicit mention of medical treatment and medical evacuation/repatriation with the stated coverage amount.
  • Employer eligibility missed: have a concise company dossier (years in operation, revenue, listing status, or equivalent “well-established” evidence).


One-page checklist

  • [ ] BOI portal account created
  • [ ] Passport + photo + completed forms
  • [ ] Foreign employer contract/letter
  • [ ] 5/10-year experience letters (signed)
  • [ ] Income proofs meeting threshold (or reduced-income path + credentials)
  • [ ] Health insurance (meets coverage requirement)
  • [ ] BOI endorsement received
  • [ ] Visa issued (embassy/consulate or Bangkok Immigration)
  • [ ] Digital work-permit steps (if applicable)


Want a tailored plan?

We’ll package your evidence, run a BOI pre-check against the latest criteria, and map your Bangkok/Chiang Mai arrival and admin. Book a consult at fromquestravel.com.


Official references

(Per your preference, links only here and in fromquestravel.com.)


Updated on: 06/11/2025