BANGKOK — Thailand’s Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa program has successfully attracted over 7,000 high-quality foreign professionals in its first three years, generating more than 23 billion baht ($725.5 million) in economic value, the Board of Investment (BOI) announced Wednesday.
The program, launched in September 2022, has drawn professionals primarily from Europe (42%), the United States (19%), and Asian countries including Japan (9%), China (5%), and India (4%), according to BOI Secretary-General Narit Therdsteerasukdi.
“The economic impact comes from four main sources: visa fees, spending by visa holders within Thailand, direct foreign investment, and tax revenue from highly skilled professionals,” Narit explained during a briefing on September 11.
Targeting Four Key Categories
The LTR Visa specifically targets four groups of high-potential foreigners: highly skilled professionals, work-from-Thailand professionals, wealthy global citizens, and wealthy pensioners.
In March 2025, the Cabinet approved significant improvements to the program’s criteria and conditions, making it more attractive and accessible to a broader range of international talent. The expansion now includes foreign faculty members in educational institutions and vocational training programs across various sectors.
This enhancement aims to accelerate the development of Thai workforce capabilities to support new waves of investment in emerging industries.
Growing Appeal Despite Global Challenges
The program’s appeal has grown substantially following the recent adjustments. Applications from wealthy individuals have doubled compared to the same period last year, strengthening Thailand’s position as a preferred destination for global investors and skilled professionals.
“Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and changes in the global trade landscape, Thailand continues to attract strong interest from investors and talent worldwide,” Narit noted. “LTR Visa applications have increased steadily over the past three years.”
Technology Transfer Benefits
Beyond immediate economic gains, the program facilitates crucial technology transfer from foreign professionals to Thai workers. This knowledge exchange helps prepare the local workforce for new industries entering Thailand, including advanced semiconductors and electronics, data centers and artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, biotechnology, and automation and robotics.
Streamlined Digital Services
The BOI plans to upgrade LTR Visa services with comprehensive digital integration, connecting various government systems including e-Visa processing, electronic work permits from the Department of Employment, and e-Payment options. The system will also link with the Revenue Department for tax benefit applications and BOI-certified service providers.
New Bangkok Service Hub
To accommodate growing demand, the BOI opened the Thailand Investment and Expat Services Center (TIESC) in March 2025 at the One Bangkok project on Rama 4 Road. The new facility consolidates multiple services, including the One Start One Stop Investment Center and visa and work permit processing for BOI-promoted enterprises, LTR visas, and startup Smart Visas.
The centralized approach aims to provide one-stop convenience for international investors and professionals seeking to establish themselves in Thailand’s growing economy.
_________