Thailand’s Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa has approved 12,010 high-potential foreigners in its first four years, generating approximately USD 1.28 billion (THB 43 billion) in economic value, according to the Board of Investment (BOI). The figure underscores the program’s role in attracting executives and skilled professionals for future industries while boosting domestic spending and economic activity.
Introduced in September 2022, the LTR visa has delivered an average economic value of more than USD 107,000 (THB 3.6 million) per recipient, based on BOI data that includes visa fees, local spending, direct investment, and tax revenue from highly skilled professionals. The program’s success comes as global competition for top talent intensifies, particularly in advanced-technology sectors such as semiconductors, digital technology and AI, humanoid robotics, aviation, and biotechnology.
“The LTR visa is a strategic pillar to attract global talent as Thailand absorbs a new wave of advanced technology investments,” said Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the BOI. “Drawing top-tier executives and technical specialists from around the world is vital to strengthening our national competitiveness and securing technology transfers from international partners.”
Approved recipients hail largely from leading economies. The United States accounts for the largest group with more than 2,400 approvals, followed by Japan with over 1,300 and the United Kingdom with more than 1,000. Japanese nationals make up a notable share of the specialist bracket, reflecting Japan’s deep footprint in Thailand’s automotive and precision-electronics supply networks.
The 12,010 approvals span five categories: 1,779 Highly-Skilled Professionals; 1,043 Work-from-Thailand Professionals; 737 Wealthy Global Citizens; 4,561 Wealthy Pensioners; and 3,891 Dependents. Among the professionals, 54% hold executive-level positions and 36% are professionals in various fields, with the remainder at the technical level. Applicants must meet specific criteria relating to assets, income, investment evidence, work experience, and health insurance, and undergo rigorous checks.
To manage rising application volumes and remove administrative bottlenecks, the BOI launched an integrated digital processing portal in September 2026. The platform centralizes review procedures across four state bodies: the Department of Consular Affairs, the Immigration Bureau, the Department of Employment, and the Revenue Department. A one-stop service center, the Thailand Investment and Expat Services Center (TIESC), operates on floors 6-7 of the Parade Zone at One Bangkok.
“The center is intended to strengthen Thailand’s competitiveness in continuously attracting high-potential talent from around the world,” Narit added.
Beyond the LTR visa, the BOI facilitates visas and work permits for executives in BOI-promoted businesses through the BOI Visa and offers the Smart Visa for startups. It also supports Thai personnel development via the Skill Bridge measure and helps Thai entrepreneurs adopt modern technology through the Business Transformation measure. For more information, visit the Board of Investment.
The announcement was distributed via Media OutReach Newswire. Currency conversions are based on the Bank of Thailand’s average selling rate of approximately 1 USD = 33.6 THB.
