What are the changes to LTR visa requirements in 2025?
New 2025 update removes income thresholds and simplifies the path for foreign professionals, retirees, and investors.
In a move to attract more global talent and long-stay residents, the Thai government has relaxed the eligibility criteria for its flagship Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa. As of February 2025, several key financial thresholds have been reduced or removed altogether—making it easier for foreigners to live and work legally in Thailand for the long term.
What is the LTR Visa?
The Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa is a 10-year visa launched by the Thai government to attract “high-potential” foreigners—such as remote workers, wealthy individuals, retirees, and professionals in targeted industries. It offers significant benefits including:
- Permission to stay in Thailand for up to 10 years
- Fast-track work permits
- Multiple re-entries
- Fewer reporting requirements (once per year instead of every 90 days)
The visa is designed for foreigners with stable income or assets who want a long-term base in Thailand without needing to constantly renew short-term visas.
What changed?
These updates, now in effect, focus on making the LTR visa more accessible to a broader group of applicants, particularly those with non-traditional income or flexible employment.
1. “Wealthy Global Citizens” Track
Previously, this category required applicants to show a personal income of at least USD 80,000 per year. That income requirement has now been fully removed. While asset and investment minimums still apply, applicants with significant wealth—but non-salaried income—are no longer excluded.
2. “Work-from-Thailand Professionals” and “Highly Skilled Professionals”
Authorities have also introduced more flexibility in how income and employment are assessed. We’re seeing early signals that contract-based or project-based work may now be accepted, even if applicants are not employed full-time by a single foreign company.
Why it matters
Thailand is actively positioning itself as a long-term base for remote professionals, foreign retirees, and internationally mobile families. By lowering financial barriers and updating eligibility rules to reflect modern work structures, the country is aligning its immigration policy with how people actually live and earn today.
These reforms also signal a broader strategy: attracting stable, well-resourced residents who contribute to the economy without placing pressure on the domestic labor market.
What we’re seeing on the ground
At Issa Compass, we’re already seeing growing interest from digital nomads, independent consultants, and global investors who were previously locked out of the LTR program due to rigid income rules. The removal of the USD 80,000 threshold opens the door to more applicants with diverse income sources—from dividends and real estate to multi-client freelance work.
We’ll continue monitoring how these changes are implemented in practice—and helping clients build strong, documentation-ready applications under the new rules.
Need help navigating the updated LTR visa requirements?
Book a consultation with our legal team or get started via the Issa Compass app.
Still have questions? Message us on WhatsApp at +66 66-146-8724 or on Line at @issacompass and ask our in-house legal team about your specific situation.
Note: Issa Compass is a software platform designed to streamline visa applications and connect you with immigration professionals. We're here to make the process faster and easier, but we're not a law firm or government agency. The final decision for visa approval rests with government officials and immigration policies.