Work and Live in Thailand Without Work Experience in 2025 (New LTR Visa Policy)

Thailand (Thailand Board of Investment – BOI) has recently made waves in the global talent market by announcing a significant policy update in January 2025. The government has removed the minimum work experience requirement for certain categories of foreign workers applying for Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visas.

This progressive move is designed to attract a younger, more diverse pool of professionals and align Thailand’s workforce with its evolving economic goals. Here, we’ll delve into the implications of this new policy and explore the updated eligibility criteria for Thai work visas.

Why the Change?

Thailand’s economy has long relied on foreign expertise in key sectors like technology, engineering, and education. However, the previous requirement of a minimum of five (05) years of work experience excluded many younger professionals and those with high potential but fewer years in the workforce. Recognizing this gap, the Thai government revamped its Long-Term Resident Visa program to make it more accessible, inclusive, and competitive in attracting global talent.

This policy shift aims to:

• Boost Thailand’s Workforce: Encourage highly skilled but less experienced professionals to bring fresh perspectives and innovation.
• Expand Target Industries: Support strategic sectors critical to Thailand’s economic development goals.
• Streamline Visa Applications: Reduce unnecessary barriers and simplify the application process for foreign workers.

Visas Affected by Thailand’s New ‘No Work Experience’ Policy

The update specifically impacts the following two (02) categories of the Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa:

1# Highly Skilled Professionals

• Before: Required at least five years of work experience in a relevant field.
• Now: No minimum work experience required.
• Expanded Eligibility: Applicants from fields such as development and sustainability, disaster and risk management, integrated innovation, and vocational and higher education across all disciplines are now eligible, in addition to traditional sectors like science, technology, and engineering.

2# Work-from-Thailand Professionals

• Before: Required at least five years of work experience.
• Now: The minimum work experience requirement has been eliminated, allowing younger professionals and digital nomads to apply more easily.

New Application Eligibility Criteria for Thailand Work Visas

Here’s a summary of the updated eligibility criteria for the affected Thai work visa categories:

1# Highly Skilled Professionals

• • No Minimum Work Experience Required: Applicants no longer need five years of relevant experience.
  • Target Sectors:
    • Science, Technology, and Engineering
    • Development and Sustainability
    • Disaster and Risk Management
    • Integrated Innovation
    • Vocational and Higher Education
  • Additional Requirements: Proof of qualifications, such as degrees or certifications, relevant to the target sector.

2# Work-from-Thailand Professionals

• • No Minimum Work Experience Required: Open to younger professionals and digital nomads.
  • Eligibility:
    • Proof of remote work capability for an overseas employer.
    • Sufficient financial means to support stay in Thailand.

References

• https://www.thaiembassy.at/en/type-of-visa/long-term-resident-ltr-visa.html.

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