Couples Retiring in Thailand Under the Long-term Resident (LTR) Visa

Are you dreaming of spending the rest of your retirement years in a warm, sunny beautiful natural landscape? Thailand is one of the most popular retirement spots for expats as it offers an economical cost of living, quality health care services, welcoming locals, and a great visa option for retirees.

For wealthy pensioners looking to retire in Thailand with their partners, Thailand offers a comfortable living experience for the couple. The kingdom has a visa option for your dependent spouse.

Understanding the Long-Term Resident Visa

Retiring in Thailand as a couple under the Long-Term Retirement Visa is possible. The visa has been specifically designed to make things easier for pensioners and for couples to enjoy their extended stay in Thailand.

The LTR visa was introduced on September 1, 2022. The program allows foreigners to work and live in Thailand.

Benefits

• A 10-year renewable residence visa.
• Fast track lane in the airport.
• Can work in Thailand and get a digital work permit.
• Immigration registration once a year instead of 90 days.
• Personal Income Tax reduced.
• No requirement to hire 1:4 foreigners per Thai national.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be 50 years or older.
• Financial Requirement: 
  • The applicant must demonstrate a personal income of at least 80,000 USD per year
  • If income is below 80,000 USD per year, the applicant should have at least 40,000 USD per year and have at least 250,000 USD in Thai government bonds, foreign direct investment, or Thai property.
  • The applicant must have social security ensuring treatment in Thailand or health insurance coverage amounting up to at least 50,000 USDor at least a deposit of 100,000 USD.

*Note: Personal income of Wealthy pensioners under the LTR program is “unearned income such as dividends, pensions, rental, and stocks. Earned Income (i.e. salary and wages) is not considered personal income under the LTR application.

Application process

1. Interested retirees can apply for the LTR visa at embassies and consulates in their home countries. The applicant would need to submit proof of income and savings along with a completed visa application form. Contacting an agent for assistance can make the process simpler.
2. After being approved, you will receive a single-entry visa to Thailand.
3. You will also need to visit the nearest immigration office every 90 days to continue your stay in the kingdom.
4. If you wish to leave Thailand and return, an application or re-entry permit is required.

*Note that the LTR visa renews every year and if you wish to stay in the kingdom, you can visit the nearest immigration office and demonstrate your financial qualification for the visa.

Dependent to LTR

The dependent visa allows the applicant to stay in the kingdom for up to 1 year and the same visa can be renewed the next year, given that the main visa holder’s (the supporting spouse/parent) visa status is valid.

Dependent eligibility

• Proof of relationship with the main visa holder is required to be presented to the Thai immigration.
• The main visa holder should be able to demonstrate his/her ability to provide and support the dependent.
• A minimum of 6 months passport validity. 

Application process

1. The applicant can start applying for being dependent on a person who has residency in Thailand (Non-O) at Thai embassies and consulates in their home country.
2. After being approved, the applicant can enter the Kingdom as a dependent of the main visa holder.
3. The validity of the Non-O visa is 90 days. If the dependent wishes to continue his/her stay in the kingdom, an extension can be done 30 days before the expiration date.

If you have questions about the LTR visa or planning to reside in Thailand long-term, reach out to us for a consultation.