The application for the Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa has been refined into a streamlined, digital-first experience. While it is marketed as a 10-year visa. The process is actually a two-stage journey. Firstly securing Endorsement from the Board of Investment (BOI) Secondly the Issuance of the visa itself. See the Step by Step guide.
Here is the master guide to navigating this process from start to finish.
The LTR Application Roadmap (2026)
The entire process typically takes 1.5 to 3 months. This depending on your document readiness.
Step 1: Digital Registration & The “DOC.NO”
Everything begins at the official LTR portal.
The Account: You must create an individual account.
The “Anchor” Strategy: If you are moving with a family. The primary applicant must submit their application first to generate a Document Number (DOC.NO).
Linking Dependents: Once you have your DOC.NO. Your spouse and children can create their accounts and “link” their applications to yours.
Step 2: Qualification Endorsement (The “Heavy Lift”)
This is the most critical stage. You upload your financial proof and employment contracts. Likewise you insurance certificates.
The Review: Your application is sent to several agencies. This including the BOI, Immigration, and the Department of Consular Affairs.
Timeline: Expect 20 working days for a decision.
The Result: If approved, you receive a Qualifications Endorsement Letter.
Note: This letter is only valid for 60 days. You must move to Step 3 before it expires!
Step 3: The Pre-Approval Review
Once you are endorsed. You must log back into the portal to select your Visa Issuance Location.
Option A: Inside Thailand. If you are already in the country. You will likely choose the One Stop Service Center (OSSC) at Chamchuri Square, Bangkok. Also at the new TIESC Center at One Bangkok.
Option B: Overseas. You can choose any Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate globally.
Processing: The BOI performs a final “Pre-approval” check which takes 1–3 working days.
Step 4: Visa Issuance & Payment
Once pre-approved. You book an appointment to get the actual stamp or E-Visa.
Cost (In Thailand): 50,000 THB per person. This covers the full 10 years. This which has been split into two 5-year terms.
Cost (Overseas): Fees vary by embassy. But are generally higher due to exchange rates.
The Stamp: You will receive a 5-year stamp. To get the remaining 5 years, you simply re-verify your qualifications in Year 5 (which is free of charge).
Step 5: Digital Work Permit (For Workers Only)
If you are under the “Highly Skilled” or “Wealthy Global Citizen” track. Likewise wish to work for a Thai entity:
Timing: You can only apply for the work permit after your visa is stamped.
The Process: Apply via the same LTR portal. It takes 3–5 working days.
The Collection: You must visit the Department of Employment in person at the OSSC/TIESC. This to activate your Digital Work Permit on your smartphone.
2026 Document “Pro-Tips”
The “All-Pages” Rule: When scanning your passport. The BOI now requires a single PDF containing every single page of your passport even blank ones. Scanned in double-page spreads.
Insurance “Buffer”: Ensure your insurance policy has at least 10 months of validity remaining on the day you hit “Submit.”
No Criminal Record: While not always mandatory at the start. Likewise having a Police Clearance Certificate. Less than 3 months old, ready will prevent “Document Requests”. That can stall your application for weeks.
In 2026, the application for the Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa has been refined into a streamlined, digital-first experience. While it is marketed as a 10-year visa. The process is actually a two-stage journey. Firstly, securing Endorsement from the Board of Investment (BOI). Secondly the Issuance of the visa itself.
The LTR Application Roadmap (2026)
The entire process typically takes 1.5 to 3 months. Depending on your document readiness.
Step 1: Digital Registration & The “DOC.NO”
Everything begins at the official LTR portal.
The Account: You must create an individual account.
The “Anchor” Strategy: If you are moving with a family. The primary applicant must submit their application first to generate a Document Number (DOC.NO).
Linking Dependents: Once you have your DOC.NO. Your spouse and children can create their accounts and “link” their applications to yours.
Step 2: Qualification Endorsement (The “Heavy Lift”)
This is the most critical stage where you upload your financial proofs as well as employment contracts, and insurance certificates.
The Review: Your application is sent to several agencies, including the BOI, Immigration, and the Department of Consular Affairs.
Timeline: Expect about 20 working days for a decision.
The Result: If approved, you receive a Qualifications Endorsement Letter.
This letter is only valid for 60 days. You must move to the next stage before it expires!
Step 3: The Pre-Approval Review
Once you are endorsed. You must log back into the portal to select your Visa Issuance Location.
Processing: The BOI performs a final “Pre-approval” check which typically takes 1–3 working days.
Step 4: Visa Issuance & Payment
Once pre-approved, you book an appointment to get the actual stamp or E-Visa.
Cost (In Thailand): 50,000 THB per person for the full 10 years. Initially granted as a 5-year stay renewable for another 5.
To get started on the right foot. It’s best to identify which “track” fits your situation. Which LTR category are you planning to apply for?
Wealthy Global Citizen (High assets/investments)
Wealthy Pensioner (Age 50+ with passive income)
Work-from-Thailand Professional (Remote worker for a major overseas firm)
Highly Skilled Professional (Working for a Thai company in a targeted industry)️
The Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa has evolved from a niche program. This into Thailand’s flagship residency for global talent. While the “Wealthy Pensioner” track offers freedom for retirees.
