Thailand’s LTR program is structured around four main categories:
Each category has its own criteria (income, assets, investments, employment profile, etc.), plus health insurance / social security / bank deposit options.
Dependents are generally possible (spouse and children), with a maximum number per primary applicant. If your dependent situation is complex—especially where documents were issued in different countries—plan extra time for document preparation.
Step 1 — Confirm the Right LTR Category (and Your Evidence)
Before you upload anything, confirm:
This is the #1 place applicants lose time—because changing strategy midstream often triggers new documents, new translations, and new legalization steps. Thaielite-express can guide applicants for documents preparation,
Step 2 — Prepare Documents in “Submission-Ready” Format
Typical document themes include:
| Tip: Use consistent spelling across every document (names, passport number, employer name, dates). Small inconsistencies can lead to clarification requests—or e-Visa rejection later. |
Step 3 — Submission in the System
Thaielite-Express helps with the submission into the LTR system.
For dependents: they typically create separate accounts and link to the main applicant using the primary applicant’s reference/document number as instructed by the BOI system.
Step 4 — Initial Completeness Check (BOI Screening)
BOI performs an initial check (often focused on whether essential documents are present and readable). If something critical is missing, BOI may request additional items.
Step 5 — Government Agency Consideration (BOI-Coordinated)
Once complete, BOI forwards the case to relevant agencies for review.
If more documents are requested: respond quickly. BOI’s process includes a deadline—if you do not provide requested information within the allowed time window, the application may be rejected.
Step 6 — Receive BOI Endorsement (Qualification Approved)
When approved, you receive a BOI system notification confirming your qualification endorsement.
| Important: The endorsement result is typically valid for a limited period (commonly 60 days) to proceed to visa issuance. If you miss that window, you may need to reapply for endorsement. |
Step 7 — Choose Visa Issuance Location
TIESC is located at One Bangkok (Bangkok). You attend your scheduled appointment and complete issuance steps on-site.
You follow the embassy/consulate instructions (often through Thai e-Visa, depending on location). Some embassies also require proof you reside in their jurisdiction.
| Important: e-Visa fees are typically non-refundable, and mistakes can require resubmission and paying again. |
Step 8 — Work Permit (If Applicable)
Certain LTR categories can obtain a work permit through the LTR system, with a stated processing timeframe after submission (assuming documents are complete).
Note: remote-worker LTR holders generally aren’t applying for a Thai work permit to work for a foreign employer (the category is designed around overseas employment), but there can be exceptions depending on your activity.
Your total time depends on how quickly you can prepare documents and whether BOI requests clarifications. BOI publishes structured processing stages for endorsement once a complete application is received.
Typical Timeline (Planning View)
| Stage | Who Handles It | Typical Time (Guidance) |
|---|---|---|
| Document preparation | You (or your advisor) | 1–6+ weeks (varies widely) |
| Completeness check (“Pending”) | BOI | ~3 working days |
| Consideration by government agencies | BOI + relevant agencies | ~17 working days (can be longer) |
| Pre-approval for issuance | BOI | ~1–3 working days (if no extra docs) |
| Visa issuance in Thailand | TIESC appointment | Depends on appointment availability |
| Visa issuance overseas | Embassy/Consulate (often e-Visa) | Often several working days (varies) |
Government Fees (Official)
Other Predictable Costs (Variable)
| Cost Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Translation fees | And in some cases legalization/notarization |
| Police clearance certificates | May be required per category |
| Health insurance policy | Meeting LTR requirements (or meeting alternative conditions) |
| Courier/shipping fees | For documents (when needed) |
Risk 1: Wrong Category Selection
How it happens: Applicants choose a category that seems close, but their income type or evidence doesn’t match how that category is assessed.
How to reduce it: Confirm category logic first, then build documents around that category—not the other way around.
Risk 2: Not Responding to BOI Requests in Time
How it happens: BOI’s workflow includes a response window for requested documents. Missing the deadline can lead to rejection.
How to reduce it: Prepare a “document reserve” early (police checks, insurance, employer letters), and monitor email/system notifications closely.
Risk 3: Issuance Location Problems (Thailand vs Overseas)
How it happens: Your issuance location becomes difficult or impossible to change once you proceed.
