Thailand Residency Options
Guide to Thailand visas and residency for digital nomads. Long-Term Resident visa, Elite visa, and other options.
Thailand has long been a favorite destination for digital nomads. New visa options make it easier than ever to stay long-term legally.
Visa Options
Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa
New in 2022, designed for remote workers and wealthy individuals.
| Category | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Remote Worker | $80,000/year income, work for company outside Thailand |
| Wealthy Individual | $1M assets, $80,000/year income |
| Retiree | $80,000/year pension, $250,000 investment in Thailand |
Benefits:
Thailand Elite Visa
Pay-for-visa program with various tiers.
| Tier | Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Easy Access | ฿600,000 (~$18,000) | 5 years |
| Superiority Extension | ฿1,000,000 (~$30,000) | 20 years |
Benefits:
Limitations:
Non-Immigrant B Visa (Work)
For those employed by a Thai company or starting a Thai business.
Tourist Visa Extensions
Not recommended for long-term stay. Repeated "visa runs" are scrutinized.
Tax Considerations
Recent changes (2024): Thailand has changed its tax rules. Previously, foreign income not remitted to Thailand in the same year it was earned was not taxed. This has been eliminated.
Now, if you're a Thai tax resident (183+ days), foreign income may be taxable regardless of when it's remitted.
The LTR visa provides some protection with its 17% flat rate, but this area is evolving. Consult a Thai tax advisor for current rules.
Cost of Living
| Location | Monthly Budget |
|---|---|
| Bangkok | $1,500-3,000 |
| Chiang Mai | $1,000-2,000 |
| Phuket/Beach | $1,500-3,000 |
| Smaller towns | $800-1,500 |
Pros & Cons
Pros:
Cons:
Thailand + US LLC
A US LLC can work well with Thailand residency:
- 10-year visa (renewable)
- 17% flat tax on Thai-source income (vs. progressive rates up to 35%)
- Work permit included
- Fast-track immigration lanes
- Can bring dependents
- Easy visa with minimal requirements
- No income or investment proof needed
- Airport fast-track
- Various perks depending on tier
- No work permit (must work remotely for foreign company)
- Doesn't provide tax residency benefits
- Excellent quality of life for the cost
- Great weather, food, culture
- Good healthcare
- Large expat community
- New visa options (LTR, Elite)
- Tax rules recently changed (less favorable)
- Visa requirements can be complex
- Thai language helps for daily life
- No path to citizenshi
- Political instability historically
- Run your business through the US LLC
- Invoice international clients
- Use US banking (Mercury)
With the LTR visa, you may pay 17% flat tax on income remitted to Thailand. Without LTR, standard progressive rates may apply to worldwide income.
Professional tax advice is essential given recent rule changes.
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