Thrilling news for expats, investors, and digital nomads eyeing Thailand as their next home! The Thai government has rolled out groundbreaking second phase updates in February 2025 to its Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa, making it easier and more inclusive for global citizens, skilled professionals, and their families to settle in the Land of Smiles.
Effective from February 2025, these changes slash income and work experience requirements while expanding dependent rights, signaling Thailand’s ambition to become a top global hub for investment and talent.
Why This Matters?
The revamped LTR Visa simplifies the path for high-potential individuals to live, work, and invest in Thailand. Whether you’re a retiree dreaming of tropical tranquility, a remote worker seeking an exotic base, or an entrepreneur ready to expand, the new rules offer a golden opportunity.
What’s New? Let’s break it down.
New February 2025 Thai LTR Visa Updates: Who Benefits and How?
1# Wealthy Global Citizens – No More Income Barriers
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- Previous: USD 80,000 annual income for two consecutive years.
- New: No personal income requirement.
- What matters now: Stable investments of at least USD 500,000 in Thailand, with worldwide assets worth USD 1 million or more.
2# Highly-Skilled Professionals – Work Experience Requirement Scrapped
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- Previous: Five years of relevant work experience.
- New: No work experience needed.
- Who qualifies now: Professors in higher and vocational education across all fields in targeted industries.
3# Work-from-Thailand Professionals – Easier Employer Criteria
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- Previous: Employer’s revenue had to be USD 150 million over the past three years.
- New: Revenue threshold slashed to USD 50 million.
- Bonus: Wholly-owned subsidiaries now qualify, and work experience requirements are gone.
4# Expanded Family Rights – Parents and Dependents Welcome
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- Previous: Only spouses and children under 20 were eligible, capped at four dependents.
- New: Parents and all legal dependents now qualify, with no limit on the number of dependents.
5# Wealthy Pensioners – Criteria Remain the Same
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- Over 50 years old.
- Passive income of at least USD 80,000 per year, or USD 40,000 per year plus a USD 250,000 Thai investment.
Health Insurance & Savings Policy for Thai LTR Remains Unchanged for 2025
All LTR visa categories still require:
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- Health insurance covering at least USD 50,000 for 10 months, or
- Thai social security, or
- Savings of USD 100,000 (plus USD 25,000 per dependent).
What This Means for You (New Thai Visa Seekers in 2025)?
These relaxed rules remove significant barriers, making it easier than ever to start a new chapter in Thailand. Whether you’re investing, working remotely, or bringing your entire family along, the 2025 LTR Visa offers flexibility, affordability, and peace of mind.
Stay tuned for the official launch of expanded dependent rights by the Ministry of Interior!