How to reduce it: Decide early. If issuing in Thailand, confirm you can remain long enough and understand steps for terminating an existing visa type. If issuing overseas, confirm e-Visa availability and jurisdiction rules.
Risk 4: e-Visa Errors (Overseas Issuance)
How it happens: BOI warns that e-Visa fees are typically non-refundable; incorrect entries can result in rejection and paying again.
How to reduce it: Double-check spellings, passport number, dates, and uploaded documents before final submission.
Risk 5: Day-of-Appointment Missing Items (Thailand Issuance)
How it happens: Arriving at TIESC without required originals/prints means you may not be issued the visa that day.
How to reduce it: Use a checklist and prepare “appointment packets” (passport + prints + system notifications + supporting documents).
Risk 6: Post-Issuance Compliance (Keeping Your LTR Valid)
How it happens: LTR is a 10-year visa, but Thailand may grant stay permission in stages (commonly 5 years + re-verification). If you no longer meet the qualification conditions later, the LTR can be revoked.
How to reduce it: Keep insurance/investment/employment conditions continuously compliant and well-documented.
| Area | DIY Application | With Professional Support |
|---|---|---|
| Category strategy | You interpret rules yourself | Advisor helps match category to strongest evidence |
| Document preparation | You coordinate across countries/employers | Structured checklist, document QA, consistency checks |
| BOI follow-ups | You manage requests and deadlines | Advisor tracks requests and prepares responses |
| Issuance planning | You book and prepare alone | Appointment/e-Visa planning and error reduction |
| Risk exposure | Higher (avoidable mistakes happen) | Typically lower (more checks before submission) |
Thai Elite Express supports LTR applicants with:
Our LTR support is backed by HLG (Thailand), an immigration legal services established in Thailand since 2013, which helps when cases require careful legal/document structuring across jurisdictions.
To get started, contact Thai Elite Express for a consultation and a category fit assessment.
1) Is BOI the same as Thai Immigration?
No. BOI manages the qualification endorsement process. Visa issuance is completed either at TIESC in Bangkok or via Thai embassies/consulates overseas.
2) Can I apply for LTR while I’m in Thailand?
Yes, you can apply online while in Thailand. If you choose issuance in Thailand, you’ll attend TIESC and must meet conditions for switching/terminating certain existing visa types where applicable.
3) How long does the BOI endorsement take?
BOI publishes structured stages (e.g., a short completeness check and a longer agency consideration stage). Actual time depends heavily on document completeness and whether additional documents are requested.
4) How long do I have to get the visa after endorsement?
BOI endorsement results are time-limited (commonly 60 days) to proceed with visa issuance, so plan your appointment or embassy process immediately after approval.
5) What are the government fees for LTR?
The stated LTR visa processing fee is THB 50,000 per person per 10 years. Embassy/consulate fees may vary for overseas issuance.
6) What are the biggest reasons applications get delayed?
Missing documents, unclear scans, inconsistent information, and slow responses to BOI document requests.
7) Can I change my visa issuance location later?
Generally no—once issuance-stage information/documents are submitted, the issuance location cannot be changed. Decide early.
8) Can my spouse and children apply as dependents?
Yes, dependents are generally possible (subject to program rules and documentation). The BOI framework limits dependents per primary applicant.
9) If my e-Visa is rejected overseas, do I get a refund?
BOI notes e-Visa fees can be non-refundable, and mistakes may require reapplying and paying again.
To apply for Thailand’s LTR Visa, you start with consulting Thaielite-Express on criteria qualification and documents preparation. After approval, you complete visa issuance either at TIESC in Bangkok or at a Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate overseas. Because deadlines, location choices, and document quality can make or break a case, it’s worth planning the pathway carefully from day one.
If you’d like help confirming your category and preparing a submission-ready file, contact ThaiElite-Express for an Thailand LTR Visa consultation.
Disclaimer: The content on this website is provided for general informational purposes and should not be interpreted as legal, financial, or professional advice. While we make every effort to ensure the information is accurate and current, some details may be subject to change or may not be fully up to date. We do not accept liability for any actions taken based on the information presented.
This guide explains the step-by-step process, typical timeline, fees, and the most common reasons LTR applications get delayed or rejected.
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