Thailand LTR Visa for Highly Skilled Professionals

Highly Skilled Professional LTR Visa

This category is designed for professionals and experts working in Thailand’s targeted industries or recognised fields of expertise.

Eligible employers may include:

• Thai or foreign companies operating in targeted sectors

• Higher education institutions

• Research institutions

• Specialised training organisations

• Thai government agencies

The applicant’s occupation, income, qualifications, employer and area of expertise are assessed.

Income Requirements

Applicants generally need average annual personal income of at least USD 80,000 during the previous two years.

Where income is between USD 40,000 and USD 80,000, the applicant may need a master’s degree or higher in science or technology.

Professionals employed by qualifying Thai government agencies may be exempt from the minimum personal income requirement.

Targeted Industries

The BOI’s targeted areas include sectors such as:

• Automotive

• Electronics

• Digital industries

• Medical industries

• Agriculture, food and biotechnology

• Automation and robotics

• Aviation, aerospace and space

• Transportation and logistics

• Biofuels and biochemicals

• Petrochemicals and chemicals

• Affluent tourism

• National defence

• Circular-economy support activities

• International Business Centres

Eligibility may also be available for individuals demonstrating specialised expertise recognised by the BOI.

2025 Criteria Changes

The 2025 criteria update removed the previous work-experience requirement for this category and expanded eligibility for academic professors.

Applicants must still demonstrate qualifying employment, income and expertise.

Digital Work Permit

LTR Visa holders employed by an entity in Thailand must generally apply for permission to work after receiving the visa or before starting the employment.

The digital work permit process is normally targeted for completion within three to five working days after the required documents have been submitted. The official maintenance fee is currently THB 3,000 per year.

Tax Benefit

Qualifying Highly Skilled Professionals may benefit from a reduced personal income tax rate of 17%.

The applicability of the rate depends on the professional’s approved status, qualifying income and compliance with Thai tax rules.

Documents Commonly Required

The file may include:

• Passport

• Employment contract

• Employer registration documents

• Job description

• Salary records

• Personal tax returns

• Academic qualifications

• Professional licences

• Evidence of expertise

• Employer business activity documents

• Health insurance or alternative financial evidence

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