Remote workers looking to stay longer in Thailand may want to explore special programs and visa options that allow an extended stay and multiple benefits. While Thailand still needs to get a dedicated digital nomad visa program, there are alternative visa types that remote workers can look at as options. These offer a balance between work and leisure, allowing for exploration of Thailand’s many destinations while staying focused on projects and career goals. Long-Term Resident or LTR Visa Digital nomads or remote workers employed by major international companies are eligible for the LTR visa.
It is possible to work legally in Thailand for a duration of 10 years, with an option to extend it further. With this visa, spouses and children can be brought to Thailand. The LTR visa is available to four categories of foreigners: Wealthy global citizens – having total assets of not less than US$1 million, personal income of not less than US$80,000 per year in the past two years, who invest in Thailand to the value of not less than US$500,000. Foreign retirees (wealthy pensioners) – having a personal income of not less than US$80,000 per year.
Work-from-Thailand professionals – having a personal income of at least US$80,000 per year in the past two years, work experience of not less than five years, and working in a legally registered company that has an income of not less than US$150 million within the past three years.
Highly skilled professionals – having a personal income of not less than US$80,000 per year in the past two years, are skillful in the target industry and have not less than five years of work experience. Spouses and children under 20 years of age of an LTR visa holder also qualify (up to four dependants per visa holder). The LTR visa offers multiple benefits to the holder.
These being: a visa with 10-year validity (which can be extended); the requirement to report to immigration once a year instead of every 90 days; fast track service at international airports in Thailand; multiple re-entry permits; permission to work in Thailand (digital work permit); personal income tax rate reduction to 17% for highly skilled professionals; and exemption from the four Thais to one foreigner employment requirement ratio.
For more information on the LTR visa and to make an application, please visit https://ltr.boi.go.th/index.html OR contact the Expatriate Services Division One Stop Service Centre for Visa and Work Permit on Tel. +66 (0) 2209 1100 Ext. 1109-1110, during business days from 8.30-16.30 Hrs. (Bangkok local time), e-mail: [email protected].
An alternative to a digital nomad visa is the Thailand Elite Visa, which grants long-term residency to Thailand Privilege Cardholders. This visa provides residency in Thailand and various benefits for five, 10, or 20 years, in exchange for a membership fee ranging from 600,000 Baht to two million Baht for seven different membership types: Elite Ultimate Privilege, Elite Family Premium, Elite Privilege Access, Elite Easy Access, Elite Family Alternative, Elite Superiority Extension, and Elite Maxima Health.
There is also the Flexible Plus Programme available to Thailand Privilege Cardholders, which allows members to work under specific terms and conditions. To be eligible for this program, members must invest at least 1 million US Dollars within one year of registration or membership approval. The investment options include real estate, Company Limited or Public Company Limited, and stock in the Stock Exchange of Thailand (or other enterprises authorized by the Securities and Exchange Commission).
The Flexible Plus Programme is open to three types of Elite cardholders: Elite Ultimate Privilege, Elite Superiority Extension, and Elite Privilege Access. Existing members can apply for this program if their membership is valid for at least five years or more.
This program is valid for five years, and to maintain their flexible plus status, members must provide proof of investment annually. The program offers privileges such as changing the visa type status from Privilege Entry visa to a Non-Immigrant (B) visa, which allows cardholders to apply for a work permit. It also permits legal spouses and children under 20 years old (up to 3 children) to change their visa type to a Non-Immigrant visa.
To maintain their status, Thailand Privilege Card participants must report themselves and provide investment documents to the Thailand Privilege Card Company Limited every year for five consecutive years, starting from the beginning of their investment.
For more information on the Thailand Elite programs and to apply, please contact Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. at Tel: 66 (0) 2352 3000 or Email: [email protected].
Another option for foreign professionals and investors is the Thailand SMART Visa, which is offered to experts, executives, entrepreneurs, and investors wishing to work or invest in Thailand’s targeted industries, known as the “13 S-Curve industries.” These industries include next-generation automotive, medical and wellness tourism, agriculture and biotechnology, aviation and logistics, biofuels and biochemicals, digital, medical hub, smart electronics, food for the future, automation and robotics, alternative dispute resolution, human resource development in science and technology, and environmental management and renewable energy.
The SMART Visa is aimed at attracting highly skilled individuals and investors to support the growth of these industries. It offers validity periods ranging from one to four years.
For more information on the Thailand SMART Visa and to apply, please visit https://smart-visa.boi.go.th/smart/index.html OR contact the One Stop Service Center for Visa and Work Permit (OSS) at Tel: +66 (0) 2209 1100 ext. 1109-1110 during business hours from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (Bangkok local time), or E-mail: [email protected].
Thailand provides a balanced environment for work and leisure, allowing you to explore the country’s numerous destinations while staying focused on your projects and career goals. All you need is a notebook or smartphone to work conveniently from anywhere.
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