Here is everything else you need to know about the final logistics. This including the 2026 “TIESC” upgrade and the crucial 17% tax mechanics.
The One-Stop Hub: TIESC & One Bangkok
In 2025, the BOI moved its physical operations to the Thailand Investment and Expat Services Center (TIESC) located at One Bangkok (MRT Lumphini).️
Why it matters: This is now the exclusive location for LTR visa issuance and Work Permit collection in Bangkok. It combines the BOI, the Department of Employment, and Immigration into one seamless floor.
The Experience: No more queuing in the sun at Chaengwattana.
Maintaining the 17% Flat Tax (Highly Skilled Track)
If you are under the Highly Skilled Professional track, the 17% rate isn’t “automatic”—it requires active maintenance by your employer.
Company Duty: Your Thai employer must submit a specific form to the Revenue Department declaring you as an LTR holder under the Royal Decree No. 743.
Withholding: Ensure your HR department withholds exactly 17% from your monthly payroll. If they withhold at the standard 5%–35% progressive rates, you’ll have to wait until the following year to claim a refund, which can be a slow process.
Annual Return (P.N.D. 95): You are still required to file an annual tax return, but the LTR status protects you from the higher brackets that usually hit top earners.
Post-Issuance: The Annual Report
The “Unlimited Re-entry” and “Fast Track” are your daily perks, but your one annual “duty” is the 1 Year Report.
The Timing: 12 months after your visa is issued, you must confirm your current address. This can be done online or in person at TIESC.
The TDAC: For those arriving after May 1st, 2025, the old paper “TM.6” card has been replaced by the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). You will need your TDAC number to complete your annual reporting.
Step-by-Step: The Final Mile
Once your online application status hits “Qualification Approved,” you have exactly 60 days to cross the finish line. Let’s look at the sequence of that final week:
Select Location: You log in and choose TIESC (if in Thailand) or a Thai Embassy (if abroad).
Pre-Approval: The BOI reviews your travel stamps. Likewise the TM.30 to ensure you are legally in the country. This takes 1–3 days.
The Stamp: You visit TIESC, pay the 50,000 THB fee, and receive your 5-year entry stamp.
Work Permit (Optional): If you have a Thai employer, you apply for the Digital Work Permit on the same day. It’s usually ready for activation on your phone within 3–5 days.
In 2026, the Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa application has moved entirely into a digital-first ecosystem managed by the Board of Investment (BOI). While the 10-year residency is the prize, the process is actually a two-stage journey: Endorsement and Issuance.
I’ll help guide you through each step of this process. This with specific questions along the way to make sure we’re on the right track.
The LTR Application Roadmap (2026)
The entire process typically takes 1 to 2 months.This depending on your document readiness. See the The application for the Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa has been refined into a streamlined, digital-first experience. While it is marketed as a 10-year visa. The process is actually a two-stage journey. Firstly securing Endorsement from the Board of Investment (BOI) Secondly the Issuance of the visa itself. See the Step by Step guide .
Step 1: Digital Registration & The “DOC.NO”
Everything begins at the official LTR portal.
The Account: You must create an individual account.
The “Anchor” Strategy: If you are moving with a family. The the primary applicant must submit their application first to generate a Document Number (DOC.NO).
Linking Dependents: Once you have your DOC.NO. Your spouse and children can create their accounts and “link” their applications to yours.
Step 2: Qualification Endorsement (The “Heavy Lift”)
This is the most critical stage where you upload your financial proof. Likewise employment contracts and insurance certificates.
The Review: Your application is reviewed by the BOI. Likewise immigration, and the Department of Consular Affairs.
Timeline: It usually takes about 20 working days for a decision after all documents are valid.
The Result: If approved, you receive a Qualifications Endorsement Letter.
Note: The letter is only valid for 60 days. You must complete the next stage before it expires!
Step 3: Visa Issuance & Payment
Once endorsed, you have a final “Pre-approval” check (1–3 days). Before booking an appointment to get the actual stamp.
Location: You can visit the TIESC (Thailand Investment and Expat Services Center) at One Bangkok if you’re in Thailand, or a Thai Embassy/Consulate if you’re abroad.
Cost: Here in Thailand, the fee is 50,000 THB per person. Covering the full 10 years (initially granted for 5 years, then renewable for another 5).
To ensure we’re looking at the right requirements, which LTR category best fits your situation?
Wealthy Global Citizen (High assets/investments)
Wealthy Pensioner (Age 50+ with passive income)
Work-from-Thailand Professional (Remote worker for a major overseas firm)
Highly Skilled Professional (Working for a Thai company in a targeted industry)
This The application for the Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa has been refined into a streamlined, digital-first experience. While it is marketed as a 10-year visa. The process is actually a two-stage journey. Firstly securing Endorsement from the Board of Investment (BOI) Secondly the Issuance of the visa itself. See the Step by Step guide again.