Thailand LTR visa approvals reach 12,000, generating USD 1.28 billion

Thailand’s Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa program has approved 12,010 foreign nationals in its first four years, generating an estimated 43 billion baht (approximately USD 1.28 billion) in economic value. According to the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), the economic impact is calculated based on visa fees, direct investment, tax revenue, and domestic spending by visa holders.

The program, launched in September 2022, targets wealthy residents, retirees, remote professionals, and highly skilled workers. Wealthy pensioners represent the largest group with 4,561 approvals, followed by 3,891 dependents. Highly skilled professionals account for 1,779 approvals, while 1,043 recipients work for overseas employers from Thailand, and 737 are classified as wealthy global citizens.

United States citizens comprise the largest nationality group with over 2,400 approvals, followed by Japanese nationals with more than 1,300 and British nationals with over 1,000. BOI Secretary-General Narit Therdsteerasukdi stated the visa is a strategic tool to attract global talent to support Thailand’s growth in advanced technology sectors, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, robotics, aviation, and biotechnology.

The LTR visa offers residence for up to 10 years, issued in two five-year periods.