The four LTR categories
The LTR Visa offers four categories targeting different buyer profiles. The Wealthy Global Citizen category requires assets of at least $1M USD plus health insurance of at least $50,000, and either $500,000 invested in Thai government bonds, FDI, or real estate, or a personal income of at least $80,000 per year. The Wealthy Pensioner category requires pension or passive income of at least $80,000 per year, or $40,000 per year combined with $250,000 in Thai investment. The Work-from-Thailand Professional requires $80,000 in annual income from an overseas employer. The Digital Nomad category targets lower-income remote workers.
The 17% flat tax
LTR Visa holders who work in Thailand pay a flat 17% on Thai-sourced employment income — compared to Thailand's standard progressive rate reaching 35%. This applies only to income earned from Thai sources or brought into Thailand as employment income. Foreign-sourced passive income is generally not subject to Thai income tax for most LTR holders under Thailand's territorial tax system.
"The LTR Visa is the first Thai visa that treats wealthy foreigners as an asset to be attracted rather than a presence to be tolerated. That orientation matters for how the programme is administered — and for the confidence international buyers can place in its stability."
LTR and property ownership
The LTR Visa does not change Thailand's foreign ownership restrictions. Land ownership is not available regardless of visa status. What the LTR changes is the residency stability — 10-year renewable rather than annual extensions or visa runs. This practically matters for non-resident owners who want to spend extended periods in Phuket managing their property or simply living there.
IRS obligations
American LTR holders remain subject to IRS taxation on global income. Thailand's territorial tax system reduces the Thai tax layer on foreign-sourced income, but the IRS layer applies regardless. A cross-border CPA is essential for any American considering the LTR programme.